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
The physician has prescribed Zyvox (linezolid) for a patient with VRE. The concurrent use of which medication may result in serotonin syndrome?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Linezolid, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, can cause serotonin syndrome when combined with SSRIs like Zoloft (sertraline), due to excessive serotonin accumulation. Nexium, Lipitor, and Zyrtec do not interact in this way.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of peptic ulcer disease. Which food should the client avoid?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Spicy foods can irritate the gastric mucosa, exacerbating peptic ulcer disease. Apples, rice, and milk (in moderation) are generally safe.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client with suspected tuberculosis. Which precaution should be implemented?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tuberculosis is transmitted via airborne droplets, requiring airborne precautions (e.g., N95 mask, negative pressure room). Standard, droplet, and contact precautions are insufficient.
Question 5 of 5
A 52-year-old client who underwent an exploratory laparotomy for a bowel obstruction begins to complain of hunger on the third postoperative day. His nasogastric (NG) tube was removed this morning, and he has an IV of D5W with 0.45% normal saline running at 125 mL/hr. He asks when he can get rid of his IV and start eating. The nurse recognizes that he will be able to begin taking oral fluids and nourishment when:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The absence of wound infection is related to his surgical wound and not to postoperative GI functioning and return of peristalsis. Routine postoperative protocol involves detection of bowel sounds and return of peristalsis before introduction of clear liquids, followed by progression of full liquids and a regular diet versus a full regular meal first. Routine postoperative protocol for bowel obstruction is to assess for the return of bowel sounds within 72 hours after major surgery, because that is when bowel sounds normally return. If unable to detect bowel sounds, the surgeon should be notified immediately and have the client remain NPO. Routine postoperative protocol for bowel obstruction and other major surgeries involves frequent monitoring of vital signs in the immediate postoperative period (in recovery room) and then every 4 hours, or more frequently if the client is unstable, on the nursing unit. This includes assessing for signs of hypovolemic shock. Vital signs usually stabilize within the first 24 hours postoperatively.