NCLEX-RN
Mock NCLEX RN Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A 45-year-old male client experiences a sense of depression because he has not yet achieved his life's goals. His career has not been satisfying. He is still looking for the right job. His wife spends too much money, and his children seem to ignore him while being very selfish. He is tired of all of their attitudes and is considering buying a red Corvette convertible. While obtaining these data concerning the client's feelings about his life, the nurse is able to determine he is experiencing what psychological crisis according to Erikson's stages?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Identity versus role confusion is experienced by adolescents making the transition from childhood to adulthood as they attempt to develop a sense of identity. Integrity versus despair is experienced by the elderly as they reflect on their life in an attempt to find meaning. Intimacy versus isolation is experienced by young adults as they establish intimate bonds of love and friendship. Generativity versus self-absorption is experienced by middle-aged adults as they fulfill life goals that involve family, career, and society. The client is experiencing this crisis.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of congestive heart failure. The nurse should give priority to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Congestive heart failure increases the risk of arrhythmias due to cardiac strain, making monitoring for arrhythmias a priority to prevent sudden cardiac events.
Question 3 of 5
A physician tells the nurse that he wants to orally intubate a client with a No. 8 endotracheal tube. The finding of normal breath sounds on the right side of the chest and diminished, distant breath sounds on the left side of the chest of a newly intubated client is probably due to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The right mainstem bronchus is most frequently intubated in error because the angle of the right mainstem bronchus is very small as compared with that of the left mainstem bronchus. Because ventilation is only occurring on the right side, the nurse would auscultate diminished and distant breath sounds on the left.
Question 4 of 5
A client develops an intestinal obstruction postoperatively. A nasogastric tube is attached to low, intermittent suction with orders to 'Irrigate NG tube with sterile saline q1h and prn.' The rationale for using sterile saline, as opposed to using sterile water to irrigate the NG tube is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Water is a hypotonic solution and will deplete electrolytes and cause metabolic acidosis when used for nasogastric irrigation. Irrigating with saline does not cause abdominal discomfort. Severe, colicky abdominal pain is a symptom of intestinal obstruction. Irrigating with water will not cause restlessness or insomnia in the postoperative client. Restlessness and insomnia can be emotional complications of surgery. A nasogastric tube placed in the stomach is used to decompress the bowel. Irrigating with saline ensures a patent, well-functioning tube. Irrigating with saline will not increase peristalsis.
Question 5 of 5
A 45-year-old client diagnosed with major depression is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the morning. Which of the following medications are routinely administered either before or during ECT?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Thioridazine (an antipsychotic drug), lithium (an antimanic drug), and benztropine (an antiparkinsonism agent) are generally administered to treat schizophrenic and bipolar disorders. Atropine (a cholinergic blocker), sodium brevitol (a short-acting anesthetic), and succinylcholine (a neuromuscular blocker) are administered either before or during ECT to counteract bradycardia and to provide anesthesia and total muscle relaxation. These are electrolyte substances administered to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances in the body. Carbamazepine (an anticonvulsant), haloperidol (an antipsychotic), and trihexyphenidyl (an antiparkinsonism agent) are usually administered in psychiatric settings to control problems associated with psychotic behavior.