NCLEX-PN
NCLEX PN Practice Test with NGN Questions
Extract:
The nurse is evaluating the client's use of hearing aids. Nurses' Notes
The client reports keeping hearing aids in a box in the bedside table when asleep. The client demonstrates pulling the top of the ear down and back to insert the hearing aid. When the device makes a whistling sound, the client reports turning the volume up. Every few days, when the aids are dirty, the client washes them gently with a wet washcloth. Before taking a break from the hearing aids over the weekend, the client removes the battery
Question 1 of 5
Select 3 findings that require follow-up.
Correct Answer: C,D,E
Rationale: Turning up the volume for whistling (feedback) may indicate improper fit. Washing hearing aids with water can damage them. Removing batteries for storage is correct, but follow-up ensures proper technique.
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 2 of 5
The nurse should prioritize interventions for due to the risk of
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client's consumption of ≥4 alcoholic beverages per day indicates a risk of alcohol withdrawal, which can be life-threatening and requires prioritized intervention.
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.
Question 3 of 5
Which 3 additional findings or diagnostic results are most important to plan care for this client?
Correct Answer: B, C, E
Rationale: A CT scan (
C) is critical to diagnose stroke type. A standardized stroke assessment (E) evaluates severity and guides treatment. Capillary glucose (
B) ensures hypoglycemia is not contributing to symptoms. Blood alcohol level (
A) is less relevant with minimal alcohol history. EEG (
D) is not urgent for suspected stroke.
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, SpO2 94% on room air.
1800:
The client is awake, alert, and oriented to person, place, time, and situation. The client is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and is admitted for supervised detoxification.
Laboratory Results
Urine Drug Screen
On admission
Cocaine- Negative
Opioids- Positive
Amphetamines- Negative
Marijuana- Positive
Phencyclidine-Negative
Benzodiazepines- Negative
Barbiturates- Negative
Laboratory Test and Reference Range
Cocaine- Negative
Opioids- Negative
Amphetamines- Negative
Marijuana- Negative
Phencyclidine- Negative
Benzodiazepines- Negative
Barbiturates- Negative
Question 4 of 5
The nurse has reviewed the information from the Progress Notes and Laboratory Results. For each potential intervention, click to specify if the intervention is expected or unexpected for the care of the client.
| Potential Intervention | Expected | Unexpected |
|---|---|---|
| Initiate seizure precautions | ||
| Monitor the client for suicidal ideation | ||
| Administer antidiarrheal and antiemetic medications as needed | ||
| Use a standardized scoring scale to assess for withdrawal symptoms |
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: B: Expected - Depression history increases suicide risk during withdrawal. C: Expected - Antidiarrheals and antiemetics manage withdrawal symptoms like nausea. D: Expected - Standardized scales (e.g., COWS) assess opioid withdrawal severity. A: Unexpected - Seizures are more associated with alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal, not opioids.
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 5 of 5
The nurse is assisting the registered nurse in planning care for a client prescribed tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy. Which of the following actions are appropriate prior to administration? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E
Rationale: Recent surgery/trauma (
A) is a contraindication for tPA. BP ≤ 185/110 (
B) is required to reduce bleeding risk. Reviewing medications (
D) identifies anticoagulants that contraindicate tPA. Verifying symptom onset time (E) ensures tPA is within the therapeutic window. Heparin post-tPA (
C) increases bleeding risk and is not immediate.