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
After a 10-year-old child with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus receives her dinner tray, she tells the nurse that she hates broccoli and wants some corn on the cob. The nurse's appropriate response is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vegetable exchanges are allowed within the same group to maintain nutritional balance. Corn is classified as a starchy vegetable and counts as a bread exchange due to its carbohydrate content, which affects blood glucose levels. Not all vegetables are interchangeable; starchy vegetables like corn have different nutritional impacts than non-starchy ones like broccoli. Limiting to half an ear does not address the dietary classification and could confuse the child about proper exchanges.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse caring for a client with a head injury would recognize which assessment finding as the most indicative of increased ICP?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Papilledema (optic disc swelling) is a specific sign of increased ICP due to pressure on the optic nerve. Vomiting (
A), headache (
B), and dizziness (
C) are less specific and occur in other conditions.
Question 4 of 5
A 27-year-old male client is admitted to the acute care mental health unit for observation. He has recently lost his job, and his wife told him yesterday that she wants a divorce. The client is placed on suicide precautions. In assessing suicide potential, the nurse should pay close attention to the client's:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assessing the client's level of insight is an important part of the mental status exam (MSE), but it does not reflect suicide potential. Assessing the client's thought processes is an important part of the MSE, but it does not reflect suicide potential. Assessing the client's mood and affect is an important part of the MSE, and it can be a very valuable indicator of suicide potential. Frequently a client who has decided to proceed with suicide plans will exhibit a suddenly improved mood and affect. Assessing a client's abstracting abilities is an important part of the MSE, but it does not reflect suicide potential.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease. Which intervention is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Gestational trophoblastic disease requires monitoring hCG levels to assess for resolution or progression to malignancy (e.g. choriocarcinoma).
Tocolytics fetal monitoring and vaginal delivery are not indicated as there is no viable fetus.