NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Predictor Exam
1. To collect timely, specific information, the nurse is most likely to ask which of the following questions?
- A. Would you describe what you are feeling?
- B. How are you today?
- C. What would you like to talk about?
- D. Where does it hurt?
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is, 'Would you describe what you are feeling?' This open-ended question prompts the patient to provide subjective data, offering specific information about their current health status and human responses. This information can help identify actual or potential health issues. Choices B and C are more likely to yield general, nonspecific information. Choice D may lead to a brief response or nonverbal indication of pain location. A more effective approach to gather specific information about pain would be to ask, 'Can you describe any pain you are experiencing?'
2. 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.
3. The most accurate reading for a temperature is done:
- A. Orally
- B. Aurally through a clean canal
- C. Rectally
- D. Axially
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Aural readings are done through the ear canal. The tympanic membrane shares a blood supply with the hypothalamus, the brain area that regulates body temperature. Taking the temperature aurally through a clean canal ensures an accurate reading. Choice A (Orally) is not the most accurate method for temperature measurement as it can be affected by external factors like drinking hot or cold liquids. Choice C (Rectally) is invasive and less practical for routine temperature monitoring. Choice D (Axially) is not a standard method for temperature measurement and may not provide accurate results.
4. The nurse is teaching a student nurse about the different types of thermometers. When teaching the student about the advantages of the tympanic membrane thermometer (TMT), which statement would the nurse include?
- A. "Measuring temperature using the TMT is cost-effective."?
- B. "The rapid measurement of the TMT is beneficial for uncooperative younger children."?
- C. "TMT is not recommended for measuring core body temperature in newborn infants."?
- D. "TMT is not the preferred method for measuring body temperature in patients with otitis media."?
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is "The rapid measurement of the TMT is beneficial for uncooperative younger children." TMT is ideal for young children who may not cooperate for oral temperatures or fear rectal temperatures. However, using TMT for newborn infants is not recommended due to inconsistencies in results. Measuring temperature with TMT is not necessarily cost-effective. The most accurate method for measuring core temperature is through rectal temperatures. TMT may not be the preferred method for patients with otitis media due to potential inaccuracies caused by fluid behind the tympanic membrane.
5. The nurse is planning care for a patient with a wrist restraint. How often should a restraint be removed, the area massaged, and the joints moved through their full range?
- A. Once a shift
- B. Once an hour
- C. Every 2 hours
- D. Every 4 hours
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Restraints should be removed every 2 hours to prevent complications. Moving the joints through their full range of motion helps prevent muscle shortening and contractures. Massaging the area promotes circulation and reduces the risk of pressure injuries. Removing restraints less frequently could lead to complications like decreased circulation and skin breakdown. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the standard practice of removing restraints every 2 hours to ensure patient safety and well-being.
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