NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. The healthcare provider is preparing to perform a physical assessment. Which statement is true about the inspection phase of the physical assessment?
- A. Usually yields little information
- B. Takes time and reveals a surprising amount of information
- C. May be somewhat uncomfortable for the expert practitioner
- D. Requires a thorough examination of the patient's body before proceeding with palpation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During the inspection phase of a physical assessment, it is essential to take time as it can reveal a significant amount of information. Initially, it may feel uncomfortable for the examiner to focus solely on observing the patient without immediate action. Rushing through inspection is not recommended as it can lead to missing important cues. Train yourself to be thorough during inspection by observing carefully and taking the time needed to gather essential data. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because inspection typically provides valuable information, may feel uncomfortable at first but is necessary for a comprehensive assessment, and does not involve a quick glance but requires a focused and detailed observation.
2. You are ready to wash your patient's face. You would start by washing what area of the face?
- A. The forehead
- B. The eyes
- C. The ears
- D. The cheeks
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When washing a patient's face, it is essential to start by cleaning the eyes. The eye area is considered the priority because moving from an area that can potentially be infected to areas of the face and body that are least able to become infected with a washcloth helps prevent the spread of germs. Washing the forehead, ears, or cheeks before the eyes may risk transferring bacteria to a more sensitive area like the eyes, which could lead to infections or other complications. Therefore, starting with the eyes ensures proper hygiene and reduces the risk of introducing harmful microorganisms to the patient's face.
3. During a class on the aspects of culture, the instructor shares that culture has four basic characteristics. Which statement correctly reflects one of the characteristics of culture?
- A. Static and unchanging
- B. Members sharing similar physical characteristics
- C. Members sharing a common geographic origin and religion
- D. Adapted to specific conditions related to environmental and technical factors
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Culture has four basic characteristics, one of which is that it is adapted to specific conditions related to environmental and technical factors and to the availability of natural resources. The other three characteristics are: (1) learned from birth through the processes of language acquisition and socialization; (2) shared by all members of the cultural group; and (3) dynamic and ever-changing. Culture is not static and unchanging but is dynamic and ever-changing. Members of a culture do not necessarily share similar physical characteristics; that refers to race. Similarly, members of a culture do not necessarily share a common geographic origin and religion; that refers to ethnicity.
4. A client has applied a cold pack to their arm to help decrease swelling and inflammation after an injury. Which of the following signs indicates that the cold pack should be removed?
- A. The skin on the arm appears mottled
- B. The cold pack has been in place for 10 minutes
- C. The client complains of feeling nauseated
- D. The capillary refill in the area distal to the arm is 2 seconds
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When using a cold pack for therapeutic purposes, it is essential to monitor the site to prevent tissue damage. Prolonged use of cold therapy can lead to pale, mottled skin with a bluish appearance. This change in skin color indicates poor circulation, and the cold pack should be removed immediately to prevent tissue injury. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the duration of cold pack application, client complaints of nausea, and capillary refill time do not specifically indicate the need for the cold pack to be removed due to potential tissue damage.
5. Which of these actions illustrates the correct technique for a nurse when assessing oral temperature with a glass thermometer?
- A. Wait 30 minutes if the patient has ingested hot or iced liquids.
- B. Leave the thermometer in place for 3 to 4 minutes if the patient is afebrile.
- C. Shake the glass thermometer down to 35.5�C before taking the patient's temperature.
- D. Place the thermometer at the base of the tongue and ask the patient to close his or her lips.
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.
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