NCLEX-PN
NCLEX PN Test Questions with NGN Questions
Extract:
The nurse is caring for a 58-year-old client.
Admission Note
Emergency Department
A client with colorectal cancer reports intractable bilious vomiting for the past day; it is accompanied by severe, colicky
abdominal pain. The client cannot tolerate oral intake and has not passed gas or had a bowel movement since the
symptoms began. The abdomen is distended, and bowel sounds are hyperactive.
Vital Signs
Emergency Department
T, 97.3 F (36.3 C)
P, 98
RR, 18
BP, 110/70
SpO2, 98% on room air
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is contributing to the client's plan of care. For each potential intervention, click to specify if the intervention is indicated or not indicated for the care of the client.
Correct Answer:
Rationale: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is an intestinal blockage that obstructs the flow of intestinal contents (eg, fluid, gas, fecal
material). The blockage may be due to mechanical (eg, surgical adhesions, hernias, tumors) or nonmechanical/functional (eg,
paralytic ileus) causes. As intestinal contents accumulate, clients develop abdominal distension, colicky abdominal pain,
bilious vomiting, and inability to pass flatus or stool.
Clients with SBO are at risk for fluid, electrolyte, and nutritional imbalances due to decreased intestinal absorption. Clients may
develop bowel necrosis and perforation due to impaired intestinal blood flow, which can lead to peritonitis and sepsis.
The practical nurse should anticipate assisting the registered nurse with the following interventions for a client with SBO:
• Inserting a nasogastric tube for gastrointestinal decompression to reduce abdominal distension and improve intestinal
blood flow
• Administering antiemetics (eg, ondansetron) to prevent further fluid and electrolyte imbalance from vomiting
• Preparing the client for abdominal CT scan to determine the size and location of intestinal obstruction
• Administering IV fluids to improve fluid volume status
In clients with SBO, bowel rest (ie, NPO status) with gastric decompression is prescribed; therefore, a soft diet is not
indicated. Stimulant laxatives increase intestinal motility and are not indicated for clients with intestinal obstruction due to
the risk for bowel perforation.
Extract:
The nurse is caring for a 68-year-old client in the emergency department.
Nurses' Notes,
Emergency Department
1020:
The client reports shortness of breath, a 2-lb weight gain over the past week, and lower extremity swelling. The client
reports slight chest discomfort during activity that is relieved with rest. Medical history is significant for hypertension.
myocardial infarction, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and chronic stable angina. Current medications include
metoprolol, furosemide, potassium chloride, lisinopril, and aspirin. The client takes all medications as prescribed except
one; he states, "I do not take that water pill because I got tired of having to go to the bathroom all the time."
S1 and S2 are present; a prominent S3 is heard. Respirations are labored with inspiratory crackles in the middle and at the
base of the lungs. The abdomen is soft and nontender with normoactive bowel sounds. There is 3+ pitting edema in the
bilateral lower extremities.
Vital Signs,
1020
T ,98.8 F (37.1 C)
P, 60
RR, 24
BP, 168/96
SpO2, 90% on room air
Laboratory Test and Reference Range, 1030
Sodium
136-145 mEq/L
(136-145 mmol/L),
133 mEq/L
(133 mmol/L)
Potassium
3.5-5.0 mEq/L
(3.5-5.0 mmol/L),
6.5 mEq/L
(6.5 mmol/L)
BUN
10-20 mg/dL
(3.6-7.1 mmol/L),
22 mg/dL
(7.85 mmol/L)
Creatinine
Male: 0.6-1.3 mg/dL
(53-114.9 umol/L),
1.5 mg/dL
(132.6 umol/L)
Female: 0.5-1.1 mg/dL
(44.2-97.2 umol/L)
Question 2 of 5
The nurse has reviewed the information from the Nurses' Notes, Vital Signs, and Laboratory Results.The nurse is reviewing the client's response to potassium-lowering therapies. Which finding is unexpected and requires follow-up by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Treatment for hyperkalemia includes administration of calcium gluconate, furosemide, albuterol nebulizer, and insulin with dextrose. These
therapies may cause rapid shifts in fluid volume, blood glucose, and serum electrolytes. Insulin shifts available glucose and potassium into
the cell, lowering serum potassium levels; however, too much insulin and not enough dextrose cause hypoglycemia (eg, blood glucose 50
mg/dL [2.7 mmol/L]). Clients with kidney disease have an increased risk of hypoglycemia because insulin may accumulate.
