NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. After receiving change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?
- A. A patient with pneumonia who has crackles in the right lung base
- B. A patient with possible lung cancer who has just returned after bronchoscopy
- C. A patient with hemoptysis and a 16-mm induration with tuberculin skin testing
- D. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary function testing (PFT) that indicates low forced vital capacity
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the patient with possible lung cancer who has just returned after bronchoscopy. After bronchoscopy, the patient may have decreased cough and gag reflexes, necessitating immediate assessment for airway patency to prevent potential complications. The other patients do not exhibit urgent clinical manifestations or have undergone recent procedures that require immediate attention. Therefore, they can be assessed after ensuring the safety and stability of the patient who has just returned after bronchoscopy.
2. During the implementation phase of the nursing process when working with a hospitalized adult, which of the following actions would the nurse take?
- A. Formulate a nursing diagnosis of impaired gas exchange
- B. Record in the medical record the distance a client ambulates in the hall
- C. Write individualized nursing orders in the care plan
- D. Compare client responses to the desired outcomes for pain relief
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During the implementation phase of the nursing process, the nurse is responsible for carrying out or delegating nursing interventions and documenting nursing activities and client responses in the medical records. Option A involves diagnosing, which is part of the nursing process's earlier phases. Option C pertains to planning, which precedes implementation. Option D relates to evaluation, which comes after the implementation phase.
3. When performing CPR, at what rate should chest compressions be applied?
- A. 100 per minute
- B. 60 per minute
- C. As quickly as possible
- D. 200 per minute
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During CPR, chest compressions should be applied at a rate of 100 compressions per minute in order to effectively circulate blood and oxygen to vital organs. Option A, '100 per minute,' is the correct answer as it aligns with the recommended compression rate in CPR guidelines. Option B, '60 per minute,' is incorrect as it is too slow and may not provide adequate circulation. Option C, 'As quickly as possible,' is vague and does not specify the recommended compression rate. Option D, '200 per minute,' is incorrect as it exceeds the recommended rate and may not be as effective in maintaining perfusion.
4. During auscultation of a patient's heart sounds, the nurse hears an unfamiliar sound. Which action would the nurse take?
- A. Ask the patient how he or she is feeling.
- B. Document the findings in the patient's record.
- C. Wait 10 minutes and auscultate the sound again.
- D. Ask another nurse to double-check the finding.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When encountering an unfamiliar sound during auscultation, it is crucial for the nurse to seek confirmation from another healthcare professional. Asking the patient about their feelings may not provide insight into the unfamiliar sound. Simply documenting the findings without verification may lead to errors in interpretation. Waiting and auscultating again after 10 minutes might delay necessary intervention. Consulting another nurse for a second opinion ensures accurate identification of the unfamiliar sound and appropriate follow-up actions.
5. Rales and rhonchi are frequently noted during an examination of lung sounds. What is the difference between the two?
- A. Rales are louder.
- B. Rhonchi are noted only in infants.
- C. Rales occur on inspiration, rhonchi on expiration.
- D. Rales are noted only in infants.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is that rales occur on inspiration, while rhonchi occur on expiration. Rales are typically heard during inhalation when there is fluid in the alveoli or air passages. Rhonchi, on the other hand, are caused by air passing through obstructed airways during exhalation due to secretions in the respiratory tract. Choice A is incorrect because the loudness of the sounds is not the primary distinguishing factor between rales and rhonchi. Choice B is incorrect as rhonchi can be heard in individuals beyond infancy. Choice D is incorrect as rales can be present in patients of various age groups, not just infants.
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