NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Exam Practice Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nasogastric (NG) tube inserted preoperatively is attached to low, intermittent suctions. A client with an NG tube exhibits these symptoms: He is restless; serum electrolytes are Na 138, K 4.0, blood pH 7.53. This client is most likely experiencing:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: NG tube suction removes acids, leading to metabolic alkalosis, as indicated by the elevated pH (7.53).
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing the deep tendon reflexes of a client with preeclampsia. Which method is used to elicit the biceps reflex?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
To elicit the biceps reflex the nurse places a thumb on the biceps tendon in the antecubital space and taps it with a reflex hammer. The other methods describe techniques for eliciting different reflexes (e.g. triceps or patellar).
Question 3 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 4 of 5
A 20-year-old client presents to the obstetrics-gynecology clinic for the first time. She tells the nurse that she is pregnant and wants to start prenatal care. After collecting some initial assessment data, the nurse measures her fundal height to be at the level of the umbilicus. The nurse estimates the fetal gestational age to be approximately:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: At 10 weeks, the fundus is located slightly above the symphysis pubis. At 16 weeks, the fundus is halfway between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus. At 20 weeks, the fundus is located approximately at the umbilicus. At 30 weeks, the fundal height is about 30 cm, or 10 cm above the umbilicus.
Question 5 of 5
While caring for an elderly patient with hypertension, the nurse notes the following vital signs: BP of 140/40, pulse 120, respirations 36. The nurse's initial action should be to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The vital signs indicate a wide pulse pressure (140/40), tachycardia (pulse 120), and tachypnea (respirations 36), suggesting possible cardiovascular or respiratory distress. The nurse should report these findings to the physician immediately for further evaluation, as they may indicate a serious condition like heart failure or shock.