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. 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.
3. The nurse is unable to palpate the right radial pulse on a patient. What would the nurse do next?
- A. Auscultate over the area with a fetoscope.
- B. Use a goniometer to measure the pulsations.
- C. Use a Doppler device to check for pulsations over the area.
- D. Check for the presence of pulsations with a stethoscope.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a nurse is unable to palpate a radial pulse, the next step is to use a Doppler device to check for pulsations over the area. Doppler devices are specifically designed to augment pulse or blood pressure measurements. Auscultating with a fetoscope is used to listen to fetal heart tones and is not relevant in this scenario. Goniometers are used to measure joint range of motion and are not used to assess pulses. Stethoscopes are primarily used to auscultate breath, bowel, and heart sounds, not to check for pulsations in peripheral pulses. Therefore, the correct course of action when unable to palpate a pulse is to utilize a Doppler device to assess for pulsations in the radial pulse area.
4. Which theory reflects the view that illness is caused by an imbalance or disharmony in the forces of nature?
- A. Germ theory
- B. Naturalistic theory
- C. Magicoreligious theory
- D. Biomedical or scientific theory
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The naturalistic theory posits that illness results from an imbalance or disharmony in the forces of nature. According to this theory, maintaining a natural balance or harmony is essential to prevent illness. Conversely, germ theory and biomedical or scientific theory attribute illness to microorganisms, while magicoreligious theory attributes illness to supernatural forces such as deities or spirits. Therefore, the most appropriate theory reflecting the belief that illness arises from a disruption in natural forces is the naturalistic theory.
5. When performing a physical assessment, what technique should the nurse always perform first?
- A. Palpation
- B. Inspection
- C. Percussion
- D. Auscultation
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.
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