NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. The healthcare provider is preparing to use an otoscope for an examination. Which statement is true regarding the otoscope?
- A. Often used to direct light into the sinuses
- B. Used to examine the structures of the internal ear
- C. Uses a short, broad speculum to help visualize the ear
- D. Directs light into the ear canal and onto the tympanic membrane
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The otoscope is a tool used to examine the ear canal and tympanic membrane, which separates the external and middle ear. It is not intended to direct light into the sinuses or examine the internal structures of the ear. The otoscope typically uses a short, narrow speculum to aid in visualizing the ear canal and tympanic membrane, not a short, broad speculum as mentioned in choice C.
2. When turning an immobile bedridden client without assistance, which action by the nurse best ensures client safety?
- A. Securely grasp the client's arm and leg.
- B. Put bed rails up on the side of bed opposite from the nurse.
- C. Correctly position and use a turn sheet.
- D. Lower the head of the client's bed slowly
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When turning an immobile bedridden client without assistance, the best action to ensure client safety is to put bed rails up on the side of the bed opposite from the nurse. This is important because the nurse can only stand on one side of the bed, so having bed rails on the opposite side prevents the client from falling out of bed. Option A, which suggests securely grasping the client's arm and leg, can potentially cause client injury to the skin or joints. Options C and D, correctly positioning and using a turn sheet, and lowering the head of the client's bed slowly, respectively, are useful techniques during client turning but are of lower priority in terms of safety compared to the use of bed rails.
3. What is the most important step that healthcare personnel can take to prevent the transmission of microorganisms in the hospital setting?
- A. Wear protective eyewear at all times.
- B. Wear gloves whenever in direct contact with patients.
- C. Wash hands before and after contact with each patient.
- D. Clean the stethoscope with an alcohol swab between patients.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most crucial step in preventing the transmission of microorganisms in the hospital setting is proper hand hygiene. Healthcare personnel should wash their hands thoroughly before and after each patient contact to reduce the risk of spreading infections. While cleaning the stethoscope with an alcohol swab between patients is recommended, it is secondary to hand hygiene. Wearing protective eyewear at all times is not necessary for routine patient care unless specifically indicated, and wearing gloves only when in direct contact with patients is important but not as critical as proper handwashing. Therefore, the correct answer is to wash hands before and after contact with each patient.
4. When assessing a 75-year-old patient who has asthma, the nurse notes that the patient assumes a tripod position, leaning forward with arms braced on the chair. How would the nurse interpret these findings?
- A. Interpret that the patient is eager and interested in participating in the interview.
- B. Evaluate the patient for abdominal pain, which may be exacerbated in the sitting position.
- C. Interpret that the patient is having difficulty breathing and assist them to a supine position.
- D. Recognize that a tripod position is often used when a patient is having respiratory difficulties.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Assuming a tripod position"?leaning forward with arms braced on chair arms"?occurs with chronic pulmonary diseases like asthma. This position helps improve breathing by allowing better use of respiratory muscles. Option A is incorrect because assuming the tripod position is not related to being eager or interested in participating in an interview. Option B is incorrect as abdominal pain is not typically associated with the tripod position in this context. Option C is incorrect as assisting the patient to a supine position would not address the underlying respiratory difficulty indicated by the tripod position. Therefore, the correct interpretation is to recognize that the patient is likely experiencing respiratory difficulties when assuming the tripod position.
5. Which of the following actions can help prevent a fire in the area where a healthcare professional works?
- A. Using an adaptor when plugging in client equipment
- B. Marking equipment that is not working properly and using it carefully until it can be inspected by maintenance
- C. Notifying visitors or posting signs that indicate oxygen is in use in certain areas
- D. Keeping extra equipment stored in one area with other supplies and materials
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action to help prevent a fire in a healthcare setting is to notify visitors or post signs indicating that oxygen is in use in certain areas. Oxygen is a combustible material, and awareness of its presence is crucial to prevent fire hazards. By informing all individuals in the facility about the use of oxygen through clear signs or notifications, the risk of improper use and potential fire accidents can be minimized. Choice A is incorrect because using an adaptor when plugging in client equipment is not directly related to fire prevention. Choice B is also incorrect as marking faulty equipment and using it until inspection does not directly address fire prevention. Choice D is not a recommended action for fire prevention; storing extra equipment with supplies does not address the specific fire risk associated with oxygen use.
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