the atlas and the axis

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Actual Exam Test Bank

1. The Atlas and the Axis are:

A. found in the vertebrae.
B. described as being cervical.
C. the first two bones that form the column for the spine on the superior aspect.
D. All of the above.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Atlas and the Axis are the first two cervical vertebrae, designated as C1 and C2. The Atlas (C1) supports the skull, while the Axis (C2) allows for rotation of the skull. Therefore, all the statements in choices A, B, and C are correct, making 'All of the above' the correct answer. Choice A is correct as the Atlas and Axis are indeed found in the vertebrae. Choice B is correct as they are the first two cervical vertebrae. Choice C is correct as these bones form the superior aspect of the spine.

2. You are preparing to admit a patient with a seizure disorder. Which of the following actions can you delegate to an LPN/LVN?

A. Complete admission assessment.
B. Set up oxygen and suction equipment.
C. Place a padded tongue blade at the bedside.
D. Pad the side rails before the patient arrives.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to delegate the task of setting up oxygen and suction equipment to the LPN/LVN. This task falls within their scope of practice and can be safely performed by them. Completing the admission assessment (Choice A) typically requires a higher level of assessment and critical thinking, making it more appropriate for a registered nurse. Placing a padded tongue blade at the bedside (Choice C) involves potential airway management, which is a more complex task and should be done by a higher-level provider. Padding the side rails before the patient arrives (Choice D) is a task related to patient safety and should be done by the healthcare team as a whole, not solely delegated to an LPN/LVN.

3. What is the first aid for frostbite?

A. Running cold water over the affected area. Warm or hot water will shock the area and cause more tissue damage.
B. Run warm water over the area to rapidly rewarm the affected area.
C. Run hot water over the area to warm the area as quickly as possible.
D. Cover the area with a blanket, using a heating pad if the blanket isn't warm enough.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: First aid for frostbite involves running cold water over the affected area. It is important to avoid warm or hot water as it can shock the area and cause further tissue damage. Warm water should not be used to rapidly rewarm the affected area. Similarly, hot water should also be avoided as it can warm the area too quickly and potentially cause harm. Covering the area with a blanket and using a heating pad may not be effective and can even lead to more damage. Seeking medical assistance is crucial if the tissue appears necrotic to prevent further complications.

4. Your patient had a stroke, or CVA, five years ago. The resident still has right-sided weakness. You are ready to transfer the resident from the bed to the wheelchair. The wheelchair should be positioned at the _____________.

A. head of the bed on the patient's right side
B. head of the bed on the patient's left side
C. bottom of the bed on the patient's right side
D. bottom of the bed on the patient's left side

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The wheelchair should be positioned at the head of the bed on the resident's left side. This positioning allows the resident to use their stronger left side to assist with the transfer, compensating for the right-sided weakness. Placing the wheelchair at the head of the bed on the patient's right side (Choice A) would not utilize the stronger left side, which is crucial for the transfer. Similarly, positioning the wheelchair at the bottom of the bed on either side (Choices C and D) would not facilitate optimal assistance from the resident's stronger side during the transfer process.

5. What does preload refer to?

A. The volume of blood entering the left side of the heart
B. The volume of blood entering the right side of the heart
C. The pressure in the venous system that the heart must overcome to pump the blood
D. The pressure in the arterial system that the heart must overcome to pump the blood

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Preload refers to the volume of blood that enters the right side of the heart. This volume stretches the fibers in the heart before contraction. Preload is an essential factor in determining the force of ventricular contraction. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because preload is specifically related to the volume of blood entering the right side of the heart. Choices C and D are incorrect as they refer to afterload, which is the pressure that the heart must overcome to pump blood out of the ventricles into the systemic or pulmonary circulation.