NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Predictor Exam
1. When placing a patient in the AP position for an X-ray, what position would the patient be in?
- A. Facing the X-ray film.
- B. Right side against the X-ray film.
- C. Left side against the X-ray film.
- D. Facing away from the X-ray film
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The AP position stands for Anteroposterior Projection. When a patient is in the AP position for an X-ray, they are facing away from the X-ray film. This positioning allows for a clear view of the structures being imaged from front to back. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the patient is not facing or positioned against the X-ray film in the AP position, but rather facing away from it to capture the necessary diagnostic information.
2. Which of the following signs or symptoms indicates a possible nutritional deficiency?
- A. Subcutaneous fat at the waist and abdomen
- B. Presence of papillae on the surface of the tongue
- C. Straight arms and legs
- D. Pale conjunctiva
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A client with poor nutritional intake may have pale mucous membranes surrounding the eye, or the conjunctiva. This area should normally be pink, indicating good circulation and a lack of irritation or dryness. Improper nutrition can manifest as numerous signs in the body, including bowed legs, pale mucous membranes, a smooth or beefy tongue, and poor muscle tone. Subcutaneous fat at the waist and abdomen is not a sign of nutritional deficiency but rather of excess fat deposition. The presence of papillae on the surface of the tongue is normal and not indicative of a nutritional deficiency. Straight arms and legs are also typical anatomical features and not specifically related to nutritional deficiencies.
3. During an initial assessment interview, which statement made by a patient should serve as the priority focus for the plan of care?
- A. "I can always trust my family."?
- B. "It seems like I always have bad luck."?
- C. "You never know who will turn against you."?
- D. "I hear evil voices that tell me to do bad things."?
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The statement about hearing evil voices indicates that the patient is experiencing auditory hallucinations, which is a significant symptom that requires immediate attention and intervention. This symptom can be associated with serious mental health conditions like psychosis. Choices A, B, and C are more general statements that do not provide specific information about the patient's mental health status or symptoms, making them less urgent and not as critical for the plan of care compared to the presence of auditory hallucinations.
4. To accurately assess a patient's respiration rate, which of the following methods would be BEST?
- A. Tell the patient, 'Please remain silent while I count your number of breaths.'
- B. Count respirations at the same time you are counting the pulse rate
- C. Count the pulse rate for one minute, then, while keeping your index fingers on the patient's radial artery, count the respirations for an additional minute.
- D. Count the patient's respiration rate, then take the patient's temperature, and then take the pulse rate.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most accurate method to assess a patient's respiration rate is to count the breaths simultaneously while counting the pulse rate. This approach ensures that the patient is unaware of the specific focus on their breathing, preventing any conscious alteration in breathing patterns. Choice A is incorrect because informing the patient may lead to altered breathing as the patient may consciously change their breathing pattern. Choice C involves counting the pulse rate first, which is not necessary for assessing respiration rate. Choice D is incorrect as it includes unnecessary steps such as taking the patient's temperature before counting respiration rate, which adds no value to accurately assessing the respiration rate.
5. How does the procedure for taking a pulse rate on an infant differ from an adult?
- A. Pulse rates are taken on infants using a different method.
- B. The apical pulse method is used on infants.
- C. Pulse rates on infants are taken with a sphygmomanometer.
- D. Pulse rates on infants are taken apically in the third intercostal space.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The apical pulse method is used on infants. This method involves placing a stethoscope in the fifth intercostal space, mid-clavicular line, and counting the beats for a full minute. It is a preferred method for infants due to their small size and the difficulty in palpating peripheral pulses accurately. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect as pulse rates are indeed taken on infants, albeit using a different method. Choice C is incorrect as a sphygmomanometer is typically used for measuring blood pressure, not pulse rates. Choice D is incorrect as pulse rates on infants are usually taken apically in the fifth intercostal space, not the third.
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