NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A 2-day-old infant boy has been diagnosed with an atrial septal defect due to a persistent patent foramen ovale. When explaining the diagnosis to the mother, the nurse includes in the discussion the function of the foramen ovale. In fetal circulation, the foramen ovale allows a portion of the blood to bypass the:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The foramen ovale permits a percentage of the blood to shunt from the right atrium to the left atrium. The blood then goes to the left ventricle, permitting systemic fetal circulation with blood containing a higher O2 saturation. As the blood shunts from the right atrium to the left atrium, the pulmonary system is bypassed. The fetus receives O2 from the maternal circulation, thereby permitting the partial bypass of the pulmonary system. The foramen ovale is located in the atrial septum of the heart and does not affect the liver. The superior vena cava returns blood to the heart, bringing blood to the location of the foramen ovale.
Question 2 of 5
A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease is admitted with complaints of hematemesis. The nurse should give priority to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hematemesis indicates possible gastrointestinal bleeding, so monitoring vital signs is critical to assess for hypovolemia and shock.
Question 3 of 5
Painless vaginal bleeding in the last trimester may be caused by:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Placenta previa causes painless vaginal bleeding due to the low-lying placenta separating from the uterine wall.
Question 4 of 5
A client is admitted with suspected Legionnaires' disease. Which factor increases the risk of developing Legionnaires' disease?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Steroid use increases the risk of Legionnaires' disease by suppressing the immune system, making it easier for Legionella bacteria to cause infection.
Question 5 of 5
A client is admitted to the hospital in chronic renal failure. A low protein diet is ordered. The rationale for a low protein diet is that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In chronic renal failure, a low protein diet reduces the production of nitrogenous wastes like blood urea nitrogen (BUN), easing the kidneys’ workload. It does not directly affect sodium, potassium, albumin, calcium, or phosphorus levels.