NCLEX-RN
Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. When assessing a patient’s pulse, which of the following characteristics would the nurse also notice?
- A. Force
- B. Pallor
- C. Capillary refill time
- D. Timing in the cardiac cycle
Correct answer: Force
Rationale: When assessing a patient's pulse, the nurse should observe characteristics such as rate, rhythm, and force. Force refers to the strength or amplitude of the pulse, which provides important information about cardiac output. Pallor is the paleness of the skin and is not directly related to pulse assessment. Capillary refill time is used to assess peripheral perfusion and is not specifically part of pulse assessment. Timing in the cardiac cycle is a broader concept and not a characteristic directly assessed during a pulse examination. Therefore, choice A, 'Force,' is the correct answer as it aligns with the standard parameters evaluated during pulse assessment.
2. When providing endotracheal suctioning, for how long should the nurse suction the endotracheal tube of an intubated client on a ventilator at a time?
- A. Five seconds or less
- B. Ten seconds or less
- C. At least 30 seconds
- D. No longer than 60 seconds
Correct answer: Ten seconds or less
Rationale: When providing endotracheal suctioning, the nurse should suction for no longer than ten seconds at a time. Suctioning for longer than ten seconds may cause hypoxia or bronchospasm. Extended suctioning may also place the client at risk of injury to the bronchial and tracheal structures. Choices C and D suggest prolonged suctioning durations that can lead to adverse effects on the client. Choice A, suctioning for five seconds or less, may not be adequate to clear secretions effectively, making choice B the most appropriate duration for safe and efficient suctioning in this scenario.
3. When providing mouth care to a patient in a coma, what should you do to provide good and safe mouth care?
- A. keep the head of the bed up to prevent aspiration
- B. brush the teeth and rinse the mouth with a cup of water
- C. use a special foam swab to brush only the tongue
- D. use a special foam swab to brush the tongue and teeth
Correct answer: use a special foam swab to brush the tongue and teeth
Rationale: When providing mouth care to a patient in a coma, it is crucial to use a special foam swab to brush the tongue and teeth. This method helps maintain good oral hygiene for comatose patients. Special foam swabs are designed to effectively clean all areas of the mouth, including the cheeks and tongue, ensuring thorough care. Using water for mouth care in comatose patients can lead to aspiration, so it is important to avoid this practice. Keeping the head of the bed up alone does not prevent aspiration during mouth care for comatose patients, making choice A incorrect. Merely brushing the tongue (choice C) or using a foam swab only on the tongue (choice B) may not provide the comprehensive mouth care necessary for patients in a coma.
4. Specific gravity in urinalysis:
- A. compares the concentration of urine to that of distilled water
- B. is useless when the patient is dehydrated
- C. can only be measured using a refractometer
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: compares the concentration of urine to that of distilled water
Rationale: Specific gravity in urinalysis measures the concentration of solutes in urine compared to that of distilled water. This comparison helps in assessing the kidney's ability to concentrate urine properly. It is a valuable test even in dehydrated patients as it provides insights into renal function. Specific gravity can be measured using various methods, including a refractometer or reagent strips. Normal specific gravity readings of human urine typically range from 1.005 to 1.030. Choice A is correct as it accurately describes the purpose of specific gravity in urinalysis. Choices B and C are incorrect as specific gravity remains relevant in dehydrated patients and can be measured using different techniques, not solely a refractometer.
5. What is the best outcome for a patient with the nursing diagnosis: Impaired social interaction related to sociocultural dissonance, as evidenced by stating, “Although I’d like to, I don’t join in because I don’t speak the language very well?” The patient will:
- A. demonstrate improved social skills
- B. express a desire to interact with others
- C. become more independent in decision-making
- D. select and participate in one group activity per day
Correct answer: select and participate in one group activity per day
Rationale: The correct outcome for the patient with impaired social interaction related to sociocultural dissonance is to select and participate in one group activity per day. This outcome focuses on increasing social involvement, which aligns with addressing the nursing diagnosis. The patient has already expressed a desire to interact with others, so the goal is to facilitate actual participation in social activities. Becoming more independent in decision-making and demonstrating improved social skills are not directly related to the specific nursing diagnosis provided. Additionally, the outcomes must be measurable, making choices A and C less appropriate as they lack specificity and measurability.
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