NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following is an early symptom of hypocalcemia?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Numbness or tingling in the extremities is an early sign of hypocalcemia, which can occur post-thyroidectomy due to parathyroid gland disruption. Chvostek’s sign and prolonged QT intervals are later signs, and 3+ reflexes are not specific.
Question 2 of 5
A client with a T6 injury six months ago develops facial flushing and a BP of 210/106. After elevating the head of the bed, which is the most appropriate nursing action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Facial flushing and severe hypertension suggest autonomic dysreflexia, often triggered by a distended bladder in spinal cord injury. Assessing and relieving the trigger (
B) is priority. Notifying the physician (
A), oxygen (
C), or fluids (
D) is secondary.
Question 3 of 5
A client with hyperthyroidism is taking Eskalith (lithium carbonate) to inhibit thyroid hormone release. Which complaint by the client should alert the nurse to a problem with the client's medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increased thirst and urination suggest lithium toxicity, as lithium can cause polyuria and polydipsia. Blurred vision and weight gain are less specific, and rhinorrhea is unrelated.
Question 4 of 5
A 16-year-old client reports a weight loss of 20% of her previous weight. She has a history of food binges followed by self-induced vomiting (purging). The nurse should suspect a diagnosis of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bulimia is characterized by binge eating followed by purging, such as self-induced vomiting, leading to significant weight loss.
Question 5 of 5
A 26-year-old client is diagnosed with an astrocytoma, a benign brain tumor. From the nurse's knowledge of the central nervous system, the nurse knows that benign tumors:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Both a benign and a malignant tumor can displace or destroy nearby structures or increase intracranial pressure.