NCLEX-PN
NCLEX PN Practice Test with NGN Questions
Extract:
The nurse in the surgical unit is caring for a 57-year-old client who underwent an abdominal hysterectomy.
Progress Notes
1 Day Postoperative
0800:
The client underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy and tumor debulking 1 day ago for treatment of ovarian cancer. She has had four episodes of vomiting with bilious emesis over the past 12 hours, which have continued despite V antiemetic administration. The client has been receiving V broad-spectrum antibiotics since the procedure. The skin is warm. A low transverse abdominal incision is present; staples are clean and dry. Chest expansion is symmetric; respirations are unlabored: diminished breath sounds are auscultated in bilateral lower lobes. Radial pulses 2+ bilaterally, capillary refill <3 seconds in all four extremities; no peripheral edema is noted. The client reports frequent hot flashes occurring roughly every hour, starting last night. The abdomen is markedly distended and tender to palpation. Bowel sounds are absent in all four quadrants; the client reports no flatus. Urine is clear yellow with moderate output. The client reports incontinence with coughing or during episodes of vomiting.
Question 1 of 5
The health care provider suspects that the client is experiencing postoperative ileus. The nurse should prepare the client for and provide.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Postoperative ileus is characterized by absent bowel sounds, abdominal distension, and lack of flatus, as noted in the client. Abdominal and pelvic x-rays are used to confirm the diagnosis by identifying air-fluid levels or dilated bowel loops. A digital rectal examination is not diagnostic for ileus. Emergency surgery is not indicated without evidence of obstruction or perforation. Enteral feedings or clear liquids are contraindicated until ileus resolves, and total parenteral nutrition is typically reserved for prolonged cases.
Extract:
The nurse is caring for a 58-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit.
History and Physical
General
The client is vomiting bright red blood; medical history includes alcohol use disorder, liver cirrhosis, and hypertension; the client was admitted a year ago for alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis
Neurological
The client is oriented to person and place; the pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation
Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (EENT)
Yellow scleras are noted
Pulmonary
Vital signs are RR 18, SpO 94% on room air
Cardiovascular
Vital signs are T 99 F (37.2 C), P 102, BP 90/40; S1 and S2 are heard on auscultation; peripheral pulses are 2+ in all extremities; 1+ edema is noted at the bilateral lower extremities
Gastrointestinal
The abdomen is distended and nontender to palpation; the flanks are dull to percussion; bowel sounds are hypoactive; distended veins are present around the umbilicus
Genitourinary
Client is voiding amber-colored urine
Question 2 of 5
The health care provider confirms that the client is experiencing bleeding from esophageal varices secondary to complications from liver cirrhosis. For each potential prescription, specify if the prescription is anticipated or unanticipated for the care of this client.
| Potential Prescription | Anticipated | Unanticipated |
|---|---|---|
| Maintain NPO status | ||
| Start octreotide infusion | ||
| Administer IV fluid bolus | ||
| Transfuse packed RBCs | ||
| Gather supplies for paracentesis | ||
| Prepare client for esophagogastroduodenoscopy |
Correct Answer: A: Anticipated, B: Anticipated, C: Anticipated, D: Anticipated, E: Unanticipated, F: Anticipated
Rationale:
A) Anticipated: NPO prevents aspiration and supports esophageal varices management.
B) Anticipated: Octreotide reduces portal pressure to control variceal bleeding.
C) Anticipated: IV fluids address hypovolemia (BP 90/40).
D) Anticipated: PRBCs treat blood loss from variceal bleeding. E) Unanticipated: Paracentesis is for ascites, not urgent here. F) Anticipated: EGD is standard to visualize and treat varices.
Extract:
The nurse in the surgical unit is caring for a 57-year-old client who underwent an abdominal hysterectomy.
Progress Notes
1 Day Postoperative
0800:
The client underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy and tumor debulking 1 day ago for treatment of ovarian cancer. She has had four episodes of vomiting with bilious emesis over the past 12 hours, which have continued despite V antiemetic administration. The client has been receiving V broad-spectrum antibiotics since the procedure. The skin is warm. A low transverse abdominal incision is present; staples are clean and dry. Chest expansion is symmetric; respirations are unlabored: diminished breath sounds are auscultated in bilateral lower lobes. Radial pulses 2+ bilaterally, capillary refill <3 seconds in all four extremities; no peripheral edema is noted. The client reports frequent hot flashes occurring roughly every hour, starting last night. The abdomen is markedly distended and tender to palpation. Bowel sounds are absent in all four quadrants; the client reports no flatus. Urine is clear yellow with moderate output. The client reports incontinence with coughing or during episodes of vomiting.
