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 14-year-old boy has a head injury with laceration of his scalp over his ear. The nurse should call the physician to report:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This change in blood pressure may not be significant and does not indicate a widening pulse pressure, a late sign of increased ICP. It is important to continue to monitor for change in blood pressure. Acetaminophen may be ineffective in relieving headache after head injury. Stronger analgesics are contraindicated because they mask neurological signs and may depress the CNS. Pulse rates between 68 bpm and 76 bpm are within normal limits for a 14-year-old child. It is important to monitor for a consistent drop in pulse rate, which is a late sign of increasing ICP. An elevated temperature is abnormal and requires further assessment and medical intervention. The temperature may be unrelated to the head injury, but CNS infection is serious and difficult to control.
Question 3 of 5
The client is receiving a continuous infusion of propofol (Diprivan) for sedation. Which assessment is most important?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Propofol can cause respiratory depression, so monitoring respiratory rate is critical to detect apnea or hypoventilation. Blood pressure, pulse, and temperature are monitored but are less immediate concerns.
Question 4 of 5
A vaginal exam reveals that the cervix is 4cm dilated,with intact membranes and a fetal heart tone rate of 160-170 bpm. The nurse decides to apply an external fetal monitor. The rationale for this implementation is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: External fetal monitoring is appropriate when membranes are intact as internal monitoring requires ruptured membranes. The cervix is not closed fetal heart tones are normal and contraction intensity is irrelevant to external monitoring.
Question 5 of 5
For the past several months, an elderly female client with Alzheimer's disease has experienced paranoia; hallucinations; and aggressive, disruptive behavior. The family is utilizing haloperidol as needed to control her behavior. On nursing assessment, you note that the client demonstrates involuntary movements of the tongue and fingers. This may most likely indicate:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Tardive dyskinesia is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol. Discontinuing the medication can alleviate symptoms. Although mild tremors are an early sign of Parkinson's disease, haloperidol must be discontinued first and the client further evaluated. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate a more advanced stage of Alzheimer's disease. Most antipsychotic drugs are chemically similar and will produce the same side effects.