The NCLEX-RN exam is organized according to the framework, "Meeting Client Needs." There are four major categories:
- Safe and Effective Care Environment
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Physiological Integrity
Learn about Health Promotion and Maintenance below.
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Health Promotion and Maintenance accounts for 6-12 percent of the questions on the NCLEX-RN® exam. The nursing actions included in this subcategory are:| Aging process | Ante/intra/postpartum and newborn |
| Developmental stages/transitions | Expected body image changes |
| Family planning | Family systems |
| Human sexuality | Disease prevention |
| Health screening | Immunizations |
| Health and wellness | Lifestyle choices |
| Physical assessment techniques | Health promotion programs |
Typical Questions
The following is an example of a typical health promotion and maintenance question:A 21-year old woman in active labor is admitted to the labor suite. An hour later, the membranes rupture spontaneously. The nurse observes a glistening white cord protruding from the vagina. Which of the following actions should be the highest priority of the nurse?
- Return to the nurse's station and place an emergency call to the physician.
- Administer oxygen by mask at 10-12 liters/minute and assess the mother's vital signs.
- Place a clean towel over the cord and wet it with sterile normal saline.
- Apply manual pressure to the presenting part and have the mother assume a knee-chest position.
The correct answer is (4). A prolapsed cord is an emergency situation. The nurse must relieve pressure on the cord to prevent fetal anoxia.
The following is another example of a typical health promotion and maintenance question:
The nurse in the out-patient clinic is discussing exercise programs with a group of adults. Which of the following statements, if made to the nurse by one of the participants, indicates the need for further teaching?
- I should individualize my exercise program to meet my needs.
- I should incorporate the exercise program into my daily activities.
- I should maintain consistent participation in my exercise program.
- I should perform vigorous exercise several times a week.
The correct answer is (4). This is a negative question. Exercise does not need to be vigorous, it just needs to increase the client's resting heart rate.
