NCLEX-PN
NCLEX PN Practice Test with NGN Questions
Extract:
The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 62-year-old client.
History and Physical
Neurological
The client is alert and oriented to time, place, person, and situation; the client reports sudden-onset right-sided facial drooping, speech is slurred; positive right-sided arm drift is seen
Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (EENT)
Bilateral pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation
Pulmonary
Vital signs: RR 16, SpO, 95% on room air, lung sounds are clear bilaterally
Cardiovascular
Vital signs: T 99 F (37.2 C), P 86, BP 166/90; S1 and S2 are heard on auscultation; no murmurs are noted; the client has a history of hypertension
Musculoskeletal
Right-sided lower extremity weakness is seen
Endocrine
The client has diabetes mellitus
Psychosocial
The client reports drinking one glass of wine each evening with dinner, no tobacco use, and a history of major depression; the client takes sertraline.
Laboratory Results
During Admission
Blood Chemistry.
Glucose: 72 mg/dL (4.0 mmol/L)
Sodium: 133 mEq/L (133 mEq/L)
Chloride: 101 mEq/L (101 mmol/L)
Potassium: 3.7 mEq/L (3.7 mmol/L)
Laboratory Test and Reference Range
Blood Chemistry.
Glucose 74-106 mg/dL (4.1-5.9 mmol/L)
Sodium 136-145 mEq/L (136-145 mmol/L)
Chloride 98-106 mEq/L(98-106 mmol/L)
Potassium 3.5-5.0 mEq/L (3.5-5.0 mmol/L
Diagnostic Results
Admission
CT scan of the head without contrast
1830:
No areas of hemorrhage are noted
Question 1 of 5
Based on the clinical data, which condition should the nurse suspect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sudden-onset right-sided facial drooping, slurred speech, arm drift, and leg weakness, with a non-hemorrhagic CT scan, strongly suggest ischemic stroke (
C). Bell palsy (
A) typically involves only facial weakness. Guillain-Barré (
B) presents with ascending paralysis. Seizure disorder (
D) lacks seizure activity in the history.
Extract:
The nurse is caring for a client on the medical-surgical unit.
History
Admission
0500: The client is admitted with an abscess and cellulitis of the right leg. The abscess is noted on the lateral aspect of the right calf, with redness, swelling, and warmth extending from the knee to the ankle. The abscess was incised in the emergency department, and a moderate amount of purulent, yellowish-green drainage was noted. The leg was wrapped with gauze, and the client received the first dose of IV antibiotics and opioids for pain control.
The client reports chronic lower back pain and gastrosophageal reflux disease, and he was admitted to the hospital once last year for gastrointestinal bleeding. He is currently prescribed daily pantoprazole but takes it only a few times a week.
Vital signs: T 100.9 F (38.3 C), P 82, RR 14, BP 130/80, SpO, 95% on room air
Progress Notes
Medical-Surgical Unit
2300:
The client reports nausea, headache, and insomnia. The client is trembling, diaphoretic, and restless.
The client states, "I would sleep better if those mice and cats would stop climbing up and down the walls."
The upper portion of the clients dressing is saturated with yellowish-green drainage. The peripheral V was removed by the client, and dried blood is noted at the IV site. The IV catheter is on the floor. The client yelled and pushed the nurse's hands away during inspection of the IV site.
Vital signs: T 99 F (37.2 C), P 102, RR 18, BP 170/96, SpO≥ 95% on room air
Question 2 of 5
The client is preparing for discharge after treatment for cellulitis and alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The client expresses motivation to stop using alcohol and is prescribed naltrexone. Which of the following client statements indicate progress toward the goal of abstinence and long-term recovery? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,B,E
Rationale: A: Acknowledging alcohol's negative impact shows insight. B: Joining a recovery program supports sobriety. E: Having a plan to manage cravings (e.g., calling a sponsor) indicates commitment. C is incorrect as it suggests continued drinking, and D blames others without addressing personal responsibility.
Extract:
The nurse is caring for a 58-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit.