The nurse should understand that a low blood glucose level and symptoms suspicious for hypoglycemia (eg, diaphoresis) require follow-u
to prevent seizures, coma, and death due to lack of circulating glucose (Option 1). This client requires an additional dose of dextrose.
(Option 2) This client's blood pressure is 146/88 mm Hg and heart rate is within normal limits. This is an improvement from the initial blood
pressure and represents a therapeutic response to furosemide administration. Blood pressure should be lowered slowly to avoid hypotensior
Extract:
History
Labor and Delivery Unit
Admission: The client, gravida 1 para 0, at 16 weeks gestation with a twin pregnancy reports nausea and vomiting for the past
several weeks. The client also reports dry heaving, increasing weakness, light-headedness, and an inability to tolerate
oral intake for the past 24 hours. In addition, the client has had occasional right-sided, shooting pain from the abdomen
to the groin that occurs with sudden position changes. The pain quickly resolves without intervention per the client's
report. She has had no contractions or vaginal bleeding and has felt no fetal movement during this pregnancy. The
client has a history of childhood asthma and is currently taking no asthma medications. The client reports no other
pregnancy complications.
Physical
Prepregnancy,12 Weeks Gestation 16 Weeks Gestation(Prenatal Visit),(Labor and Delivery Admission)
Height ,5 ft 5 in (165.1 cm),5 ft 5 in (165.1 cm)|, 5 ft 5 in (165.1 cm)
Weight, 145 lb (65.8 kg),148 lb (67.1 kg),138 lb (62.6 kg)
BMI, 24.1 kg/m2, 24.6 kg/m2,23.0 kg/m2
Vital Signs
12 Weeks Gestation(Prenatal Visit),16 Weeks Gestation(Labor and Delivery Admission)
T,98.7 F (37.1 C),99.8 F (37.7 C)
P,70,101
RR,14,18
BP,122/78,90/55
SpO2,99% on room air,96% on room air
Laboratory Results
Laboratory Test and Reference Range, 16 Weeks Gestation
Blood Chemistry.
Sodium
136-145 mEq/L
(136-145 mmol/L)|,
136 mEq/L
(136 mmol/L)
Potassium
3.5-5.0 mEq/L
(3.5-5.0 mmol/L),
2.7 mEq/L
(2.7 mmol/L)
TSH
0.3-5.0 uU/mL
(0.3-5.0 mU/L),
0.4 pu/mL
(0.4 mU/L)
Hematology.
Hemoglobin (pregnant)
>11 g/dL
(>110 g/L),
16 g/dL
(160 g/L)
Hematocrit (pregnant)
>33%
(>0.33),
49%
(0.49)
Urinalysis
Specific gravity
1.005-1.030
1.030,
Ketones
Not present,
Present
Giucose
Not present,
Not present
Nitrites
Not present,
Not present
Question 3 of 5
The client is diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum and is planning care with the registered nurse. For each potential intervention, click to specify if the intervention is indicated or contraindicated for the care of the client.
| Potential Intervention | Indicated | Contraindicated |
|---|---|---|
| Give clear liquids | ||
| Weigh the client daily | ||
| Obtain a 12-lead ECG | ||
| Administer enteral nutrition | ||
| Initiate a large-bore peripheral IV | ||
| Document strict intake and output | ||
| Auscultate the fetal heart rate intermittently |
Correct Answer:
Rationale: When caring for clients with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), the primary goal is to alleviate vomiting, replenish fluids, and correct electrolyte
and nutritional imbalances. Once completed, resumption of oral intake can be attempted. Interventions that are indicated at this time
include:
• Weighing the client daily to monitor for additional weight loss
• Obtaining a 12-lead ECG to monitor for cardiac changes related to electrolyte imbalances (eg, hypokalemia)
• Initiating a large-bore peripheral IV (eg, 18-gauge) to allow for administration of fluids and medications
• Documenting strict intake and output (eg, emesis, urinary output) to monitor hydration status and kidney function
• Auscultating the fetal heart rate intermittently (eg, twice daily, once per shift) to verify fetal status. (Continuous fetal heart rate
monitoring is not indicated at this gestational age.)
