NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. The healthcare professional is preparing to percuss the abdomen of a patient. What characteristic of the underlying tissue does percussion assess?
- A. Turgor
- B. Texture
- C. Density
- D. Consistency
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Percussion is a technique used to assess the density of underlying organs by producing sounds that help determine their location and size. Turgor, texture, and consistency are primarily assessed through palpation, not percussion. Turgor refers to skin elasticity, texture pertains to the feel of the tissue surface, and consistency relates to the firmness or resistance of the tissue.
2. Which term best describes changes such as retirement, grandparenting, and increased dependence on others?
- A. Moral
- B. Psychosocial
- C. Self-esteem
- D. Psychomotor
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Psychosocial.' Retirement, grandparenting, and increased dependence on others are examples of psychosocial changes because they involve social interactions, relationships, and psychological aspects. 'Moral' (Choice A) does not directly relate to the changes mentioned. 'Self-esteem' (Choice C) is more about self-perception and confidence, not the social changes mentioned. 'Psychomotor' (Choice D) refers to physical movements and skills, which are not the focus of the changes described in the question.
3. The supervising RN asks you to bring the unit's collected lab specimens to the lab 'stat'. You should ______________.
- A. not decline this task because nurses do not handle 'stats'.
- B. run this errand as promptly as possible
- C. run this errand immediately and without delay
- D. Complete this task before the end of your shift or after your lunch.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In healthcare settings, 'stat' is commonly used to indicate that something should be done immediately and without any delay. It is a critical term used to prioritize urgent tasks. Nurses are responsible for various tasks, including handling urgent requests such as transporting lab specimens promptly. Option A is incorrect as nurses can handle urgent tasks like 'stats'. Option B is not as specific as option C, which clearly emphasizes the need for immediate action. Option D is incorrect as it suggests delaying the task until later, which goes against the urgency implied by the term 'stat'.
4. The healthcare professional notices that a colleague is preparing to check the blood pressure of a patient who is obese by using a standard-sized blood pressure cuff. How would this likely affect the blood pressure reading?
- A. Yield a falsely low blood pressure
- B. Yield a falsely high blood pressure
- C. Be the same, regardless of cuff size
- D. Vary as a result of the technique of the person performing the assessment
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Using a cuff that is too narrow for an obese patient would likely yield a falsely high blood pressure reading. This occurs because the standard cuff is too small for the arm's circumference, requiring more pressure to compress the artery. A tight cuff can lead to inaccurate and elevated blood pressure readings. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because using an improperly sized cuff would not yield a falsely low blood pressure, the blood pressure reading does vary with cuff size, and the technique of the person performing the assessment is not the primary factor affecting the reading in this situation.
5. A nursing care plan states, 'Assist the patient to the bedside commode PRN.' When will this patient get this assistance to the commode?
- A. Whenever needed
- B. At bedtime
- C. During the night
- D. During the day
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Whenever needed.' The abbreviation 'PRN' stands for 'pro re nata,' which translates to 'as needed' or 'whenever necessary.' This means that the patient will receive assistance to the commode whenever they require it, based on their individual needs and condition. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because 'PRN' does not specify a specific time like bedtime, during the night, or during the day; instead, it indicates assistance based on the patient's needs.
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