NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. During an examination, a nurse notices a draining ulceration on a patient's lower leg. What is the most appropriate action in this situation?
- A. Wash hands and then contact the physician.
- B. Continue to examine the ulceration and then wash hands.
- C. Wash hands, put on gloves, and continue with the examination of the ulceration.
- D. Wash hands, proceed with the rest of the physical examination, and perform the examination of the leg ulceration last.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate action is to wash hands, put on gloves, and then continue examining the ulceration. Wearing gloves is crucial when there is a possibility of contact with body fluids, as in the case of a draining ulceration. Contacting the physician is not necessary at this point; the immediate focus should be on proper infection control by washing hands and wearing gloves. Changing the order of the examination is not recommended as it is important to follow a systematic approach to avoid missing any crucial assessments.
2. When reviewing the demographics of ethnic groups in the United States, which group does the nurse recall as the largest and fastest-growing population?
- A. Asian
- B. Hispanic
- C. American Indian
- D. African American/Black
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Hispanic.' Hispanics are the largest and fastest-growing population in the United States. While African Americans/Blacks, Asians, American Indians, and other groups are significant, Hispanics currently represent the largest demographic group. African American/Black, Asian, and American Indian populations are substantial but not as large or fast-growing as the Hispanic population. Therefore, Hispanic is the most appropriate choice in this scenario.
3. A 30-year-old woman has recently moved to the United States with her husband. They are living with the woman's sister until they can get a home of their own. When company arrives to visit the woman's sister, the woman feels suddenly shy and retreats to the back bedroom to hide until the company leaves. She explains that her reaction to guests is simply because she does not know how to speak "perfect English."? What is this woman likely experiencing?
- A. Culture shock
- B. Cultural taboos
- C. Cultural unfamiliarity
- D. Culture disorientation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The woman in the scenario is likely experiencing culture shock. Culture shock is a term used to describe the state of disorientation or inability to respond to the behavior of a different cultural group due to sudden strangeness, unfamiliarity, and incompatibility with the individual's perceptions and expectations. In this case, the woman's feelings of shyness and retreating due to not feeling confident in speaking 'perfect English' align with symptoms of culture shock. The other choices are incorrect: Cultural taboos refer to behaviors or actions that are prohibited within a particular culture; cultural unfamiliarity suggests a lack of knowledge about a specific culture, which is not the case here; and culture disorientation is not a commonly used term in cultural psychology, making it an incorrect option.
4. A patient has suddenly developed shortness of breath and appears to be in significant respiratory distress. After calling the physician and placing the patient on oxygen, which of these actions is the best for the nurse to take when further assessing the patient?
- A. Count the patient's respirations.
- B. Bilaterally percuss the thorax, noting any differences in percussion tones.
- C. Call for a chest x-ray and wait for the results before beginning an assessment.
- D. Inspect the thorax for any new masses and bleeding associated with respirations.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a situation where a patient is in significant respiratory distress, bilaterally percussing the thorax to note any differences in percussion tones is a crucial nursing intervention. Percussion provides instant feedback regarding changes in underlying tissue density, which can give important clues about the patient's physical status. This hands-on assessment technique is readily available and can be performed promptly. Counting the patient's respirations, while important, may not provide as much detailed information as percussion. Ordering a chest x-ray and waiting for the results can cause a delay in assessing and addressing the patient's immediate needs. Inspecting the thorax for new masses and bleeding, although relevant, may not offer as much real-time information about the patient's condition compared to percussion.
5. The nurse is preparing to assess a hospitalized patient who is experiencing significant shortness of breath. How should the nurse proceed with the assessment?
- A. Have the patient lie down to obtain an accurate cardiac, respiratory, and abdominal assessment.
- B. Obtain a thorough history and physical assessment from the patient's family member.
- C. Immediately perform a complete history and physical assessment to obtain baseline information.
- D. Examine the body areas relevant to the problem and complete the rest of the assessment after the problem has resolved.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When assessing a patient experiencing significant shortness of breath, it is crucial to prioritize the evaluation of areas directly related to the problem. Having the patient lie down may exacerbate the breathing difficulty. Therefore, the nurse should focus on examining the body areas pertinent to the issue, such as the respiratory and cardiac systems. Completing the rest of the assessment can be deferred until after addressing the immediate problem. Obtaining a complete history or involving family members should come after addressing the acute issue to ensure the patient's safety and comfort.
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