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
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with metastatic cancer of the bone. The client is exhibiting mental confusion and a BP of 150/100. Which laboratory value would correlate with the client's symptoms reflecting a common complication with this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypercalcemia (calcium 13 mg/dL) is a common complication of bone metastases, causing confusion and hypertension. Hyperkalemia (
A), low phosphorus (
C), and normal sodium (
D) are less likely causes.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following interventions will be useful for the patient with Alzheimer's dementia who exhibits prosopagnosia?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prosopagnosia is the inability to recognize faces. Labeled pictures of family and friends can help the patient identify familiar people improving social interaction and reducing confusion. The other options do not directly address face recognition.
Question 4 of 5
The client is admitted with a diagnosis of septic shock. Which intervention is the priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In septic shock, administering IV antibiotics within the first hour is the priority to target the infection causing shock. Vasopressors, catheterization, and cultures are secondary.
Question 5 of 5
A post-operative client has an order for Demerol (meperidine) 75 mg and Phenergan (promethazine) 25 mg IM every 3-4 hours as needed for pain. The combination of the two medications produces a/an:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Meperidine (opioid) and promethazine (antihistamine) together produce a synergistic effect, enhancing pain relief and sedation. Promethazine potentiates meperidine’s effects.