NCLEX-RN
RN NCLEX Practice Test Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client has been taking lithium 300 mg po bid for the past two weeks. This morning her lithium level was 1 mEq/L. The nurse should:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: There is no need to phone the physician because the lithium level is within therapeutic range and because there are no indications of toxicity present. There is no reason to withhold the lithium because the blood level is within therapeutic range. Also, it is necessary to give the medication as scheduled to maintain adequate blood levels. The lab results indicate that the client's lithium level is within therapeutic range (0.2-1.4 mEq/L), so the medication should be given as ordered. Benztropine is an antiparkinsonism drug frequently given to counteract extrapyramidal symptoms associated with the administration of antipsychotic drugs (not lithium).
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following risk factors associated with breast cancer would a nurse consider most significant in a client's history?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Women who begin menarche late (after 13 years old) have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than women who have begun earlier. Average age for menarche is 12.5 years. Women who have never been pregnant have an increased risk for breast cancer, but a positive family history poses an even greater risk. A positive family history puts a woman at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. It is recommended that mammography screening begin 5 years before the age at which an immediate female relative was diagnosed with breast cancer. Early menopause decreases the risk of developing breast cancer.
Question 3 of 5
A client has just received an epidural block. She is laboring on her right side. The nurse notes that her blood pressure has dropped from 132/68 to 78/42 mm Hg. The nurse's first action would be to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nursing measures to support fetal oxygenation and promote maternal blood pressure would precede calling the physician. Systolic pressures below 100 mm Hg or a reduction in the systolic pressure of >30% necessitate treatment. Assessing the blood pressure in 5 minutes may allow for further fetal and/or maternal compromise. Turning the client on her left side will promote uteroplacental perfusion and is appropriate. Oxytocin (Pitocin) increases the strength of uterine contractions and may cause maternal hypotension; thus it is an inappropriate drug for use in this clinical situation. IV fluids would be increased to expand the circulating blood volume and promote increased blood pressure. Turning the mother to her left lateral side promotes uteroplacental perfusion. IV fluids are administered to increase the circulating blood volume, and O2 is administered to promote fetal oxygenation and decrease the nausea accompanying the hypotension.
Question 4 of 5
Four days after admission for cirrhosis of the liver, the nurse observes the following when assessing a male client: increased irritability, asterixis, and changes in his speech pattern. Which of the following foods would be appropriate for his bedtime snack?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While fresh fruit is low in protein, a milkshake is a better choice as it provides carbohydrates and some protein in a form that is easier to digest, which is crucial for clients with cirrhosis to avoid ammonia buildup. A milkshake is appropriate as it provides carbohydrates, which are needed to prevent protein catabolism, and has lower protein content compared to options like peanut butter or ham, reducing the risk of ammonia accumulation. (C,
D) Both saltine crackers with peanut butter and a ham and cheese sandwich are high in protein, which can increase ammonia levels, exacerbating hepatic encephalopathy.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with a T4 spinal cord injury. The client complains of a pounding headache. The nurse should:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A pounding headache in a T4 spinal cord injury suggests autonomic dysreflexia, often triggered by bladder or bowel issues, causing severe hypertension. Checking blood pressure is the priority to confirm.