NCLEX-PN
NCLEX PN Test Questions with NGN Questions
Extract:
Nurses' Notes
Outpatient Clinic
Initial
visit
The child recently started attending a new preschool and hit a teacher during lunch. The parent says,
"My
child has never been aggressive before but has always been particular about food."
The client was born at full term without complications and has no significant medical history. The child
started babbling at age 6 months, and the parent reports that the first words were spoken around age 12
months. The client then became quiet and "obsessed" with stacking blocks and organizing toys by color.
The child can kick a ball, draw a circle, pedal a tricycle, and now says two-word phrases. Vitals signs are
normal, and the client is tracking adequately on growth curves.
During the evaluation, the child sits in the corner of the room playing with blocks. The client does not follow
the parents gaze when the parent points to toys in the office. The child begins screaming and rocking back
and forth when the health care provider comes near.
Laboratory Results
Laboratory Test and
Reference Range
1030
Glucose (random)
71-200 mg/dL
(3.9-11.1 mmol/L)
110 mg/dL (6.1 mmol/L)
Sodium
136-145 mEq/L
(136-145 mmol/L)|
133 mEq/L (133 mmol/L)|
Potassium
3.5-5.0 mEq/L
(3.5-5.0 mmol/L)
4.5 mEq/L (4.5 mmol/L)
B-type natriuretic peptide
<100 pg/mL
(<100 ng/L)
640 pg/mL (640 ng/L)
Diagnostic Results
Chest X-ray
1030:Mild cardiomegaly
Echocardiogram
1100:Mild left ventricular hypertrophy with left ventricular ejection fraction of 30%
Question 1 of 5
For each potential intervention, click to specify if the intervention is expected or not expected for the care of the client.
Correct Answer:
Rationale: Expected interventions for acute decompensated heart failure (HF) focus on reducing cardiac workload and improving
oxygenation. These include:
• Daily weights should be performed to monitor fluid volume status and guide treatment. Ideally, daily weights should be
performed at the same time of day, on the same scale, and with the client wearing the same amount of clothing.
• Diuretics (eg, furosemide) prevent reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the kidneys, which increases fluid excretion in
urine and decreases preload. Diuretics provide symptomatic relief by reducing pulmonary congestion and peripheral
edema. These are the cornerstone of therapy and often a priority after oxygen therapy.
• Fluid restriction is indicated to decrease circulating fluid volume and prevent excess strain on the heart.
• Supplemental oxygen should be administered to improve oxygen delivery in clients with HF due to impaired gas
exchange from pulmonary edema.
• Antihypertensive medications reduce cardiac workload and improve contractility by lowering blood pressure (ie,
afterload).
Nebulized albuterol is a bronchodilator administered to improve oxygenation in clients with reactive airway disease (eg.
asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Bronchodilators will not improve oxygenation in clients with pulmonary
edema and are not expected for treatment of HF.
Extract:
The nurse is performing a home health visit for an 84-year-old male.
History and Physical
Body System, Findings
General,
Client reports a 1-month-long history of fatigue and dyspnea that has worsened; he is unable to lie
flat and sleeps in a chair at night, medical history includes myocardial infarction, chronic heart
failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus; client
was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia 8 months ago; client is adherent with prescribed
medications; client reports frequent consumption of donuts, hamburgers, steak, and fried chicken;
BMI is 34 kg/m?; client reports 6-Ib (2.7-kg) weight gain in 1 week
Neurological,
Alert and oriented to person, place, time, and situation
Pulmonary,
Vital signs: RR 24, SpOz 88% on room air; labored breathing, crackles in bilateral lung bases; client
expectorates frothy, pink-tinged sputum; client has a 40-year history of smoking 1 pack of cigarettes
per day
Cardiovascular,
Vital signs: T 98.8 F (37.1 C), P 98, BP 113/92; S1, S2, and S3 present; 3+ bilateral lower extremity
edema
Genitourinary, Concentrated yellow urine; client reports increased urinary hesitancy and urgency
Psychosocial,
Client reports being lonely and has depressed mental status
Question 2 of 5
Complete the following sentence/sentences by choosing from the list/lists of options. The nurse should recognize that the client is most likely experiencing--------------as evidenced by------------------
Correct Answer: C,E
Rationale: The nurse should recognize that the client is most likely experiencing a heart failure (HF) exacerbation, as evidenced by
orthopnea. Orthopnea (ie, labored breathing in the supine position), decreased capillary oxygen saturation, extra heart tones
(eg, S3), bilateral lower extremity edema, >5 lb [2.3 kg] weight gain in 1 week, and adventitious lung sounds (eg, crackles)
indicate fluid overload
Extract:
The nurse is caring for a 34-year-old female client in the clinic.
