NCLEX-PN
NCLEX PN Practice Test Questions
Extract:
Laboratory results
Hematocrit
Male: 42%–52%
(0.42-0.52)
Female: 37%–47%
(0.37–0.47) 30%
(0.30)
Activated PTT
Baseline: 30–40 sec 110 sec
Platelets
150,000–400,000/mm3
(150–400 × 109/L) 80,000/mm3
(80 x 109/L)
PT
11–12.5 sec 11 sec
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is reinforcing teaching for a client who is prescribed acyclovir for genital herpes. Which statement should be included by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Heparin is an anticoagulant that helps prevent further clot formation. It is titrated based on activated partial
thromboplastin time (aPTT). The therapeutic aPTT target is 1.5-2.0 times the normal reference range of 30-40
seconds. A aPTT value >100 seconds would be considered critical and could result in life-threatening side
effects. Common sentinel events that result from heparin drips include epistaxis, hematuria, and gastrointestina
bleeds (Option 1).
(Option 2) A normal hematocrit for a female is 37%-47% (0.37-0.47). In a client with a history of chronic
anemia, a hematocrit of 30% (0.30) may be an expected finding.
(Option 3) A normal platelet count is 150,000-400,000/mm* (150-400 x 10%L). In a client with a history of liver
cirrhosis, a platelet count of 80,000/mmª (80 x 10%/L) would be anticipated. An episode of bleeding rarely occurs
with a platelet count >50,000 mm* (50 x 10%/L).
(Option 4) A normal prothrombin time is 11-12.5 seconds, and so a level of 11 seconds would not be
concerning.
Extract:
Question 2 of 5
The client complains of frequent insomnia affecting her ability to rest well. Which of the following factors or lifestyle choices in her assessment history most likely contributes to her inability to sleep?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nicotine in cigarettes is a stimulant, disrupting sleep and likely contributing to insomnia, unlike snacks, aspirin, or reading.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with COPD who becomes dyspneic. The nurse should
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Use pursed-lip breathing during periods of dyspnea to control rate and depth of respiration and improve respiratory muscle coordination.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with hyperparathyroidism who had a parathyroidectomy 4 hours ago. Which technique should the nurse use to check for complications in this client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Post-parathyroidectomy, hypocalcemia is a potential complication due to reduced parathyroid hormone levels. Trousseau’s sign (
C), elicited by inflating a BP cuff to induce carpal spasm, indicates hypocalcemia, a critical complication requiring prompt intervention. The wrist hyperextension test (
A) is unrelated to hypocalcemia, and the Romberg test (
B) assesses balance, not relevant to this scenario.
Question 5 of 5
While teaching the family of a child who will take phenytoin (Dilantin) regularly for seizure control, it is most important for the nurse to teach them about which of the following actions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Swollen and tender gums occur often with use of phenytoin. Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist should be emphasized.