NCLEX-RN
Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions
1. While performing CPR, a healthcare provider encounters a client with a large amount of thick chest hair when preparing to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). What is the next appropriate action for the healthcare provider?
- A. Apply the pads to the chest and provide a shock
- B. Wipe the client's chest down with a towel before applying the pads
- C. Shave the client's chest to remove the hair
- D. Do not use the AED
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When using an AED, it is crucial for the pads to have good contact with the skin to effectively deliver an electrical shock. While AED pads can adhere to a client's chest even with some hair, thick chest hair can hinder proper current conduction. In such cases, it is recommended to shave the area of the chest where the pads will be applied. Most AED kits include a razor for this purpose. The healthcare provider should act promptly to minimize delays in defibrillation. Option A is incorrect because it may lead to ineffective treatment due to poor pad adherence. Option B is not the best course of action as wiping the chest may not resolve the issue of poor pad contact. Option D is incorrect as not using the AED could jeopardize the client's chance of survival in a cardiac emergency.
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. When planning a cultural assessment, what component should the nurse include?
- A. Family history
- B. Chief complaint
- C. Medical history
- D. Health practices
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When conducting a cultural assessment, it is essential to include the patient's health practices. Health practices encompass the beliefs, values, and behaviors related to health and illness within a specific cultural context. These practices provide insight into how individuals perceive and manage their health. Family history, chief complaint, and medical history are crucial components of a patient's overall assessment but do not directly relate to a cultural assessment. Focusing on health practices allows the nurse to better understand the patient's cultural background and tailor care to meet their specific needs.
4. While percussing over the liver of a patient, the nurse notices a dull sound. What should the nurse do?
- A. Consider this a normal finding
- B. Palpate this area for an underlying mass
- C. Reposition the hands and attempt to percuss in this area again
- D. Consider this finding as abnormal and refer the patient for additional treatment
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When percussing over relatively dense organs, such as the liver or spleen, a dull sound is a normal finding due to the organ's density. This occurs because the sound waves produced by tapping on the organ travel through the dense tissue, resulting in a dull sound. Therefore, the correct action for the nurse in this scenario is to consider a dull sound over the liver as a normal finding. Palpating for an underlying mass (Choice B) is not indicated based on the percussion finding alone. Repositioning the hands and repeating the percussion (Choice C) may not change the dull sound over the liver. Referring the patient for additional treatment (Choice D) without understanding the normal percussion findings over the liver would be premature. Thus, the most appropriate action is to interpret the dull sound as a normal finding.
5. What does the term 'Afferent Nerve' mean?
- A. Carrying an impulse to the brain
- B. Carrying an impulse away from the brain
- C. Carrying impulses to the motor neurons of the appendicular muscles
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Carrying an impulse to the brain.' Afferent nerves are sensory nerves that carry signals from sensory receptors towards the central nervous system, including the brain. Choice B, 'Carrying an impulse away from the brain,' is incorrect as this describes efferent nerves which carry signals from the central nervous system to muscles and glands. Choice C, 'Carrying impulses to the motor neurons of the appendicular muscles,' is incorrect as it describes a different type of nerve function. Choice D, 'None of the above,' is incorrect as the correct definition of afferent nerve is indeed 'Carrying an impulse to the brain.'
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