Prescriptions
0820:
• 5% dextrose and 0.45% sodium chloride at 75 m/hr continuous
• 50% dextrose 25 mg IV push as needed for blood glucose <70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L)
• Ketorolac 15 mg IV push every 6 hours as needed for severe pain
• Ondansetron 8 mg PO every 8 hours as needed for nausea
• Pantoprazole 40 mg PO daily
• Potassium chloride 40 mEq/100 mL IVPB once
• Sips of clear liquids, advance diet as tolerated
Laboratory Results
Laboratory Test and Reference Range: 1 day postoperative
WBC count:
5000-10.000/mm3 (5-10 × 10%L): 12,000/mm3 (12 × 10°/L)
Urea nitrogen (BUN)
10-20 mg/dL (3.6-7.1 mmol/L): 24 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L)
Creatinine
Male: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL(53-106 umol/L):
1.6 mg/dL (141.4 pmol/L)
Female: 0.5-1.1 mg/dL (44-97 umol/L):
Potassium
3.5-5.0 mEq/L (3.5--5.0 mmol/L): 3.3 mEq/L (3.3 mmol/L)
Sodium
135-145 mEq/L (135-145 mmol/L): 137 mEq/L (137 mmol/L)
Blood glucose level
74-106 mg/dL (4.1-5.9 mmol/L): 75 mg/dL (4.2 mmol/L)
Question 3 of 5
The nurse has reviewed the information from the Prescriptions and Laboratory Results. The nurse is planning care with the registered nurse. Select 2 prescriptions the nurse should anticipate initiating first.
Correct Answer: A, F
Rationale: IV fluids (
A) are critical to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance, especially with vomiting and ileus. Potassium chloride (F) addresses the low potassium level (3.3 mEq/L). Dextrose is not needed with normal glucose (75 mg/dL). Ketorolac and ondansetron are as-needed, and pantoprazole is daily but less urgent. Clear liquids may exacerbate ileus.
Extract:
Nurses' Notes
Emergency Department
A newborn is brought to the emergency department due to coughing and difficulty feeding. The client was born at home 6 hours ago via spontaneous vaginal birth. With each attempt to breastfeed, the client coughs, vomits, and "turns blue." The mother did not receive prenatal care. She reports a history of opioid use disorder but reports no opioid use during pregnancy.
Vital signs: T 98.6 F (37 C), P 120, RR 50, and SpO, 95% on room air. Abdominal distension is present. Ballard scoring estimates the client at 37 weeks gestation. Weight and length are consistent with the 25th and 50th percentiles for estimated age, respectively.
1 Hour Later
After attempting a bottle feed with 10 mL of formula, the client has a coughing episode, and there is formula mixed with saliva in the mouth. Coarse breath sounds are noted bilaterally with intercostal retractions. S1 and S2 are present with no murmurs. Neurologic examination shows normal neuromuscular findings.
A nasogastric tube insertion is attempted per prescription by the health care provider, and resistance is met at 10 cm of insertion.
Question 4 of 5
The practical nurse is assisting the registered nurse with the client's care. The newborn has received a gastrostomy tube and is scheduled for surgical repair of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula. For each intervention, click to specify if the intervention is indicated or not indicated for the care of the newborn. Note: Each row must have one response option selected.
| Intervention | Indicated | Not Indicated |
|---|---|---|
| Administer IV fluids | ||
| Monitor for episodes of apnea | ||
| Set up suction equipment at the bedside | ||
| Provide feedings through a gastrostomy tube | ||
| Maintain the newborn's head in an elevated position |
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E
Rationale: IV fluids prevent dehydration, monitoring for apnea addresses respiratory risks, suction equipment manages secretions, and an elevated head position reduces aspiration risk. Gastrostomy tube feedings are not indicated pre-surgery due to the fistula.
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 5 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.