what technique would the nurse use to accurately assess a rectal temperature in an adult

NCLEX-RN

Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions

1. What technique would the nurse use to accurately assess a rectal temperature in an adult?

A. Use a lubricated blunt tip thermometer.
B. Insert the thermometer 2 to 3 inches into the rectum.
C. Leave the thermometer in place for up to 8 minutes if the patient is febrile.
D. Wait 2 to 3 minutes if the patient has recently smoked a cigarette.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To accurately assess a rectal temperature in an adult, a nurse should use a lubricated rectal thermometer with a short, blunt tip. The thermometer is inserted only 2 to 3 cm (1 inch) into the rectum and left in place for 2 minutes. Choice B is incorrect as inserting the thermometer 2 to 3 inches would be too deep and inaccurate. Choice C is incorrect as leaving the thermometer in place for up to 8 minutes is unnecessary and can cause discomfort. Choice D is incorrect as smoking a cigarette does not impact rectal temperatures.

2. Who should be members of a patient care conference?

A. Doctors, nurses, and nursing assistants since they are healthcare providers
B. Doctors, nurses, and the patient and/or the family members
C. ALL members of the healthcare team
D. ALL members of the healthcare team and the patient/resident

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a patient care conference, it is essential to have all members of the healthcare team present to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care. Including the patient or resident, along with their family members if desired, is crucial as they are the focus of care. Choice A is incorrect because it excludes other important members of the healthcare team. Choice B is partially correct as it includes the patient and/or family members but does not encompass the entire healthcare team. Choice C is too broad and does not specifically address the inclusion of the patient or resident. The correct answer, Choice D, includes all healthcare team members and the patient/resident, ensuring a holistic approach to patient-centered care.

3. Efforts by healthcare facilities to reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) include an awareness of which of the following?

A. The CDC requires all states to report HAI rates from each hospital.
B. Ensure that the restraints are tied to the side rails.
C. The gastrointestinal tract is a common site for HAIs.
D. Joint Commission considers death or serious injury from HAIs a sentinel event.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Efforts to reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) involve being aware that the Joint Commission considers death or serious injury resulting from HAIs a sentinel event, which must be reported. While more than 20 states require reporting of HAI rates to the CDC, it is not a nationwide CDC requirement. The gastrointestinal tract is not a specific common site for HAIs; rather, bacteria are the primary cause. Ensuring restraints are properly secured is important for patient safety but not directly related to reducing HAIs.

4. Which brain structure serves as the heat-regulating center?

A. Hypothalamus
B. Pituitary Gland
C. Pons
D. Medulla Oblongata

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating body temperature, ensuring it stays within a narrow range. Moreover, the hypothalamus controls various essential bodily functions, such as hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the Pituitary Gland primarily produces and releases hormones, the Pons is involved in functions like sleep, respiration, and bladder control, and the Medulla Oblongata controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate, but not body temperature regulation.

5. The nursing diagnosis is Risk for impaired skin integrity related to immobility and pressure secondary to pain and presence of a cast. Which of the following desired outcomes should the nurse include in the care plan?

A. Client will be able to turn self by day 3
B. Skin will remain intact and without redness during hospital stay
C. Client will state pain relieved within 30 minutes after medication
D. Pressure will be prevented by repositioning client every 2 hours

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct desired outcome for a nursing diagnosis of 'Risk for impaired skin integrity' is to ensure that the skin remains intact and without redness during the hospital stay. This outcome directly addresses the risk identified in the diagnosis. Option A focuses on addressing immobility, which is not the priority for this diagnosis. Option C deals with pain relief, which is a separate concern. Option D is an intervention involving pressure prevention through repositioning, rather than an outcome related to skin integrity.