NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Predictor Exam
1. Which of the following activities would the nurse perform during the diagnosing phase of the nursing process? Select all that apply.
- A. Collect and organize client information
- B. Analyze data
- C. Identify problems, risks, and client strengths
- D. Develop nursing diagnoses
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During the diagnosing phase of the nursing process, the nurse analyzes the collected data to identify problems, risks, and client strengths, which then leads to developing nursing diagnoses. Collecting and organizing client information is part of the assessment phase, where data is gathered. Developing nursing diagnoses comes after data analysis in the diagnosing phase. Goal setting is a component of the planning phase, which follows the diagnosing phase.
2. Mr. Thomas is a well-groomed 68-year-old male patient who had prostate surgery two days ago. He has an indwelling catheter and a urinary drainage bag. You have weighed him at 9 am each morning for 3 mornings in a row. Today, on the 4th day, his morning weight is 3 pounds more than it was the day before. Why could he have gained these 3 pounds in one day, on a 1000 calorie diet?
- A. It is obvious that his visitors have been sneaking him junk food from the local fast-food restaurant.
- B. It may be that his urinary drainage bag was not emptied today and it was emptied on previous days.
- C. It is obvious that the scale is broken and it should be replaced immediately to prevent these false weights.
- D. A 3-pound weight gain is not significant enough to question and should just be noted.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is that the weight gain may be due to the urinary drainage bag not being emptied today, while it was emptied on previous days. This scenario is common and can lead to an increase in weight that is not related to food intake. Choice A is incorrect because assuming visitors are sneaking junk food is speculative and not based on facts. Choice C is incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest the scale is broken. Choice D is incorrect because any unexplained weight gain should be investigated further, even if it seems insignificant at first.
3. What is a common error when taking a pulse?
- A. Placing the index finger on the radial artery located on the thumb side of a patient's wrist.
- B. Noting a pulse as 'weak' when the pulsation disappears upon adding pressure.
- C. Counting the pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying the number by four.
- D. None of the above will cause errors.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is counting the pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying the number by four. To accurately assess a patient's heart rate or pulse, it is crucial to count the pulse for a full minute. Counting for only 15 seconds and then multiplying by four may result in an inaccurate heart rate calculation. This approach could miss arrhythmias or intermittent pulsations that could be vital indicators of the patient's condition. Placing the index finger on the radial artery, which is located on the thumb side of the patient's wrist, is the correct technique for taking a pulse. Noting a pulse as 'weak' when the pulsation disappears upon adding pressure is a valid observation and not an error in itself. Therefore, the most common error in this scenario is incorrectly calculating the pulse rate by multiplying a 15-second count by four.
4. In the term 'Hemoglobin,' the suffix '-globin' means:
- A. Protein
- B. Iron
- C. Metal
- D. Blood
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The suffix '-globin' in the term 'Hemoglobin' specifically refers to a protein. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Choice B, 'Iron,' is incorrect as iron is a mineral component of hemoglobin but not the meaning of the suffix. Choice C, 'Metal,' is too broad and not specific to the meaning of the suffix in this context. Choice D, 'Blood,' is incorrect as it refers to the overall term 'Hemoglobin' rather than the specific meaning of the suffix '-globin.' Therefore, the correct answer is A: 'Protein.'
5. An adult patient is at the clinic for a physical examination. The patient states that they are feeling 'very anxious' about the physical examination. What steps can the nurse take to make the patient more comfortable?
- A. Appear unhurried and confident when examining the patient.
- B. Leave the room when the patient undresses unless they need assistance.
- C. Ask the patient to change into an examining gown and to leave their undergarments on.
- D. Measure vital signs at the beginning of the examination to gradually accustom the patient.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To help alleviate the patient's anxiety, the nurse should appear unhurried and confident during the examination. This can make the patient feel more at ease and reassured. It is important for the nurse to respect the patient's privacy by leaving the room while the patient changes unless assistance is needed. The patient should be instructed to change into an examining gown while leaving their undergarments on, providing a sense of comfort and familiarity. Additionally, measuring vital signs at the beginning of the examination can help gradually acclimate the patient to the process, making it less overwhelming. Therefore, the correct answer is to appear unhurried and confident when examining the patient. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the patient's anxiety or provide comfort in the same way as the correct answer.
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