the mitral valve is synonymous with the term

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Actual Exam Test Bank

1. The mitral valve is synonymous with the term:

A. Left ventricle
B. Right atrium
C. Bicuspid valve
D. Tricuspid valve

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve, is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle, regulating blood flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle. The term 'bicuspid' refers to the valve's two cusps or leaflets. This distinguishes it from the tricuspid valve (Choice D), which has three cusps, making Choice D incorrect. The left ventricle (Choice A) and right atrium (Choice B) are not synonymous with the mitral valve. Therefore, the correct answer is C: Bicuspid valve.

2. 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

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.

3. A client has died approximately one hour ago. The nurse notes that the client's temperature has decreased in the last hour since their death. Which of the following processes explains this phenomenon?

A. Rigor mortis
B. Postmortem decomposition
C. Algor mortis
D. Livor mortis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Algor mortis occurs after death when the body's circulation stops, and the client's temperature begins to fall. The client's temperature will drop by approximately 1.8 degrees per hour until it reaches room temperature. During algor mortis, the client's skin gradually loses its elasticity. Rigor mortis refers to the stiffening of the body after death due to chemical changes in the muscles. Postmortem decomposition is the breakdown of tissues after death. Livor mortis is the pooling of blood in the dependent parts of the body, causing a purple-red discoloration.

4. A patient's blood pressure is 118/82 mm Hg. The patient asks the nurse, "What do the numbers mean?"? Which is the best reply by the nurse?

A. "The numbers are within the normal range and are nothing to worry about."?
B. "The bottom number is the diastolic pressure and reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes."?
C. "The top number is the systolic blood pressure and reflects the pressure of the blood against the arteries when the heart contracts."?
D. "The concept of blood pressure can be complex. The primary thing to be concerned about is the top number, or the systolic blood pressure."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The systolic pressure is the maximum pressure felt on the artery during left ventricular contraction, or systole. The diastolic pressure is the elastic recoil, or resting, pressure that the blood constantly exerts in between each contraction. The nurse should answer the patient's question in terms they can understand and not just say it is normal and there is nothing to worry about. The diastolic pressure is the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest, not the stroke volume. Both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure are important. Choice A is incorrect as providing a vague reassurance does not address the patient's query. Choice B is incorrect as it inaccurately describes the diastolic pressure as reflecting stroke volume, which is incorrect. Choice D is incorrect as it oversimplifies the explanation, focusing solely on the top number without providing a complete understanding of blood pressure.

5. Which of the following questions is considered open-ended?

A. What time did you last take your medications?
B. Are you feeling okay right now?
C. Please describe your symptoms.
D. What day are you available for a follow-up appointment?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Please describe your symptoms.' This question is considered open-ended because it encourages the respondent to provide a detailed and descriptive answer, fostering a more elaborate response. Open-ended questions are designed to prompt thoughtful and detailed responses. Choice A is a closed-ended question since it seeks a specific time for the medication intake. Choice B is also closed-ended as it can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no,' limiting the response. Choice D is closed-ended as it requests a specific day for the follow-up appointment, restricting the range of possible responses.