History and Physical
General
The client is vomiting bright red blood; medical history includes alcohol use disorder, liver cirrhosis, and hypertension; the client was admitted a year ago for alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis
Neurological
The client is oriented to person and place; the pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation
Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (EENT)
Yellow scleras are noted
Pulmonary
Vital signs are RR 18, SpO 94% on room air
Cardiovascular
Vital signs are T 99 F (37.2 C), P 102, BP 90/40; S1 and S2 are heard on auscultation; peripheral pulses are 2+ in all extremities; 1+ edema is noted at the bilateral lower extremities
Gastrointestinal
The abdomen is distended and nontender to palpation; the flanks are dull to percussion; bowel sounds are hypoactive; distended veins are present around the umbilicus
Genitourinary
Client is voiding amber-colored urine
Nurses’ notes.
Postoperative Day 1
1000:
The client underwent banding of esophageal varices 1 day ago. Today, the client is somnolent and oriented to person only. Speech is slurred. Flapping tremors are present in the clients arms and hands. The abdomen is soft and distended; bowel sounds are present. Dark-colored stool is noted. Amber-colored urine is noted. Vital signs are T 98.2 F (36.8 C), P 85, RR 24, BP 132/76, SpOz 94% on room air.
Question 3 of 5
For each finding, specify if the finding is expected or unexpected for this client.
Finding | Expected | Unexpected |
---|---|---|
Respiratory | ||
Neurological | ||
Genitourinary | ||
Cardiovascular | ||
Gastrointestinal | ||
Musculoskeletal |
Correct Answer: A: Expected, B: Expected, C: Expected, D: Expected, E: Expected, F: Unexpected
Rationale:
A) Expected: RR 24 is slightly elevated but consistent with cirrhosis and post-op status.
B) Expected: Somnolence, disorientation, slurred speech, and flapping tremors indicate hepatic encephalopathy, common in cirrhosis.
C) Expected: Amber urine is typical in cirrhosis due to dehydration or bilirubin.
D) Expected: Stabilized vitals (BP 132/76, P 85) are post-treatment improvements. E) Expected: Dark stool is from variceal bleeding or banding, and distended abdomen is from ascites. F) Unexpected: No musculoskeletal issues (e.g., tremors are neurological) are noted.
Extract:
The nurse in an inpatient mental health unit is caring for a 43-year-old client.
History
Admission:
The client comes to the inpatient psychiatric facility for an evaluation. The client is having distressing nightmares, flashbacks, and feelings of being "on edge" since a severe motor vehicle collision 6 months ago that resulted in the death of the client's sibling. The client blames self for the sibling's death and verbalizes feelings of guilt. The client reports an inability to sleep well and being quick to anger, both of which led to job loss and the client seeking help. The client reports a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, such as working out and interacting with friends. The client has started smoking cigarettes daily since the collision and typically consumes ≥4 alcoholic beverages per day. Mental status examination reveals an irritable, guarded, and easily distracted mood. The client's appearance is well- kept, and grooming and hygiene are appropriate. The client’s speech is hyperverbal yet coherent, and thought process is organized. The client admits to feelings of hopelessness after the death of the sibling. The client reports occasionally seeing "shadows" but no visual hallucinations. The client has no homicidal ideations or history of violence toward others.
Vital signs: P 78, RR 17, BP 132/78.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse suspects that the client is experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder. Which of the following symptoms are consistent with this condition? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E,F
Rationale: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTS
D) is characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, hypervigilance, irritability, nightmares, and self-blame following a traumatic event. Euphoric mood is not associated with PTSD.
Extract:
The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 62-year-old client.
Progress Notes
Emergency Department
0900: The client is brought to the emergency department by a family member after being found confused and lethargic. On arrival, the client is obtunded and does not respond to verbal stimuli.
Medical history includes major depressive disorder and chronic neck and back pain after a motor vehicle collision 2 years ago. The family member states that the client takes multiple medications but does not know which kind. The client was divorced a few months ago.
Physical examination shows 1-mm pupils, shallow breathing, and reduced bowel sounds. Fingerstick blood glucose is 78 mg/dL (4.3 mmol/L). ECG reveals normal sinus rhythm. Breath alcohol test is negative.
Vital signs: T 98.1 F (36.7 C), P 62, RR 8, BP 80/40, SpO, 94% on room air.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse should prioritize administration of........... to...........
Correct Answer: B,D
Rationale: B to D: Naloxone reverses opioid intoxication to prevent respiratory failure. The client's obtundation, shallow breathing, and pinpoint pupils indicate opioid overdose, requiring urgent reversal to restore breathing. Thiamine is for alcohol-related conditions, and charcoal is for recent ingestions, not specified here.