when measuring a patients body temperature the nurse would keep in mind that what can influence the temperature
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Nursing Elites

NCLEX-RN

Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions

1. When measuring a patient's body temperature, what factor should be considered that can influence the temperature?

Correct answer: B

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.

2. What is the primary purpose of emergency planning?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary purpose of emergency planning is to ensure and maintain the safety of people and the preservation of objects, such as buildings and personal possessions during emergencies or disasters. While compliance with state and federal laws regarding emergency planning is important, the main goal is to prioritize life and safety. Choices A, B, and C focus on legal compliance, which is necessary but secondary to the fundamental objective of safeguarding lives and property in emergency situations.

3. While performing CPR, a healthcare provider encounters a client with a large amount of thick chest hair when preparing to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). What is the next appropriate action for the healthcare provider?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When using an AED, it is crucial for the pads to have good contact with the skin to effectively deliver an electrical shock. While AED pads can adhere to a client's chest even with some hair, thick chest hair can hinder proper current conduction. In such cases, it is recommended to shave the area of the chest where the pads will be applied. Most AED kits include a razor for this purpose. The healthcare provider should act promptly to minimize delays in defibrillation. Option A is incorrect because it may lead to ineffective treatment due to poor pad adherence. Option B is not the best course of action as wiping the chest may not resolve the issue of poor pad contact. Option D is incorrect as not using the AED could jeopardize the client's chance of survival in a cardiac emergency.

4. A 60-year-old patient has been treated for pneumonia for the past 6 weeks. The patient is seen today in the clinic for an unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds over the last 6 weeks. Which is an appropriate rationale for this patient's weight loss?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Unexplained weight loss in a patient with pneumonia could indicate an underlying short-term illness or a chronic condition like endocrine disease, malignancy, depression, anorexia nervosa, or bulimia. Hypertension is not commonly associated with weight loss; it usually leads to weight gain due to fluid retention. Unhealthy eating habits are less likely to explain significant unexplained weight loss over a short period. Mental health dysfunctions can affect appetite but are not typically primary causes of significant unexplained weight loss.

5. What is a common error when taking a pulse?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is counting the pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying the number by four. To accurately assess a patient's heart rate or pulse, it is crucial to count the pulse for a full minute. Counting for only 15 seconds and then multiplying by four may result in an inaccurate heart rate calculation. This approach could miss arrhythmias or intermittent pulsations that could be vital indicators of the patient's condition. Placing the index finger on the radial artery, which is located on the thumb side of the patient's wrist, is the correct technique for taking a pulse. Noting a pulse as 'weak' when the pulsation disappears upon adding pressure is a valid observation and not an error in itself. Therefore, the most common error in this scenario is incorrectly calculating the pulse rate by multiplying a 15-second count by four.

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