NCLEX-PN
Free NCLEX-PN Practice Questions Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of heart failure who is receiving furosemide (Lasix). Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can cause hypokalemia, increasing the risk of arrhythmias in heart failure patients, so serum potassium must be monitored closely. Glucose (
B), cholesterol (
C), and hemoglobin (
D) are not directly affected by furosemide.
Question 2 of 5
Because of difficulties with hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis is initiated to treat a client's uremia. Which finding signals a significant problem during this procedure?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An increased WBC count indicates infection, probably resulting from peritonitis, which may have been caused by insertion of the peritoneal catheter into the peritoneal cavity. Peritonitis can cause the peritoneal membrane to lose its ability to filter solutes; therefore, peritoneal dialysis would no longer be a treatment option for this client. Hyperglycemia occurs during peritoneal dialysis because of the high glucose content of the dialysate; it's readily treatable with sliding-scale insulin. A potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L is an acceptable value. An HCT of 35% is lower than normal. However, in this client, the value isn't abnormally low because of the daily blood samplings. A lower HCT is common in clients with chronic renal failure because of the lack of erythropoietin.
Question 3 of 5
A client is taking hydrocodone (Vicodin) for chronic back pain. The client has required an increase in the dose and asks whether this means he is addicted to Vicodin. The nurse should base her reply on the knowledge that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect, is common with long-term opioid use and does not equate to addiction. Addiction involves psychological dependence, not described here. Psychosocial Integrity
Question 4 of 5
A patient is prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) for atrial fibrillation. Which of the following lab values should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of the medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Warfarin’s anticoagulant effect is monitored via PT/INR, which assesses clotting time and therapeutic range for atrial fibrillation (typically INR 2.0–3.0). Platelet count, hemoglobin, and aPTT are not primary indicators for warfarin.
Question 5 of 5
A client on the psychiatric unit is in an uncontrolled rage and is threatening other clients and staff. Which of the following personnel can legally place the client in seclusion?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Only a registered nurse or higher (e.g., physician) can legally initiate seclusion due to the need for clinical judgment. LPNs, orderlies, and security lack this authority.