NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. The nurse is reviewing concepts related to one's heritage and beliefs. Which concept refers to an organized system of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe?
- A. Culture
- B. Religion
- C. Ethnicity
- D. Spirituality
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Religion refers to an organized system of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, as well as the attendance of regular services. Religion is a shared experience of spirituality or the values, beliefs, and practices into which people are either born or that they may adopt to meet their personal spiritual needs through communal actions, such as religious affiliation, attendance and participation in a religious institution, prayer, or meditation, and religious practices. Culture is a complex phenomenon that includes attitudes, beliefs, self-definitions, norms, roles, and values learned from birth through the processes of language acquisition and socialization. It does not refer to a belief in a divine or superhuman power. Ethnicity pertains to a social group within the social system that claims to possess variable traits, such as a common geographic origin, religion, race, and others. Spirituality is a broad term focused on a connection with something bigger than oneself and a belief in transcendence.
2. What message is a patient sending when displaying the following body language: Slumped shoulders, grimace, and stiff joints?
- A. Anger
- B. Aloofness
- C. Empathy
- D. Depression
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Body language is a powerful form of non-verbal communication that can convey various emotions. In this scenario, the patient's slumped shoulders, grimace, and stiff joints suggest a negative emotional state. Anger is the correct answer because grimacing and tense posture are commonly associated with anger. Choice B, 'Aloofness,' is incorrect as aloofness is more related to disinterest or detachment, which is not indicated by the described body language. Choice C, 'Empathy,' is incorrect as the body language described does not align with expressing understanding or compassion towards others. Choice D, 'Depression,' is incorrect as while depression can also manifest through body language, the specific cues given in the scenario lean more towards anger than depression.
3. The nurse is reviewing percussion techniques with a new graduate nurse. Which action performed by the graduate nurse while percussing requires the nurse to intervene?
- A. Percussing twice over each area
- B. Striking with the fingertip, not the finger pad
- C. Using the wrist to make the strikes, not the arm
- D. Quickly lifting the striking finger after each stroke
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to percuss twice over each area, not once. This technique helps ensure a more accurate assessment. Striking with the fingertip instead of the finger pad is correct because the tip of the finger produces clearer sounds. Using the wrist to make the strikes instead of the arm is appropriate as it allows for more controlled and precise percussion. Quickly lifting the striking finger after each stroke is also correct to prevent damping off vibrations. Therefore, percussing once over each area (Choice A) is incorrect as it does not follow the standard percussion technique.
4. After change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?
- A. 72-year-old with cor pulmonale who has 4+ bilateral edema in his legs and feet
- B. 28-year-old with a history of a lung transplant and a temperature of 101 F (38.3 C)
- C. 40-year-old with a pleural effusion who is complaining of severe stabbing chest pain
- D. 64-year-old with lung cancer and tracheal deviation after subclavian catheter insertion
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The patient with lung cancer and tracheal deviation after a subclavian catheter insertion should be assessed first. Tracheal deviation can indicate tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention to prevent inadequate cardiac output or hypoxemia. While the other patients also need assessment, the potential for tension pneumothorax in the patient with tracheal deviation necessitates urgent attention to prevent complications.
5. The patient with migraine headaches has a seizure. After the seizure, which action can you delegate to the nursing assistant?
- A. Document the seizure
- B. Perform neurologic checks
- C. Take the patient's vital signs
- D. Restrain the patient for protection
Correct answer: C
Rationale: After a patient with migraine headaches has a seizure, it is important to assess their vital signs to monitor their condition. This task can be safely delegated to a nursing assistant as it falls within their scope of practice. Documenting the seizure and performing neurologic checks require a higher level of training and should be done by a nurse or healthcare provider. Restraint should never be used as a first-line intervention after a seizure unless there is an immediate threat to the patient's safety, and it should be done following proper protocols and with appropriate training.
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