NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. Which of the following descriptions best describes the function of the thyroid gland?
- A. The thyroid gland converts glucose into glycogen
- B. The thyroid gland secretes cortisol during times of stress
- C. The thyroid gland regulates body metabolism
- D. The thyroid gland affects skin pigmentation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The thyroid gland is responsible for secreting thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which work to regulate the metabolism of the body's cells. The primary function of the thyroid gland is to control the body's metabolic rate, affecting processes such as heart rate, temperature regulation, and energy levels. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the thyroid gland is not involved in converting glucose into glycogen, secreting cortisol, or affecting skin pigmentation. Instead, the primary role of the thyroid gland is to regulate the metabolism and energy balance in the body.
2. A patient is having difficulty understanding how to properly run her glucose meter. Which of the following teaching methods would best help the patient understand how to use her instrument correctly?
- A. Give the patient an instruction booklet and encourage her to call the office if she has questions.
- B. Tell the patient to ask a healthcare provider to demonstrate how to use the instrument.
- C. Have the patient watch a video demonstrating the use of the instrument.
- D. Demonstrate the proper use of the instrument and then have the patient perform the process while still in the office.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: By using a demonstration and performance method of patient education, the patient is offered a chance to perform a task and have learning assessed while still in the office. This ensures that any questions that the patient has can be answered immediately, and any performance issues observed by the medical assistant can also be corrected promptly. Choice A is not as effective as providing a demonstration in person, as it may not address the patient's specific learning needs or allow for immediate feedback. Choice B suggests asking a healthcare provider to demonstrate, which is similar to the correct answer but may not always be readily available in the office. Choice C, watching a video, lacks the interactive component and immediate feedback that a live demonstration provides, making it less effective in this scenario.
3. A physician asks you to place the patient with his dorsal side facing the exam table. Which of the following accurately describes how the patient is positioned?
- A. The patient is lying prone.
- B. The patient is lying supine.
- C. The patient is lying in the recovery position.
- D. The patient is lying on his stomach.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When the physician asks for the patient to be placed with their dorsal side facing the exam table, it means the patient should be lying on their back. This position is known as the supine position, where the patient's back is on the table, facing up towards the ceiling. Choice A, 'The patient is lying prone,' is incorrect as the prone position is when the patient is lying face down. Choice C, 'The patient is lying in the recovery position,' is incorrect as the recovery position is a lateral position typically used in first aid. Choice D, 'The patient is lying on his stomach,' is incorrect as it describes the prone position, not the supine position as required in this scenario.
4. Which of the following is an example of an environmental hazard that may put the healthcare professional at risk of injury?
- A. Loud noise from the hospital maintenance system
- B. Airborne powder containing latex
- C. Chemicals containing ethylene oxide
- D. All of the above
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Healthcare professionals, including nurses, are exposed to various environmental hazards that may negatively impact their physical or mental health. Hazards come in several forms, such as loud noise from hospital systems, which can damage hearing; airborne latex powder, leading to allergic reactions; and chemicals like ethylene oxide, a sterilizing agent that can cause cancer. Therefore, all the options listed pose risks to healthcare professionals, making 'All of the above' the correct answer. Choice A, loud noise, is a hazard that can affect hearing health. Choice B, airborne latex powder, can trigger allergic responses. Choice C, chemicals containing ethylene oxide, are hazardous and can lead to serious health issues. Each option represents a distinct environmental risk that healthcare professionals should be aware of and take precautions against.
5. A student is late for an appointment and has rushed across campus to the health clinic. How should the nurse proceed?
- A. Allow 5 minutes for the student to relax and rest before checking their vital signs.
- B. Check the blood pressure in both arms, expecting a difference in the readings due to the recent exercise.
- C. Immediately monitor the student's vital signs upon arrival at the clinic and then 5 minutes later, recording any differences.
- D. Check the student's blood pressure in the supine position to provide a more accurate reading and allow the student to relax at the same time.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To ensure an accurate blood pressure reading, it is important for the student to be in a relaxed state. Allowing at least a 5-minute rest period helps reduce anxiety and provides a valid blood pressure measurement. Checking the blood pressure in both arms is unnecessary unless there is a specific reason to suspect an issue, and recent exercise should not significantly impact the readings. Monitoring vital signs immediately upon arrival may not yield accurate results due to the rush and anxiety of the student. Checking blood pressure in the supine position is not necessary in this scenario and does not provide a more accurate reading.
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