NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
One week ago, a 21-year-old client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder was started on lithium 300 mg po qid. A lithium level is ordered. The client's level is 1.3 mEq/L. The nurse recognizes that this level is considered to be:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: This answer is correct. The therapeutic range is 1.0-1.5 mEq/L in the acute phase. Maintenance control levels are 0.6-1.2 mEq/L. (B,
C) This answer is incorrect. A level of 1.3 mEq/L is within therapeutic range. This answer is incorrect.
Toxic poisoning is usually at the 2.0 level or higher.
Question 2 of 5
A client with hyperthyroidism is taking Eskalith (lithium carbonate) to inhibit thyroid hormone release. Which complaint by the client should alert the nurse to a problem with the client's medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increased thirst and urination suggest lithium toxicity, as lithium can cause polyuria and polydipsia. Blurred vision and weight gain are less specific, and rhinorrhea is unrelated.
Question 3 of 5
The mother of a 7-year-old mental health center client reports that the client has refused to attend gymnastics for the past 2 weeks. Prior to that time, the child liked going to this class and was attending 3 times a week. In talking with the client, the nurse would:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Asking 'why' questions may put the child on the defensive and may not elicit useful information, especially in a young child who may struggle to articulate reasons. This approach is open-ended and encourages the child to describe her experiences in a non-confrontational way, which may reveal underlying issues while building trust. This question is too specific and may feel confrontational, potentially causing the child to shut down. While encouraging expression of feelings is appropriate, it is less specific and may not help uncover the specific event or change that led to her refusal to attend.
Question 4 of 5
When preparing a client for magnetic resonance imaging, the nurse should implement which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Removing jewelry and checking for metal implants prevents MRI-related injuries due to magnetic fields. Consent and atropine (
A), scrubbing (
B), and Benadryl (
D) are not standard for MRI prep.
Question 5 of 5
A client with a history of lymphoma is admitted with complaints of night sweats. The nurse should expect the client to have:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Night sweats are a B symptom of lymphoma, along with fever and weight loss, indicating systemic disease.