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: B
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 triage nurse has four clients arrive in the emergency department within 15 minutes. Which client should the triage nurse send back to be seen first?
- A. A 2-month-old infant with a history of rolling off the bed and having a bulging fontanelle with crying
- B. A teenager who suffered singed facial hair while camping
- C. An elderly client with complaints of frequent liquid brown-colored stools
- D. A middle-aged client with intermittent pain behind the right scapula
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the teenager who suffered singed facial hair while camping. This client is in the greatest danger with a potential risk of respiratory distress. Singed facial hair indicates exposure to heat or fire in close range, which could have caused serious damage to the interior of the lungs. It's crucial to prioritize this client as the interior lining of the lungs has no nerve fibers, so swelling may not be immediately noticeable. The other choices, while concerning, do not present an immediate life-threatening situation. The infant's condition may be serious but does not pose an immediate danger of respiratory distress. The elderly client's symptoms could indicate gastrointestinal issues, which are important but not as urgent as potential respiratory compromise. The middle-aged client's pain behind the right scapula, while uncomfortable, does not indicate an acute life-threatening condition requiring immediate attention.
3. When counting an infant's respirations, which technique is correct?
- A. Watching the chest rise and fall
- B. Observing the movement of the abdomen
- C. Placing a hand across the infant's chest
- D. Using a stethoscope to listen to the breath sounds
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct technique for counting an infant's respirations is to observe the movement of the abdomen. Infants typically have more diaphragmatic breathing than thoracic, so watching the abdomen provides a more accurate count. Placing a hand on the chest or listening with a stethoscope can alter the infant's breathing pattern and provide inaccurate results. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect methods for counting an infant's respirations. By observing the movement of the abdomen, healthcare providers can accurately assess an infant's respiratory rate without influencing their breathing pattern.
4. You are taking care of 7 patients today. One of your residents wants water; another needs help walking to the bathroom; another just stated that they have chest pain; and another is crying because his daughter did not visit him today. Which patient care task is the lowest in terms of priority?
- A. The water
- B. Help to the bathroom
- C. The chest pain
- D. The crying person
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The lowest priority patient care task in this scenario is addressing the emotional need of the patient who is crying because his daughter did not visit him today. While emotional support is important, the other needs - providing water, assisting to the bathroom, and addressing chest pain - are physical needs that must take priority as they directly impact the patient's well-being and health. It is crucial to acknowledge and address emotional needs but in this situation, the physical needs of the patients should be addressed first.
5. A student is late for an appointment and has rushed across campus to the health clinic. How should the nurse proceed?
- A. Allow 5 minutes for the student to relax and rest before checking their vital signs.
- B. Check the blood pressure in both arms, expecting a difference in the readings due to the recent exercise.
- C. Immediately monitor the student's vital signs upon arrival at the clinic and then 5 minutes later, recording any differences.
- D. Check the student's blood pressure in the supine position to provide a more accurate reading and allow the student to relax at the same time.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To ensure an accurate blood pressure reading, it is important for the student to be in a relaxed state. Allowing at least a 5-minute rest period helps reduce anxiety and provides a valid blood pressure measurement. Checking the blood pressure in both arms is unnecessary unless there is a specific reason to suspect an issue, and recent exercise should not significantly impact the readings. Monitoring vital signs immediately upon arrival may not yield accurate results due to the rush and anxiety of the student. Checking blood pressure in the supine position is not necessary in this scenario and does not provide a more accurate reading.
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