while performing the physical examination the nurse shares information and briefly teaches the patient why does the nurse do this

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers

1. While performing the physical examination, why does the nurse share information and briefly teach the patient?

A. To help the patient feel more comfortable and gain control of the situation
B. To build rapport and increase the patient's confidence in the examiner
C. To assist the patient in understanding his or her disease process and treatment modalities
D. To aid the patient in identifying questions about his or her disease and potential areas of needed education

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sharing information and briefly teaching the patient during a physical examination helps build rapport and increase the patient's confidence in the examiner. This approach gives the patient a sense of control in a situation that can often be overwhelming. While sharing information may make the patient feel more comfortable, the primary goal is to enhance the patient's confidence in the examiner. Providing information does not necessarily directly assist the patient in understanding their disease process and treatment modalities, as this may require a more in-depth explanation. The main focus is on establishing a trusting relationship and empowering the patient during the examination, rather than solely aiding in identifying questions or areas needing education.

2. During an assessment, a nurse asks a patient, "If you had fever and vomiting for 3 days, what would you do?"? Which aspect of the mental status examination is the nurse assessing?

A. Behavior
B. Cognition
C. Affect and mood
D. Perceptual disturbances

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse is assessing cognition in this scenario. Cognition involves evaluating a patient's judgment and decision-making abilities. By asking the patient what they would do in a specific situation, the nurse aims to determine the patient's cognitive function. A correct response indicating intact cognition would involve a decision like 'Call my doctor.' If the patient suggests inappropriate actions like 'I would stop eating' or 'I would just wait and see what happened,' it would suggest impaired judgment. The other options, behavior, affect and mood, and perceptual disturbances, refer to different aspects of the mental status examination and are not directly assessed through this question.

3. What is the most effective step in hand washing?

A. Using friction to remove potential pathogens.
B. Using hospital-grade soap.
C. Moisturizing the hands after washing to prevent cracking.
D. Washing hands with soap for at least 15 seconds.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most effective step in hand washing is using friction to remove potential pathogens. While using soap, moisturizing hands, and washing for a sufficient duration are important aspects of hand hygiene, the mechanical action of rubbing hands together with friction is crucial in dislodging and removing dirt, debris, and potential pathogens. Hospital-grade soap may be beneficial, but the physical act of friction is key to effective hand washing. Moisturizing after washing is important for skin health but not the most effective step in the hand washing process. Simply washing hands for a specific duration, such as 15 seconds, without proper friction may not effectively remove contaminants. Therefore, using friction for thorough cleaning is the most crucial step in hand washing.

4. Which is the most effective action for controlling the spread of infection?

A. Thorough hand hygiene
B. Wearing gloves and masks when providing direct client care
C. Implementing appropriate isolation precautions
D. Administering broad-spectrum prophylactic antibiotics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Thorough hand hygiene is the most effective action for controlling the spread of infection as hands are a common source of transmission. Regular and routine hand hygiene helps prevent the movement of potentially infective materials. Wearing gloves and masks is important when providing direct client care to protect both the caregiver and the patient, but it is not as effective as thorough hand hygiene in preventing overall infection spread. Implementing appropriate isolation precautions is necessary for clients with known communicable diseases, but it is not as universally effective in preventing the spread of various infections. Administering broad-spectrum prophylactic antibiotics is not an appropriate measure for controlling the spread of infection as routine use can lead to superinfection and the development of resistant organisms.

5. Which of the following constitutes the five rights of medication administration?

A. Right client, right nurse, right time, right dose, right route
B. Right client, right time, right dose, right route, right order
C. Right client, right drug, right dose, right time, right route
D. Right physician, right nurse, right client, right drug, right dose

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The five rights of medication administration are essential to ensure safe and effective drug delivery to clients. The correct answer includes ensuring the right client receives the right drug at the right dose, via the right route, and at the right time. These elements are crucial to prevent medication errors and ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes. Choice A is incorrect as it includes 'right nurse' which is not part of the five rights of medication administration. Choice B is incorrect as it includes 'right order' which is not part of the five rights. Choice C is incorrect as it includes 'right drug' and 'right route', but it lacks 'right client' and 'right time'. Choice D is incorrect as it includes 'right physician' which is not part of the five rights.