NCLEX NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Predictor Exam
1. For a healthcare worker under normal conditions with unsoiled hands, effective hand hygiene between patients requires which of the following?
- A. At least a 15-second scrub with plain soap and water
- B. At least a 23-minute scrub with an antimicrobial soap
- C. Use of an alcohol-based antiseptic hand-rub
- D. Wearing a mask when scrubbing
Correct answer: C: Use of an alcohol-based antiseptic hand-rub
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.
2. 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: 142/92
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.
3. On her first visit to the neonatal intensive care unit to see her preterm newborn, the mother’s only comment to the nurse is, 'My baby looks so fragile. Do you think my child will make it?' Which is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. "Many infants born as small as yours have done just fine."
- B. "The staff is confident in your child’s prognosis because preterm babies do look like this at first."
- C. "It’s understandable that your baby looks fragile to you. What have you learned about the condition?"
- D. "Your baby is not as fragile as it appears. Do you find it so frightening that you can’t touch your child?"
Correct answer: "It’s understandable that your baby looks fragile to you. What have you learned about the condition?"
Rationale: The nurse's response should aim to convey acceptance and encourage the mother to express her concerns. By saying, "It’s understandable that your baby looks fragile to you. What have you learned about the condition?", the nurse acknowledges the mother's feelings and prompts her to share her understanding, fostering further communication and addressing any misconceptions. Choices A and B dismiss the mother's concerns by making general statements and do not encourage dialogue. Choice D implies judgment and may deter the mother from opening up about her fears.
4. What approach should the nurse use when a manipulative client who uses acting-out behaviors asks the nurse to talk while the nurse is orienting a new client to the unit?
- A. Suggest that the client requesting attention speak with another staff member.
- B. Leave the new client, saying, 'I’ll talk with the other client until things calm down.'
- C. Introduce the two clients and suggest that the client join them on a tour of the facility.
- D. Say to the interrupting client, 'I’ll be back to talk with you after I orient this new client.'
Correct answer: Say to the interrupting client, 'I’ll be back to talk with you after I orient this new client.'
Rationale: The nurse should respond to the manipulative client who uses acting-out behaviors by setting realistic limits on behavior without rejecting the client. Therefore, the correct approach is to say to the interrupting client, 'I’ll be back to talk with you after I orient this new client.' This response acknowledges the client's request while prioritizing the needs of the new client and setting appropriate boundaries. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Suggesting that the client speak with another staff member would be a rejection of the client, not the behavior. Leaving the new client to attend to the manipulative client would encourage further manipulation and disrupt the orientation process for the new client. Introducing the two clients and suggesting a tour is inconsistent with setting limits and does not address the manipulative behavior being displayed.
5. A mother complains to the nurse that her 3-year-old child refuses to go to preschool. The child rarely interacts and avoids playing with other children. Which statement would the nurse provide?
- A. Do not be concerned because all toddlers behave this way.
- B. Ask the teacher to push the child to speak up and open up to the other kids.
- C. Set boundaries and supervise the child closely.
- D. Give your child time to get acquainted and warm up to the new environment.
Correct answer: Give your child time to get acquainted and warm up to the new environment.
Rationale: According to the mother’s description, the child is a slow-to-warm-up child. These children are uneasy in new situations or with unfamiliar people. The nurse would educate the mother to give the child time to be more familiar with the new environment. All toddlers do not behave in the same manner. A slow-to-warm-up child should not be pressured to do anything against his or her wishes. Setting boundaries and closely supervising the child is not the best approach for a child who needs time to adapt. Asking the teacher to push the child to open up can create more anxiety and stress for the child, which is not recommended.
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