when assessing the force or strength of a pulse what would the nurse recall about the pulse

NCLEX-RN

Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions

1. When assessing the force or strength of a pulse, what would the nurse recall about the pulse?

A. Is a reflection of the heart's stroke volume
B. Typically recorded on a 0- to 3-point scale
C. Demonstrates elasticity of the blood vessel wall
D. Reflects the blood volume in the arteries during diastole

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing the force or strength of a pulse, the nurse should recall that it is a reflection of the heart's stroke volume. The heart pumps an amount of blood (the stroke volume) into the aorta, causing arterial walls to flare and generate a pressure wave felt as the pulse in the periphery. The force of the pulse is typically recorded on a 0- to 3-point scale, not a 0- to 2-point scale. The force of the pulse does not demonstrate the elasticity of blood vessel walls or reflect the blood volume in the arteries during diastole. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect.

2. What message is a patient sending when displaying the following body language: Slumped shoulders, grimace, and stiff joints?

A. Anger
B. Aloofness
C. Empathy
D. Depression

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Body language is a powerful form of non-verbal communication that can convey various emotions. In this scenario, the patient's slumped shoulders, grimace, and stiff joints suggest a negative emotional state. Anger is the correct answer because grimacing and tense posture are commonly associated with anger. Choice B, 'Aloofness,' is incorrect as aloofness is more related to disinterest or detachment, which is not indicated by the described body language. Choice C, 'Empathy,' is incorrect as the body language described does not align with expressing understanding or compassion towards others. Choice D, 'Depression,' is incorrect as while depression can also manifest through body language, the specific cues given in the scenario lean more towards anger than depression.

3. Which of the following is an anthropometric measurement?

A. Blood pressure
B. Temperature
C. Pulse Rate
D. Weight

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Anthropometric measurements relate to the size, weight, and proportions of the human body. Weight is a key anthropometric measurement as it directly reflects body mass, making it the correct choice. Blood pressure, temperature, and pulse rate are physiological measurements that do not specifically pertain to body size or proportion, hence making them incorrect choices in the context of anthropometric measurements.

4. During a general survey of a patient, which finding is considered normal?

A. Body mass index (BMI) of 20.
B. When standing, the patient's base is narrow.
C. The patient appears older than their stated age.
D. Arm span (fingertip to fingertip) is greater than the height.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A body mass index (BMI) of 20 is considered normal as the range for a normal BMI is between 19-24. When standing, a patient's base should be wide for stability and proper weight distribution. An older appearance than the stated age may indicate a history of chronic illness or chronic alcoholism. In a general survey, the patient's arm span (fingertip to fingertip) should approximately equal the patient's height. An arm span greater than the height may suggest Marfan syndrome. Therefore, the correct choice is a normal BMI of 20, which falls within the healthy range. Choices B, C, and D all describe abnormal findings that may indicate underlying health conditions or syndromes.

5. What does the medical term 'basophilia' refer to?

A. An attachment of the epithelial cells of the skin to a basement membrane
B. An overabundance of a particular white blood cell in the peripheral blood
C. An underrepresentation of basophils on a blood smear
D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'An overabundance of a particular white blood cell in the peripheral blood.' Basophilia specifically indicates an increased number of basophils in the peripheral blood. It can be observed in conditions like leukemia and certain allergic reactions. Choice A is incorrect as it describes something unrelated to basophilia. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests a decrease in basophils, which is opposite to the actual meaning of basophilia. Choice D is also incorrect as basophilia does have a defined medical significance.