NCLEX-PN
NCLEX PN Practice Test with NGN Questions
Extract:
The nurse in the surgical unit is caring for a 57-year-old client who underwent an abdominal hysterectomy.
Progress Notes
1 Day Postoperative
0800:
The client underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy and tumor debulking 1 day ago for treatment of ovarian cancer. She has had four episodes of vomiting with bilious emesis over the past 12 hours, which have continued despite V antiemetic administration. The client has been receiving V broad-spectrum antibiotics since the procedure. The skin is warm. A low transverse abdominal incision is present; staples are clean and dry. Chest expansion is symmetric; respirations are unlabored: diminished breath sounds are auscultated in bilateral lower lobes. Radial pulses 2+ bilaterally, capillary refill <3 seconds in all four extremities; no peripheral edema is noted. The client reports frequent hot flashes occurring roughly every hour, starting last night. The abdomen is markedly distended and tender to palpation. Bowel sounds are absent in all four quadrants; the client reports no flatus. Urine is clear yellow with moderate output. The client reports incontinence with coughing or during episodes of vomiting.
Question 1 of 5
For each finding below, click to specify if the finding is consistent with the disease process of postoperative ileus or small bowel obstruction.
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D
Rationale: A: Consistent with both - Vomiting occurs in both postoperative ileus and small bowel obstruction due to impaired gut motility or blockage. B: Consistent with both - Abdominal pain is common in both conditions due to distension or obstruction. C: Consistent with both - Abdominal distension results from gas/fluid accumulation in both. D: Consistent with both - Hypoactive bowel sounds reflect reduced peristalsis in ileus or obstruction.
Extract:
The practical nurse is assisting the registered nurse with the care of a 58-year-old client in the emergency department.
Nurses' Notes
Initial Clinic Visit
The client monitors blood pressure (BP) at home and reports that it has been elevated for the past month. BP is 157/92 mm Hg. Physical examination is normal. The client is prescribed a thiazide diuretic for hypertension.
Emergency Department 4 Weeks Later
The client reports muscle weakness and severe cramping in the lower extremities with increased lethargy over the past 3 days. BP is 123/75 mm Hg. Physical examination findings include 1+ deep tendon reflexes bilaterally.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse recognizes that the client is most likely experiencing.......... and, without prompt intervention, is at risk for...........
Correct Answer: A,F
Rationale: The client is most likely experiencing hypokalemia and, without prompt intervention, is at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias. Thiazide diuretics can cause potassium loss, leading to muscle weakness, cramping, and lethargy. Low potassium levels can disrupt cardiac electrical activity, risking dysrhythmias.
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
Nurses’ notes
Intensive Care Unit
2100:
Tissue plasminogen activator infusion is complete.
2330:
The client suddenly has become combative and confused and is disoriented to person, place, and time. The client vomited once forcefully. Neurologic assessment shows confusion and right-sided weakness.
Vital signs: T 100 F (37.8 C), P 105, RR 18, BP 188/94, SpO2 96% on room air.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse has reviewed the information from the Nurses' Notes. Which of the following is the priority action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client's sudden change in mental status (combative, confused, disoriented) and vomiting after tissue plasminogen activator (tP
A) infusion suggest a possible intracranial hemorrhage, a known complication of tPA. A repeat CT scan is the priority to assess for this life-threatening condition.
Extract:
The nurse in the surgical unit is caring for a 57-year-old client who underwent an abdominal hysterectomy.
Progress Notes
1 Day Postoperative
0800:
The client underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy and tumor debulking 1 day ago for treatment of ovarian cancer. She has had four episodes of vomiting with bilious emesis over the past 12 hours, which have continued despite V antiemetic administration. The client has been receiving V broad-spectrum antibiotics since the procedure. The skin is warm. A low transverse abdominal incision is present; staples are clean and dry. Chest expansion is symmetric; respirations are unlabored: diminished breath sounds are auscultated in bilateral lower lobes. Radial pulses 2+ bilaterally, capillary refill <3 seconds in all four extremities; no peripheral edema is noted. The client reports frequent hot flashes occurring roughly every hour, starting last night. The abdomen is markedly distended and tender to palpation. Bowel sounds are absent in all four quadrants; the client reports no flatus. Urine is clear yellow with moderate output. The client reports incontinence with coughing or during episodes of vomiting.
Question 4 of 5
Select the findings that require immediate follow up.
Correct Answer: B,E
Rationale: B: Requires follow-up - Persistent vomiting despite antiemetics suggests a postoperative complication like ileus or obstruction. E: Requires follow-up - Abdominal distension and tenderness indicate potential ileus or obstruction, requiring urgent evaluation. A, C, D: Do not require immediate follow-up as they are expected or less urgent.
Extract:
The nurse is caring for a 12-month-old male client.
History and Physical
Body System
General
The client is brought to the emergency department by the parents due to increased leg bruising and left knee swelling for 1 day; the parents report that the client seems more tired and less playful; both parents and the sister are healthy, but a maternal uncle died at age 7 after mild head trauma.
Integumentary
Good hygiene; no abrasions; no burns; bilateral scattered lower extremity bruising
Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (EENT)
The parents report that the client's gums have been bleeding when chewing on crackers
Pulmonary
Vital signs: RR 38, SpO 100% on room air, upper respiratory infection 3 weeks ago that completely resolved after 4 days.
Cardiovascular
Vital signs: T 98.7 F (37.1 C), P 136
Musculoskeletal
Left knee redness and swelling with limited range of motion; the client can bear weight on both lower extremities; the parents state the child has recently started learning to walk by holding onto furniture and sometimes falls
Genitourinary
The parents state that urine output has been normal; urine is clear and pale yellow; the penis is uncircumcised
Psychosocial
The client is cooperative during examination; the client appears appropriately dressed for the season and weather; the mother says the child has no interest in toilet-training
Question 5 of 5
Select the findings that require follow-up.
Correct Answer: A,B,C,F
Rationale: A: Requires follow-up - Increased bruising and knee swelling suggest a potential bleeding disorder. B: Requires follow-up - Bilateral bruising is abnormal and may indicate a hematologic issue. C: Requires follow-up - Bleeding gums are concerning for a coagulation disorder. F: Requires follow-up - Knee swelling and limited motion could indicate hemarthrosis, common in bleeding disorders. D, E, G: Normal findings that do not require immediate follow-up.