Nurses' Notes
Initial Clinic Visit
The client is receiving a tuberculin skin test. The client works at a long-term care facility and has never been vaccinated for
tuberculosis. Medical history includes Crohn disease, major depression, and a blood transfusion following a motor vehicle collision 5
years ago. The client takes an immunosuppressant, oral contraceptive pills, and a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor daily.
The client is currently providing housing for a family member who periodically experiences homelessness. The client has a pet dog.
Clinic Visit 2 Days Later
The client returns to the clinic for inspection of the tuberculin skin test injection site. There is a palpable, raised, hardened area around
the injection site that is 16 mm in diameter.
The client reports no cough, fever, fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, or nocturnal diaphoresis. Lung sounds are clear throughout all lobes
on auscultation.
Vital signs are T 98.5 F (36.9 C), P 72, RR 17, BP 118/72, and SpO 98% on room air.
Clinic Visit 6 Months Later
The client reports fatigue; intermittent fevers; decreased appetite; a 6-Ib (2.7-kg) weight loss; and a productive, chronic cough that
began 5 weeks ago. The client has not started the antibiotic regimen for latent tuberculosis.
Diagnostic Results
Chest x-ray
Lungs appear normal. There are no infiltrates, cavitation, or effusions.
Question 3 of 5
I can never get tuberculosis again once I finish treatment
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rifampin is often used in the management of both latent and active tuberculosis (T
B) but reduces the effectiveness of oral contraceptive
pills.
Therefore, the client should be instructed to use additional methods of contraception during treatment and for 1 month following
the completion of treatment (Option 4).
Extract:
History
Emergency Department
Admission: The client is brought to the emergency department for psychiatric evaluation after being found on the
roof of a seven-floor office tower screaming, "I am going to jump! Life is not worth living anymore!" The
client admits having attempted to jump off the building and wishes the police had not intervened. The
client reports that thoughts of self-harm have increased in intensity since a divorce 2 months ago. The
client's thoughts of self-harm are intermittent, with no reports of suicidal thoughts at the present time.
The client reports losing 10 pounds in the past month without trying, difficulty concentrating on tasks,
and feeling tired most of the day. No history of violence or trauma. The client reports recurring feelings
of worthlessness but no auditory/visual hallucinations or homicidal ideations.
Medical history includes seizures, but the client has not been taking prescribed levetiracetam. The client
reports smoking 1 pack of cigarettes per day for the past 3 years.
Vital signs: T 97.2 F (36.2 C), P 100, BP 153/70, RR 19
Laboratory Results
Laboratory Test and Reference Range,Admission
Urine drug screen
Cocaine
Negative
Positive,
Opioid
Negative
Negative,
Amphetamines
Negative
Negative,
Marijuana
Negative
Positive,
Phencyclidine
Negative
Negative,
Benzodiazepines
Negative
Negative,
Barbiturates
Negative
Negative,
Breathalyzer
No alcoho detected
0.00
Question 4 of 5
The client is admitted to the inpatient mental health unit. For each potential intervention, click to specify if the intervention is appropriate or not appropriate for the care of the client.
