NCLEX-RN
Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. A patient is seen in the clinic for reports of "fainting episodes that started last week."? How would the nurse proceed with the examination?
- A. Blood pressure readings are taken in both arms and thighs.
- B. The patient is assisted to a lying position, and their blood pressure is taken.
- C. The patient's blood pressure is recorded in lying, sitting, and standing positions.
- D. The patient's blood pressure is recorded in lying and sitting positions; these numbers are then averaged to obtain a mean blood pressure.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a patient reports fainting episodes, it is crucial to assess for orthostatic hypotension. If the nurse suspects volume depletion, the patient has hypertension, is on antihypertensive medications, or has a history of fainting or syncope, blood pressure readings should be taken in three positions: lying, sitting, and standing. This assessment helps detect orthostatic hypotension, which can provide valuable information about the patient's condition. Taking blood pressure readings in multiple positions allows for a comprehensive evaluation of possible postural changes in blood pressure. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not cover the necessary positions to assess for orthostatic hypotension effectively.
2. To properly read a meniscus,
- A. hold the measuring device at eye level and read the bottom of the curve of the liquid level
- B. hold the measuring device at eye level and read the top of the curve of the liquid level where the liquid adheres to the walls of the container.
- C. hold the measuring device at table level and, looking down into the measuring device, read the bottom of the curve of the liquid level.
- D. hold the measuring device at table level and, looking down into the measuring device, read the top of the curve of the liquid level.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To properly read a meniscus, it is essential to hold the measuring device at eye level to avoid parallax error. Reading the bottom of the curve of the liquid level is correct because the meniscus is the concave or convex curve at the liquid's surface. Choice B is incorrect because reading the top of the curve where the liquid adheres to the walls of the container can lead to inaccurate measurements. Choices C and D are incorrect as they suggest holding the device at table level, which can introduce parallax error and result in an incorrect reading.
3. When counting an infant's respirations, which technique is correct?
- A. Watching the chest rise and fall
- B. Observing the movement of the abdomen
- C. Placing a hand across the infant's chest
- D. Using a stethoscope to listen to the breath sounds
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct technique for counting an infant's respirations is to observe the movement of the abdomen. Infants typically have more diaphragmatic breathing than thoracic, so watching the abdomen provides a more accurate count. Placing a hand on the chest or listening with a stethoscope can alter the infant's breathing pattern and provide inaccurate results. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect methods for counting an infant's respirations. By observing the movement of the abdomen, healthcare providers can accurately assess an infant's respiratory rate without influencing their breathing pattern.
4. The nurse is discussing the term subculture with a student nurse. Which statement by the nurse would best describe subculture?
- A. "Fitting as many people as possible into the majority culture."?
- B. "Identifying small groups of people who do not want to be identified with the larger culture."?
- C. "Singling out groups of people who suffer differential and unequal treatment as a result of cultural variations."?
- D. "Recognizing groups of people within a culture with shared characteristics that are not common to all members of the culture."?
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A subculture refers to a group of people within a larger culture who share distinct beliefs, values, or attitudes that are not universal among all members of the larger culture. Subcultures can emerge based on factors such as ethnicity, religion, education, occupation, age, and gender. The correct answer describes the concept of a subculture accurately. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not capture the essence of a subculture. Fitting people into the majority culture, identifying small groups who distance themselves from the larger culture, or singling out individuals facing differential treatment do not define subculture. Subcultures represent specific groups with shared characteristics that differentiate them from the broader cultural norms.
5. A patient who is displaying the defense mechanism of Compensation would:
- A. Refuse to hear unwanted information.
- B. Transfer feelings of negativity to someone else.
- C. Overemphasize behaviors which accommodate for perceived weaknesses.
- D. Place blame on others for personal actions or mistakes.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Overemphasize behaviors which accommodate for perceived weaknesses.' Compensation involves overemphasizing or exaggerating a particular behavior or trait to make up for or cover up perceived weaknesses in oneself. This defense mechanism allows individuals to focus on their strengths rather than acknowledging their shortcomings. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Refusing to hear unwanted information relates more to denial, transferring feelings of negativity to someone else is projection, and placing blame on others is an example of the defense mechanism known as externalization.
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