NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Free Practice Questions Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
Stat serum electrolytes ordered for a client in acute renal failure revealed a serum potassium level of 6.4. The physician is immediately notified and orders 50 mL of dextrose and 10 U of regular insulin IV push. The nurse administering these drugs knows the rationale for this therapy is to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate), a cation exchange resin, exchanges sodium ions for potassium ions in the large intestine reducing the serum potassium. Calcium is administered to protect the myocardium from the adverse effects of hyperkalemia. Serum levels reflect hyperkalemia. Rapid catabolism releases potassium from the body tissue into the bloodstream. Infection and hyperthermia increase the process of catabolism. The administration of dextrose and regular insulin IV forces potassium back into the cells decreasing the potassium in the serum.
Question 2 of 5
A 34-year-old client who is gravida 1, para 0 has a history of infertility and conceived this pregnancy while taking fertility drugs. She is at 32 weeks' gestation and is carrying triplets. She is complaining of low back pain and a feeling of pelvic pressure. Her cervical exam reveals a long, closed cervix. The nurse notes that the client is experiencing mild uterine contractions every 7-8 minutes after the nurse has placed her on the fetal monitor. Her condition should indicate that:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rhythmical contractions in conjunction with low back pain and pelvic pressure at 32 weeks in a woman carrying triplets are of great concern, indicating possible preterm labor, which is more common in multiple pregnancies.
Question 3 of 5
The client is admitted with a diagnosis of placenta accreta. Which complication is most likely to occur?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Placenta accreta where the placenta abnormally adheres to the uterine wall increases the risk of maternal hemorrhage (during delivery) fetal distress (from placental dysfunction) and preterm labor (from interventions). All are potential complications.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is preparing to administer digoxin (Lanoxin) to a client with heart failure. The client’s heart rate is 58 beats per minute. What is the nurse’s best action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A heart rate of 58 bpm is below the threshold (60 bpm) for digoxin administration, as it may worsen bradycardia. Holding the dose and notifying the physician (
B) is safest. Administering (
A), reducing (
C), or delaying (
D) is inappropriate.
Question 5 of 5
A measurable outcome criterion in the nursing care of an adolescent with anorexia nervosa would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This outcome criterion is inadequate because the term 'accepts' is not directly measurable. This outcome criterion is directly measurable because specific goal-related verbalizations can be heard and verified by the nurse. 'Improved perception of body image' is not directly measurable and is therefore open to many interpretations. Although long-term goals for the anorexic client should focus on increased self-esteem, this outcome criterion (as stated) does not include specific indicators or behaviors for which to observe.