NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Exam Practice Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A 33-year-old client is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, acute phase. This is her first psychiatric hospitalization, and she is being evaluated for treatment with lithium. Which of the following diagnostic tests are essential prior to the initiation of lithium therapy with this client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: These are general diagnostic blood studies (usually done on admission), but they are not reliable indicators of lithium therapy clearance. These are the primary diagnostic tests to determine kidney functioning. Because lithium is excreted through the kidneys and because it can be very toxic, adequate renal function must be ascertained before therapy begins. These are diagnostic blood tests used to determine the presence of endocrine (not renal) dysfunction. These are other types of diagnostic procedures used to determine musculoskeletal, neural, and cardiac (rather than renal) functioning.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse caring for a client with a head injury would recognize which assessment finding as the most indicative of increased ICP?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Papilledema (optic disc swelling) is a specific sign of increased ICP due to pressure on the optic nerve. Vomiting (
A), headache (
B), and dizziness (
C) are less specific and occur in other conditions.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client with suspected hypoglycemia. Which finding is most consistent with this condition?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hypoglycemia causes sympathetic activation, leading to tremors and sweating as the body attempts to raise glucose levels. Chest pain, fever, and bradycardia are not typical.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse at a college campus is preparing to medicate several students who have been exposed to meningococcal meningitis.Which would the nurse most likely administer?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic recommended for post-exposure prophylaxis in meningococcal meningitis due to its effectiveness against Neisseria meningitidis. Ampicillin, Vancomycin, and Piperacillin/Tazobactam are not typically used for this purpose.
Question 5 of 5
A 25-year-old outpatient presents with a diagnosis of compulsive personality disorder. His coworkers become annoyed with his rigid, perfectionistic manner and preoccupation with trivial details and schedules. A nursing intervention appropriate for this client would include:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This answer is incorrect. The client will work hard at the activity instead of enjoying it. This answer is incorrect. The nurse should allow the client to discuss these thoughts, within limits, not to avoid discussing them. This answer is incorrect. The compulsive client tends to control time to excess. It should not be encouraged. This answer is correct. A contract with the client regarding the amount of time that will be spent discussing the compulsive activities is appropriate. Time allotted should be gradually decreased.