NCLEX-PN
NCLEX PN Test Questions with NGN Questions
Extract:
The nurse is caring for a 37-year-old client.
Admission Note
Antepartum Unit
1100:
The client, gravida 2 para 1 at 34 weeks gestation, is admitted to the hospital with right upper quadrant pain. The client
reports feeling extremely fatigued and nauseated and has vomited 3 times in the past 2 hours.
Physical examination shows right upper quadrant tenderness. Lower extremities have 2+ pitting edema; deep tendon
reflexes are 3+.
Laboratory Results
Laboratory Test and Reference Range, Admission
Hematology.
Platelets
150,000-400,000/mm3
(150-400 x 10°/L),
82,000/mm3
(82 x 10%/L)
Hemoglobin (pregnant)
>11 g/dL
(>110 g/L),
9.6 g/dL
(96 g/L)
Blood Chemistry.
Creatinine
Female: 0.5-1.1 mg/dL
(44.2-97.2 umol/L),
1.5 mg/dL
(114.4 umol/L)
Alanine aminotransferase
4-36 U/L
(0.07-0.60 ukat/L),
265 U/LI
(4.43 pkat/L)
Aspartate aminotransferase
0-35 U/LI
(0-0.58 ukat/L),
308 U/L
(5.14 ukat/L)
Lipase
0-160 U/L,
53 U/L
Amylase
30-220 U/L,
75 U/L
Urine Dipstick
Protein,
Increased
Vital Signs
1100
T,98.6 F (37 C)
P, 112
RR,20
BP,150/80
SpO2.98% on room air
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the collected client data to assist with preparing the client's plan of care. Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address the condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to measure the client's progress.
Correct Answer:
Rationale: HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count) syndrome is a life-threatening pregnancy-related disorder that typically
occurs >20 weeks gestation. Although HELLP syndrome is often considered a variant of preeclampsia, clients can develop this syndrome
without hypertension or proteinuria. Clinical manifestations may include elevated liver enzymes, right upper quadrant pain (due to swelling of
the liver), malaise, nausea, and decreased platelet count.
Appropriate interventions include:
• Preparing the client for birth, which is the only definitive treatment
• Assisting with the initiation of magnesium sulfate infusion for seizure prophylaxis
• Administering antihypertensive medications PRN to help prevent stroke
• Evaluating deep tendon reflexes frequently to monitor for hyperreflexia and clonus, which may indicate increased central nervous
system irritability and precede eclampsia; hyporeflexia may indicate magnesium toxicity.
• Monitoring clotting factors to evaluate bleeding risk and monitor for disseminated intravascular coagulation, a complication of HELLP
syndrome
Extract:
History and Physical
Body System,Findings
General
Client has history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diverticulosis, and
osteoarthritis; Helicobacter pylori infection 2 years ago; client reports taking over-the-counter
ibuprofen every 8 hours for left knee pain for the past 2 weeks; daily medications include aspirin,
carvedilol, lisinopril, and atorvastatin
Neurological
Alert and oriented to person, place, time, and situation
Pulmonary
Vital signs: RR 20, SpO 96% on room air, lung sounds clear bilaterally; no shortness of breath;
client smokes 1 pack of cigarettes per day and smokes marijuana 1 or 2 times weekly
Cardiovascular
Vital signs: P 110, BP 90/62; no chest pain; S1 and S2 heard on auscultation; peripheral pulses
2+; client states feeling lightheaded and reports passing out about 1 hour ago
Gastrointestinal
Abdominal pain rated as 4 on a scale of 0-10; one episode of hematemesis; two episodes of
large, black, liquid stools in the morning
Musculoskeletal
Examination of the knees shows crepitus that is worse on the left; no swelling, warmth, or
erythema; range of motion is normal
Psychosocial
Client reports drinking 1 or 2 glasses of wine per day
Question 2 of 5
For each finding below, click to specify if the finding is consistent with the disease process of acute upper gastrointestinal bleed or acute lower gastrointestinal bleed. Each finding may support more than one disease process.
| Finding | Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleed | Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleed |
|---|---|---|
| Melena | ||
| NSAID use | ||
| Hematemesis | ||
| History of diverticulosis | ||
| History of Helicobacter pylori infection |
Correct Answer:
Rationale: Upper gastrointestinal (Gl) bleeding can occur in the esophagus (eg, esophageal varices or in the stomach and duodenum
(eg, peptic ulcer). Findings associated with upper GI bleeding include the following:
• Melena (ie, dark, tarry stools) is due to the release of iron (heme) as blood passes through the entire GI tract and
hemoglobin becomes partially digested
• NSAID use increases the risk of peptic ulcer formation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-1, an enzyme that helps protect the
stomach lining and promote platelet aggregation.
• Hematemesis (ie, vomiting blood) is due to the presence of blood in the upper GI tract (eg, esophagus, stomach,
duodenum); the blood usually has a coffee ground appearance due to digestion by gastric acid
• Helicobacter pylori infection increases gastric secretions, promoting peptic ulcer formation.
