NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. During an assessment, the nurse notices that a patient is handling a small charm that is tied to a leather strip around their neck. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
- A. Ask the patient about the item and its significance.
- B. Ask the patient to lock the item with other valuables in the hospital's safe.
- C. Tell the patient that a family member should take valuables home.
- D. No action is necessary.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The small charm tied to a leather strip is likely an amulet, which many cultures consider an important means of protection from 'evil spirits.' When a patient appears to have a health practice the nurse is unfamiliar with, the nurse should ask for clarification in a non-judgmental way that communicates acceptance of their beliefs and allows for open communication. Thus, the nurse in this situation should inquire about the amulet's meaning to the patient. Asking the patient to lock the item with other valuables in the hospital's safe, telling the patient that a family member should take valuables home, or doing nothing does not address the importance or meaning of a cultural health practice to the patient and does not allow the nurse to gain an understanding of the patient's cultural health practices.
2. What message is a patient sending when displaying the following body language: Slumped shoulders, grimace, and stiff joints?
- A. Anger
- B. Aloofness
- C. Empathy
- D. Depression
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Body language is a powerful form of non-verbal communication that can convey various emotions. In this scenario, the patient's slumped shoulders, grimace, and stiff joints suggest a negative emotional state. Anger is the correct answer because grimacing and tense posture are commonly associated with anger. Choice B, 'Aloofness,' is incorrect as aloofness is more related to disinterest or detachment, which is not indicated by the described body language. Choice C, 'Empathy,' is incorrect as the body language described does not align with expressing understanding or compassion towards others. Choice D, 'Depression,' is incorrect as while depression can also manifest through body language, the specific cues given in the scenario lean more towards anger than depression.
3. A client is complaining of pain that starts in the shoulder and travels down the length of his arm. This type of pain is referred to as:
- A. Referred pain
- B. Superficial pain
- C. Radiating pain
- D. Precipitating pain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Radiating pain is the correct term for pain that originates in one part of the body and extends to other related areas. In this scenario, the pain starting in the shoulder and traveling down the arm describes radiating pain. Referred pain (Choice A) is pain felt at a site different from the actual origin of the pain. Superficial pain (Choice B) is pain that arises from the skin or tissues just beneath it. Precipitating pain (Choice D) refers to pain that is triggered by specific actions or events, not the characteristic described in the question.
4. The client often sighs and says in a monotone voice, 'I'm never going to get over this.' When encouraged to participate in care, the client says, 'I don't have the energy.' These cues are suggestive of which nursing diagnoses? Select all that apply.
- A. Hopelessness
- B. Power
- C. Interrupted sleep pattern
- D. Disturbed self-esteem
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A nursing diagnosis involves clinical judgment about a response to a health problem. In this scenario, the client's expressions of feeling overwhelmed and lacking energy indicate feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness. While fatigue is mentioned, there is no direct evidence to support an interrupted sleep pattern, making option C incorrect. Similarly, disturbed self-esteem and self-care deficit are not evident from the given cues, making options D and E incorrect.
5. The abbreviation pc is defined as ________________.
- A. before the meal
- B. with the meal
- C. after the meal
- D. post corpi
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'after the meal.' In medical terminology, 'pc' is an abbreviation for 'post cibum,' which means 'after eating' or 'after the meal.' This term is used to indicate when a medication should be taken concerning meals. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. 'Before the meal' (A) is typically abbreviated as 'ac,' 'with the meal' (B) is abbreviated as 'pc,' and 'post corpi' (D) is not a valid medical abbreviation or term.
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