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. Which gland of the endocrine system secretes a hormone that assists with the sleep/wake cycle?
- A. Pituitary
- B. Pineal
- C. Pancreas
- D. Hypothalamus
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the Pineal gland. The Pineal gland, located in the brain, secretes melatonin, which plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep/wake cycle in response to exposure to light. The Pituitary gland (Choice A) secretes various hormones but not specifically related to the sleep/wake cycle. The Pancreas (Choice C) secretes insulin and digestive enzymes, not hormones related to the sleep/wake cycle. The Hypothalamus (Choice D) is involved in regulating many bodily functions, including hormone secretion, but it does not directly secrete the hormone that regulates the sleep/wake cycle.
3. 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.
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. Following hospitalization for congestive heart failure, a client is discharged. The nurse teaching the family suggests they encourage the client to rest frequently in which of the following positions?
- A. High Fowler's
- B. Supine
- C. Left lateral
- D. Low Fowler's
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is High Fowler's. Sitting in a chair or resting in a bed in the high Fowler's position helps decrease the cardiac workload and facilitates breathing in clients with congestive heart failure. This position helps reduce venous return and increases lung expansion, improving oxygenation. The supine position (choice B) may lead to increased pressure on the heart and lungs, making it less suitable for these clients. The left lateral position (choice C) is not as effective as High Fowler's in reducing cardiac workload and improving breathing. Low Fowler's position (choice D) does not provide the same benefits as the High Fowler's position for clients with congestive heart failure.
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