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. A client with expressive aphasia is pointing wildly at the bath water but unable to speak. Which response from the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Is something wrong with the bath water?
- B. Just calm down, we'll finish your bath soon.
- C. Are you trying to tell me something?
- D. Shall I turn on the television?
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A client with expressive aphasia faces difficulty expressing themselves verbally but can understand others. In this scenario, the client's gestures indicate a communication attempt. The nurse's best response is to directly address the potential issue the client is indicating, which is the bath water. Option A acknowledges the client's non-verbal communication and seeks to address their concern. Choices B, C, and D do not directly address the client's attempt to communicate about the bath water, which is the focal point of the interaction.
3. During the general survey, what action is a component of the assessment?
- A. Observing the patient's body stature and nutritional status
- B. Interpreting the subjective information reported by the patient
- C. Measuring the patient's temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure
- D. Observing specific body systems during the physical assessment
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During the general survey, the nurse assesses the patient's overall appearance, body structure, mobility, and behavior, which includes observing body stature and nutritional status. Interpreting subjective information reported by the patient is part of the subjective data collection process and not the general survey. Measuring vital signs like temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure is part of a focused physical examination, not the general survey. Additionally, observing specific body systems while performing a physical assessment is more specific and focused than the general survey.
4. When assisting a client with shampooing his hair while he is still in bed, a nurse raises the bed to approximately the level of her waist. What is the rationale for this action?
- A. To prevent shampoo from getting into the client's eyes
- B. To allow excess water to run off the edge of the bed
- C. To decrease strain on the nurse's back
- D. To prevent the client's hair from developing tangles
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Raising the bed to the level of the nurse's waist while assisting a client with shampooing in bed is done to reduce strain on the nurse's back. This adjustment ensures that the nurse can work comfortably without excessive bending or stooping, thus preventing back injuries. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While preventing shampoo from getting into the client's eyes, allowing excess water to run off the bed, and preventing hair tangles are important considerations, the primary rationale for raising the bed is to prioritize the nurse's ergonomic safety and prevent musculoskeletal strain.
5. Patients exhibiting signs of cyanosis will:
- A. show signs of hyperoxia.
- B. have increased O2 saturation.
- C. have blood levels of CO2 higher than O2 levels.
- D. None of the above.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes resulting from low blood oxygen levels. When a patient exhibits cyanosis, it indicates that their blood is poorly oxygenated, leading to a higher concentration of CO2 compared to oxygen. Options A and B are incorrect as cyanosis is associated with low oxygen levels, not hyperoxia or increased O2 saturation. Therefore, the correct answer is that patients exhibiting cyanosis will have blood levels of CO2 higher than O2 levels.
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