NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. The nurse is discussing the term subculture with a student nurse. Which statement by the nurse would best describe subculture?
- A. "Fitting as many people as possible into the majority culture."?
- B. "Identifying small groups of people who do not want to be identified with the larger culture."?
- C. "Singling out groups of people who suffer differential and unequal treatment as a result of cultural variations."?
- D. "Recognizing groups of people within a culture with shared characteristics that are not common to all members of the culture."?
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A subculture refers to a group of people within a larger culture who share distinct beliefs, values, or attitudes that are not universal among all members of the larger culture. Subcultures can emerge based on factors such as ethnicity, religion, education, occupation, age, and gender. The correct answer describes the concept of a subculture accurately. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not capture the essence of a subculture. Fitting people into the majority culture, identifying small groups who distance themselves from the larger culture, or singling out individuals facing differential treatment do not define subculture. Subcultures represent specific groups with shared characteristics that differentiate them from the broader cultural norms.
2. When performing a physical assessment, what technique should the nurse always perform first?
- A. Palpation
- B. Inspection
- C. Percussion
- D. Auscultation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During a physical assessment, the nurse should always begin with inspection. The sequence of techniques for physical examination is inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. These skills are performed in a specific order, except for the abdominal assessment where auscultation precedes palpation and percussion. Inspection allows the nurse to observe and gather initial information without direct contact. It is a crucial step that provides valuable insights before proceeding to palpation, percussion, and auscultation. Therefore, choice B, 'Inspection,' is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they should follow inspection in the sequence of a comprehensive physical assessment.
3. During an office visit, the healthcare provider is assessing a patient's skin. What part of the hand and technique would be used to best assess the patient's skin temperature?
- A. Fingertips
- B. Dorsal surface of the hand
- C. Ulnar portion of the hand
- D. Palmar surface of the hand
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the dorsal surface of the hand. The dorsa (backs) of the hands and fingers are best for determining temperature because the skin is thinner on the dorsal surfaces than on the palms. Fingertips are best for fine, tactile discrimination and not for assessing skin temperature. The ulnar and palmar surfaces of the hands are not as effective for assessing skin temperature as the dorsal surface because they have thicker skin layers.
4. A client is being instructed on how to use crutches. Which of the following information should be included in the teaching?
- A. Place the majority of body weight on the axilla.
- B. Dry crutch tips with a paper towel if they become wet.
- C. Use the crutches for support to lift both feet simultaneously when ascending stairs.
- D. Both B and C.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When instructing a client on how to use crutches for ambulation, it is important to emphasize keeping the crutch tips dry to prevent slipping while bearing weight on them. Moisture on the crutch tips can lead to accidents. Therefore, the correct answer is to dry the crutch tips with a paper towel if they become wet. Choice A, placing the majority of body weight on the axilla, is incorrect as the weight should be borne through the hands, not the axilla, to avoid nerve damage. Choice C, using the crutches to lift both feet simultaneously when ascending stairs, is incorrect as the client should ascend stairs by placing weight on the unaffected leg first, followed by the crutches and then the affected leg. This method provides stability and safety during stair climbing.
5. The nurse is assessing the vital signs of a 3-year-old patient who appears to have an irregular respiratory pattern. How would the nurse assess this child's respirations?
- A. Respirations should be counted for 1 full minute.
- B. Child's pulse and respirations should be simultaneously checked for 30 seconds and then multiplied by 2.
- C. Child's respirations should be checked for a minimum of 5 minutes to identify any variations in his or her respiratory pattern.
- D. Patient's respirations should be counted for 15 seconds and then multiplied by 4.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To accurately assess a child's respiratory pattern, the nurse should count respirations for a full minute. This duration provides a comprehensive view of the child's breathing pattern, ensuring abnormalities are not missed. Counting for only 30 seconds may not capture irregularities effectively. Checking respirations for 5 minutes is excessive and unnecessary for a routine assessment. Counting for 15 seconds and multiplying by 4 is not as precise as a full-minute count. Pulse and respirations should not be checked simultaneously; instead, the nurse should count respirations unobtrusively while appearing to take the child's pulse. Therefore, the correct approach is to count the child's respirations for 1 full minute to obtain an accurate assessment.
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