a patient is diagnosed with essential hypertension which of the following blood pressures would you expect to see in this patient prior to taking medi

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Actual Exam Test Bank

1. A patient is diagnosed with essential hypertension. Which of the following blood pressures would you expect to see in this patient prior to taking medications for the condition?

A. 142/92
B. 118/72
C. 120/80
D. 138/88

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before starting medications for essential hypertension, a patient would typically present with a blood pressure reading equal to or greater than 140/90. This indicates high blood pressure and is characteristic of essential hypertension. Choice A, 142/92, falls within this range, making it the correct answer. Choices B (118/72), C (120/80), and D (138/88) all have blood pressure readings that are within the normal range and would not typically be expected in a patient diagnosed with essential hypertension. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the elevated blood pressure levels seen in essential hypertension.

2. The nurse is conducting a health fair for older adults. Which statement is true regarding vital sign measurements in aging adults?

A. The pulse is easier to palpate due to the rigidity of the blood vessels.
B. An increased respiratory rate and a shallower inspiratory phase are expected findings.
C. A widened pulse pressure occurs from changes in the systolic and diastolic blood pressures.
D. Changes in the body's temperature regulatory mechanism decrease the older adult's likelihood of developing a fever.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Aging causes a decrease in vital capacity and decreased inspiratory reserve volume. As a result, the examiner may observe a shallower inspiratory phase and an increased respiratory rate in older adults. Contrary to common belief, the increased rigidity of arterial walls actually makes the pulse easier to palpate in aging adults. Pulse pressure is widened, not decreased, due to changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Furthermore, changes in the body's temperature regulatory mechanism make older individuals less likely to develop a fever but more susceptible to hypothermia.

3. Which of the following is an example of client handling equipment?

A. Wheelchair
B. Height-adjustable bed
C. Shower chair
D. Call light

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Client handling equipment is designed to reduce stress and workload on healthcare professionals who assist, turn, or lift clients, aiming to decrease the risk of injuries from improper lifting techniques. A height-adjustable bed is a prime example of client handling equipment as it allows healthcare providers to raise the client to a suitable working height, facilitating care provision. Choices A, C, and D are not examples of client handling equipment. While a wheelchair, shower chair, and call light are essential in client care settings, they are not intended to aid in handling and lifting clients.

4. What is the most important step that healthcare personnel can take to prevent the transmission of microorganisms in the hospital setting?

A. Wear protective eyewear at all times.
B. Wear gloves whenever in direct contact with patients.
C. Wash hands before and after contact with each patient.
D. Clean the stethoscope with an alcohol swab between patients.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most crucial step in preventing the transmission of microorganisms in the hospital setting is proper hand hygiene. Healthcare personnel should wash their hands thoroughly before and after each patient contact to reduce the risk of spreading infections. While cleaning the stethoscope with an alcohol swab between patients is recommended, it is secondary to hand hygiene. Wearing protective eyewear at all times is not necessary for routine patient care unless specifically indicated, and wearing gloves only when in direct contact with patients is important but not as critical as proper handwashing. Therefore, the correct answer is to wash hands before and after contact with each patient.

5. When teaching a patient to use the three-point gait technique of crutch use:

A. The injured leg moves ahead at the same time as both crutches.
B. One crutch moves at a time and is then followed by the injured leg.
C. Both crutches move ahead at the same time followed by both legs at the same time.
D. None of the above are correct.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct technique for a three-point gait involves the injured leg moving simultaneously with both crutches, followed by the uninjured leg. This gait pattern is utilized when the patient is unable to bear full weight on one of their legs. Choice A accurately describes the appropriate sequence of movements for the three-point gait technique. Choices B and C do not accurately reflect the correct pattern of movement during the three-point gait technique, making them incorrect. Choice D is incorrect as there is a correct option among the choices provided.