NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Predictor Exam
1. A healthcare professional is asked to draw blood in the antecubital (AC) space. Which of the following veins are found in the AC?
- A. Cephalic
 - B. Median cubital
 - C. Basilic
 - D. All of the above
 
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'All of the above.' All three of these veins - the cephalic, median cubital, and basilic veins - are located in the antecubital space, which is the area in front of the elbow on the arm. The cephalic vein runs along the outer side of the arm, the basilic vein runs along the inner side of the arm, and the median cubital vein is a connecting vein between the cephalic and basilic veins. Therefore, all three veins can be accessed when drawing blood from the antecubital space. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of these veins individually can be found in the antecubital space.
2. A nurse is preparing to irrigate a client's indwelling catheter through a closed, intermittent system. Which of the following steps must the nurse take as part of this process?
- A. Use sterile solution at room temperature
 - B. Position the client in a comfortable position
 - C. Clamp the catheter at the level above the injection port
 - D. Inject sterile solution through the injection port into the catheter
 
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When performing closed intermittent system catheter irrigation, the nurse should use sterile solution at room temperature with sterile technique. It is important to position the client comfortably for easy access to the catheter site and to assess the abdomen during the procedure. Clamping the catheter should be done below the level of the injection port, not above. The correct step is to inject sterile solution through the injection port into the catheter, allowing the fluid to travel up the catheter to irrigate the tubing and the bladder.
3. Which technique is correct when assessing the radial pulse of a patient?
- A. Palpate for 1 minute if the rhythm is irregular.
 - B. Palpate for 15 seconds and multiply by 4 if the rhythm is regular.
 - C. Palpate for 2 full minutes to detect any variation in amplitude.
 - D. Palpate for 10 seconds and multiply by 6 if the rhythm is regular and the patient has no history of cardiac abnormalities.
 
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When assessing the radial pulse, if the rhythm is irregular, the pulse should be counted for a full minute to get an accurate representation of the pulse rate. In cases where the rhythm is regular, the recommended technique is to palpate for 15 seconds and then multiply by 4 to calculate the beats per minute. This method is more accurate and efficient for normal or rapid heart rates. Palpating for 30 seconds and multiplying by 2 is not as effective, as any error in counting results in a larger discrepancy in the calculated heart rate. Palpating for 2 full minutes is excessive and not necessary for routine pulse assessment. Palpating for 10 seconds and multiplying by 6 is not a standard technique and may lead to inaccuracies, especially in patients with cardiac abnormalities.
4. Which of these is a correctly stated outcome goal written by the nurse?
- A. The client will walk 2 miles daily by March 19
 - B. The client will understand how to give insulin by discharge
 - C. The client will regain their former state of health by April 1
 - D. The client achieve desired mobility by May 7
 
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Outcome goals should be SMART, i.e., Specific, Measurable, Appropriate, Realistic, and Timely. Option A is the only outcome that has a specific behavior (walks daily), with measurable performance criteria (2 miles), and a time estimate for goal attainment (by March 19). Option B lacks specificity in terms of what 'understand how to give insulin' entails, and the timeline is vague ('by discharge'). Option C is not measurable or specific about what 'regain their former state of health' means. Option D does not provide a specific behavior or measurable criteria for 'desired mobility,' and the timeline is the only element that is time-bound.
5. A patient states, "I'm not worth anything. I have negative thoughts about myself. I feel anxious and shaky all the time. Sometimes I feel so sad that I want to go to sleep and never wake up."? Which nursing intervention should have the highest priority?
- A. Self-esteem-building activities
 - B. Anxiety self-control measures
 - C. Sleep enhancement activities
 - D. Suicide precautions
 
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The highest priority nursing intervention in this scenario should be suicide precautions. The patient's statement indicates suicidal ideation, which poses an immediate risk to their safety. By implementing suicide precautions, the nurse can ensure constant monitoring and intervention to prevent any self-harm. While addressing self-esteem, anxiety, and sleep issues are essential, ensuring the patient's safety by prioritizing suicide precautions is crucial. Self-esteem-building activities, anxiety self-control measures, and sleep enhancement activities are important interventions but should follow the immediate concern of preventing harm from suicidal thoughts.
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