the nurse is performing a general survey which action is a component of the general survey
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Nursing Elites

NCLEX-RN

Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions

1. During the general survey, what action is a component of the assessment?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During the general survey, the nurse assesses the patient's overall appearance, body structure, mobility, and behavior, which includes observing body stature and nutritional status. Interpreting subjective information reported by the patient is part of the subjective data collection process and not the general survey. Measuring vital signs like temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure is part of a focused physical examination, not the general survey. Additionally, observing specific body systems while performing a physical assessment is more specific and focused than the general survey.

2. Which of the following situations indicates the need to file an incident report?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An incident report is necessary for documenting unexpected events that occur in a healthcare setting. Situations that warrant filing an incident report include client accidents, medication errors, security problems, or disruptive behaviors that involve clients, families, or visitors. In this scenario, when a client's spouse displays disruptive behavior and is asked to leave the premises, it is essential to document this incident to ensure a record of the event and its resolution. Choices A, B, and C do not involve disruptive behavior or safety concerns that would require an incident report to be filed.

3. Which of these actions illustrates the correct technique for a nurse when assessing oral temperature with a glass thermometer?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct technique for assessing oral temperature with a glass thermometer involves leaving the thermometer in place for 3 to 4 minutes if the patient is afebrile and up to 8 minutes if the patient is febrile. Waiting 30 minutes if the patient has ingested hot or iced liquids is incorrect; instead, the nurse should wait 15 minutes in such cases. Shaking the glass thermometer down to 35.5�C, not 37.5�C, is the correct procedure before taking the patient's temperature. Placing the thermometer at the base of the tongue, not the front, and asking the patient to close their lips is the proper way to position the thermometer. Therefore, the correct answer is to leave the thermometer in place for 3 to 4 minutes if the patient is afebrile and up to 8 minutes if the patient is febrile.

4. A patient has suddenly developed shortness of breath and appears to be in significant respiratory distress. After calling the physician and placing the patient on oxygen, which of these actions is the best for the nurse to take when further assessing the patient?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a situation where a patient is in significant respiratory distress, bilaterally percussing the thorax to note any differences in percussion tones is a crucial nursing intervention. Percussion provides instant feedback regarding changes in underlying tissue density, which can give important clues about the patient's physical status. This hands-on assessment technique is readily available and can be performed promptly. Counting the patient's respirations, while important, may not provide as much detailed information as percussion. Ordering a chest x-ray and waiting for the results can cause a delay in assessing and addressing the patient's immediate needs. Inspecting the thorax for new masses and bleeding, although relevant, may not offer as much real-time information about the patient's condition compared to percussion.

5. When assessing the force or strength of a pulse, what would the nurse recall about the pulse?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing the force or strength of a pulse, the nurse should recall that it is a reflection of the heart's stroke volume. The heart pumps an amount of blood (the stroke volume) into the aorta, causing arterial walls to flare and generate a pressure wave felt as the pulse in the periphery. The force of the pulse is typically recorded on a 0- to 3-point scale, not a 0- to 2-point scale. The force of the pulse does not demonstrate the elasticity of blood vessel walls or reflect the blood volume in the arteries during diastole. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect.

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