NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Exam Practice Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with suspected diverticulitis. The nurse would be most prudent in questioning an order for which of the following diagnostic tests?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A barium enema is contraindicated in suspected diverticulitis due to the risk of perforation and peritonitis. Ultrasound, CT scans, and CBC are appropriate for diagnosing diverticulitis or assessing complications.
Question 2 of 5
The client is receiving a continuous infusion of insulin for diabetic ketoacidosis. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Insulin therapy in diabetic ketoacidosis shifts potassium into cells, risking hypokalemia, which can cause arrhythmias. Sodium, BUN, and A1C are monitored but are less critical during acute treatment.
Question 3 of 5
As the client reaches 6cm dilation,the nurse notes late decelerations on the fetal monitor. What is the most likely explanation of this pattern?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency where reduced placental blood flow during contractions causes fetal hypoxia. Cord compression causes variable decelerations head compression causes early decelerations and sleep does not cause decelerations.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is developing a plan of care for a client with an electrolyte imbalance and identifies a nursing diagnosis of decreased physical mobility. Which alteration is most likely the etiology?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A deficit in sodium concentration results in muscular weakness and lethargy. Muscle fatigue and hypotonia are caused by hypercalcemia. Muscle weakness and fatigue are classic signs of hypokalemia. Hypermagnesemia can cause muscle weakness, paralysis, and coma.
Question 5 of 5
The physician has ordered an amniocentesis to determine the L/S ratio. The L/S ratio is a reliable indicator of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio assesses fetal lung maturity by measuring surfactant levels in amniotic fluid. A ratio of 2:1 or higher indicates mature lungs reducing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome. It does not assess renal function Rh isoimmunization or anatomical abnormalities.