to properly read a meniscus

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Predictor Exam

1. To properly read a meniscus,

A. hold the measuring device at eye level and read the bottom of the curve of the liquid level
B. hold the measuring device at eye level and read the top of the curve of the liquid level where the liquid adheres to the walls of the container.
C. hold the measuring device at table level and, looking down into the measuring device, read the bottom of the curve of the liquid level.
D. hold the measuring device at table level and, looking down into the measuring device, read the top of the curve of the liquid level.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To properly read a meniscus, it is essential to hold the measuring device at eye level to avoid parallax error. Reading the bottom of the curve of the liquid level is correct because the meniscus is the concave or convex curve at the liquid's surface. Choice B is incorrect because reading the top of the curve where the liquid adheres to the walls of the container can lead to inaccurate measurements. Choices C and D are incorrect as they suggest holding the device at table level, which can introduce parallax error and result in an incorrect reading.

2. What does the medical term 'basophilia' refer to?

A. An attachment of the epithelial cells of the skin to a basement membrane
B. An overabundance of a particular white blood cell in the peripheral blood
C. An underrepresentation of basophils on a blood smear
D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'An overabundance of a particular white blood cell in the peripheral blood.' Basophilia specifically indicates an increased number of basophils in the peripheral blood. It can be observed in conditions like leukemia and certain allergic reactions. Choice A is incorrect as it describes something unrelated to basophilia. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests a decrease in basophils, which is opposite to the actual meaning of basophilia. Choice D is also incorrect as basophilia does have a defined medical significance.

3. What is an attack using microorganisms such as bacteria or viral agents with the intent to harm others called?

A. Assimilation
B. Defense intervention
C. Bioterrorism
D. Environmental remediation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bioterrorism is the act of using harmful agents like bacteria or viruses with the intention to harm others. In the context of healthcare, nurses may be involved in disaster response if bioterrorism weapons affect the community. Choice A, assimilation, refers to the process of absorbing and integrating information or ideas. Choice B, defense intervention, does not specifically relate to the intentional use of microorganisms to harm others. Choice D, environmental remediation, involves the process of cleaning up pollution or contamination in the environment, which is unrelated to the deliberate use of pathogens for harmful purposes.

4. You are working the 4 pm to 12 midnight evening shift. You are taking care of a group of patients. The supervising RN identifies 5 patients who get a medication at 'HS'. When will you give this medication?

A. After the dinner meal
B. Whenever requested
C. At the patient's bedtime
D. Before the end of the shift

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to give the medication at the patient's bedtime. 'HS' is a medical abbreviation that stands for 'hora somni,' which translates to 'at bedtime' or 'at the hours of sleep.' This timing ensures that the medication is administered appropriately to align with the patient's sleep schedule and maximize its effectiveness. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because giving the medication after dinner, whenever requested, or before the end of the shift may not coincide with the intended purpose of the medication, potentially affecting its efficacy and patient outcomes.

5. What term is used to refer to generalized wasting of body tissues and malnutrition?

A. Entropion
B. Confabulation
C. Induration
D. Cachexia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cachexia is the correct term used to describe the generalized wasting of body tissues, ill health, and malnutrition associated with some chronic diseases. It involves a loss of fat tissue to protect the bones and joints. Clients with cachexia are at risk of pressure ulcers and other complications due to malnutrition and poor health. Entropion refers to an eyelid condition, confabulation is a memory disturbance, and induration is the abnormal hardening of a part of the body.