NCLEX-RN
RN NCLEX Practice Test Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with pneumonia who is allergic to penicillin. Which antibiotic is safest to administer to this client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Erythromycin, a macrolide, is safe for penicillin-allergic patients. Cefazolin (
A), Amoxicillin (
B), and Ceftriaxone (
D) are beta-lactams with cross-reactivity risks.
Question 2 of 5
A female client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has presented in the emergency department with cough productive of yellow sputum and increasing shortness of breath. On room air, her blood gases are as follows: pH 7.30 mm Hg, PCO2 60 mm Hg, PO2 55 mm Hg, HCO3 32 mEq/L. These arterial blood gases reflect:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Low pH, high PCO2, and normal HCO3 indicate uncompensated respiratory acidosis, reflecting acute exacerbation of COPD.
Question 3 of 5
A client with gallstones and obstructive jaundice is experiencing severe itching. The physician has prescribed cholestyramine (Questran). The client asks, “How does this drug work?” What is the nurse’s best response?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cholestyramine binds bile acids in the intestine, forming complexes excreted in stool, reducing circulating bile acids that cause itching. It doesn’t block histamine (
A), inhibit enzymes (
B), or reduce gallbladder bile (
C).
Question 4 of 5
A client has consented to have a central venous catheter placed. The best position in which to place the client is the Trendelenburg position. The reason is that the Trendelenburg position:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Trendelenburg position reduces air embolism risk by increasing central venous pressure and distending veins for easier catheter insertion.
Question 5 of 5
A patient refuses to take his dose of oral medication. The nurse tells the patient that if he does not take the medication that she will administer it by injection. The nurse's comments can result in a charge of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Threatening to administer medication by injection against the patient's will constitutes assault, as it involves a threat of unwanted contact.