NCLEX-RN
RN NCLEX Practice Test Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with osteoporosis who is being discharged on alendronate (Fosamax). Which statement would indicate a need for further teaching?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Alendronate should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, not before bedtime (
A), indicating a need for further teaching. Upright positioning (
B), taking with water (
C), and avoiding food (
D) are correct.
Question 2 of 5
A client has been taking lithium 300 mg po bid for the past two weeks. This morning her lithium level was 1 mEq/L. The nurse should:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: There is no need to phone the physician because the lithium level is within therapeutic range and because there are no indications of toxicity present. There is no reason to withhold the lithium because the blood level is within therapeutic range. Also, it is necessary to give the medication as scheduled to maintain adequate blood levels. The lab results indicate that the client's lithium level is within therapeutic range (0.2-1.4 mEq/L), so the medication should be given as ordered. Benztropine is an antiparkinsonism drug frequently given to counteract extrapyramidal symptoms associated with the administration of antipsychotic drugs (not lithium).
Question 3 of 5
The client is receiving a continuous heparin infusion. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Heparin’s anticoagulant effect is monitored by aPTT, with a therapeutic range of 1.5–2.5 times the control value. Platelet count is monitored for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, but PT and INR are for warfarin.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client following a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). The nurse should give priority to reporting:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Chest drainage of 150 mL/hour post-CABG suggests significant bleeding, requiring immediate reporting to prevent hypovolemia. Confusion, pallor, and low urine output are less urgent.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of heart failure. Which discharge instruction is most important?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Daily weight monitoring detects fluid retention early in heart failure, allowing timely intervention. Exercise should be moderate, sodium restricted, and pain relievers used cautiously.