the nurse is assessing the vital signs of a 20 year old marathon runner and documents the following vital signs temperature36c pulse48 beats per minut

NCLEX-RN

Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions

1. The nurse is assessing the vital signs of a 20-year-old marathon runner and documents the following vital signs: temperature"?36�C; pulse"?48 beats per minute; respirations"?14 breaths per minute; blood pressure"?104/68 mm Hg. Which statement is true concerning these results?

A. The patient is experiencing bradycardia.
B. These are normal vital signs for a healthy, athletic adult.
C. The patient's pulse rate is not normal"?no action is required.
D. The patient's next clinic visit should occur as scheduled.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is, 'These are normal vital signs for a healthy, athletic adult.' A pulse rate of 48 beats per minute is considered bradycardia in adults, but it is not a concern in well-trained athletes like marathon runners. Bradycardia is a normal physiological response to aerobic conditioning. Tachycardia, on the other hand, is defined as a pulse rate above 100 beats per minute, which is not the case here. The low pulse rate in this scenario is a reflection of the athlete's cardiovascular fitness. Therefore, there is no need to notify the physician or schedule a follow-up visit based on these findings.

2. Which of the following sets of word parts means 'Pain'?

A. dynia and -algia
B. a- and an
C. ia and -ac
D. pathy and -osis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'dynia and -algia.' The word parts 'dynia' and '-algia' specifically relate to pain. 'Dynia' refers to pain, and '-algia' also denotes pain. Therefore, when combined, they form the meaning 'pain.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because 'a-' and 'an' do not relate to pain, 'ia' and '-ac' do not specifically convey pain, and 'pathy' and '-osis' are not word parts that directly signify pain.

3. A patient's blood pressure is 118/82 mm Hg. The patient asks the nurse, "What do the numbers mean?"? Which is the best reply by the nurse?

A. "The numbers are within the normal range and are nothing to worry about."?
B. "The bottom number is the diastolic pressure and reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes."?
C. "The top number is the systolic blood pressure and reflects the pressure of the blood against the arteries when the heart contracts."?
D. "The concept of blood pressure can be complex. The primary thing to be concerned about is the top number, or the systolic blood pressure."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The systolic pressure is the maximum pressure felt on the artery during left ventricular contraction, or systole. The diastolic pressure is the elastic recoil, or resting, pressure that the blood constantly exerts in between each contraction. The nurse should answer the patient's question in terms they can understand and not just say it is normal and there is nothing to worry about. The diastolic pressure is the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest, not the stroke volume. Both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure are important. Choice A is incorrect as providing a vague reassurance does not address the patient's query. Choice B is incorrect as it inaccurately describes the diastolic pressure as reflecting stroke volume, which is incorrect. Choice D is incorrect as it oversimplifies the explanation, focusing solely on the top number without providing a complete understanding of blood pressure.

4. The nurse is discussing the term subculture with a student nurse. Which statement by the nurse would best describe subculture?

A. "Fitting as many people as possible into the majority culture."?
B. "Identifying small groups of people who do not want to be identified with the larger culture."?
C. "Singling out groups of people who suffer differential and unequal treatment as a result of cultural variations."?
D. "Recognizing groups of people within a culture with shared characteristics that are not common to all members of the culture."?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A subculture refers to a group of people within a larger culture who share distinct beliefs, values, or attitudes that are not universal among all members of the larger culture. Subcultures can emerge based on factors such as ethnicity, religion, education, occupation, age, and gender. The correct answer describes the concept of a subculture accurately. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not capture the essence of a subculture. Fitting people into the majority culture, identifying small groups who distance themselves from the larger culture, or singling out individuals facing differential treatment do not define subculture. Subcultures represent specific groups with shared characteristics that differentiate them from the broader cultural norms.

5. Which practice will help reduce the risk of a needlestick injury?

A. Expose the end of the needle only when ready to enter the room for the procedure
B. Never recap a needle after use
C. Keep a sharps container nearby where it can be easily accessed
D. Exchange needles from a central area rather than passing them between workers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To reduce the risk of a needlestick injury, it is essential to keep a sharps container nearby where it can be easily accessed. This practice ensures quick and safe disposal of needles after use, minimizing the chances of accidental needlesticks. Recapping needles should be avoided as it increases the risk of injuries. Passing needles between workers should also be avoided to prevent accidental needle pricks during handovers. Therefore, the best practice to prevent needlestick injuries is to maintain a sharps container nearby for safe and immediate disposal of needles.