NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. What does an individual who believes in the magicoreligious theory of illness and disease think is the cause of illness?
- A. Germs and viruses
- B. Supernatural forces
- C. Eating imbalanced (hot/cold) foods
- D. Imbalance within his or her spiritual nature
Correct answer: Supernatural forces
Rationale: Individuals who adhere to the magicoreligious theory of illness and disease attribute the cause of illness to supernatural forces. In this perspective, the world is perceived as governed by supernatural forces that influence the well-being of individuals. The belief is that these forces can bring about both good and evil outcomes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Germs and viruses are associated with the biomedical theory of illness. Eating imbalanced hot or cold foods is linked to the yin/yang naturalist theory. Imbalance within one's spiritual nature is not a recognized cause of illness in any of the established theories of illness.
2. A 70-year-old man has a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg in a lying position, 130/80 mm Hg in a sitting position, and 100/60 mm Hg in a standing position. How should the nurse evaluate these findings?
- A. These readings are a normal response and attributable to changes in the patient’s position.
- B. The change in blood pressure readings is called orthostatic hypotension.
- C. The blood pressure reading in the lying position is within normal limits.
- D. The change in blood pressure readings is considered within normal limits for the patient’s age.
Correct answer: The change in blood pressure readings is called orthostatic hypotension.
Rationale: The correct answer is, 'The change in blood pressure readings is called orthostatic hypotension.' Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop in systolic pressure of ³20 mm Hg or ³10 mm Hg drop in diastolic pressure that occurs with a quick change to a standing position. This condition is common in individuals on prolonged bed rest, older adults, those with hypovolemia, or taking specific medications. The blood pressure readings provided in the question (150/90 mm Hg lying, 130/80 mm Hg sitting, and 100/60 mm Hg standing) demonstrate a significant change in blood pressure with position changes, which is indicative of orthostatic hypotension. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the readings do not indicate a normal response or blood pressure within normal limits for the patient’s age; rather, they suggest the presence of orthostatic hypotension.
3. Nursing care plans are _______________?
- A. written by CNAs before they provide care
- B. guidelines of care that all nursing team members use
- C. used by nurses but not by nursing assistants
- D. used by nursing assistants but not by nurses
Correct answer: guidelines of care that all nursing team members use
Rationale: Nursing care plans are comprehensive documents created by registered nurses to outline individualized care for patients. These plans serve as guidelines for all members of the nursing team, including nursing assistants, to ensure consistent and quality care. Choice A is incorrect as CNAs typically assist in implementing the care plan rather than creating it. Choice C is incorrect as nursing care plans are utilized by all members of the nursing team, not exclusive to only nurses. Choice D is incorrect as nursing assistants also utilize nursing care plans to provide patient care effectively.
4. When measuring a patient’s body temperature, what factor should be considered that can influence the temperature?
- A. Constipation
- B. Diurnal cycle
- C. Nocturnal cycle
- D. Patient’s emotional state
Correct answer: Diurnal cycle
Rationale: When measuring body temperature, it is essential to consider factors that can influence it. The diurnal cycle, which refers to the body's natural temperature variations throughout a 24-hour period, can impact body temperature readings. Factors like exercise, age, and environment can also affect body temperature. Constipation does not directly influence body temperature. The 'nocturnal cycle' is not a recognized term in relation to body temperature. While a patient's emotional state can affect vital signs, it is not a primary factor in influencing body temperature measurements.
5. While explaining an illness to a 10-year-old, what should the nurse keep in mind about the cognitive development at this age?
- A. They are able to make simple associations of ideas
- B. They are able to think logically in organizing facts
- C. Interpretation of events originates from their own perspective
- D. Conclusions are based on previous experiences
Correct answer: They are able to think logically in organizing facts
Rationale: At the age of 10, children are in the concrete operations stage according to Piaget. They are capable of mature thought when allowed to manipulate and organize objects. This means they can think logically, organize facts, and understand cause-and-effect relationships. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. While simple associations of ideas may occur, the key cognitive ability at this stage is the capacity for logical thought and organization of information. Interpretation of events from their own perspective is more characteristic of younger children, and conclusions based on previous experiences are more aligned with older children or adults.
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