NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Exam Practice Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client with suspected rheumatoid arthritis. Which finding is most characteristic of this condition?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Morning stiffness lasting over 30 minutes is a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis, reflecting synovial inflammation. Joint pain is symmetrical, fever and weight loss are less specific, and nodules are subcutaneous, not spinal.
Question 2 of 5
The client is admitted with a diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease. Which symptom is most likely to be present?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Gestational trophoblastic disease (e.g. molar pregnancy) causes markedly elevated hCG levels due to abnormal trophoblastic proliferation. Fetal heart tones are absent uterine size is larger and hypotension is not typical.
Question 3 of 5
The client is receiving a continuous infusion of insulin for diabetic ketoacidosis. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Insulin therapy in diabetic ketoacidosis shifts potassium into cells, risking hypokalemia, which can cause arrhythmias. Sodium, BUN, and A1C are monitored but are less critical during acute treatment.
Question 4 of 5
Early in her ninth month of pregnancy, a client has been diagnosed as having mild preeclampsia. In counseling her about her diet, the nurse must emphasize the importance of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Women with pregnancy-induced hypertension have a reduced plasma volume secondary to venous vessel constriction, not hypovolemia; therefore, sodium restriction is not recommended. It is suggested that these women avoid extremely salty foods. Drinking six to eight glasses of water per day facilitates optimal fluid volume and renal perfusion, but it will not decrease the venous vessel constriction of pregnancy-induced hypertension. Carbohydrate needs increase during pregnancy, specifically during the second and third trimesters, but they have not been linked to pregnancy-induced hypertension. Loss of urinary protein (proteinuria) is associated with increased permeability of the large protein molecules with pregnancy-induced hypertension. Additional dietary protein also helps increase the plasma colloidal osmotic pressure. Diets deficient in protein have been linked to pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Question 5 of 5
A 50-year-old depressed client has recently lost his job. He has been reluctant to leave his hospital room. Nursing care would include:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client should be encouraged to attend the unit activities. The nurse and client should choose a few activities for the client to attend that will be positive experiences for him. The nurse should encourage the client to discuss his feelings and to begin to deal with the depression. Depressed persons often have little appetite and poor fluid intake. Constipation is common. A calm, consistent level of stimuli is most effective. Sensory deprivation and overstimulation should be avoided.