to properly read a meniscus

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Predictor Exam

1. 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.

2. What does an individual who believes in the magicoreligious theory of illness and disease think is the cause of illness?

A. Germs and viruses
B. Supernatural forces
C. Eating imbalanced (hot/cold) foods
D. Imbalance within his or her spiritual nature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Individuals who adhere to the magicoreligious theory of illness and disease attribute the cause of illness to supernatural forces. In this perspective, the world is perceived as governed by supernatural forces that influence the well-being of individuals. The belief is that these forces can bring about both good and evil outcomes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Germs and viruses are associated with the biomedical theory of illness. Eating imbalanced hot or cold foods is linked to the yin/yang naturalist theory. Imbalance within one's spiritual nature is not a recognized cause of illness in any of the established theories of illness.

3. The nurse is assessing the vital signs of a 3-year-old patient who appears to have an irregular respiratory pattern. How would the nurse assess this child's respirations?

A. Respirations should be counted for 1 full minute.
B. Child's pulse and respirations should be simultaneously checked for 30 seconds and then multiplied by 2.
C. Child's respirations should be checked for a minimum of 5 minutes to identify any variations in his or her respiratory pattern.
D. Patient's respirations should be counted for 15 seconds and then multiplied by 4.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To accurately assess a child's respiratory pattern, the nurse should count respirations for a full minute. This duration provides a comprehensive view of the child's breathing pattern, ensuring abnormalities are not missed. Counting for only 30 seconds may not capture irregularities effectively. Checking respirations for 5 minutes is excessive and unnecessary for a routine assessment. Counting for 15 seconds and multiplying by 4 is not as precise as a full-minute count. Pulse and respirations should not be checked simultaneously; instead, the nurse should count respirations unobtrusively while appearing to take the child's pulse. Therefore, the correct approach is to count the child's respirations for 1 full minute to obtain an accurate assessment.

4. What is the primary purpose of emergency planning?

A. Comply with the laws of the state.
B. Comply with the laws of the U.S.
C. Comply with both state and U.S. laws
D. Maintain safety

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary purpose of emergency planning is to ensure and maintain the safety of people and the preservation of objects, such as buildings and personal possessions during emergencies or disasters. While compliance with state and federal laws regarding emergency planning is important, the main goal is to prioritize life and safety. Choices A, B, and C focus on legal compliance, which is necessary but secondary to the fundamental objective of safeguarding lives and property in emergency situations.

5. A physician asks you to place the patient with his dorsal side facing the exam table. Which of the following accurately describes how the patient is positioned?

A. The patient is lying prone.
B. The patient is lying supine.
C. The patient is lying in the recovery position.
D. The patient is lying on his stomach.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When the physician asks for the patient to be placed with their dorsal side facing the exam table, it means the patient should be lying on their back. This position is known as the supine position, where the patient's back is on the table, facing up towards the ceiling. Choice A, 'The patient is lying prone,' is incorrect as the prone position is when the patient is lying face down. Choice C, 'The patient is lying in the recovery position,' is incorrect as the recovery position is a lateral position typically used in first aid. Choice D, 'The patient is lying on his stomach,' is incorrect as it describes the prone position, not the supine position as required in this scenario.