NCLEX-PN
NCLEX PN Practice Test with NGN Questions
Extract:
The nurse is caring for a 25-year-old female client.
History and Physical
Body System
General
Client reports jitteriness, anxiety, and palpitations for the past 2 months. Fine hand tremor is noted. Client reports insomnia for approximately 1 week.
Integumentary
Client is diaphoretic.
Eye, Ear, Nose, andThroat (EENT)
Exophthalmos is noted. Goiter is present.
Gastrointestinal
Client reports 10 lb (4.5 kg) weight loss over the past month. Bowel sounds are normoactive. Client reports diarrhea for the past few days.
Reproductive
Last menstrual period was 3 months ago.
Vital Signs
T 99.2 F (37.3 C)
P 164
RR 22
BP 156/92
Question 1 of 5
The client is most likely experiencing.......... and requires intervention to prevent............
Correct Answer: B,F
Rationale: The client's symptoms (tachycardia, weight loss, exophthalmos, etc.) indicate hyperthyroidism, and intervention is needed to prevent acute thyrotoxicosis, a life-threatening complication.
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
Nurses’ notes
Intensive Care Unit
2100:
Tissue plasminogen activator infusion is complete.
2330:
The client suddenly has become combative and confused and is disoriented to person, place, and time. The client vomited once forcefully. Neurologic assessment shows confusion and right-sided weakness.
Vital signs: T 100 F (37.8 C), P 105, RR 18, BP 188/94, SpO2 96% on room air.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse has reviewed the information from the Nurses' Notes. Which of the following is the priority action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client's sudden change in mental status (combative, confused, disoriented) and vomiting after tissue plasminogen activator (tP
A) infusion suggest a possible intracranial hemorrhage, a known complication of tPA. A repeat CT scan is the priority to assess for this life-threatening condition.
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.
Nurses' Notes
Inpatient - Mental Health Unit
2100:
Client appears anxious and withdrawn, and states, "I am afraid to sleep at night because I get nightmares about my sibling." The client would not elaborate on the content of the nightmares.
Question 3 of 5
For each potential intervention, click to specify if the intervention is appropriate or not appropriate for the care of the client.
| Potential Intervention | Appropriate | Not Appropriate |
|---|---|---|
| Provide the client privacy during flashbacks | ||
| Help the client identify available support systems | ||
| Directly ask if the client is having thoughts of self-harm | ||
| Determine the client's ability to perform activities of daily living | ||
| Reinforce the use of progressive muscle relaxation for anxiety | ||
| Avoid discussion of the traumatic event when speaking to the client |
Correct Answer: B,C,E
Rationale: Appropriate interventions include identifying support systems (
B), directly assessing for self-harm (
C), and using relaxation techniques (E). Providing privacy during flashbacks (
A) may increase distress, assessing ADLs (
D) is less urgent, and avoiding discussion of the trauma (F) may hinder therapeutic progress.
Extract:
The nurse is caring for a 66-year-old client in the emergency department.
Nurses' Notes
Emergency Department
1930:
The client is admitted for cellulitis of the right arm due to V drug use. The client was diagnosed with HIV 25 years ago and is taking antiretroviral therapy but reports frequently skipping doses. This is the client's third admission to the hospital within the past 6 months for complications due to IV drug use.
2015:
While assisting with an IV catheter placement, the nurse accidentally sustains a needlestick injury.
Question 4 of 5
For each potential intervention, click to specify if the intervention is indicated or not indicated for the care of the client.
| Potential Intervention | Indicated | Not Indicated |
|---|---|---|
| Wash the injury with soap and water | ||
| Screen the client for hepatitis C virus | ||
| Squeeze tissue to let the wound bleed | ||
| Anticipate initiating antiretrovirals for the nurse | ||
| Anticipate initiating oral antibiotics for the nurse | ||
| Replace the cap on the needle prior to disposal |
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D
Rationale: A: Indicated - Washing with soap and water is a standard first step to clean a needlestick injury and reduce infection risk. B: Indicated - Screening the client for hepatitis C is necessary due to the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission, especially given the client's IV drug use history. C: Indicated - Allowing the wound to bleed can help flush out potential contaminants. D: Indicated - Post-exposure prophylaxis with antiretrovirals may be needed due to the client's HIV status and non-compliance with therapy. E: Not indicated - Antibiotics are not routinely given for needlestick injuries unless infection is evident. F: Not indicated - Recapping needles increases the risk of injury and is against safety protocols.
Extract:
The practical nurse is assisting the registered nurse with the care of a 58-year-old client in the emergency department.
Nurses' Notes
Initial Clinic Visit
The client monitors blood pressure (BP) at home and reports that it has been elevated for the past month. BP is 157/92 mm Hg. Physical examination is normal. The client is prescribed a thiazide diuretic for hypertension.
Emergency Department 4 Weeks Later
The client reports muscle weakness and severe cramping in the lower extremities with increased lethargy over the past 3 days. BP is 123/75 mm Hg. Physical examination findings include 1+ deep tendon reflexes bilaterally.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse recognizes that the client is most likely experiencing.......... and, without prompt intervention, is at risk for...........
Correct Answer: A,F
Rationale: The client is most likely experiencing hypokalemia and, without prompt intervention, is at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias. Thiazide diuretics can cause potassium loss, leading to muscle weakness, cramping, and lethargy. Low potassium levels can disrupt cardiac electrical activity, risking dysrhythmias.