NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. The healthcare provider is reviewing theories of illness. The germ theory, which states that microscopic organisms such as bacteria and viruses are responsible for specific disease conditions, is a basic belief of which theory of illness?
- A. Holistic
- B. Biomedical
- C. Naturalistic
- D. Magicoreligious
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Biomedical. Among the biomedical explanations for disease is the germ theory, which states that microscopic organisms such as bacteria and viruses are responsible for specific disease conditions. The naturalistic or holistic perspective holds that the forces of nature must be kept in natural balance. The magicoreligious perspective holds that supernatural forces dominate and cause illness or health. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the germ theory explanation provided in the question.
2. According to the American Heart Association standards, high-quality CPR for an adult includes all of the following EXCEPT:
- A. Push hard
- B. Push fast
- C. Allow chest recoil between compressions
- D. Pause CPR as each drug is administered
Correct answer: D
Rationale: High-quality CPR for adults should not be paused for drug administration. The correct CPR technique involves pushing hard and fast, at a rate of at least 100 compressions per minute and to a depth of at least 2 inches. It is also essential to allow chest recoil between compressions to enable proper blood circulation. Pausing CPR for drug administration would delay the delivery of continuous chest compressions, which are crucial for maintaining blood flow and oxygenation during cardiac arrest.
3. Which of the following statements best describes substance P?
- A. Substance P decreases a client's sensitivity to pain
- B. Substance P levels are drawn before administration of narcotic analgesics
- C. Substance P is found in the brain and is responsible for pain control and management of depression
- D. Substance P is found in the dorsal horn of the spinal column
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Substance P is a neurotransmitter found in the brain and the dorsal horn of the spinal column, not just in the brain. It is associated with pain transmission and modulation. Substance P is known to cause inflammation, edema, and pain. While it plays a role in pain perception, it does not decrease a client's sensitivity to pain (Choice A), nor are its levels typically drawn before administering narcotic analgesics (Choice B). Although substance P is involved in pain control, it is not responsible for managing depression (Choice C). Therefore, the correct statement is that substance P is found in the dorsal horn of the spinal column.
4. The nurse is preparing to assess a hospitalized patient who is experiencing significant shortness of breath. How should the nurse proceed with the assessment?
- A. Have the patient lie down to obtain an accurate cardiac, respiratory, and abdominal assessment.
- B. Obtain a thorough history and physical assessment from the patient's family member.
- C. Immediately perform a complete history and physical assessment to obtain baseline information.
- D. Examine the body areas relevant to the problem and complete the rest of the assessment after the problem has resolved.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When assessing a patient experiencing significant shortness of breath, it is crucial to prioritize the evaluation of areas directly related to the problem. Having the patient lie down may exacerbate the breathing difficulty. Therefore, the nurse should focus on examining the body areas pertinent to the issue, such as the respiratory and cardiac systems. Completing the rest of the assessment can be deferred until after addressing the immediate problem. Obtaining a complete history or involving family members should come after addressing the acute issue to ensure the patient's safety and comfort.
5. The Sims' position is MOST similar to the ________ position.
- A. prone
- B. lateral
- C. supine
- D. Fowler's
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'lateral.' The Sims' position is characterized by the patient lying on their side with the upper knee flexed and the upper arm positioned in front of the body. This is similar to the lateral position where the patient is also lying on their side. The prone position (choice A) is when the patient lies face down, the supine position (choice C) is when the patient lies face up, and Fowler's position (choice D) is a seated position with the head of the bed elevated at a 45-90 degree angle. Therefore, the lateral position is the most similar to the Sims' position as both involve the patient lying on their side.
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