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 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 3 of 5
Which of the following changes in blood pressure readings should be of greatest concern to the nurse when assessing a prenatal client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: (A, B,
C) The individual's systolic and diastolic changes are more significant than the relatively high initial blood pressure readings. The systolic pressure went up 12 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure 18 mm Hg. This is a more significant rise than the increases in A-C choices, and client should receive more frequent evaluations and care.
Question 4 of 5
A 27-year-old male client is admitted to the acute care mental health unit for observation. He has recently lost his job, and his wife told him yesterday that she wants a divorce. The client is placed on suicide precautions. In assessing suicide potential, the nurse should pay close attention to the client's:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assessing the client's level of insight is an important part of the mental status exam (MSE), but it does not reflect suicide potential. Assessing the client's thought processes is an important part of the MSE, but it does not reflect suicide potential. Assessing the client's mood and affect is an important part of the MSE, and it can be a very valuable indicator of suicide potential. Frequently a client who has decided to proceed with suicide plans will exhibit a suddenly improved mood and affect. Assessing a client's abstracting abilities is an important part of the MSE, but it does not reflect suicide potential.
Question 5 of 5
A client with a history of gout is admitted with complaints of joint pain. The nurse should give priority to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Anti-inflammatories (e.g., NSAIDs) relieve joint pain and inflammation in gout flares.