NCLEX NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. The nurse receives change-of-shift report on the following four patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
- A. A 23-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis who has pulmonary function testing scheduled
- B. A 46-year-old patient on bed rest who is complaining of sudden onset of shortness of breath
- C. A 77-year-old patient with tuberculosis (TB) who has four antitubercular medications due in 15 minutes
- D. A 35-year-old patient who was admitted the previous day with pneumonia and has a temperature of 100.2 F (37.8 C)
Correct answer: A 46-year-old patient on bed rest who is complaining of sudden onset of shortness of breath
Rationale: The correct answer is the 46-year-old patient on bed rest who is complaining of sudden onset of shortness of breath. Patients on bed rest who are immobile are at high risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sudden onset of shortness of breath in a patient with a DVT suggests a pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate assessment and action such as oxygen administration to maintain adequate oxygenation. The other patients should also be assessed as soon as possible, but they do not present with an immediate life-threatening condition that requires urgent intervention like the patient experiencing sudden shortness of breath.
2. When providing mouth care to a patient in a coma, what should you do to provide good and safe mouth care?
- A. keep the head of the bed up to prevent aspiration
- B. brush the teeth and rinse the mouth with a cup of water
- C. use a special foam swab to brush only the tongue
- D. use a special foam swab to brush the tongue and teeth
Correct answer: use a special foam swab to brush the tongue and teeth
Rationale: When providing mouth care to a patient in a coma, it is crucial to use a special foam swab to brush the tongue and teeth. This method helps maintain good oral hygiene for comatose patients. Special foam swabs are designed to effectively clean all areas of the mouth, including the cheeks and tongue, ensuring thorough care. Using water for mouth care in comatose patients can lead to aspiration, so it is important to avoid this practice. Keeping the head of the bed up alone does not prevent aspiration during mouth care for comatose patients, making choice A incorrect. Merely brushing the tongue (choice C) or using a foam swab only on the tongue (choice B) may not provide the comprehensive mouth care necessary for patients in a coma.
3. Which of the following conditions may cause an increased respiratory rate?
- A. Stooped posture
- B. Narcotic analgesics
- C. Injury to the brain stem
- D. Anemia
Correct answer: Anemia
Rationale: Anemia can lead to an increased respiratory rate. In anemia, there are decreased levels of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen to the body's tissues. To compensate for the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity, the body increases the respiratory rate to bring in more oxygen. Stooped posture (Choice A) is not directly related to an increased respiratory rate. Narcotic analgesics (Choice B) are more likely to cause a decreased respiratory rate due to their central nervous system depressant effects. Injury to the brain stem (Choice C) can affect respiratory function but may not necessarily lead to an increased respiratory rate.
4. In which of the following examples would informed consent not be required?
- A. A patient is apprehensive about an upcoming surgery and chooses not to learn of the risks involved with the procedure.
- B. A child is rushed to the Emergency Room after falling from a third-story window.
- C. An adult in a coma in a mental health institution with no listed next of kin.
- D. Informed consent is not required in any of the above examples.
Correct answer: Informed consent is not required in any of the above examples.
Rationale: In emergency situations where immediate treatment is necessary to prevent further harm or save a life, such as in option B where a child is rushed to the Emergency Room after a fall, informed consent may be waived to provide prompt care. In option A, though the patient is apprehensive about surgery and chooses not to learn the risks, informed consent is not required as it is the patient's right to refuse information. In option C, when an adult is in a coma with no next of kin listed, decisions may be made in the patient's best interest following legal and ethical guidelines. Therefore, informed consent is not needed in any of the scenarios presented.
5. What is the most effective step in hand washing?
- A. Using friction to remove potential pathogens.
- B. Using hospital-grade soap.
- C. Moisturizing the hands after washing to prevent cracking.
- D. Washing hands with soap for at least 15 seconds.
Correct answer: Using friction to remove potential pathogens.
Rationale: The most effective step in hand washing is using friction to remove potential pathogens. While using soap, moisturizing hands, and washing for a sufficient duration are important aspects of hand hygiene, the mechanical action of rubbing hands together with friction is crucial in dislodging and removing dirt, debris, and potential pathogens. Hospital-grade soap may be beneficial, but the physical act of friction is key to effective hand washing. Moisturizing after washing is important for skin health but not the most effective step in the hand washing process. Simply washing hands for a specific duration, such as 15 seconds, without proper friction may not effectively remove contaminants. Therefore, using friction for thorough cleaning is the most crucial step in hand washing.
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