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. After taking the vital signs for your patient and finding them to be normal, what should you do next?
- A. Report the vital signs to the doctor
- B. Write the vital signs on a scrap paper
- C. Call the family members
- D. Document them on the graphic VS form
Correct answer: D
Rationale: After assessing and finding that the vital signs are normal for the patient, the appropriate action would be to document them on the graphic VS form. This form is used to track and record vital sign measurements accurately and consistently. Reporting the normal vital signs to the doctor is not necessary unless there are concerning trends or deviations. Writing the vital signs on a scrap piece of paper is not recommended as it may not be an official or reliable record. Calling the family members is unrelated to the process of documenting and tracking vital signs for the patient.
3. The nurse is preparing to examine a 6-year-old child. Which action is most appropriate?
- A. The child is asked to undress from the waist up.
- B. The head is examined before the thorax, abdomen, and genitalia.
- C. The nurse should keep in mind that a child at this age will have a sense of modesty.
- D. Talking about the equipment being used is avoided to prevent increasing the child's anxiety.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When examining a 6-year-old child, it is important to consider their sense of modesty. The child should undress themselves, leaving underpants on and using a gown or drape to maintain privacy. Additionally, a school-age child like a 6-year-old is curious about how equipment works, so it is beneficial to explain the purpose and function of the tools being used. The examination sequence should typically progress from the child's head to the toes to ensure a thorough assessment. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the appropriate approach to examining a 6-year-old child.
4. In the Gram Stain procedure, which component acts as the mordant?
- A. Crystal violet
- B. Methyl alcohol
- C. Iodine
- D. Safranin
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In the Gram Stain procedure, the mordant is Gram's Iodine. The purpose of the mordant is to form a complex with the crystal violet, enhancing its ability to bind to the cell wall. Crystal violet is actually the primary stain used in the Gram Stain procedure to initially color all cells. Methyl alcohol is the decolorizer that removes the crystal violet from certain cell types. Safranin is the counterstain used to stain those cells that did not retain the crystal violet stain after the decolorization step.
5. Which technique is correct when assessing the radial pulse of a patient?
- A. Palpate for 1 minute if the rhythm is irregular.
- B. Palpate for 15 seconds and multiply by 4 if the rhythm is regular.
- C. Palpate for 2 full minutes to detect any variation in amplitude.
- D. Palpate for 10 seconds and multiply by 6 if the rhythm is regular and the patient has no history of cardiac abnormalities.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When assessing the radial pulse, if the rhythm is irregular, the pulse should be counted for a full minute to get an accurate representation of the pulse rate. In cases where the rhythm is regular, the recommended technique is to palpate for 15 seconds and then multiply by 4 to calculate the beats per minute. This method is more accurate and efficient for normal or rapid heart rates. Palpating for 30 seconds and multiplying by 2 is not as effective, as any error in counting results in a larger discrepancy in the calculated heart rate. Palpating for 2 full minutes is excessive and not necessary for routine pulse assessment. Palpating for 10 seconds and multiplying by 6 is not a standard technique and may lead to inaccuracies, especially in patients with cardiac abnormalities.
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