NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. When performing a physical assessment, what technique should the nurse always perform first?
- A. Palpation
- B. Inspection
- C. Percussion
- D. Auscultation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During a physical assessment, the nurse should always begin with inspection. The sequence of techniques for physical examination is inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. These skills are performed in a specific order, except for the abdominal assessment where auscultation precedes palpation and percussion. Inspection allows the nurse to observe and gather initial information without direct contact. It is a crucial step that provides valuable insights before proceeding to palpation, percussion, and auscultation. Therefore, choice B, 'Inspection,' is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they should follow inspection in the sequence of a comprehensive physical assessment.
2. Which bloodborne pathogen is the most virulent? (Choose the BEST answer.)
- A. HCV
- B. HPV
- C. HIV
- D. HBV
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is HCV (Hepatitis C Virus). Hepatitis C is considered the most virulent bloodborne pathogen, being 100 times more virulent than Hepatitis B. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a sexually transmitted infection but is not a bloodborne pathogen. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) affects the immune system but is not as virulent as Hepatitis C in terms of bloodborne transmission. HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) is less virulent compared to HCV in the context of bloodborne transmission.
3. A patient's Foley catheter has been discontinued. You will dispose of this patient equipment by doing which of the following?
- A. Wearing gloves and then placing this equipment in the regular trash can after it is placed in a paper bag.
- B. Simply placing this equipment in the regular trash can after it is placed in a paper bag.
- C. Wearing gloves and then placing this equipment into a special 'hazardous waste' container.
- D. Simply placing this equipment in the 'hazardous waste' container after it is placed in a paper bag.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When disposing of used patient equipment, such as a Foley catheter, that has come in contact with bodily fluids, it is considered hazardous waste. The correct procedure involves wearing gloves and placing the Foley bag and tubing into a special 'hazardous waste' container. This container is marked as 'Hazardous' and is typically red to indicate the potential danger of its contents. Placing the equipment in a regular trash can, even if placed in a paper bag, is not appropriate as it does not meet the standards for disposing of hazardous waste. Therefore, options A and B are incorrect. Similarly, simply placing the equipment in a 'hazardous waste' container after it is placed in a paper bag is also incorrect as direct disposal into the designated container while wearing gloves is the proper protocol, making option D incorrect.
4. All of the following factors may contribute to client falls EXCEPT:
- A. Contact dermatitis
- B. Urinary frequency
- C. Decreased visual acuity
- D. Confusion
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Client falls can result from various factors, both intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic factors include health conditions like urinary frequency, which increases the need for bathroom visits, decreased visual acuity, and confusion. These factors can directly contribute to an increased risk of falls. However, contact dermatitis does not directly lead to falls. Contact dermatitis is a skin condition caused by contact with irritants or allergens and does not inherently predispose individuals to falling. Therefore, among the given options, contact dermatitis is the only factor that is not directly associated with an increased risk of falls.
5. What does the medical term 'basophilia' refer to?
- A. An attachment of the epithelial cells of the skin to a basement membrane
- B. An overabundance of a particular white blood cell in the peripheral blood
- C. An underrepresentation of basophils on a blood smear
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'An overabundance of a particular white blood cell in the peripheral blood.' Basophilia specifically indicates an increased number of basophils in the peripheral blood. It can be observed in conditions like leukemia and certain allergic reactions. Choice A is incorrect as it describes something unrelated to basophilia. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests a decrease in basophils, which is opposite to the actual meaning of basophilia. Choice D is also incorrect as basophilia does have a defined medical significance.
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