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NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. The nurse is unable to palpate the right radial pulse on a patient. What would the nurse do next?
- A. Auscultate over the area with a fetoscope.
- B. Use a goniometer to measure the pulsations.
- C. Use a Doppler device to check for pulsations over the area.
- D. Check for the presence of pulsations with a stethoscope.
Correct answer: Use a Doppler device to check for pulsations over the area.
Rationale: When a nurse is unable to palpate a radial pulse, the next step is to use a Doppler device to check for pulsations over the area. Doppler devices are specifically designed to augment pulse or blood pressure measurements. Auscultating with a fetoscope is used to listen to fetal heart tones and is not relevant in this scenario. Goniometers are used to measure joint range of motion and are not used to assess pulses. Stethoscopes are primarily used to auscultate breath, bowel, and heart sounds, not to check for pulsations in peripheral pulses. Therefore, the correct course of action when unable to palpate a pulse is to utilize a Doppler device to assess for pulsations in the radial pulse area.
2. A client with myocardial infarction is receiving tissue plasminogen activator, alteplase (Activase, tPA). While on the therapy, the nurse plans to prioritize which of the following?
- A. Observe for neurological changes
- B. Monitor for any signs of renal failure
- C. Check the food diary
- D. Observe for signs of bleeding
Correct answer: Observe for signs of bleeding
Rationale: The priority concern for a client receiving thrombolytic medication, such as tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase), is to monitor for signs of bleeding. Thrombolytics work by converting plasminogen to plasmin, which degrades fibrin. This process can lead to the breakdown of both fibrin-bound plasminogen on thrombi surfaces and unbound plasminogen in the plasma. The resulting plasmin can degrade fibrin, fibrinogen, factor V, and factor VIII. Observing for signs of bleeding is crucial due to the increased risk of hemorrhage associated with thrombolytic therapy. Monitoring for neurological changes, signs of renal failure, or checking the food diary are not the immediate priorities compared to detecting and managing potential bleeding complications.
3. A client injured in a motor vehicle accident was brought to the emergency department and taken immediately for a scan. The client’s family arrives and asks about the client’s condition. Which response would the nurse provide?
- A. Please do not worry; everything will be all right.
- B. I am sorry; I do not have any information about the client.
- C. You will have to wait for the primary health care provider.
- D. Please wait; I will update you as soon as I have any information.
Correct answer: Please wait; I will update you as soon as I have any information.
Rationale: In this situation, the most appropriate response for the nurse to provide to the client's family is to assure them that they will be updated as soon as there is relevant information available. This response not only acknowledges the family's concern but also demonstrates the nurse's commitment to keeping them informed. Option A, providing false reassurances, is not advisable as it may impact the family's ability to cope with potential bad news. Option B, stating that the nurse has no information, is not helpful and can cause distress. Option C, directing the family to the primary health care provider, is not ideal as the nurse should strive to communicate directly with the family to establish trust and provide support.
4. What would a healthcare professional expect to observe while assessing the growth of children during their school-age years?
- A. Decreasing amounts of body fat and muscle mass
- B. Little change in body appearance from year to year
- C. Progressive height increase of 4 inches each year
- D. Yearly weight gain of about 5.5 pounds per year
Correct answer: Yearly weight gain of about 5.5 pounds per year
Rationale: During school-age years, children typically gain about 5.5 pounds per year and increase in height by about 2 inches annually. This steady growth pattern is expected between ages 2 to 10 years. Choice A is incorrect as children at this stage are expected to gain weight and grow in height. Choice B is incorrect as there should be noticeable changes in body appearance due to growth. Choice C is incorrect as a progressive height increase of 4 inches each year is not typical during the school-age years.
5. To which of the following do the CDC Standard precautions recommendations apply?
- A. Patients with diagnosed infections only
- B. Blood or body fluids with visible blood only
- C. All body fluids including sweat
- D. All patients receiving care in hospitals
Correct answer: All patients receiving care in hospitals
Rationale: The correct answer is 'All patients receiving care in hospitals.' Standard precautions apply to all patients in healthcare settings, regardless of their infection status. These recommendations include all body fluids except sweat, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes. Choice A is incorrect as standard precautions are not limited to patients with diagnosed infections. Choice B is incorrect as standard precautions extend beyond blood or body fluids with visible blood. Choice C is incorrect as sweat is an exception to the body fluids covered under standard precautions.
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