NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. The instructor is teaching a class on basic assessment skills. Which of the following statements is true regarding the stethoscope and its use?
- A. Slope of the earpieces should point forward toward the examiner's nose.
- B. It blocks out extraneous room noise but does not magnify sound.
- C. The tubing length should be 14 to 18 inches to prevent sound distortion.
- D. Both fit and quality of the stethoscope are important.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The stethoscope does not magnify sound but effectively blocks out extraneous room noises. The correct orientation of the earpieces is with the slope pointing forward toward the examiner's nose, not posteriorly. The tubing length of a stethoscope should ideally be between 14 to 18 inches (36 to 46 cm) to avoid sound distortion. Using tubing longer than this range can distort sound. Both the fit and quality of the stethoscope are crucial for accurate auscultation and assessment, highlighting their significance in clinical practice. Therefore, the correct answer is that the stethoscope blocks out extraneous room noise but does not magnify sound.
2. When dismissing a 5-year-old boy from the pediatrics unit, what type of seat belt restraint should the child wear as the parents drive the car to the front door of the hospital?
- A. A 5-point restraint in the back seat, facing backward
- B. A booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt in the back seat
- C. A lap belt in the back seat
- D. A lap and shoulder belt in the front seat
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A 5-year-old child riding in a car should use a restraint system for safety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children under 13 years should not ride in the front seat of a car due to safety concerns. For a 5-year-old child, a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt in the back seat is the most appropriate choice. This setup ensures proper protection and restraint for the child's size and age. Choice A is incorrect because a 5-point restraint system facing backward is not suitable for a 5-year-old child in a car. Choice C is incorrect as a lap belt alone does not provide adequate protection for a child of this age. Choice D is incorrect as children should not be seated in the front seat, especially at this young age.
3. Which of the following questions is considered open-ended?
- A. What time did you last take your medications?
- B. Are you feeling okay right now?
- C. Please describe your symptoms.
- D. What day are you available for a follow-up appointment?
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Please describe your symptoms.' This question is considered open-ended because it encourages the respondent to provide a detailed and descriptive answer, fostering a more elaborate response. Open-ended questions are designed to prompt thoughtful and detailed responses. Choice A is a closed-ended question since it seeks a specific time for the medication intake. Choice B is also closed-ended as it can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no,' limiting the response. Choice D is closed-ended as it requests a specific day for the follow-up appointment, restricting the range of possible responses.
4. Which of the following bony landmarks is described as a large, blunt, irregularly shaped process found on the lateral aspect of the proximal femur?
- A. Tubercle
- B. Tuberosity
- C. Condyle
- D. Trochanter
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Trochanter. The Greater Trochanter is located on the lateral aspect of the proximal femur and is a large, blunt, irregularly shaped bony process. It serves as an important attachment site for many muscles of the legs, providing leverage and movement. Choice A, Tubercle, is a small rounded projection, usually for the attachment of a ligament or tendon. Choice B, Tuberosity, is a large rounded projection, also typically for muscle attachment. Choice C, Condyle, refers to a rounded articular surface at the end of a bone, usually involved in joints.
5. The healthcare professional is preparing to auscultate the abdomen. How should they proceed?
- A. Warm the endpiece of the stethoscope by rubbing it between their hands.
- B. Ensure the patient is adequately covered and comfortable during the examination.
- C. Ensure that the diaphragm side of the stethoscope is in use.
- D. Check the room temperature and offer blankets to the patient if needed.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When preparing to auscultate the abdomen, it is important to ensure the patient's comfort. The room should be warm to prevent shivering, which can interfere with sound clarity. Offering blankets to the patient if they feel cold helps maintain their comfort during the examination. The endpiece of the stethoscope should be warmed by rubbing it between the examiner's hands, not by placing it in warm water. It is important to use the diaphragm, not the bell, of the stethoscope to auscultate for bowel sounds. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer, as it addresses the patient's comfort and the room temperature, which are essential for a successful abdominal auscultation.
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