NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Practice Questions With Rationale
1. What would a healthcare professional expect to observe while assessing the growth of children during their school-age years?
- A. Decreasing amounts of body fat and muscle mass
- B. Little change in body appearance from year to year
- C. Progressive height increase of 4 inches each year
- D. Yearly weight gain of about 5.5 pounds per year
Correct answer: D
Rationale: During school-age years, children typically gain about 5.5 pounds per year and increase in height by about 2 inches annually. This steady growth pattern is expected between ages 2 to 10 years. Choice A is incorrect as children at this stage are expected to gain weight and grow in height. Choice B is incorrect as there should be noticeable changes in body appearance due to growth. Choice C is incorrect as a progressive height increase of 4 inches each year is not typical during the school-age years.
2. When a blood pressure cuff is too wide for a client's arm, what type of reading might this blood pressure cuff produce?
- A. A normal reading
- B. An abnormally low reading
- C. An abnormally high reading
- D. A fluctuating reading
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a blood pressure cuff is too wide for a client's arm, it may produce an abnormally low blood pressure reading. This occurs because the oversized cuff can lead to an underestimation of blood pressure. It is essential to ensure that the cuff fits appropriately to obtain an accurate reading. An abnormally high reading (Choice C) is less likely with an oversized cuff, as it generally leads to lower readings. A normal reading (Choice A) is unlikely due to the inaccuracies caused by the oversized cuff. A fluctuating reading (Choice D) is not a typical result of using a cuff that is too wide; instead, it usually leads to consistently low readings.
3. A nursing student is teaching a patient and family about epilepsy prior to the patient's discharge. For which statement should you intervene?
- A. "You should avoid consumption of all forms of alcohol."?
- B. "Wear your medical alert bracelet at all times."?
- C. "Protect your loved one's airway during a seizure."?
- D. "It's important to consult with your physician before taking over-the-counter medications."?
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is, "It's important to consult with your physician before taking over-the-counter medications."? Patients with epilepsy should not take over-the-counter medications without medical advice due to potential interactions with antiepileptic drugs or triggering seizures. Choices A, B, and C are all appropriate statements for a patient with epilepsy, focusing on alcohol avoidance, wearing a medical alert bracelet, and airway protection during a seizure, respectively. Choice D is incorrect because patients with epilepsy need to be cautious about medications due to possible interactions or adverse effects, so consulting with a physician is crucial before taking over-the-counter medications.
4. Gio told his nurse that the FBI is monitoring and recording his every movement and that microphones have been placed in the unit walls. Which action would be the most therapeutic response?
- A. Confront the delusional material directly by telling Gio that this simply is not so.
- B. Tell Gio that this must seem frightening to him but that you believe he is safe here.
- C. Tell Gio to wait and talk about these beliefs in his one-on-one counseling sessions.
- D. Isolate Gio when he begins to talk about these beliefs.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most therapeutic response in this situation is to acknowledge Gio's feelings of fear and validate his experience by expressing empathy ('this must seem frightening to him'). By reassuring Gio that he is safe in the current environment, the nurse can help reduce his anxiety and build trust. Choice A is not recommended as directly confronting delusional beliefs may lead to increased distress and resistance. Choice C delays addressing Gio's concerns and may not provide immediate support. Choice D of isolating Gio can worsen his feelings of paranoia and distrust in the treatment setting.
5. A patient who has been diagnosed with vasospastic disorder (Raynaud's disease) complains of cold and stiffness in the fingers. Which of the following descriptions is most likely to fit the patient?
- A. An adolescent male
- B. An elderly woman
- C. A young woman
- D. An elderly man
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'A young woman.' Raynaud's disease is most common in young women and is often associated with rheumatologic disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. This disorder involves vasospasm of the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the fingers and toes. Typically, Raynaud's affects the fingers, and in some cases, it can affect the toes. Only rarely does it involve other body parts such as the nose, ears, nipples, and lips. Choices B, C, and D are less likely as Raynaud's disease predominantly affects young women, although it can occur in other demographic groups as well.
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