when performing a physical assessment what technique would the nurse always perform first
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NCLEX-RN

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1. When performing a physical assessment, what technique should the nurse always perform first?

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. The nurse is discussing the term subculture with a student nurse. Which statement by the nurse would best describe subculture?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A subculture refers to a group of people within a larger culture who share distinct beliefs, values, or attitudes that are not universal among all members of the larger culture. Subcultures can emerge based on factors such as ethnicity, religion, education, occupation, age, and gender. The correct answer describes the concept of a subculture accurately. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not capture the essence of a subculture. Fitting people into the majority culture, identifying small groups who distance themselves from the larger culture, or singling out individuals facing differential treatment do not define subculture. Subcultures represent specific groups with shared characteristics that differentiate them from the broader cultural norms.

3. A physician has ordered that a client must be placed in a high Fowler's position. How does the nurse position this client?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A high Fowler's position is a modification of the semi-Fowler's position, in which the client is seated with arms resting at the sides or in the lap. The high Fowler's position requires that the client's head and upper chest are elevated, and the backrest is at a 90-degree angle. This position supports breathing and appropriate chest wall movement, making it easier for the client to breathe. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because a high Fowler's position involves the client being in a sitting position with the backrest at a 90-degree angle, not being face-down, lying with the head lower than the feet, or lying on the back with knees drawn up towards the chest.

4. Which of the following is a disadvantage of using a dry heat application?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is that dry heat causes the skin to dry out more quickly. When comparing dry and moist heat applications, dry heat is less likely to cause burns and skin breakdown. However, one of the disadvantages of dry heat is that it does not penetrate deeply into the tissues and may lead to faster drying out of the skin. This can have negative effects on skin integrity and overall comfort during therapy. Choice A is incorrect because dry heat is less likely to cause burns than moist heat. Choice B is incorrect as dry heat may not penetrate deeply into tissues. Choice D is incorrect as dry heat is less likely to cause skin breakdown compared to moist heat.

5. A client is having difficulties reading an educational pamphlet. He cannot find his glasses. In order to read the words, he must hold the pamphlet at arm's length, which allows him to read the information. Which vision deficit does this client most likely suffer from?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Presbyopia is a condition that occurs when the lens of the eye loses accommodation and is unable to focus light on objects nearby. As a result, clients are unable to see or read items up close but may have success when holding the same item at arm's length. Many clients with presbyopia must wear bifocals, but long-distance vision remains unaffected. Cataracts involve clouding of the eye's lens, leading to blurry vision. Glaucoma is associated with increased intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve, causing vision loss. Astigmatism is a refractive error where the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, leading to distorted or blurred vision.

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