when performing a physical assessment what technique would the nurse always perform first
Logo

Nursing Elites

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers

1. When performing a physical assessment, what technique should the nurse always perform first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a physical assessment, the nurse should always begin with inspection. The sequence of techniques for physical examination is inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. These skills are performed in a specific order, except for the abdominal assessment where auscultation precedes palpation and percussion. Inspection allows the nurse to observe and gather initial information without direct contact. It is a crucial step that provides valuable insights before proceeding to palpation, percussion, and auscultation. Therefore, choice B, 'Inspection,' is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they should follow inspection in the sequence of a comprehensive physical assessment.

2. The nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment. The correct action by the nurse is reflected by which statement?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should organize the assessment to minimize the patient's need to change positions frequently, ensuring efficiency and comfort. It is essential to perform the examination from both sides of the bed to facilitate a comprehensive assessment. Examining tender or painful areas last can help reduce patient discomfort and anxiety. The examination sequence should be flexible, taking into account the patient's age, condition, and specific needs. This approach allows for a tailored and patient-centered assessment, optimizing the quality of care provided.

3. Before allowing the client's infant granddaughter to visit before the client's scheduled heart transplant, the nurse decides it would be beneficial to collaborate with which of the following? Select all that apply.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Collaborating with the client and family is crucial as it fosters a sense of autonomy and active involvement in the healthcare process for the client. Involving other nursing staff ensures the successful implementation of the planned intervention and provides support for the client's needs. Collaboration with the security department or hospital administration is not necessary in this situation, as the focus should be on the client's well-being and family involvement during a sensitive time.

4. The NFPA diamond has four colors. The blue diamond:

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) uses a safety diamond to communicate the level of threat posed by a specific chemical. The blue diamond in the NFPA diamond system signifies potential health hazards associated with the use of that chemical. Choice B is incorrect because the blue diamond does not indicate anything about using water to extinguish fires. Choice C is incorrect as the NFPA diamond does not provide information on treating injuries. Choice D is also incorrect as the blue diamond does not suggest incineration upon disposal; it pertains to health hazards.

5. A triage nurse has four clients arrive in the emergency department within 15 minutes. Which client should the triage nurse send back to be seen first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the teenager who suffered singed facial hair while camping. This client is in the greatest danger with a potential risk of respiratory distress. Singed facial hair indicates exposure to heat or fire in close range, which could have caused serious damage to the interior of the lungs. It's crucial to prioritize this client as the interior lining of the lungs has no nerve fibers, so swelling may not be immediately noticeable. The other choices, while concerning, do not present an immediate life-threatening situation. The infant's condition may be serious but does not pose an immediate danger of respiratory distress. The elderly client's symptoms could indicate gastrointestinal issues, which are important but not as urgent as potential respiratory compromise. The middle-aged client's pain behind the right scapula, while uncomfortable, does not indicate an acute life-threatening condition requiring immediate attention.

Similar Questions

Which of the following items of subjective client data would be documented in the medical record by the nurse?
All of the following factors may contribute to client falls EXCEPT:
To collect timely, specific information, the nurse is most likely to ask which of the following questions?
When assessing the pulse of a 6-year-old patient, the nurse notices that the heart rate varies with the respiratory cycle, speeding up at the peak of inspiration and slowing to normal with expiration. What action would the nurse take next?
Which nursing intervention is the highest priority for a client at risk for falls in a hospital setting?

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

Other Courses