NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers Questions
Question 1 of 9
After receiving change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the patient with possible lung cancer who has just returned after bronchoscopy. After bronchoscopy, the patient may have decreased cough and gag reflexes, necessitating immediate assessment for airway patency to prevent potential complications. The other patients do not exhibit urgent clinical manifestations or have undergone recent procedures that require immediate attention. Therefore, they can be assessed after ensuring the safety and stability of the patient who has just returned after bronchoscopy.
Question 2 of 9
During a seminar on cultural aspects of nursing, the nurse recognizes that the definition stating, "the specific and distinct knowledge, beliefs, customs, and skills acquired by members of a society,"? reflects which term?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The term that best fits the provided definition, which includes knowledge, beliefs, customs, and skills acquired by members of a society, is 'Culture.' Culture is a broad concept encompassing various aspects of a society's way of life. Norms refer to typical behaviors or rules within a society. Ethnicity pertains to shared traits among a social group, such as origin, religion, language, and traditions. Assimilation involves adopting the dominant culture's characteristics, often through integration or conformity.
Question 3 of 9
In which situation would the nurse use bimanual palpation technique?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bimanual palpation involves using both hands to envelop or capture specific body parts or organs like the kidneys, uterus, or adnexa. This technique is particularly useful for assessing the size, shape, consistency, and mobility of deep organs like the kidneys and uterus. Palpating the thorax of an infant (Choice A) is usually done with a different technique like gentle, single-handed palpation. Assessing pulsations and vibrations (Choice C) and assessing tenderness and pain (Choice D) typically do not require the use of bimanual palpation, making Choices A, C, and D incorrect.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is discussing the term subculture with a student nurse. Which statement by the nurse would best describe subculture?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A subculture refers to a group of people within a larger culture who share distinct beliefs, values, or attitudes that are not universal among all members of the larger culture. Subcultures can emerge based on factors such as ethnicity, religion, education, occupation, age, and gender. The correct answer describes the concept of a subculture accurately. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not capture the essence of a subculture. Fitting people into the majority culture, identifying small groups who distance themselves from the larger culture, or singling out individuals facing differential treatment do not define subculture. Subcultures represent specific groups with shared characteristics that differentiate them from the broader cultural norms.
Question 5 of 9
When examining an infant, which area should the nurse examine first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When examining an infant, the nurse should start by examining the least-distressing areas first before moving on to more invasive areas. The abdomen is typically the least distressing area to examine, so it should be assessed first. Examining the eye, ear, nose, and throat are considered more invasive and should be saved for last. Therefore, the correct choice is to examine the abdomen first to ensure a comfortable and less distressing examination process for the infant. Choices A, B, and C (Ear, Nose, Throat) are more invasive areas and should be examined after the abdomen.
Question 6 of 9
While performing the physical examination, why does the nurse share information and briefly teach the patient?
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.
Question 7 of 9
When reviewing the demographics of ethnic groups in the United States, which group does the nurse recall as the largest and fastest-growing population?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Hispanic.' Hispanics are the largest and fastest-growing population in the United States. While African Americans/Blacks, Asians, American Indians, and other groups are significant, Hispanics currently represent the largest demographic group. African American/Black, Asian, and American Indian populations are substantial but not as large or fast-growing as the Hispanic population. Therefore, Hispanic is the most appropriate choice in this scenario.
Question 8 of 9
During an assessment, the nurse notices that a patient is handling a small charm that is tied to a leather strip around their neck. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The small charm tied to a leather strip is likely an amulet, which many cultures consider an important means of protection from 'evil spirits.' When a patient appears to have a health practice the nurse is unfamiliar with, the nurse should ask for clarification in a non-judgmental way that communicates acceptance of their beliefs and allows for open communication. Thus, the nurse in this situation should inquire about the amulet's meaning to the patient. Asking the patient to lock the item with other valuables in the hospital's safe, telling the patient that a family member should take valuables home, or doing nothing does not address the importance or meaning of a cultural health practice to the patient and does not allow the nurse to gain an understanding of the patient's cultural health practices.
Question 9 of 9
When providing culturally competent care, nurses must incorporate cultural assessments into their health assessments. Which statement is most appropriate to use when initiating an assessment of cultural beliefs with an older American Indian patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse needs to assess the cultural beliefs and practices of the patient and should ask questions in a way that communicates acceptance of their beliefs and allows for open communication. Therefore, the most appropriate question to initiate an assessment of cultural beliefs with an older American Indian patient is "What cultural or spiritual beliefs are important to you?"? This question shows respect for the patient's beliefs and encourages them to share relevant information. Asking if they are of the Christian faith does not promote open communication and may not reflect the patient's actual beliefs. While some American Indians may seek assistance from a medicine man or shaman, it is not appropriate to make assumptions without direct input from the patient. Asking how often they seek help from medical providers is not directly related to understanding their cultural beliefs and may not provide relevant insights for culturally competent care.