NCLEX-RN
Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. When auscultating the blood pressure of a 25-year-old patient, the nurse notices that the phase I Korotkoff sounds begin at 200 mm Hg. At 100 mm Hg, the Korotkoff sounds muffle. At 92 mm Hg, the Korotkoff sounds disappear. How should the nurse record this patient's blood pressure?
- A. 200/92
- B. 200/100
- C. 100/200/92
- D. 200/100/92
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When auscultating blood pressure, it is crucial to note the points at which Korotkoff sounds change. In adults, the last audible sound indicates the diastolic pressure. In this case, the Korotkoff sounds muffle at 100 mm Hg and disappear at 92 mm Hg. Therefore, the blood pressure should be recorded as systolic/diastolic, which is 200/92. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the correct points where the Korotkoff sounds change during blood pressure measurement.
2. When considering the concepts related to blood pressure, which statement best describes the concept of mean arterial pressure (MAP)?
- A. MAP is the pressure of the arterial pulse.
- B. MAP reflects the stroke volume of the heart.
- C. MAP is the pressure forcing blood into the tissues, averaged over the cardiac cycle.
- D. MAP is an average of the systolic and diastolic blood pressures and reflects tissue perfusion.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) is the pressure that forces blood into the tissues, averaged over the cardiac cycle. It is not the pressure of the arterial pulse (Choice A), nor does it directly reflect the stroke volume of the heart (Choice B). While MAP involves systolic and diastolic pressures, it is not simply an average of these two values as diastole lasts longer. Instead, MAP is closer to diastolic pressure plus one third of the pulse pressure. The best description of MAP is that it represents the pressure forcing blood into the tissues, averaged over the cardiac cycle.
3. For the nursing diagnostic statement, Self-care deficit: feeding related to bilateral fractured wrists in casts, what is the major related factor or risk factor identified by the nurse?
- A. Discomfort
- B. Deficit
- C. Feeding
- D. Fractured wrists
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Fractured wrists.' In a nursing diagnostic statement, the related factor or risk factor is the underlying cause of the identified problem. In this case, the major factor affecting the self-care deficit in feeding is the bilateral fractured wrists in casts. The fractured wrists directly impact the client's ability to feed themselves, making it the primary related factor. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as discomfort, deficit, and feeding are not the primary cause of the feeding problem in this scenario; rather, it is the physical limitation caused by the fractured wrists that is the focus of the nursing intervention.
4. When measuring the vital signs of a 6-month-old infant, which action by the nurse is correct?
- A. Respirations are measured first, followed by pulse and temperature.
- B. Vital signs should be measured as frequently as in an adult.
- C. Procedures are explained to the parent, and the infant is encouraged to handle the equipment.
- D. The nurse should first measure the infant's vital signs before performing a physical examination.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When assessing vital signs in a 6-month-old infant, the correct order is to measure respirations first, followed by pulse and temperature. This sequence is important to avoid potential alterations in respiratory and pulse rates caused by factors like crying or discomfort. Measuring the temperature first, especially rectally, may lead to an increase in respiratory and pulse rates, which can skew the results. It is crucial to follow this specific order to obtain accurate baseline values. Therefore, option A is the correct choice. Option B is incorrect as the frequency of measuring vital signs in infants differs based on individual needs rather than being consistently more frequent than in adults. Option C is not directly related to the correct sequence for measuring vital signs in infants. Option D is incorrect because the physical examination typically follows the assessment of vital signs in clinical practice.
5. Cheryl M. has a serious swallowing disorder. She has asked you for a glass of water. The doctor has ordered honey thickness liquids for her. Water is not a honey thickness liquid. It is much thinner. What should you do?
- A. Tell the resident that she cannot have water.
- B. Give her applesauce instead of the water.
- C. Tell Cheryl that she is NPO until midnight.
- D. Thicken the water and give it to her.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: You can give Cheryl the water that she has requested; however, since water is not a honey-thick liquid as ordered by the doctor, you must thicken it with a commercial thickener before giving it to her. This will ensure that the water is at the appropriate consistency for her swallowing disorder. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: A) Telling the resident she cannot have water is not the best course of action without attempting to modify it first. B) Giving her applesauce instead of water does not address the specific request for water. C) Placing Cheryl on NPO status until midnight is unnecessary and does not address her immediate request for water.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
NCLEX RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access
NCLEX RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access