NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Exam Practice Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A 24-hours' postpartum client complains of discomfort at the episiotomy site. On assessment, the nurse notes the episiotomy is without signs of infection. To relieve the discomfort, the nurse should first:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Warm, moist heat will promote circulation and provide comfort. A sitz bath should be tried before medication is given. Pain medication can be given when other comfort measures such as a sitz bath and topical applications are ineffective. Kegel exercises facilitate sitting by decreasing tension on the episiotomy. They will not be effective for pain control or sustained comfort level. Ice packs are appropriate to apply in the first 12 hours post-delivery to produce vasoconstriction and to reduce edema to the area.
Question 2 of 5
A 50-year-old depressed client has recently lost his job. He has been reluctant to leave his hospital room. Nursing care would include:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client should be encouraged to attend the unit activities. The nurse and client should choose a few activities for the client to attend that will be positive experiences for him. The nurse should encourage the client to discuss his feelings and to begin to deal with the depression. Depressed persons often have little appetite and poor fluid intake. Constipation is common. A calm, consistent level of stimuli is most effective. Sensory deprivation and overstimulation should be avoided.
Question 3 of 5
A client's behavior is annoying other clients on the unit. He is meddling with their belongings and dominating the group. The best approach by the nurse is to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Consistent limit setting will help the client to know what is acceptable behavior, addressing the disruptive actions effectively.
Question 4 of 5
A client has been instructed in how to take her nitroglycerin tablets. The nurse giving her instructions knows the client understands the information when she tells her:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Headaches may occur after taking nitroglycerin because of vasodilation. The tablets do not need to be refrigerated. The client should carry them with her. The client should contact the physician if repeated doses of nitroglycerin do not relieve the discomfort. Nitroglycerin tablets should be dissolved under the tongue, not swallowed.
Question 5 of 5
A 70-year-old female client is admitted to the medical intensive care unit with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident (CVA). She is semicomatose, responding to pain and change in position. She is unable to speak or cough. In planning her nursing care for the first 24 hours following a CVA, which nursing diagnosis should receive the highest priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An effective airway is necessary to prevent hypoxia and subsequent cardiac arrest. Cerebral tissue perfusion is necessary to preserve remaining cerebral tissue, but this goal is secondary to maintenance of an effective airway. While prevention of injury is important, it is secondary to maintaining an effective airway and cerebral tissue perfusion. Impaired verbal communication is not life threatening in the acute phase of recovery. It is the lowest priority of the nursing diagnoses listed.