NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. When examining an infant, which area should the nurse examine first?
- A. Ear
- B. Nose
- C. Throat
- D. Abdomen
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When examining an infant, the nurse should start by examining the least-distressing areas first before moving on to more invasive areas. The abdomen is typically the least distressing area to examine, so it should be assessed first. Examining the eye, ear, nose, and throat are considered more invasive and should be saved for last. Therefore, the correct choice is to examine the abdomen first to ensure a comfortable and less distressing examination process for the infant. Choices A, B, and C (Ear, Nose, Throat) are more invasive areas and should be examined after the abdomen.
2. When performing a physical examination, safety must be considered to protect the examiner and the patient against the spread of infection. Which of these statements describes the most appropriate action the nurse would take when performing a physical examination?
- A. Washing one's hands after removing gloves is necessary, even if the gloves are still intact
- B. Hands are washed before and after every physical patient encounter
- C. Hands are washed before the examination of each body system to prevent the spread of bacteria from one part of the body to another
- D. Gloves are worn throughout the entire examination to demonstrate concern regarding the spread of infectious diseases
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate action for the nurse to take when performing a physical examination is to wash their hands before and after every physical patient encounter. This practice helps prevent the spread of infection. Hands should also be washed after contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions, and after contact with any equipment contaminated with body fluids. It is crucial to wash hands after removing gloves, even if the gloves appear intact. Choice A is incorrect because washing hands after removing gloves is necessary to ensure thorough hygiene. Choice C is incorrect because hands should be washed before and after every patient encounter, not just before examining each body system. Choice D is incorrect because gloves should be worn when there is potential contact with body fluids, but they do not need to be worn throughout the entire examination.
3. Which of these techniques uses the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature, moisture, and swelling when assessing a patient?
- A. Palpation
- B. Inspection
- C. Percussion
- D. Auscultation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Palpation. Palpation involves using the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature, moisture, and swelling in a patient. This technique allows the nurse to feel for abnormalities and changes in the patient's tissues. Inspection primarily relies on visual assessment, while percussion involves tapping on the body to produce sounds and assess underlying structures. Auscultation, on the other hand, involves listening to sounds within the body using a stethoscope. Therefore, in the context of assessing texture, temperature, moisture, and swelling, palpation is the most appropriate technique.
4. What should the nurse anticipate or expect of an American Indian woman seeking help to regulate her diabetes?
- A. Will comply with the treatment prescribed.
- B. Has given up her belief in naturalistic causes of disease.
- C. May also be seeking the assistance of a shaman or medicine man.
- D. Will need extra help in dealing with her illness and may be experiencing a crisis of faith.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When caring for an American Indian patient seeking help for diabetes, the nurse should anticipate that the patient may also seek the assistance of a shaman or medicine man in addition to biomedical treatment. This cultural practice is common among American Indians who believe in holistic healing involving body, mind, and spirit. It is important for the nurse to acknowledge and respect these cultural beliefs and practices. Choice A is incorrect because patients from different cultures may not always comply with prescribed treatments due to various factors, including cultural beliefs. Choice B is incorrect as patients seeking traditional healing methods do not necessarily give up their beliefs in naturalistic causes of disease; instead, they often complement biomedical care. Choice D is incorrect as assuming the patient is experiencing a crisis of faith is not appropriate; it is more about respecting and understanding the patient's cultural background and beliefs.
5. Which of the following descriptions best describes the function of the thyroid gland?
- A. The thyroid gland converts glucose into glycogen
- B. The thyroid gland secretes cortisol during times of stress
- C. The thyroid gland regulates body metabolism
- D. The thyroid gland affects skin pigmentation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The thyroid gland is responsible for secreting thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which work to regulate the metabolism of the body's cells. The primary function of the thyroid gland is to control the body's metabolic rate, affecting processes such as heart rate, temperature regulation, and energy levels. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the thyroid gland is not involved in converting glucose into glycogen, secreting cortisol, or affecting skin pigmentation. Instead, the primary role of the thyroid gland is to regulate the metabolism and energy balance in the body.
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