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. The nurse is caring for a patient who has a right-sided chest tube after a right lower lobectomy. Which nursing action can the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
- A. Document the amount of drainage every eight hours
- B. Obtain samples of drainage for culture from the system
- C. Assess patient pain level associated with the chest tube
- D. Check the water-seal chamber for the correct fluid level
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to document the amount of drainage every eight hours. UAP education typically includes tasks related to documentation of intake and output. Obtaining samples of drainage for culture and assessing patient pain level are nursing responsibilities that require licensed nursing personnel's education and scope of practice. Checking the water-seal chamber for the correct fluid level also falls under the nursing role, as it involves monitoring and maintaining the chest tube system, which requires nursing knowledge and training.
3. Which of the following tests would MOST LIKELY be performed on a patient who is being monitored for coagulation therapy?
- A. PT/INR
- B. CBC
- C. PTT
- D. WBC
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: PT/INR. Prothrombin times (PT/INR) are commonly used to monitor patients on Coumadin (warfarin) therapy, an anticoagulant that slows the blood's ability to clot. Monitoring PT/INR levels helps ensure the patient is receiving the appropriate dosage of Coumadin. Choice B, CBC (Complete Blood Count), is a general test that provides information on red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets but is not specific to monitoring coagulation therapy. Choice C, PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time), is another coagulation test but is not as commonly used for monitoring Coumadin therapy. Choice D, WBC (White Blood Cell count), is unrelated to monitoring coagulation therapy and is used to assess immune system function.
4. The nurse is examining a 2-year-old child and asks, "May I listen to your heart now?"? Which critique of the nurse's technique is most accurate?
- A. Asking questions may enhance the child's autonomy.
- B. Asking the child for permission helps develop a sense of trust.
- C. This question is an inappropriate statement because children at this age like to have choices.
- D. Children at this age like to say, "No."? The examiner should not offer a choice when no choice is available.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Children at the age of 2 often like to assert their independence by saying "No."? In situations where there is actually no choice available, offering a false choice can lead to a lack of trust. It is important not to offer a choice when there isn't one, as doing so may undermine trust. While asking for permission can enhance autonomy and trust, offering a limited option like, "Shall I listen to your heart next or your tummy?"? may be a better approach. Therefore, the correct critique of the nurse's technique in this scenario is that children at this age tend to say "No,"? so the examiner should avoid offering a choice when there isn't a real alternative.
5. For the nursing diagnostic statement, Self-care deficit: feeding related to bilateral fractured wrists in casts, what is the major related factor or risk factor identified by the nurse?
- A. Discomfort
- B. Deficit
- C. Feeding
- D. Fractured wrists
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Fractured wrists.' In a nursing diagnostic statement, the related factor or risk factor is the underlying cause of the identified problem. In this case, the major factor affecting the self-care deficit in feeding is the bilateral fractured wrists in casts. The fractured wrists directly impact the client's ability to feed themselves, making it the primary related factor. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as discomfort, deficit, and feeding are not the primary cause of the feeding problem in this scenario; rather, it is the physical limitation caused by the fractured wrists that is the focus of the nursing intervention.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
NCLEX RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access
NCLEX RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access