NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. During an office visit, the healthcare provider is assessing a patient's skin. What part of the hand and technique would be used to best assess the patient's skin temperature?
- A. Fingertips
- B. Dorsal surface of the hand
- C. Ulnar portion of the hand
- D. Palmar surface of the hand
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the dorsal surface of the hand. The dorsa (backs) of the hands and fingers are best for determining temperature because the skin is thinner on the dorsal surfaces than on the palms. Fingertips are best for fine, tactile discrimination and not for assessing skin temperature. The ulnar and palmar surfaces of the hands are not as effective for assessing skin temperature as the dorsal surface because they have thicker skin layers.
2. What does an individual who believes in the magicoreligious theory of illness and disease think is the cause of illness?
- A. Germs and viruses
- B. Supernatural forces
- C. Eating imbalanced (hot/cold) foods
- D. Imbalance within his or her spiritual nature
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Individuals who adhere to the magicoreligious theory of illness and disease attribute the cause of illness to supernatural forces. In this perspective, the world is perceived as governed by supernatural forces that influence the well-being of individuals. The belief is that these forces can bring about both good and evil outcomes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Germs and viruses are associated with the biomedical theory of illness. Eating imbalanced hot or cold foods is linked to the yin/yang naturalist theory. Imbalance within one's spiritual nature is not a recognized cause of illness in any of the established theories of illness.
3. 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.
4. The nurse receives change-of-shift report on the following four patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
- A. A 23-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis who has pulmonary function testing scheduled
- B. A 46-year-old patient on bed rest who is complaining of sudden onset of shortness of breath
- C. A 77-year-old patient with tuberculosis (TB) who has four antitubercular medications due in 15 minutes
- D. A 35-year-old patient who was admitted the previous day with pneumonia and has a temperature of 100.2 F (37.8 C)
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the 46-year-old patient on bed rest who is complaining of sudden onset of shortness of breath. Patients on bed rest who are immobile are at high risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sudden onset of shortness of breath in a patient with a DVT suggests a pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate assessment and action such as oxygen administration to maintain adequate oxygenation. The other patients should also be assessed as soon as possible, but they do not present with an immediate life-threatening condition that requires urgent intervention like the patient experiencing sudden shortness of breath.
5. 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.
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