NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The amniocentesis reveals that the patient has a high AFP level. The nurse is aware that a high level of AFP is associated with which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: High alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in amniotic fluid are associated with neural tube defects such as myelomeningocele (a type of spina bifida). Esophageal atresia omphalocele and Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) are not typically associated with elevated AFP levels.
Question 2 of 5
A client with AIDS has a viral load of 200 copies per mL. The nurse should interpret this finding as:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A viral load of 200 copies per mL is very low indicating effective antiretroviral therapy and minimal circulating virus. It does not directly assess opportunistic disease risk communicability or T-cell count.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 of 5
A six-month-old is receiving Lanoxin elixir (digoxin) following the repair of a VSD. Which finding should be reported to the physician?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A heart rate of 80 beats per minute in a six-month-old is low (normal range: 100-160 bpm) and may indicate digoxin toxicity or worsening cardiac function post-VSD repair. The other findings are within normal limits for an infant.