which is the best way to position a clients neck for palpation of the thyroid

NCLEX-PN

2024 PN NCLEX Questions

1. How should a client's neck be positioned for palpation of the thyroid?

A. flexed toward the side being examined
B. hyperextended directly backward
C. flexed away from the side being examined
D. flexed directly forward

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct way to position a client's neck for palpation of the thyroid is to have it flexed toward the side being examined. This positioning helps to better access and palpate the thyroid gland. Option B, hyperextending the neck directly backward, is incorrect as it can make palpation more difficult and uncomfortable for the client. Option C, flexing the neck away from the side being examined, is also incorrect as it may obscure the thyroid gland, making it harder to palpate. Option D, flexing the neck directly forward, is not ideal for thyroid palpation as it does not provide the best access to the gland.

2. During an interview, what action should a nurse conducting an interview with a client take to collect subjective data?

A. Takes minimal notes to avoid impeding observation of the client's nonverbal behaviors
B. Takes a great deal of notes to allow the client to continue at his or her own pace as the nurse records what he or she is saying
C. Takes notes because this allows the nurse to break eye contact with the client, which may increase the client's level of comfort
D. Takes notes to allow the nurse to shift attention away from the client, which may make the nurse more comfortable

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During an interview, a nurse should minimize note-taking to focus on the client and not impede the conversation. Taking minimal notes allows the nurse to effectively observe the client's nonverbal behaviors, which provide valuable subjective data. Option B, taking many notes, is incorrect as it can distract the nurse from the client's cues and hinder interaction. Option C, taking notes to break eye contact, is incorrect as it may decrease the client's comfort level and disrupt communication. Option D, taking notes to shift attention away from the client, is incorrect as it diminishes the client's importance and may make them uncomfortable during sensitive discussions. Therefore, the correct approach is for the nurse to take minimal notes, ensuring effective observation of the client's nonverbal behaviors while collecting subjective data.

3. People who live in poverty are most likely to obtain health care from:

A. their primary care physician (family doctor)
B. a neighborhood clinic
C. specialists
D. Emergency Departments or urgent care centers

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Individuals living in poverty often face barriers to accessing regular healthcare services, leading them to utilize Emergency Departments or urgent care centers as their primary source of healthcare. These facilities provide immediate care without the need for appointments or insurance, making them more accessible to those in poverty. While primary care physicians and neighborhood clinics are essential for preventive care, individuals in poverty may have difficulty accessing these services due to financial constraints or lack of insurance. Specialists typically require referrals and may not be easily accessible to individuals without stable healthcare coverage. Therefore, Emergency Departments or urgent care centers are the most likely healthcare option for people living in poverty.

4. A community health nurse is providing information to a group of older clients about measures to decrease the risk of contracting influenza during peak flu season. The nurse should provide which information?

A. Clients must stay at home and ask a neighbor or family member to run their errands.
B. It is best to do grocery shopping and other errands early in the morning when crowds are smaller.
C. Clients should wash their hands frequently and keep hands away from the face, especially during peak flu season.
D. Drinking eight 8-oz glasses of fluid each day will reduce the risk of contracting influenza.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During peak influenza season, older clients should take measures to reduce the risk of contracting the flu. The most effective preventive measure is frequent hand hygiene and refraining from touching the face, as this reduces the transmission of the flu virus. While it is advisable to avoid crowds, the direct action of hand hygiene is more impactful. Doing errands early in the morning when crowds are smaller is a good suggestion to reduce exposure but does not address the direct transmission through hands. Drinking enough fluid daily is important for overall health but does not directly reduce the risk of contracting influenza.

5. In conducting a health screening for 12-month-old children, the nurse expects them to have been immunized against which of the following diseases?

A. measles, polio, pertussis, hepatitis B
B. diphtheria, pertussis, polio, tetanus
C. rubella, polio, pertussis, hepatitis A
D. measles, mumps, rubella, polio

Correct answer: B

Rationale: By 12 months of age, children should have received the DTaP (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus) vaccine along with the polio vaccine. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is not typically given until the child is 12-15 months old. Therefore, option B is correct as it includes vaccines that are usually administered by 12 months of age. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they include vaccines that are typically given after 12 months of age.