Many clients with HG cannot tolerate anything by mouth and are typically placed on a short period of gut rest (ie, NPO status), if hospitalized.
Therefore, giving clear liquids is contraindicated during the initial treatment phase of HG but should be offered once nausea and vomiting
have stopped. For the same reasons, administering enteral nutrition (eg, tube feeding) is contraindicated initially for this client and is not
anticipated unless feedings by mouth and other treatment measures fail.
Extract:
The nurse is caring for a 24-year-old client.
Nurses' Notes
Emergency Department
1300:
The client is brought to the emergency department after a motor vehicle collision in which the driver's side airbag deployed.
The client was driving the vehicle and was not restrained by a seat belt. The client reports shortness of breath and chest
pain on inspiration and expiration.
History and Physical
Body System ,Findings
Neurological,
Awake, alert, and oriented to person; pupils equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation; client is
agitated and moves all extremities spontaneously but does not follow commands
Integumentary, Superficial lacerations to the face; diffuse bruising noted on upper extremities and chest wall
Pulmonary,
Vital signs: RR 30, SpOz 92% via nonrebreather mask; unilateral chest wall expansion observed on inspiration;
left-sided tracheal deviation noted; breath sounds diminished throughout the right lung field
Cardiovascular,
Vital signs: P 104, BP 90/58; S1 and S2 heard on auscultation; all pulses palpable; no extremity peripheral edema
noted
Psychosocial ,Alcohol odor noted on the client's breath
Diagnostic Results
Chest X-ray
Accumulation of air in the pleural cavity, tracheal deviation to the left. Findings consistent with a tension pneumothorax.
Question 4 of 5
A new chest tube collection device is attached and set to water seal suction. Which of the following observations are expected? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: C,D,E
Rationale: Chest tube drainage collection containers must always remain upright and be dependent to (lower than) the client's chest to prevent
gravitational reflux of any secretions back into the pleural cavity (Option 4).
An occlusive sterile gauze dressing should cover the chest tube insertion site. An occlusive dressing (eg, petroleum gauze) protects
against infection and prevents atmospheric air from entering the pleural space if a leak is present (Option 3).
The water level in the water seal chamber rises with inspiration and falls with expiration due to changes in intrapleural pressure, a
process known as tidaling. This movement indicates negative pressure is being maintained. Tidaling is not expected when the device is
connected to suction; therefore, the nurse should disconnect suction to assess tidaling (Option 5).
Extract:
History and Physical
Body System
Findings
General
Client reports a 1-week history of general malaise, fever and chills, night sweats, fatigue, and
poor appetite. Client has poorly controlled hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and mitral
valve prolapse and regurgitation.
Eye, Ear, Nose, and
Throat (EENT)
Poor dental hygiene. Client reports having 2 teeth extracted 3 weeks ago.
Pulmonary
Vital signs are RR 18 and SpO, 96% on room air. Lungs are clear to auscultation bilaterally.
Cardiovascular
Vital signs are T 100.4 F (38 C), P 105, and BP 140/82. Sinus tachycardia with occasional
premature ventricular contractions on cardiac monitor. S1 and S2 heard on auscultation with
loud systolic murmur at the apex. Peripheral pulses 2+; no edema noted.
Integumentary
Small, erythematous macular lesions on both palms. Thin, brown longitudinal lines on several
nail beds.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of the prescribed IVPB antibiotic. Which 2 actions are most appropriate for the nurse to perform prior to initiating the infusion?
Correct Answer: B,C
Rationale: Antibiotic therapy is a critical component of treatment for clients with infective endocarditis (E). Before administering IV
antibiotics, the nurse should first obtain blood cultures to identify the infectious organism. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are
started initially. Targeted antibiotic therapy can be administered once the blood cultures identify the culprit organisms and their
antimicrobial susceptibilities. Before starting any medication, the nurse should ask about the client's medication allergies to
identify contraindications to therapy