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: hold the measuring device at eye level and read the bottom of the curve of the liquid level

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. A leukemia patient has a relative who wants to donate blood for transfusion. Which of the following donor medical conditions would prevent this?

A. A history of hepatitis C five years previously
B. Cholecystitis requiring cholecystectomy one year previously
C. Asymptomatic diverticulosis
D. Crohn’s disease in remission

Correct answer: A history of hepatitis C five years previously

Rationale: A history of hepatitis C five years previously would prevent a donor from donating blood for transfusion. Hepatitis C is a viral infection transmitted through bodily fluids, such as blood, causing inflammation of the liver. Patients with hepatitis C may not donate blood for transfusion due to the high risk of infection in the recipient. Cholecystitis requiring cholecystectomy one year previously, asymptomatic diverticulosis, and Crohn’s disease in remission are not contraindications for blood donation as they do not pose a risk of transmitting infections to the recipient.

3. Patients have a right to ______________.

A. only enough information so they can comply with care
B. ALL of their health-related information
C. small amounts of information so they do not get nervous
D. moderate amounts of information unless they are old

Correct answer: ALL of their health-related information

Rationale: Patients have a legal right to access all of their health-related information. This includes details about their health condition, treatment options, test results, and any other relevant data. Providing patients with all their health-related information empowers them to make informed decisions about their care, promotes transparency in the healthcare process, and respects their autonomy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they restrict the information patients should receive based on assumptions or limitations, which goes against the principle of patient autonomy and their right to access their complete health-related information.

4. The nurse is assessing children in a pediatric clinic. Which statement is true regarding the measurement of blood pressure in children?

A. Blood pressure guidelines for children are based on age.
B. Phase II Korotkoff sounds are the best indicator of systolic blood pressure in children.
C. Using a Doppler device is recommended for accurate blood pressure measurements until adolescence.
D. The disappearance of phase V Korotkoff sounds can be used for the diastolic reading in children.

Correct answer: The disappearance of phase V Korotkoff sounds can be used for the diastolic reading in children.

Rationale: The disappearance of phase V Korotkoff sounds can be used for the diastolic reading in children, as well as in adults. Blood pressure guidelines for children are based on more than just age, but also sex and height. Phase I Korotkoff, not Phase II, is the best indicator of systolic blood pressure. The true statement regarding the measurement of blood pressure in children is that the disappearance of phase V Korotkoff sounds can be used for the diastolic reading in children, as well as in adults.

5. A 1-month-old infant has a head measurement of 34 cm and a chest circumference of 32 cm. Based on the interpretation of these findings, what action would the nurse take?

A. Refer the infant to a physician for further evaluation.
B. Consider these findings normal for a 1-month-old infant.
C. Expect the chest circumference to be greater than the head circumference.
D. Ask the parent to return in 2 weeks to re-evaluate the head and chest circumferences.

Correct answer: Consider these findings normal for a 1-month-old infant.

Rationale: In infants, a normal head measurement is approximately 32 to 38 cm, and it is usually around 2 cm larger than the chest circumference. These measurements vary with age; between 6 months and 2 years, both measurements are approximately the same, and after age 2 years, the chest circumference becomes greater than the head circumference. Given that the 1-month-old infant's head measurement is within the typical range and slightly larger than the chest circumference, the nurse should consider these findings normal. There is no indication to refer the infant for further evaluation or to have the parent return for re-evaluation in 2 weeks, as these measurements fall within the expected parameters for a 1-month-old infant.