| Potential Intervention | Appropriate | Not Appropriate |
|---|---|---|
| Assign the client to a shared room if available | ||
| Avoid placing utensils on the client's meal tray | ||
| Check on the client at frequent, irregular intervals | ||
| Perform frequent room searches for harmful objects | ||
| Perform mouth checks after medication administration | ||
| Encourage the client to participate in grooming and hygiene | ||
| Avoid discussion of suicidal thoughts when talking to the client |
Correct Answer:
Rationale: Appropriate interventions for the client with major depressive disorder who is experiencing suicidal ideation include the
following:
• Assigning the client to a shared room near the nurses' station to reduce social isolation and allow easier access to the
client
• Avoiding utensils on the client's meal tray that could be used for self-harm
• Checking on the client at frequent, irregular intervals (if not under 1-to-1 observation) to lessen predictability of staff
surveillance
• Performing frequent room searches for harmful objects to ensure client safety
• Performing mouth checks after medication administration to ensure the client has swallowed medication and is not
saving them for a future overdose attempt
• Encouraging the client to participate in grooming and hygiene because the client may exhibit loss of interest in daily
activities, decreased energy, and lack of motivation
Avoiding discussion of suicidal thoughts is not appropriate. Clients with suicidal ideation are often reluctant to disclose
their thoughts unless asked directly. The nurse should establish a nonjudgmental, therapeutic relationship that allows for open
communication.
It is not appropriate for the nurse to document that the client is not available for a safety check when the client is using the
restroom. The nurse must ensure that there is visual contact with the client during safety checks, even if the client is in the
restroom, to ensure safety.
Extract:
The nurse is caring for a 37-year-old client.
Admission Note
Antepartum Unit
1100:
The client, gravida 2 para 1 at 34 weeks gestation, is admitted to the hospital with right upper quadrant pain. The client
reports feeling extremely fatigued and nauseated and has vomited 3 times in the past 2 hours.
Physical examination shows right upper quadrant tenderness. Lower extremities have 2+ pitting edema; deep tendon
reflexes are 3+.
Laboratory Results
Laboratory Test and Reference Range, Admission
Hematology.
Platelets
150,000-400,000/mm3
(150-400 x 10°/L),
82,000/mm3
(82 x 10%/L)
Hemoglobin (pregnant)
>11 g/dL
(>110 g/L),
9.6 g/dL
(96 g/L)
Blood Chemistry.
Creatinine
Female: 0.5-1.1 mg/dL
(44.2-97.2 umol/L),
1.5 mg/dL
(114.4 umol/L)
Alanine aminotransferase
4-36 U/L
(0.07-0.60 ukat/L),
265 U/LI
(4.43 pkat/L)
Aspartate aminotransferase
0-35 U/LI
(0-0.58 ukat/L),
308 U/L
(5.14 ukat/L)
Lipase
0-160 U/L,
53 U/L
Amylase
30-220 U/L,
75 U/L
Urine Dipstick
Protein,
Increased
Vital Signs
1100
T,98.6 F (37 C)
P, 112
RR,20
BP,150/80
SpO2.98% on room air
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the collected client data to assist with preparing the client's plan of care. Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address the condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to measure the client's progress.
Action to Take
Potential Condition
Parameter to Monitor
Correct Answer:
Rationale: HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count) syndrome is a life-threatening pregnancy-related disorder that typically
occurs >20 weeks gestation. Although HELLP syndrome is often considered a variant of preeclampsia, clients can develop this syndrome
without hypertension or proteinuria. Clinical manifestations may include elevated liver enzymes, right upper quadrant pain (due to swelling of
the liver), malaise, nausea, and decreased platelet count.
Appropriate interventions include:
• Preparing the client for birth, which is the only definitive treatment
• Assisting with the initiation of magnesium sulfate infusion for seizure prophylaxis
• Administering antihypertensive medications PRN to help prevent stroke
• Evaluating deep tendon reflexes frequently to monitor for hyperreflexia and clonus, which may indicate increased central nervous
system irritability and precede eclampsia; hyporeflexia may indicate magnesium toxicity.
• Monitoring clotting factors to evaluate bleeding risk and monitor for disseminated intravascular coagulation, a complication of HELLP
syndrome