NCLEX-RN
Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. When taking blood pressures on a variety of people at a health fair, what should the nurse keep in mind?
- A. After menopause, blood pressure readings in women are usually higher than those taken in men.
- B. The blood pressure of an African-American adult is usually higher than that of a non-Hispanic White adult of the same age.
- C. Blood pressure measurements in people who are overweight are usually higher than those of people who are at a normal weight.
- D. A teenager's blood pressure reading may be lower than that of an adult.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When assessing blood pressures, it is important to consider that the blood pressure of African-American adults is typically higher than that of non-Hispanic White adults of the same age. This is significant as Black individuals in the United States have a higher prevalence of hypertension compared to other groups. Blood pressure readings in women are generally higher than in men after menopause. Additionally, blood pressure measurements in overweight individuals are typically higher than those in individuals of normal weight. While teenagers may have lower blood pressure readings than adults, it is crucial to recognize the trend of a gradual rise in blood pressure throughout childhood and into adulthood. Therefore, the correct choice is B. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the typical blood pressure differences observed in various populations.
2. A 60-year-old patient has been treated for pneumonia for the past 6 weeks. The patient is seen today in the clinic for an unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds over the last 6 weeks. Which is an appropriate rationale for this patient's weight loss?
- A. Chronic diseases such as hypertension do not usually cause weight loss.
- B. Weight loss is more likely due to underlying medical conditions than unhealthy eating habits.
- C. Unexplained weight loss often accompanies short-term illnesses.
- D. Weight loss is not typically caused by mental health dysfunctions.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Unexplained weight loss in a patient with pneumonia could indicate an underlying short-term illness or a chronic condition like endocrine disease, malignancy, depression, anorexia nervosa, or bulimia. Hypertension is not commonly associated with weight loss; it usually leads to weight gain due to fluid retention. Unhealthy eating habits are less likely to explain significant unexplained weight loss over a short period. Mental health dysfunctions can affect appetite but are not typically primary causes of significant unexplained weight loss.
3. Surgical asepsis is being performed when:
- A. wiping down exam tables with bleach
- B. sterilizing instruments
- C. changing table paper
- D. wearing gloves when performing injections
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Surgical asepsis refers to the process of maintaining a sterile environment to prevent the introduction of pathogens to a patient's body. Sterilizing instruments is a crucial aspect of surgical asepsis as it ensures that the instruments used during procedures are free from microorganisms that could cause infections. Wiping down exam tables with bleach may help in cleaning and disinfecting surfaces but does not pertain directly to maintaining a sterile field. Changing table paper is important for cleanliness and infection control but is not specifically related to surgical asepsis. Wearing gloves when performing injections is important for standard precautions and preventing the spread of infection but does not encompass the concept of surgical asepsis, which focuses on maintaining a sterile field during invasive procedures.
4. Which of the following is a negative outcome associated with impaired mobility?
- A. Increased amounts of calcium are absorbed from circulation
- B. A drop in blood pressure occurs when rising from a sitting to a standing position
- C. The amount of mucus in the bronchi and lungs decreases
- D. The vessel walls of the circulatory system thicken
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A client with impaired mobility may develop changes in body systems that put them at risk of further illness or injury. One negative outcome associated with impaired mobility is orthostatic hypotension, where blood pressure drops significantly when moving from a sitting or lying position to a standing position. This drop in blood pressure can lead to symptoms such as dizziness or fainting. This occurs because blood circulates more slowly or pools in the distal extremities due to impaired mobility. Choice A is incorrect because increased calcium absorption is not a typical negative outcome associated with impaired mobility. Choice C is incorrect because a decrease in mucus in the bronchi and lungs is not a common negative outcome of impaired mobility. Choice D is incorrect because thickening of vessel walls in the circulatory system is not directly associated with impaired mobility.
5. You are working the 4 pm to 12 midnight evening shift. You are taking care of a group of patients. The supervising RN identifies 5 patients who get a medication at 'HS'. When will you give this medication?
- A. After the dinner meal
- B. Whenever requested
- C. At the patient's bedtime
- D. Before the end of the shift
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to give the medication at the patient's bedtime. 'HS' is a medical abbreviation that stands for 'hora somni,' which translates to 'at bedtime' or 'at the hours of sleep.' This timing ensures that the medication is administered appropriately to align with the patient's sleep schedule and maximize its effectiveness. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because giving the medication after dinner, whenever requested, or before the end of the shift may not coincide with the intended purpose of the medication, potentially affecting its efficacy and patient outcomes.
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