a physicians order instructs a nurse to take a temperature at the axilla where would the nurse place the thermometer
Logo

Nursing Elites

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Actual Exam Test Bank

1. A physician's order instructs a nurse to take a temperature at the axilla. Where would the nurse place the thermometer?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a physician's order specifies taking a temperature at the axilla, the nurse should place the thermometer in the armpit. The axilla is the anatomical area of the armpit located under the arms, proximal to the trunk. Placing the thermometer in the rectum (Choice A) is used for rectal temperature measurements, in the mouth (Choice B) for oral temperature measurements, and on the temples (Choice C) is not a common site for temperature assessment. Therefore, the correct placement based on the given instruction is in the armpit.

2. While percussing over the liver of a patient, the nurse notices a dull sound. What should the nurse do?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When percussing over relatively dense organs, such as the liver or spleen, a dull sound is a normal finding due to the organ's density. This occurs because the sound waves produced by tapping on the organ travel through the dense tissue, resulting in a dull sound. Therefore, the correct action for the nurse in this scenario is to consider a dull sound over the liver as a normal finding. Palpating for an underlying mass (Choice B) is not indicated based on the percussion finding alone. Repositioning the hands and repeating the percussion (Choice C) may not change the dull sound over the liver. Referring the patient for additional treatment (Choice D) without understanding the normal percussion findings over the liver would be premature. Thus, the most appropriate action is to interpret the dull sound as a normal finding.

3. For a healthcare worker under normal conditions with unsoiled hands, effective hand hygiene between patients requires which of the following?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Effective hand hygiene between patients for a healthcare worker with unsoiled hands involves using an alcohol-based antiseptic hand rub. This method is sufficient for cleaning hands that are not visibly soiled. The use of an antimicrobial soap or a prolonged scrubbing time is unnecessary and not recommended in this scenario. Wearing a mask is not required for routine hand hygiene and does not contribute to effective hand cleaning.

4. During a class on the aspects of culture, the instructor shares that culture has four basic characteristics. Which statement correctly reflects one of the characteristics of culture?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Culture has four basic characteristics, one of which is that it is adapted to specific conditions related to environmental and technical factors and to the availability of natural resources. The other three characteristics are: (1) learned from birth through the processes of language acquisition and socialization; (2) shared by all members of the cultural group; and (3) dynamic and ever-changing. Culture is not static and unchanging but is dynamic and ever-changing. Members of a culture do not necessarily share similar physical characteristics; that refers to race. Similarly, members of a culture do not necessarily share a common geographic origin and religion; that refers to ethnicity.

5. The nurse supervises unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who are providing care for a patient with right lower lobe pneumonia. The nurse should intervene if which action by UAP is observed?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to intervene in is when the UAP lowers the head of the patient's bed to 15 degrees. This position can decrease ventilation in a patient with pneumonia, potentially worsening their condition. Choices B and C involve assisting the patient with activities of daily living and promoting mobility, which are appropriate for the patient's care. Choice A, splinting the patient's chest during coughing, can help the patient manage coughing effectively, which is also appropriate for a patient with pneumonia.

Similar Questions

When performing a physical examination, safety must be considered to protect the examiner and the patient against the spread of infection. Which of these statements describes the most appropriate action the nurse would take when performing a physical examination?
Who is most likely to arrange the discharge of a patient to their own home, a nursing home, or an assisted living facility?
The functional health pattern assessment data states: 'Eats three meals a day and is of normal weight for height.' The nurse should draw which of the following conclusions about this data? Select all that apply.
For a patient who is blood type AB, which blood product can they receive?
A 6-month-old infant has been brought to the well-child clinic for a checkup. The infant is currently sleeping. What would the nurse do first when beginning the examination?

Access More Features

NCLEX RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
  • 30 days access

NCLEX RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses