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
The client is admitted with a suspected bowel obstruction. Which diagnostic test is most likely to confirm the diagnosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An abdominal X-ray is the initial test to confirm bowel obstruction, showing air-fluid levels or dilated loops of bowel. Barium enema and colonoscopy are contraindicated due to perforation risk, and ultrasound is less specific.
Question 3 of 5
For the past several months, an elderly female client with Alzheimer's disease has experienced paranoia; hallucinations; and aggressive, disruptive behavior. The family is utilizing haloperidol as needed to control her behavior. On nursing assessment, you note that the client demonstrates involuntary movements of the tongue and fingers. This may most likely indicate:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Tardive dyskinesia is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol. Discontinuing the medication can alleviate symptoms. Although mild tremors are an early sign of Parkinson's disease, haloperidol must be discontinued first and the client further evaluated. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate a more advanced stage of Alzheimer's disease. Most antipsychotic drugs are chemically similar and will produce the same side effects.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following interventions will be useful for the patient with Alzheimer's dementia who exhibits prosopagnosia?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prosopagnosia is the inability to recognize faces. Labeled pictures of family and friends can help the patient identify familiar people improving social interaction and reducing confusion. The other options do not directly address face recognition.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is teaching a client with a history of psoriasis about skin care. The nurse should tell the client to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Moisturizing the skin helps reduce dryness and scaling in psoriasis, improving skin barrier function and comfort.