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 of these specific measurements is the best index of a child's general health?
- A. Body mass index
- B. Height and weight
- C. Head circumference
- D. Chest circumference
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Height and weight are the most accurate measurements to assess a child's general health. These measurements reflect the physical growth and development of the child, indicating overall health status. Choices C and D, head circumference and chest circumference, are important measurements for specific assessments but do not provide as comprehensive an overview of general health as height and weight. Body mass index (BMI) is a calculation based on height and weight, making height and weight more direct and primary indicators of a child's health compared to BMI.
3. What is the correct action regarding thigh pressure when comparing it to arm pressure in an adolescent with high blood pressure?
- A. The popliteal artery should be auscultated to obtain thigh pressure.
- B. The best position to measure thigh pressure is the prone position.
- C. If the blood pressure in the arm is high in an adolescent, then it should be compared with the thigh pressure.
- D. Thigh pressure is generally higher than arm pressure due to the proximity to the heart and the size of the popliteal vessels.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When blood pressure measured in the arm is significantly elevated, especially in adolescents and young adults, it is crucial to compare it with thigh pressure to assess for coarctation of the aorta. The popliteal artery, not the femoral artery, should be auscultated for the thigh pressure reading as the femoral artery is closer to the placement of the blood pressure cuff. Generally, thigh pressure is higher than arm pressure; however, if there is coarctation of the artery, arm pressures can be higher than thigh pressures. The preferred position for measuring thigh pressure is the prone position, not supine, with the knee slightly bent to facilitate accurate readings.
4. Which of the following constitutes the five rights of medication administration?
- A. Right client, right nurse, right time, right dose, right route
- B. Right client, right time, right dose, right route, right order
- C. Right client, right drug, right dose, right time, right route
- D. Right physician, right nurse, right client, right drug, right dose
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The five rights of medication administration are essential to ensure safe and effective drug delivery to clients. The correct answer includes ensuring the right client receives the right drug at the right dose, via the right route, and at the right time. These elements are crucial to prevent medication errors and ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes. Choice A is incorrect as it includes 'right nurse' which is not part of the five rights of medication administration. Choice B is incorrect as it includes 'right order' which is not part of the five rights. Choice C is incorrect as it includes 'right drug' and 'right route', but it lacks 'right client' and 'right time'. Choice D is incorrect as it includes 'right physician' which is not part of the five rights.
5. The nurse is preparing to assess a hospitalized patient who is experiencing significant shortness of breath. How should the nurse proceed with the assessment?
- A. Have the patient lie down to obtain an accurate cardiac, respiratory, and abdominal assessment.
- B. Obtain a thorough history and physical assessment from the patient's family member.
- C. Immediately perform a complete history and physical assessment to obtain baseline information.
- D. Examine the body areas relevant to the problem and complete the rest of the assessment after the problem has resolved.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When assessing a patient experiencing significant shortness of breath, it is crucial to prioritize the evaluation of areas directly related to the problem. Having the patient lie down may exacerbate the breathing difficulty. Therefore, the nurse should focus on examining the body areas pertinent to the issue, such as the respiratory and cardiac systems. Completing the rest of the assessment can be deferred until after addressing the immediate problem. Obtaining a complete history or involving family members should come after addressing the acute issue to ensure the patient's safety and comfort.
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