NCLEX : NCLEX

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX

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Example Questions

Example Question #356 : General Biology

Which of the following blood cells is anucleate (lacking a nucleus)?

Possible Answers:

Megakaryocytes

Erythrocytes

Natural killer cells

Dendritic cells

Correct answer:

Erythrocytes

Explanation:

The only anucleate blood cells are erythrocytes, or red blood cells. These cells are created with nuclei, but each daughter cell will then lose its nucleus in order to create more suface area for hemoglobin to bind oxygen and for easier passage through narrow capillaries. 

Example Question #1 : Ethics, Processing, And Care

The nurse cares for a patient hospitalized for 5 days with pneumonia. He is about to be discharged and the nurse is providing discharge instructions to the patient and the family. Which statement made by the patient’s family should most concern the nurse?

Possible Answers:

“He can eat normally but we have to make sure he has a nutritious diet.”

“He still has to use the incentive spirometer to keep his airways clear and open.”

“He can start doing his chores when he feels better, but shouldn’t overexert himself and should rest a lot.”

“He should stay away from other sick people because his immune system is still weak.”

“He can stop taking the antibiotics when the symptoms are gone.”

Correct answer:

“He can stop taking the antibiotics when the symptoms are gone.”

Explanation:

When a patient has an infection and is prescribed antibiotics, the patient should always take the full course of the medication and never discontinue the medication. It is easy for patients to believe they can stop taking the medication when the symptoms are resolved, but the nurse needs to educate the patient to continue the full regimen. The rest of the statements are accurate; the patient must get adequate rest, eat well, use the incentive spirometer, and stay away from others who are sick until he is well.

Example Question #1 : Procedures And Care

A 2+ radial pulse is considered to be __________.

Possible Answers:

An absent pulse

A bounding pulse

A normal pulse

A weak pulse 

Correct answer:

A normal pulse

Explanation:

The following scale applies to the amplitude of a pulse when palpated at the radial artery:

3+ is an increased or bounding pulse

2+ is a normal pulse

1+ is a weak pulse

0 is an absent pulse

Example Question #661 : Nclex

Which of the following locations is most appropriate for assessing the pulse of an infant?

Possible Answers:

Brachial artery

Popliteal artery

Radial artery

Carotid artery

Correct answer:

Brachial artery

Explanation:

The most appropriate location for assessing the pulse of an infant is the brachial artery, which travels from the axilla down the ventral surface of the upper arm to the cubital fossa. The popliteal and radial pulses are difficult to palpate on an infant due to their size, and the carotid artery can be difficult to palpate due to an infant's shorter, thicker neck. 

Example Question #1 : Procedures And Care

Which of the following is a normal adult respiratory rate?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Normal adult respiratory rate is 12-20 breaths per minute. A respiratory rate below 12 is defined as bradypnea, while a respiratory rate above 20 is considered tachypnea. 

Example Question #2 : Ethics, Processing, And Care

What is a normal respiratory rate for an infant under 1 year of age?

Possible Answers:

30-60 breaths per minute

10-20 breaths per minute

20-30 breaths per minute

60-90 breaths per minute

Correct answer:

30-60 breaths per minute

Explanation:

Infants have the highest respiratory rate of any age group. A normal infant respiratory rate is 30-60 breaths per minute. 

Example Question #4 : Procedures And Care

How might an overlarge cuff affect a blood pressure reading?

Possible Answers:

The reading may be unstable

The reading would be artificially high

There would be no significant effect

The reading would be artificially low

Correct answer:

The reading would be artificially low

Explanation:

An overlarge blood pressure cuff will often result in a blood pressure reading that is artificially low. It is important that the nurse chooses the appropriate blood pressure cuff size for each individual patient.

Example Question #1 : Ethics, Processing, And Care

While assessing a patient's blood pressure, what part of the stethoscope should be placed against the patient's antecubital fossa: the bell, or the diaphragm?

Possible Answers:

The diaphragm should be used first, then the bell

The bell should be used first, then the diaphragm

The diaphragm

The bell

Correct answer:

The diaphragm

Explanation:

When taking a patient's blood pressure, the diaphragm alone should be used to listen at the antecubital fossa. The bell, used for low-pitched sounds, would not give the examiner accurate enough information to assess systolic or diastolic pressure.

Example Question #1 : Taking And Interpreting Vitals

Which of the following would be considered a normal adult blood pressure?

Possible Answers:

132/88 mmHg

124/84 mmHg

88/56 mmHg

110/72 mmHg

Correct answer:

110/72 mmHg

Explanation:

Normal adult blood pressure is anywhere from 90-120 mmHg systolic over 60-80 mmHg diastolic. 120-140 mmHg over 80-90 mmHg would be considered pre-hypertension, while anything over that would be considered either stage I or stage II hypertension.

Example Question #2 : Taking And Interpreting Vitals

What is a normal respiratory rate for a child aged 1-6 years old?

Possible Answers:

24-34 breaths per minute

12-24 breaths per minute

34-44 breaths per minute

36-54 breaths per minute

Correct answer:

24-34 breaths per minute

Explanation:

A normal respiratory rate in a child aged 1-6 years is 24-34 breaths per minute. This is significantly higher than an adult normal respiratory rate, which is 12-20 breaths per minute. 

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