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NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. When percussing over the lungs of a 4-year-old child, the nurse hears bilateral loud, long, and low tones. How should the nurse proceed?
- A. Palpate over the area for increased pain and tenderness.
- B. Ask the child to take shallow breaths and percuss over the area again.
- C. Refer the child to a specialist because of an increased amount of air in the lungs.
- D. Consider this finding as normal for a child this age and proceed with the examination.
Correct answer: Consider this finding as normal for a child this age and proceed with the examination.
Rationale: In pediatric patients, loud, long, and low tones heard when percussing over the lungs are normal findings. These percussion notes are characteristic of a child's lung due to its thin chest wall and increased air content. It is unnecessary to palpate for pain and tenderness, ask the child to take shallow breaths and repeat the percussion, or refer the child to a specialist. Therefore, the correct action is to consider these findings as normal for the child's age and continue with the examination.
2. The client with cholecystitis is being instructed about dietary choices. Which meal best meets the dietary needs of this client?
- A. Steak, baked beans, and a salad
- B. Broiled fish, green beans, and an apple
- C. Pork chops, macaroni and cheese, and grapes
- D. Avocado salad, milk, and angel food cake
Correct answer: Broiled fish, green beans, and an apple
Rationale: Clients with cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder, should follow a low-fat diet to reduce symptoms. Broiled fish, green beans, and an apple (Option B) is the most suitable choice as it is low in fat. Steak, baked beans, and a salad (Option A) provide a high amount of fat and protein, which may exacerbate symptoms of cholecystitis. Pork chops, macaroni and cheese, and grapes (Option C) and avocado salad, milk, and angel food cake (Option D) contain high-fat foods that are not recommended for individuals with cholecystitis. Therefore, Option B is the most appropriate choice for a client with cholecystitis.
3. A physician suspects a patient may have pancreatitis. Which of the following tests would be most appropriate to diagnose this condition?
- A. CK and Troponin
- B. BUN and Creatinine
- C. Amylase and Lipase
- D. HDL and LDL Cholesterol Levels
Correct answer: C: Amylase and Lipase
Rationale: To diagnose pancreatitis, testing amylase and lipase levels is crucial. Amylase and lipase are enzymes produced by the pancreas that help digest carbohydrates and lipids. In pancreatitis, these enzymes are released in high amounts into the bloodstream due to pancreatic inflammation or damage. Elevated levels of amylase and lipase in blood tests strongly indicate pancreatitis. Choice A, CK and Troponin, are cardiac markers used in diagnosing heart conditions like myocardial infarction, not pancreatitis. Choice B, BUN and Creatinine, are kidney function tests, not specific to pancreatitis. Choice D, HDL and LDL Cholesterol Levels, are lipid profile tests used to assess cardiovascular health, not for diagnosing pancreatitis.
4. The nurse is preparing to assess a patient’s abdomen by palpation. How should the nurse proceed?
- A. Avoid palpating reportedly “tender” areas as this may cause pain.
- B. Palpate tender areas quickly to minimize patient discomfort.
- C. Initiate the assessment with deep palpation while encouraging the patient to relax and take deep breaths.
- D. Begin the assessment with light palpation to detect surface characteristics and to acclimate the patient to touch.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct approach is to begin the assessment with light palpation to detect surface characteristics and to acclimate the patient to touch. This allows the nurse to first assess surface features before proceeding to deeper palpation. Starting with light palpation also helps the patient become more comfortable with being touched, creating a smoother examination experience. Palpating tender areas quickly, as suggested in choice B, can increase patient discomfort. Deep palpation, as in choice C, is typically performed after light palpation to avoid discomfort and ensure proper assessment. Avoiding palpation of tender areas first, as in choice A, helps prevent causing unnecessary pain and should be done towards the end of the assessment.
5. After an unimmunized individual is exposed to hepatitis B through a needle-stick injury, which actions will the nurse plan to take (select one that does not apply)?
- A. Administer hepatitis B vaccine.
- B. Test for antibodies to hepatitis B.
- C. Teach about alpha-interferon therapy.
- D. Give hepatitis B immune globulin.
Correct answer: Teach about alpha-interferon therapy.
Rationale: In the case of exposure to hepatitis B, the nurse should plan to administer hepatitis B vaccine to provide active immunity. Testing for antibodies to hepatitis B is essential to determine the individual's immune status. Giving hepatitis B immune globulin is necessary for passive immunity in cases of exposure. However, teaching about alpha-interferon therapy is not part of the standard management for hepatitis B exposure. Interferon therapy and oral antivirals are typically used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infections, not for prophylaxis after exposure.
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