NCLEX-RN
Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. Why should a palpated pressure be performed before auscultating blood pressure?
- A. To more clearly hear the Korotkoff sounds.
- B. To detect the presence of an auscultatory gap.
- C. To avoid missing a falsely elevated blood pressure.
- D. To more readily identify phase IV of the Korotkoff sounds.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Performing a palpated pressure before auscultating blood pressure helps in detecting the presence of an auscultatory gap. An auscultatory gap is a period during blood pressure measurement when Korotkoff sounds temporarily disappear before reappearing. Inflation of the cuff 20 to 30 mm Hg beyond the point where a palpated pulse disappears helps in identifying this gap. This technique ensures accurate blood pressure measurement by preventing the underestimation of blood pressure values. The other options are incorrect because palpating the pressure is not primarily done to hear Korotkoff sounds more clearly, avoid missing falsely elevated blood pressure, or readily identify a specific phase of Korotkoff sounds.
2. Which of the following puts the layers of skin in the correct order from right to left?
- A. Dermis, epidermis, hypodermis
- B. Hypodermis, epidermis, dermis
- C. Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct order of the layers of skin from outermost to innermost is the epidermis, dermis, and then the hypodermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, followed by the dermis, which is the middle layer containing connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands. The hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous tissue, lies beneath the dermis and consists of fat and connective tissue. Choice A is incorrect as it lists the layers in the reverse order. Choice B is incorrect as it reverses the order of the layers. Choice D is incorrect as there is a correct answer among the choices.
3. Which of the following statements best describes substance P?
- A. Substance P decreases a client's sensitivity to pain
- B. Substance P levels are drawn before administration of narcotic analgesics
- C. Substance P is found in the brain and is responsible for pain control and management of depression
- D. Substance P is found in the dorsal horn of the spinal column
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Substance P is a neurotransmitter found in the brain and the dorsal horn of the spinal column, not just in the brain. It is associated with pain transmission and modulation. Substance P is known to cause inflammation, edema, and pain. While it plays a role in pain perception, it does not decrease a client's sensitivity to pain (Choice A), nor are its levels typically drawn before administering narcotic analgesics (Choice B). Although substance P is involved in pain control, it is not responsible for managing depression (Choice C). Therefore, the correct statement is that substance P is found in the dorsal horn of the spinal column.
4. The nursing diagnosis is Risk for impaired skin integrity related to immobility and pressure secondary to pain and presence of a cast. Which of the following desired outcomes should the nurse include in the care plan?
- A. Client will be able to turn self by day 3
- B. Skin will remain intact and without redness during hospital stay
- C. Client will state pain relieved within 30 minutes after medication
- D. Pressure will be prevented by repositioning client every 2 hours
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct desired outcome for a nursing diagnosis of 'Risk for impaired skin integrity' is to ensure that the skin remains intact and without redness during the hospital stay. This outcome directly addresses the risk identified in the diagnosis. Option A focuses on addressing immobility, which is not the priority for this diagnosis. Option C deals with pain relief, which is a separate concern. Option D is an intervention involving pressure prevention through repositioning, rather than an outcome related to skin integrity.
5. Match the abbreviation with the correct definition:
- A. bid: twice a day
- B. tid: three times a day
- C. ac: before meals
- D. pc: after meals
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The abbreviation 'ac' stands for 'ante cibum,' which means 'before meals.' 'Bid' means twice a day. 'Tid' means three times a day, and 'pc' means after meals. When interpreting medical abbreviations, it is crucial to understand their precise meanings to ensure accurate communication and patient care.
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