NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. In which situation would the nurse use bimanual palpation technique?
- A. Palpating the thorax of an infant
- B. Palpating the kidneys and uterus
- C. Assessing pulsations and vibrations
- D. Assessing the presence of tenderness and pain
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Bimanual palpation involves using both hands to envelop or capture specific body parts or organs like the kidneys, uterus, or adnexa. This technique is particularly useful for assessing the size, shape, consistency, and mobility of deep organs like the kidneys and uterus. Palpating the thorax of an infant (Choice A) is usually done with a different technique like gentle, single-handed palpation. Assessing pulsations and vibrations (Choice C) and assessing tenderness and pain (Choice D) typically do not require the use of bimanual palpation, making Choices A, C, and D incorrect.
2. A healthcare professional realizes after a patient has left the office that they forgot to document the patient's complaint of a sore throat. Which of the following choices would BEST correct the error?
- A. Pull out that page of the chart and rewrite it with the correct information.
- B. Put one line through the original Chief Complaint, write 'ERROR,' your initials, and today's date. Make the correction by rewriting the Chief Complaint with the correct information.
- C. Go to the next available line of the SOAP notes. Write the current date, then write 'Late Entry.' Place the date and time when the patient stated they had a sore throat. Sign and date the entry.
- D. All of the above are incorrect.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When adding information to a patient's chart after the encounter, using the term 'Late Entry' is essential. This clearly indicates that the information was added after the fact and helps to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the medical record. Option A is incorrect because removing a page from the chart and rewriting it can lead to inaccuracies and is not a recommended practice for correcting errors. Option B suggests marking the original Chief Complaint as an error, which may not be clear to future readers of the chart and could lead to confusion. Option D is incorrect as it dismisses the correct approach outlined in Option C, which is the best way to handle the situation of missed documentation during a patient encounter.
3. To properly read a meniscus,
- A. hold the measuring device at eye level and read the bottom of the curve of the liquid level
- B. hold the measuring device at eye level and read the top of the curve of the liquid level where the liquid adheres to the walls of the container.
- C. hold the measuring device at table level and, looking down into the measuring device, read the bottom of the curve of the liquid level.
- D. hold the measuring device at table level and, looking down into the measuring device, read the top of the curve of the liquid level.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To properly read a meniscus, it is essential to hold the measuring device at eye level to avoid parallax error. Reading the bottom of the curve of the liquid level is correct because the meniscus is the concave or convex curve at the liquid's surface. Choice B is incorrect because reading the top of the curve where the liquid adheres to the walls of the container can lead to inaccurate measurements. Choices C and D are incorrect as they suggest holding the device at table level, which can introduce parallax error and result in an incorrect reading.
4. When assessing a pulse, what should be noted?
- A. Rate
- B. Rate and quality
- C. Rate, quality, and fullness
- D. Rate, quality, fullness, and regularity
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When assessing a pulse, it is important to note the rate (number of beats per minute), quality (regular or irregular), and fullness (thread and weak or full and bounding). These aspects provide crucial information about the patient's cardiovascular status. Regularity, as mentioned in option D, is not typically assessed during a pulse check and is not necessary for routine pulse assessment. Choice A is too limited as it overlooks important aspects beyond just the rate. Choice B improves by adding quality but still lacks the fullness aspect. Choice C is the most comprehensive and accurate as it includes all three essential aspects for a thorough pulse assessment.
5. A client is preparing to administer an enema to a 64-year-old client. Which of the following actions of the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Assist the client to lie in the semi-Fowler position
- B. Apply lubricating jelly to the tip of the catheter before insertion
- C. Instill a total of 30cc of fluid into the client's rectum
- D. Ask the client to hold the solution in for 30 seconds
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When administering an enema to a client, the nurse should place the client in the Sims' position for easy access. The correct action is to apply lubricating jelly to the tip of the catheter before insertion to facilitate a smoother procedure. It is essential to instill a maximum of 750 to 1000 cc of fluid for an adult client, not just 30cc. Following administration, the nurse should ask the client to hold the solution for at least 5 minutes to allow for the desired effect of the enema. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate action, as choices A, C, and D are incorrect due to inaccuracies in positioning, enema volume, and retention time.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
NCLEX RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access
NCLEX RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access