NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. In which situation would the nurse use bimanual palpation technique?
- A. Palpating the thorax of an infant
- B. Palpating the kidneys and uterus
- C. Assessing pulsations and vibrations
- D. Assessing the presence of tenderness and pain
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Bimanual palpation involves using both hands to envelop or capture specific body parts or organs like the kidneys, uterus, or adnexa. This technique is particularly useful for assessing the size, shape, consistency, and mobility of deep organs like the kidneys and uterus. Palpating the thorax of an infant (Choice A) is usually done with a different technique like gentle, single-handed palpation. Assessing pulsations and vibrations (Choice C) and assessing tenderness and pain (Choice D) typically do not require the use of bimanual palpation, making Choices A, C, and D incorrect.
2. During the evaluation of the quality of home care for a client with Alzheimer's disease, the priority for the nurse is to reinforce which statement by a family member?
- A. "At least two (2) full meals a day are eaten."?
- B. "We go to a group discussion every week at our community center."?
- C. "We have safety bars installed in the bathroom and have 24-hour alarms on the doors."?
- D. "The medication is not a problem to have taken three (3) times a day."?
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is, '"We have safety bars installed in the bathroom and have 24-hour alarms on the doors."?' Ensuring the safety of a client with Alzheimer's disease is crucial in home care. Installing safety features like bars in the bathroom and alarms on doors help prevent accidents and injuries. This contributes to creating a safe environment that promotes independence and autonomy for the client. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while they are important aspects of care, ensuring safety in the home environment takes precedence in caring for a client with Alzheimer's disease.
3. Madge is a 91-year-old nursing home resident with a history of dementia and atrial fibrillation who has been admitted to the hospital for treatment of pneumonia. As you are performing her bed bath, you note bruising around her breasts and genital area. What potential issue should be of major concern in Madge's situation?
- A. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
- B. Embolic stroke
- C. Sexual abuse
- D. Nursing home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP)
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Bruising around the breasts and genitals should trigger concern for sexual abuse. Elder abuse is a growing problem in America, and nurses are uniquely positioned to recognize and intervene on behalf of vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), major types of elder abuse include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial or material exploitation, and self-neglect. In this scenario, given Madge's age, history of dementia, and the presence of unexplained bruising in sensitive areas, sexual abuse must be considered as a major concern. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a platelet disorder that presents with excessive bruising and bleeding, but it is less likely in this case as the bruising pattern is suggestive of a different cause. Embolic stroke is a neurological condition that typically presents with sudden onset neurological deficits and is not related to the observed bruising. Nursing home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP) is a common issue in elderly residents but would not manifest as bruising in specific areas like the breasts and genitals.
4. Which complication of cardiac catheterization should the nurse monitor for in the initial 24 hours after the procedure?
- A. Angina at rest
- B. Thrombus formation
- C. Dizziness
- D. Falling blood pressure
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Thrombus formation is a critical complication of cardiac catheterization that the nurse should monitor for in the initial 24 hours after the procedure. A thrombus can form in the blood vessels, obstructing blood flow and potentially leading to serious consequences such as embolism or organ ischemia. While angina at rest, dizziness, and falling blood pressure are potential complications following cardiac catheterization, they are not typically associated with the immediate post-procedural period. Monitoring for thrombus formation is essential to ensure early detection and intervention, which can prevent serious complications.
5. The nurse is teaching a student nurse about the different types of thermometers. When teaching the student about the advantages of the tympanic membrane thermometer (TMT), which statement would the nurse include?
- A. "Measuring temperature using the TMT is cost-effective."?
- B. "The rapid measurement of the TMT is beneficial for uncooperative younger children."?
- C. "TMT is not recommended for measuring core body temperature in newborn infants."?
- D. "TMT is not the preferred method for measuring body temperature in patients with otitis media."?
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is "The rapid measurement of the TMT is beneficial for uncooperative younger children." TMT is ideal for young children who may not cooperate for oral temperatures or fear rectal temperatures. However, using TMT for newborn infants is not recommended due to inconsistencies in results. Measuring temperature with TMT is not necessarily cost-effective. The most accurate method for measuring core temperature is through rectal temperatures. TMT may not be the preferred method for patients with otitis media due to potential inaccuracies caused by fluid behind the tympanic membrane.
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