NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Exam Practice Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A 55-year-old man has recently been diagnosed with hypertension. His physician orders a low-sodium diet for him. When he asks, 'What does salt have to do with high blood pressure?' the nurse's initial response would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Excess salt causes fluid retention, increasing blood volume and thus blood pressure.
Question 2 of 5
A client presents to the emergency room with cyanosis, coughing, tachypnea, and tachycardia. She has a history of asthma. Arterial blood gas values are pH 7.28, PaO2 54, PaCO2 60, and HCO3 24. The nursing assessment of arterial blood gases indicate the presence of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is determined by low pH and elevated PaCO2.
Question 3 of 5
What is the most effective method to identify early breast cancer lumps?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Mammograms are less effective than breast self-examination for the diagnosis of abnormalities in younger women, who have denser breast tissue. They are more effective for women older than 40. Up to 15% of early-stage breast cancers are detected by physical examination; however, 95% are detected by women doing breast self-examination. Ultrasound is used primarily to determine the location of cysts and to distinguish cysts from solid masses. Monthly breast self-examination has been shown to be the most effective method for early detection of breast cancer. Approximately 95% of lumps are detected by women themselves.
Question 4 of 5
A husband asks if he can visit with his wife on her ECT treatment days and what to expect after the initial treatment. The nurse's best response is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A family member is encouraged to stay with the client after return to the unit. The nurse has used an opportunity to do family teaching and allay fears by explaining temporary side effects of the treatment.
Question 5 of 5
A 20-year-old female has a prescription for Sumycin (tetracycline). While teaching the client how to take her medicine, the nurse learns that the client is also taking an oral contraceptive. Which instruction should be included in the teaching plan?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Tetracyclines can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives by altering gut flora, affecting estrogen metabolism. This increases the risk of unintended pregnancy, requiring backup contraception.