Lower Gl bleeding occurs in structures past the duodenum (eg, small and large intestine, rectum, anus) and is commonly
associated with inflammatory (eg, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis) or vascular (eg, hemorrhoids) conditions.
Diverticulosis is a condition where diverticula (ie, hollow outpouchings from the intestine) develop, usually in the large
intestine and occasionally in the small intestine. Diverticula weaken the intestinal wall and increase the risk for GI bleeding.
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 64-year-old client.
History and Physical
Body System, Findings
General ,
The client reports a 24-hour history of blurred vision and redness in the left eye with a left-sided headache.
This evening, the client developed acute, severe pain in the left eye accompanied by occasional nausea and
vomiting. The client reports no use of systemic or topical eye medications. Medical history includes
osteoarthritis and hypercholesterolemia.
Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (EENT),
The client wears eyeglasses to correct farsighted vision. Right eye: pupil 2 mm and reactive to light,
conjunctiva clear. Left eye: pupil 4 mm and nonreactive to light with red conjunctiva. Bilateral lens opacity is noted.
Pulmonary,
Vital signs are RR 20 and SpO, 96% on room air. The lungs are clear to auscultation bilaterally.
Cardiovascular,
Vital signs are T 99 F (37.2 C), P 88, and BP 140/82.
Psychosocial,
The client reports a great deal of emotional stress following the recent death of the client's spouse that is accompanied by lack of sleep, poor appetite, and a 7.9-lb (3.6-kg) weight loss within the past month. The client takes diphenhydramine for sleep.
Question 4 of 5
Select 5 findings that require immediate follow-up.
Correct Answer: A,D,E,F,G
Rationale: This client is experiencing signs of acute angle-closure glaucoma (ACG), a medical emergency characterized by a sudden elevation in
intraocular pressure (IOP). The onset of symptoms is typically sudden; however, acute ACG requires rapid intervention to prevent permane
vision loss. Manifestations of acute ACG include:
• Blurry vision
• Unilateral headache
• Sudden, severe eye pain
• Conjunctival redness
• Middilated pupils (4-6 mm) nonreactive to light
Extract:
The nurse is caring for a 20-year-old female client.
Nurses' Notes
Urgent Care Clinic
0845: The parent brought the client to the clinic due to vomiting and weakness. The parent states that the client has experienced
sore throat and nasal congestion for the past week. The client has had 4 episodes of emesis during the past 24 hours and
diffuse, constant abdominal pain. The parent also reports that the client has had increased thirst and urine output over the
past 2 months.
The client's last menstrual period ended approximately 6 weeks ago with no abnormalities. Pregnancy status is unknown. The
client does not take any medications and does not use tobacco, alcohol, or recreational substances. Family history includes
hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
The client appears drowsy and is oriented to person and time only. The abdomen is soft without rigidity or rebound
tenderness, and bowel sounds are normal. No blood is present in emesis. Respirations are rapid and deep. Breath sounds
are clear.
Vital signs are T 98.8 F (37.1 C), P 128, RR 30, and BP 88/60 mm Hg.
Finger-stick blood glucose level is 600 mg/dL (33.3 mmol/L).
Question 5 of 5
For each potential finding below, click to specify if the finding is consistent with the disease process of diabetic ketoacidosis, ruptured appendix, or ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Each finding may support more than one disease process.
| Finding | Diabetic ketoacidosis | Ruptured appendix | Ruptured ectopic pregnancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyuria | |||
| Vomiting | |||
| Tachypnea | |||
| Tachycardia | |||
| Hyperglycemia | |||
| Abdominal pain |
Correct Answer:
Rationale: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DK
A) is a complication of diabetes mellitus that results from lack of insulin. Insulin is required to transport glucose
into cells for energy, which means that lack of insulin leads to intracellular starvation despite the high level of glucose circulating in the blood
(hyperglycemia). Physiologic responses to hyperglycemia include osmotic diuresis (polyuria) for reduction of blood glucose levels and
breakdown of fat into acidic ketone bodies for energy. This leads to states of dehydration (as evidenced by tachycardia), electrolyte
imbalance, and metabolic acidosis. Ketoacidosis leads to tachypnea and deep respirations (Kussmaul respirations), as well as abdominal
pain and vomiting.
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix often resulting from obstruction by fecal matter. Appendiceal obstruction traps colonic fluid
and mucus, causing increased intraluminal pressure and inflammation. This impairs perfusion of the appendix, resulting in swelling and
ischemia. Clinical manifestations include fever, abdominal pain, rebound abdominal tenderness, tachycardia, nausea, and vomiting.
Abdominal pain usually begins near the umbilicus and migrates to the right lower quadrant (eg, McBurney point). Tachypnea, as well as a
compensatory response, can be present, especially if there is a ruptured appendix or evidence of sepsis causing lactic acidosis (metabolic
acidosis).