each small square on the ekg paper is

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Predictor Exam

1. Each small square on the EKG paper is:

A. 0.04 seconds long and 5mm tall
B. 0.2 seconds long and 5mm tall
C. 0.04 seconds long and 20mm tall
D. 0.04 seconds long and 1mm tall

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Each small square on an EKG paper represents 0.04 seconds long and 1mm tall. This standardization is essential for accurate measurements. One large square on EKG paper consists of 5 small squares in length and 5 small squares in height, which equals 0.2 seconds long and 5mm tall (0.5 mV). Choice A is incorrect because while the duration is correct, the height mentioned is not accurate. Choice B is incorrect as it provides the correct height but the duration is inaccurate. Choice C is incorrect as the height mentioned is exaggerated, and the duration is correct but the height is not. Therefore, the correct answer is 0.04 seconds long and 1mm tall.

2. An examiner is using an ophthalmoscope to examine a patient's eyes. The patient has astigmatism and is nearsighted. Which of these techniques by the examiner would indicate that the examination is being correctly performed?

A. Rotating the lens selector dial to bring the object into focus
B. Using the large full circle of light when assessing pupils that are not dilated
C. Rotating the lens selector dial to the black numbers to compensate for astigmatism
D. Using the grid on the lens aperture dial to visualize the external structures of the eye

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To correctly perform an eye examination using an ophthalmoscope on a patient with astigmatism and nearsightedness, the examiner should rotate the lens selector dial to bring the object into focus. This adjustment helps compensate for nearsightedness or farsightedness but does not correct astigmatism. Rotating the lens selector dial to the black numbers is not an appropriate technique for compensating for astigmatism. Using the grid on the lens aperture dial is primarily for visualizing external structures of the eye, not for addressing refractive errors. The large full circle of light is typically used when assessing dilated pupils, not for examining patients with astigmatism and nearsightedness. Therefore, the correct technique is rotating the lens selector dial to bring the object into focus.

3. A nurse is caring for newborn infants in a nursery when a man enters the area to take his baby back to the room. The man does not have an identification bracelet, and the nurse does not recognize him. What is the next action of the nurse?

A. Call security and ask them to escort the man out of the nursery
B. Ask the man to wait and check the infant's chart
C. Ask the man to return to his room and bring an identification band
D. Allow the man to take the baby to his room

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The safety of infants in newborn nurseries is maintained by requiring parents to wear identification bracelets to identify themselves as the rightful parents. This practice minimizes the risk of mistakenly allowing an unauthorized individual to take a baby. In this scenario, since the nurse does not recognize the man and he lacks an identification bracelet, the appropriate action is to ask him to return to his room and bring the identification band. This step ensures the proper identity verification before allowing the man to take the baby. Calling security without first verifying the man's identity may escalate the situation unnecessarily. Checking the infant's chart alone does not confirm the man's identity. Allowing the man to take the baby without proper verification poses a safety risk to the infant.

4. When a nurse's hand comes in contact with a client's blood after providing wound care, what is the next action the nurse should take?

A. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to disinfect the hands
B. Wash hands with soap and water using appropriate technique
C. Notify the appropriate personnel about the exposure to client's blood
D. Sample some of the client's blood to determine the presence of diseases

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse's hand comes in contact with a client's blood, it is important to follow appropriate infection control measures. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not sufficient in this scenario as the blood is a visible contaminant. The best practice is to wash hands with soap and water using appropriate technique to ensure thorough cleansing and removal of any potential pathogens. Notifying the appropriate personnel about the exposure is important for documentation and further evaluation, but immediate hand hygiene is crucial. Sampling the client's blood for disease determination is not within the nurse's scope of practice and is unnecessary in this situation.

5. What does the term 'Afferent Nerve' mean?

A. Carrying an impulse to the brain
B. Carrying an impulse away from the brain
C. Carrying impulses to the motor neurons of the appendicular muscles
D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Carrying an impulse to the brain.' Afferent nerves are sensory nerves that carry signals from sensory receptors towards the central nervous system, including the brain. Choice B, 'Carrying an impulse away from the brain,' is incorrect as this describes efferent nerves which carry signals from the central nervous system to muscles and glands. Choice C, 'Carrying impulses to the motor neurons of the appendicular muscles,' is incorrect as it describes a different type of nerve function. Choice D, 'None of the above,' is incorrect as the correct definition of afferent nerve is indeed 'Carrying an impulse to the brain.'