NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. The nurse is reviewing the hot/cold theory of health and illness. Which statement best describes the basic tenets of this theory?
- A. The causation of illness is based on supernatural forces that influence the humors of the body.
- B. Herbs and medicines are classified based on their physical characteristics of hot and cold and the humors of the body.
- C. The four humors of the body consist of blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm.
- D. The treatment of disease consists of adding or subtracting cold, heat, dryness, or wetness to restore the balance of the humors of the body.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The hot/cold theory of health and illness is based on the four humors of the body: blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. These humors regulate the basic bodily functions, described in terms of temperature, dryness, and moisture. The treatment of disease in this theory involves adding or subtracting cold, heat, dryness, or wetness to restore the balance of the humors. Choice A is incorrect as the theory is not based on supernatural forces but on the balance of bodily humors. Choice B is incorrect as herbs and medicines are not classified solely based on their physical characteristics of hot and cold in this theory. Choice C is incorrect as the four humors are blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile, not spiritual connectedness or social aspects. Therefore, the correct choice is D, as it accurately reflects a foundational tenet of the hot/cold theory of health and illness.
2. The student observes a patient with no breathing problems. Which action by the student indicates a need to review respiratory assessment skills?
- A. The student starts at the apices of the lungs and moves to the bases.
- B. The student compares breath sounds from side to side, avoiding bony areas.
- C. The student places the stethoscope over the posterior chest and listens during expiration.
- D. The student instructs the patient to breathe slowly and a little more deeply than normal through the mouth.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Listening only during inspiration instead of both inspiration and expiration indicates a need for a review of respiratory assessment skills. During chest auscultation, it is essential to listen to at least one cycle of inspiration and expiration at each placement of the stethoscope. Instructing the patient to breathe slowly and a little deeper than normal through the mouth is a correct practice during auscultation. The correct sequence for lung auscultation is from the apices to the bases, comparing breath sounds bilaterally, avoiding bony areas. It is crucial to place the stethoscope over lung tissue rather than bony prominences to accurately assess lung sounds.
3. A patient has come to the office for a blood draw. The patient starts to sweat and is very anxious. Which of the following would be the BEST way to proceed?
- A. Do not perform the procedure. Notify the physician of the reason why.
- B. Perform the procedure but pay close attention for signs of potential syncope.
- C. Allow the patient to reschedule for a time when he isn't as anxious.
- D. Have the physician draw the blood.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the scenario where a patient is sweating and anxious, it is important to assess for signs of potential syncope (fainting) while proceeding with the blood draw. If the patient does not exhibit signs of fainting, the phlebotomy procedure can be performed safely. Postponing the procedure may not address the patient's anxiety and inconvenience them. Having the physician draw the blood is not necessary if the phlebotomist can handle the situation effectively.
4. A client is preparing to administer an enema to a 64-year-old client. Which of the following actions of the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Assist the client to lie in the semi-Fowler position
- B. Apply lubricating jelly to the tip of the catheter before insertion
- C. Instill a total of 30cc of fluid into the client's rectum
- D. Ask the client to hold the solution in for 30 seconds
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When administering an enema to a client, the nurse should place the client in the Sims' position for easy access. The correct action is to apply lubricating jelly to the tip of the catheter before insertion to facilitate a smoother procedure. It is essential to instill a maximum of 750 to 1000 cc of fluid for an adult client, not just 30cc. Following administration, the nurse should ask the client to hold the solution for at least 5 minutes to allow for the desired effect of the enema. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate action, as choices A, C, and D are incorrect due to inaccuracies in positioning, enema volume, and retention time.
5. Which technique of assessment will the healthcare provider use to determine the presence of crepitus, swelling, and pulsations?
- A. Palpation
- B. Inspection
- C. Percussion
- D. Auscultation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Palpation involves using the sense of touch to assess various characteristics such as texture, temperature, moisture, organ location and size, as well as detecting swelling, pulsations, vibrations, rigidity, crepitus, lumps, masses, and tenderness or pain. In this scenario, the healthcare provider would utilize palpation to physically feel for crepitus, swelling, and pulsations. Inspection primarily relies on visual assessment, percussion involves assessing through palpable vibrations and audible sounds, and auscultation uses the sense of hearing. Therefore, the correct answer is palpation for assessing the presence of crepitus, swelling, and pulsations.
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