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. The healthcare provider is reviewing theories of illness. The germ theory, which states that microscopic organisms such as bacteria and viruses are responsible for specific disease conditions, is a basic belief of which theory of illness?
- A. Holistic
- B. Biomedical
- C. Naturalistic
- D. Magicoreligious
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Biomedical. Among the biomedical explanations for disease is the germ theory, which states that microscopic organisms such as bacteria and viruses are responsible for specific disease conditions. The naturalistic or holistic perspective holds that the forces of nature must be kept in natural balance. The magicoreligious perspective holds that supernatural forces dominate and cause illness or health. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the germ theory explanation provided in the question.
3. The patient with migraine headaches has a seizure. After the seizure, which action can you delegate to the nursing assistant?
- A. Document the seizure
- B. Perform neurologic checks
- C. Take the patient's vital signs
- D. Restrain the patient for protection
Correct answer: C
Rationale: After a patient with migraine headaches has a seizure, it is important to assess their vital signs to monitor their condition. This task can be safely delegated to a nursing assistant as it falls within their scope of practice. Documenting the seizure and performing neurologic checks require a higher level of training and should be done by a nurse or healthcare provider. Restraint should never be used as a first-line intervention after a seizure unless there is an immediate threat to the patient's safety, and it should be done following proper protocols and with appropriate training.
4. To collect timely, specific information, the nurse is most likely to ask which of the following questions?
- A. Would you describe what you are feeling?
- B. How are you today?
- C. What would you like to talk about?
- D. Where does it hurt?
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is, 'Would you describe what you are feeling?' This open-ended question prompts the patient to provide subjective data, offering specific information about their current health status and human responses. This information can help identify actual or potential health issues. Choices B and C are more likely to yield general, nonspecific information. Choice D may lead to a brief response or nonverbal indication of pain location. A more effective approach to gather specific information about pain would be to ask, 'Can you describe any pain you are experiencing?'
5. A 6-month-old infant has been brought to the well-child clinic for a checkup. The infant is currently sleeping. What would the nurse do first when beginning the examination?
- A. Wake the infant before beginning the examination.
- B. Examine the infant's hips before the infant wakes up.
- C. Auscultate the lungs and heart while the infant is still sleeping.
- D. Begin with the assessment of the eye and continue with the remainder of the examination in a head-to-toe approach.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When the infant is quiet or sleeping, it is an ideal time to assess the cardiac, respiratory, and abdominal systems. It is recommended not to wake the infant unnecessarily. Auscultating the lungs and heart while the infant is still sleeping allows for a comprehensive assessment without disturbing the infant. Examining the infant's hips prematurely may disrupt the infant's sleep. Starting with an assessment of the eye is not appropriate as it is an invasive procedure and should be performed towards the end of the examination after the non-invasive assessments have been completed.
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