NCLEX NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. A 51-year-old woman had an incisional cholecystectomy 6 hours ago. The nurse will place the highest priority on assisting the patient to
- A. choose low-fat foods from the menu
- B. perform leg exercises hourly while awake
- C. ambulate the evening of the operative day
- D. turn, cough, and deep breathe every 2 hours
Correct answer: turn, cough, and deep breathe every 2 hours
Rationale: Postoperative nursing care after a cholecystectomy focuses on preventing respiratory complications due to the surgical incision being high in the abdomen, which impairs coughing and deep breathing. Turning, coughing, and deep breathing every 2 hours help prevent respiratory complications, such as pneumonia. While choices A, B, and C are also important aspects of postoperative care, they are not as high a priority as ensuring proper ventilation and respiratory function in the immediate postoperative period.
2. When cleansing the genital area during perineal care, the nurse should _____________.
- A. cleanse the penis with a circular motion starting from the base and moving toward the tip.
- B. replace the foreskin after it has been pushed back to cleanse an uncircumcised penis.
- C. cleanse the rectal area first and then clean the patient's genital area.
- D. use the same area on the washcloth for each washing and rinsing stroke for a female resident.
Correct answer: replace the foreskin after it has been pushed back to cleanse an uncircumcised penis.
Rationale: During perineal care, when cleansing the genital area of an uncircumcised male patient, it is crucial to retract the foreskin to clean the area underneath. This helps in the removal of smegma, a substance that can accumulate and lead to bacterial growth and infection if not cleaned properly. The foreskin should then be replaced back to its original position after cleaning to ensure proper hygiene and prevent any potential complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the specific care required for an uncircumcised penis, which involves retracting and replacing the foreskin.
3. What is the nurse's initial plan for providing pain relief measures during labor for a pregnant client with a history of opioid abuse?
- A. Scheduling pain medication at regular intervals
- B. Administering the medication only when the pain is severe
- C. Avoiding the administration of medication unless it is requested
- D. Recognizing that less pain medication will be needed by this client compared with other women in labor
Correct answer: Scheduling pain medication at regular intervals
Rationale: In a pregnant client with a history of opioid abuse, scheduling pain medication at regular intervals is the initial plan for providing pain relief during labor. This client may have a lower tolerance for pain and a greater need for pain relief. If medication is only administered when the pain is severe, larger doses may be needed, leading to increased anxiety and discomfort. Avoiding medication unless requested is not ideal, as proactive pain management is crucial during labor. Recognizing that less pain medication will be needed by this client compared with others is incorrect, as individuals with a history of opioid abuse often require more medication due to tolerance to addictive drugs.
4. When assessing the respiratory system of an older patient, which finding indicates that the nurse should take immediate action?
- A. Weak cough effort
- B. Barrel-shaped chest
- C. Dry mucous membranes
- D. Bilateral crackles at lung bases
Correct answer: Bilateral crackles at lung bases
Rationale: Bilateral crackles at lung bases indicate a potential acute issue like heart failure. Immediate action is necessary in this situation. The nurse should conduct further assessments such as oxygen saturation and inform the healthcare provider promptly. A barrel-shaped chest and hyperresonance to percussion are typical signs of aging and do not require immediate action. A weak cough effort is common in older patients due to age-related changes, and dry mucous membranes are also expected in older individuals. While these findings may warrant further evaluation, they do not demand immediate action like bilateral crackles at lung bases.
5. When is a physician likely to assess turgor?
- A. When iron deficiency is suspected.
- B. When heart and lung issues are suspected.
- C. When dehydration is suspected.
- D. None of the above.
Correct answer: When dehydration is suspected.
Rationale: Skin turgor is assessed when dehydration is suspected. To evaluate skin turgor, a physician pinches the skin and observes how quickly it returns to its normal position. If the skin stays folded for an extended period, it indicates dehydration. Assessing turgor helps determine a patient's hydration status. Choice A is incorrect because skin turgor is not used to assess iron deficiency. Choice B is incorrect as turgor is not related to heart and lung issues, but rather hydration status. Choice D is incorrect as turgor assessment is relevant when dehydration is suspected.
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