NCLEX-RN
Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. Which of the following puts the layers of skin in the correct order from right to left?
- A. Dermis, epidermis, hypodermis
- B. Hypodermis, epidermis, dermis
- C. Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct order of the layers of skin from outermost to innermost is the epidermis, dermis, and then the hypodermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, followed by the dermis, which is the middle layer containing connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands. The hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous tissue, lies beneath the dermis and consists of fat and connective tissue. Choice A is incorrect as it lists the layers in the reverse order. Choice B is incorrect as it reverses the order of the layers. Choice D is incorrect as there is a correct answer among the choices.
2. Which of these techniques uses the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature, moisture, and swelling when assessing a patient?
- A. Palpation
- B. Inspection
- C. Percussion
- D. Auscultation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Palpation. Palpation involves using the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature, moisture, and swelling in a patient. This technique allows the nurse to feel for abnormalities and changes in the patient's tissues. Inspection primarily relies on visual assessment, while percussion involves tapping on the body to produce sounds and assess underlying structures. Auscultation, on the other hand, involves listening to sounds within the body using a stethoscope. Therefore, in the context of assessing texture, temperature, moisture, and swelling, palpation is the most appropriate technique.
3. What is a common error when taking a pulse?
- A. Placing the index finger on the radial artery located on the thumb side of a patient's wrist.
- B. Noting a pulse as 'weak' when the pulsation disappears upon adding pressure.
- C. Counting the pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying the number by four.
- D. None of the above will cause errors.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is counting the pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying the number by four. To accurately assess a patient's heart rate or pulse, it is crucial to count the pulse for a full minute. Counting for only 15 seconds and then multiplying by four may result in an inaccurate heart rate calculation. This approach could miss arrhythmias or intermittent pulsations that could be vital indicators of the patient's condition. Placing the index finger on the radial artery, which is located on the thumb side of the patient's wrist, is the correct technique for taking a pulse. Noting a pulse as 'weak' when the pulsation disappears upon adding pressure is a valid observation and not an error in itself. Therefore, the most common error in this scenario is incorrectly calculating the pulse rate by multiplying a 15-second count by four.
4. When cleansing the genital area during perineal care, the nurse should _____________.
- A. cleanse the penis with a circular motion starting from the base and moving toward the tip.
- B. replace the foreskin after it has been pushed back to cleanse an uncircumcised penis.
- C. cleanse the rectal area first and then clean the patient's genital area.
- D. use the same area on the washcloth for each washing and rinsing stroke for a female resident.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During perineal care, when cleansing the genital area of an uncircumcised male patient, it is crucial to retract the foreskin to clean the area underneath. This helps in the removal of smegma, a substance that can accumulate and lead to bacterial growth and infection if not cleaned properly. The foreskin should then be replaced back to its original position after cleaning to ensure proper hygiene and prevent any potential complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the specific care required for an uncircumcised penis, which involves retracting and replacing the foreskin.
5. Rales and rhonchi are frequently noted during an examination of lung sounds. What is the difference between the two?
- A. Rales are louder.
- B. Rhonchi are noted only in infants.
- C. Rales occur on inspiration, rhonchi on expiration.
- D. Rales are noted only in infants.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is that rales occur on inspiration, while rhonchi occur on expiration. Rales are typically heard during inhalation when there is fluid in the alveoli or air passages. Rhonchi, on the other hand, are caused by air passing through obstructed airways during exhalation due to secretions in the respiratory tract. Choice A is incorrect because the loudness of the sounds is not the primary distinguishing factor between rales and rhonchi. Choice B is incorrect as rhonchi can be heard in individuals beyond infancy. Choice D is incorrect as rales can be present in patients of various age groups, not just infants.
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