NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Predictor Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A 24-year-old woman who is gravida 1 reports, 'I can't take iron pills because they make me sick.' She continues, 'My bowels aren't moving either.' In counseling her based on these complaints, the nurse's most appropriate response would be, 'It would be beneficial for you to eat . . .
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Prunes provide fiber to decrease constipation and are an excellent source of dietary iron, as the prenatal client is not taking her supplemental iron and iron-deficiency anemia is common during pregnancy. Green leafy vegetables provide a source of fiber and iron; however, prunes are a better source of both. Red meat is a good iron source but will not address the constipation problem. Eggs are a good iron source but do not address the constipation problem.
Question 2 of 5
During his hospitalization, a 3-year-old child has become unusually aggressive in his play activities. His parents report this change in behavior to the primary nurse. How could the nurse explain the child's change in behavior?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Play provides the child with opportunities for coping and adaptation. Aggression during play activities indicates a coping response to hospitalization.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following would have the physiological effect of decreasing intracranial pressure (ICP)?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypercapnia and hypoventilation cause retention of CO2, which increases ICP. Decreasing PaCO2 through hyperventilation reduces vasodilation, thereby decreasing ICP. Increased core body temperature, decreased serum osmolality, and hypo-osmolar fluids would increase ICP.
Question 4 of 5
A 68-year-old man was recently diagnosed with endstage renal disease. He has not yet begun dialysis but is experiencing severe anemia with associated symptoms of dyspnea on exertion and chest pain. Which statement best describes the management of anemia in renal failure?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clients in renal failure typically have very low hematocrits, often in the range of 16-22%. Transfusion is avoided unless the client exhibits acute symptoms such as dyspnea, chest pain, tachycardia, and extreme fatigue. When the client is given a transfusion, the bone marrow adjusts by producing less red blood cells. Anemia in renal failure is caused primarily by decreased erythropoietin. Low serum iron and ferritin may aggravate the anemia and require treatment. Decreased secretion of erythropoietin by the kidney is the primary cause of anemia. The bone marrow requires this hormone to mature red blood cells. Treatment is with replacement therapy.
Question 5 of 5
In counseling a client, the nurse emphasizes the danger signals during pregnancy. On the next visit, the client identifies which of the following as a danger signal that should be reported immediately?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Backache is a common complaint during pregnancy. Proper body mechanics, pelvic rock, back rubs, and other comfort measures should relieve the discomfort. In the presence of uterine contractions, the backache would radiate to the lower abdomen. Colostrum is normal and can be present anytime in the second half of pregnancy. Constipation and hemorrhoids are common and do need attention, but they do not constitute a dangerous situation. Visual changes are possibly related to PIH. The client should be assessed immediately to rule out or prevent worsening of PIH.