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 considering the structural organization of the human body, what is the basic unit of life?
- A. Chemicals
- B. Atoms
- C. Molecules
- D. Cells
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The basic unit of life is the cell. Cells are considered the fundamental unit of life because they are capable of carrying out all the processes necessary for life, such as growth, reproduction, responding to stimuli, and more. While chemicals, atoms, and molecules are essential components of cells and living organisms, they are not considered the basic unit of life. Chemicals are general substances, atoms are the smallest units of matter, and molecules are combinations of atoms. Therefore, the correct answer is cells, as they are the building blocks of all living organisms.
3. You are working the 4 pm to 12 midnight evening shift. You are taking care of a group of patients. The supervising RN identifies 5 patients who get a medication at 'HS'. When will you give this medication?
- A. After the dinner meal
- B. Whenever requested
- C. At the patient's bedtime
- D. Before the end of the shift
Correct answer: At the patient's bedtime
Rationale: The correct answer is to give the medication at the patient's bedtime. 'HS' is a medical abbreviation that stands for 'hora somni,' which translates to 'at bedtime' or 'at the hours of sleep.' This timing ensures that the medication is administered appropriately to align with the patient's sleep schedule and maximize its effectiveness. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because giving the medication after dinner, whenever requested, or before the end of the shift may not coincide with the intended purpose of the medication, potentially affecting its efficacy and patient outcomes.
4. 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: Supernatural forces
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.
5. The mitral valve is synonymous with the term:
- A. Left ventricle
- B. Right atrium
- C. Bicuspid valve
- D. Tricuspid valve
Correct answer: Bicuspid valve
Rationale: The mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve, is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle, regulating blood flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle. The term 'bicuspid' refers to the valve's two cusps or leaflets. This distinguishes it from the tricuspid valve (Choice D), which has three cusps, making Choice D incorrect. The left ventricle (Choice A) and right atrium (Choice B) are not synonymous with the mitral valve. Therefore, the correct answer is C: Bicuspid valve.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
NCLEX RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access
NCLEX RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access