NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. What action by the nurse is appropriate when examining a 16-year-old male teenager?
- A. Discuss health teaching with the teenager to promote wellness.
- B. Ask the parent to step out of the room during the history and physical examination to respect the teenager's privacy.
- C. Use age-appropriate communication when speaking to the teenager to ensure understanding.
- D. Provide feedback that his body is developing normally and discuss the wide variation among teenagers on the rate of growth and development.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: During the examination of a 16-year-old male teenager, it is essential to provide feedback that his body is developing normally and to discuss the wide variation among teenagers regarding growth and development. This reassures the teenager about his health status and addresses any concerns about physical development. It is important to recognize that adolescents are very conscious of their body image and often compare themselves to their peers, hence the need for such feedback. Asking the parent to step out of the room respects the teenager's privacy and promotes open communication between the nurse and the teenager. Using age-appropriate communication is crucial to ensure that the teenager understands the information provided. Asking the parent to stay in the room may not be ideal as it can inhibit open discussion, and talking to the teenager as if they were a younger child is inappropriate and may undermine their autonomy and understanding.
2. During a heritage assessment, which question is most appropriate for the nurse to ask?
- A. "Do you smoke?"?
- B. "What is your religion?"?
- C. "Do you have a history of heart disease?"?
- D. "How many years have you lived in the United States?"?
Correct answer: D
Rationale: During a heritage assessment, it is crucial for the nurse to ask questions related to a person's country of ancestry, years in the United States, cultural practices, beliefs, and values. By asking about the number of years lived in the United States, the nurse can gain insights into the individual's cultural background and heritage. Options B, C, and A are not directly related to assessing heritage. Asking about religion only addresses one aspect of heritage, while smoking history and health history do not provide a comprehensive view of a person's heritage.
3. While measuring a patient's blood pressure, which factor influences a patient's blood pressure?
- A. Pulse rate
- B. Pulse pressure
- C. Vascular output
- D. Peripheral vascular resistance
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When measuring a patient's blood pressure, it is important to consider various factors that influence blood pressure. Peripheral vascular resistance plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. The level of blood pressure is affected by factors such as cardiac output, peripheral vascular resistance, volume of circulating blood, viscosity, and elasticity of the vessel walls. Pulse rate (Choice A) refers to the number of heartbeats per minute and is not a primary factor influencing blood pressure. Pulse pressure (Choice B) is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and does not directly impact blood pressure regulation. Vascular output (Choice C) is not a recognized term in blood pressure regulation and is not a primary factor affecting blood pressure.
4. During change-of-shift report, the nurse learns about the following four patients. Which patient requires assessment first?
- A. 40-year-old with chronic pancreatitis who has gnawing abdominal pain
- B. 58-year-old who has compensated cirrhosis and is complaining of anorexia
- C. 55-year-old with cirrhosis and ascites who has an oral temperature of 102�F (38.8�C)
- D. 36-year-old recovering from a laparoscopic cholecystectomy who has severe shoulder pain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When prioritizing patient assessments, the nurse should address the patient with cirrhosis and ascites who has an elevated oral temperature of 102�F (38.8�C) first. This presentation suggests a potential infection, which is critical to address promptly in a patient with liver disease. An infection in a patient with cirrhosis can quickly progress to severe complications. The other options, such as chronic pancreatitis with abdominal pain, compensated cirrhosis with anorexia, and post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy with shoulder pain, do not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation requiring urgent assessment compared to a possible infection in a patient with cirrhosis and ascites.
5. Patients who cannot move in their bed on their own should be turned at least ________________.
- A. once a day
- B. twice a day
- C. every 2 hours
- D. every 4 hours
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Patients who are unable to move in bed are at high risk of developing pressure ulcers and skin breakdown due to prolonged pressure on specific body areas. Turning these patients at least every 2 hours is crucial to relieve pressure, improve circulation, and prevent skin damage. More frequent turning may be necessary for patients with specific needs, such as those who are incontinent of urine and require additional care. Turning patients less frequently, such as once a day, twice a day, or every 4 hours, increases the risk of developing pressure ulcers and other complications. Therefore, the correct answer is to turn patients who cannot move in their bed on their own every 2 hours.
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