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: A patient with possible lung cancer who has just returned after bronchoscopy
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. When reviewing the demographics of ethnic groups in the United States, which group does the nurse recall as the largest and fastest-growing population?
- A. Asian
- B. Hispanic
- C. American Indian
- D. African American/Black
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Hispanic.' Hispanics are the largest and fastest-growing population in the United States. While African Americans/Blacks, Asians, American Indians, and other groups are significant, Hispanics currently represent the largest demographic group. African American/Black, Asian, and American Indian populations are substantial but not as large or fast-growing as the Hispanic population. Therefore, Hispanic is the most appropriate choice in this scenario.
3. You see a patient lying on the floor of the bathroom. You are NOT assigned to this patient. What is the first thing that you should do?
- A. Get the nurse who is caring for the patient.
- B. Tell the nurse that the patient has had another seizure.
- C. Observe the patient for any injuries and call out for help.
- D. Nothing. This patient is not one of your assignments.
Correct answer: Observe the patient for any injuries and call out for help.
Rationale: The correct course of action in this situation is to observe the patient for any injuries and call out for help. It is crucial to act immediately in an emergency, regardless of whether the patient is under your care. Checking for injuries and seeking assistance can help ensure the patient receives prompt and appropriate care. Choosing to inform the nurse of a seizure without evidence or taking no action because the patient is not your assignment are not optimal responses. In a healthcare setting, patient safety and well-being should always be the top priority.
4. For a healthcare worker under normal conditions with unsoiled hands, effective hand hygiene between patients requires which of the following?
- A. At least a 15-second scrub with plain soap and water
- B. At least a 23-minute scrub with an antimicrobial soap
- C. Use of an alcohol-based antiseptic hand-rub
- D. Wearing a mask when scrubbing
Correct answer: C: Use of an alcohol-based antiseptic hand-rub
Rationale: Effective hand hygiene between patients for a healthcare worker with unsoiled hands involves using an alcohol-based antiseptic hand rub. This method is sufficient for cleaning hands that are not visibly soiled. The use of an antimicrobial soap or a prolonged scrubbing time is unnecessary and not recommended in this scenario. Wearing a mask is not required for routine hand hygiene and does not contribute to effective hand cleaning.
5. A client is being assisted with ambulation in the hallway using a gait belt when they become dizzy and start to faint. What is the first action the nurse should take?
- A. Stand behind the client and prepare to catch them if they fall
- B. Assist the client to sit in the nearest chair or slide down along a wall
- C. Grasp the client under the arms and pull them upward
- D. Call for help from nearby staff
Correct answer: Assist the client to sit in the nearest chair or slide down along a wall
Rationale: If a client becomes dizzy and starts to faint while being assisted with ambulation, the nurse's first action should be to assist the client into a sitting position to prevent or reduce the impact of a fall. This can be done by guiding the client to sit in the nearest chair or sliding down along a wall for support. Option A is incorrect because standing behind the client may not prevent a fall and could potentially lead to injury. Option C is incorrect as pulling the client upward may worsen the situation. Option D, calling for help, is not the first action to take when the client is at risk of falling.
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