NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Nursing Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A 56-year-old client is admitted to the psychiatric unit in a state of total despair. She feels hopeless and worthless, has a flat affect and very sad appearance, and is unable to feel pleasure from anything. Her husband has been assisting her at home with the housework and cooking; however, she has not been eating much, lies around or sits in a chair most of the day, and is becoming confused and thinks her family does not want her around anymore. In assessing the client, the nurse determines that her behavior is consistent with:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Transient depression manifests as sadness or the 'blues' as seen with everyday disappointments and is not necessarily dysfunctional. Mild depression manifests as symptoms seen with grief response, such as denial, sadness, withdrawal, somatic symptoms, and frequent or continuous thoughts of the loss. Moderate depression manifests as feelings of sadness, negativism; low self-esteem; rumination about life's failures; decreased interest in grooming and eating; and possibly sleep disturbances. These symptoms are consistent with dysthymia. Severe depression manifests as feelings of total despair, hopelessness, emptiness, inability to feel pleasure; possibly extreme psychomotor retardation; inattention to hygiene; delusional thinking; confusion; self-blame; and suicidal thoughts. These symptoms are consistent with major depression.
Question 2 of 5
The physician has ordered 50 mEq of potassium chloride for a client with a potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L. The nurse should administer the medication:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Potassium chloride for hypokalemia (2.5 mEq/L) should be administered via controlled IV infusion over several hours (e.g., five hours) to prevent rapid shifts that could cause arrhythmias.
Question 3 of 5
A client on a mechanical ventilator begins to fight the ventilator. Which medication will be ordered for the client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pancuronium bromide, a neuromuscular blocker, paralyzes muscles to prevent fighting the ventilator, ensuring effective ventilation. Sedatives like midazolam or fentanyl are secondary.
Question 4 of 5
To facilitate maximum air exchange, the nurse should position the client in:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The orthopneic position is a sitting position that allows maximum lung expansion.
Question 5 of 5
A 35-year-old client is admitted to the hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis. Results of arterial blood gases are pH 7.2, PaO2 90, PaCO2 45, and HCO3 16. The nursing assessment of arterial blood gases indicate the presence of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Metabolic acidosis is determined by low pH and HCO3.