NCLEX-RN
RN NCLEX Practice Test Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse discovers that a 78-year-old client who received hydralazine (Apresoline) 20 mg 45 minutes ago has a blood pressure of 70/40 mm Hg. The client has been on this dose of the medication for 3 years. Which of the following data is most likely significant in relation to the cause of the low blood pressure?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: (A,
D) Decreased pulse volume and increased pulse rate are signs of an acute hypotensive episode. Inadequate fluid volume when taking vasodilators can result in a drop in blood pressure when vasodilation starts to physiologically occur as an action of the drug. A potassium level of 3.3 would not be associated with a significant drop in blood pressure.
Question 2 of 5
Several months after antibiotic therapy, a child is readmitted to the hospital with an exacerbation of osteomyelitis, which is now in the chronic stage. The mother appears anxious and asks what she could have done to prevent the exacerbation. The nurse's response is based on the knowledge that chronic osteomyelitis:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Areas of sequestrum may be surrounded by dense bone, become honeycombed with sinuses, and retain infectious organisms for a long time, leading to chronic osteomyelitis exacerbation.
Question 3 of 5
A young child has been placed in a spica cast. The chief concern of the nurse during the first few hours is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Because the extremity may continue to swell and the cast could constrict circulation, the nurse should elevate the limb and observe for capillary refill, warmth, mobility of toes and circulation. Although muscle tone may diminish over time in the affected limb, this is not the immediate concern. The limb has been immobilized already by the cast, and therefore immobilization is not a concern. Heated fans and dryers are discouraged because the outside cast will dry quickly, yet the area beneath the cast remains wet and could cause burns.
Question 4 of 5
A client was admitted to the hospital for a TURP. Within 48 hours of admission and 12 hours postoperatively, both the blood pressure and pulse increased. He became agitated, thought snakes were crawling on his arms and legs, and generally became unmanageable. He pulled out his IV and urinary catheter in attempt to rid himself of the snakes. He was sweating profusely. The admission nurse's notes indicated that the client admitted to 'having a few drinks now and then.' He is probably experiencing which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Symptoms of psychotic depression must exist for at least 2 weeks, and the symptoms must represent a change from previous functioning. Delirium tremens occur approximately on the second or third day following cessation or reduction of alcohol intake. Symptoms would be all those described in the situation. Symptoms exhibited by this client are not exhibited in clients with anxiety disorders, who manifest excessive or unrealistic worry about life circumstances for at least 6 months. Symptoms for adjustment disorders with mixed emotional features (e.g., depression and anxiety) are different from those exhibited by the client in this situation.
Question 5 of 5
A client has renal failure. Today's lab values indicate he has an elevated serum potassium. What additional priority information does the nurse need to obtain?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The level of consciousness is not affected by elevated potassium levels. An electrocardiogram (EKG) can tell the nurse whether this client is experiencing any cardiac dysfunction or arrhythmias related to the elevated potassium level. Measurement of the urine output is not a priority nursing action at this time. The client's serum potassium values for the past several days may provide information about his renal function, but they are not a priority at this time.