NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Practice Questions Free Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following findings would necessitate discontinuing an IV potassium infusion in an adult with ketoacidosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Adequate renal flow of 30 mL/hr is a necessity with potassium infusions because potassium is excreted renally. Because potassium level will decrease during correction of diabetic ketoacidosis, potassium will be infused even if plasma levels of potassium are normal. A small T wave is normal and desired on the electrocardiogram. A tall, peaked T-wave could indicate overinfusion of potassium and hyperkalemia. Glucose levels of <200 are desirable.
Question 2 of 5
A successful executive left her job and became a housewife after her marriage to a plastic surgeon. She started doing volunteer work for a charity organization. She developed pain in her legs that advanced to the point of paralysis. Her physicians can find no organic basis for the paralysis. The client's behavior can be described as:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A conversion reaction is a physical expression of an emotional conflict with no organic basis, such as paralysis in this case.
Question 3 of 5
The physician has ordered synthetic thyroid medication for a patient with hypothyroidism. The nurse should instruct the client to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Thyroid medication (e.g. levothyroxine) is best taken in the morning on an empty stomach with water to optimize absorption and align with the body’s circadian rhythm. Taking it with food or at other times may reduce efficacy.
Question 4 of 5
A client is a depressed, 48-year-old salesman. A serious concern for the nurse working with depressed clients is the potential of suicide. The time that suicide is most likely to occur is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When the depression starts to lift, the client is able to make a workable plan, increasing the risk of suicide.
Question 5 of 5
Assessment of severe depression in a client reveals feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness; inability to feel pleasure; sleep, psychomotor, and nutritional alterations; delusional thinking; negative view of self; and feelings of abandonment. These clinical features of the client's depression alert the nurse to prioritize problems and care by addressing which of the following problems first:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Anorexia and weight loss are problems that need attention in severe depression, but they can be addressed secondary to immediate concerns. Impaired thinking and confusion are problems in severe depression that are addressed with administration of medication, through group and individual psychotherapy, and through activity therapy as motivation and interest increase. Possible harm to self as with suicidal ideation; a suicide plan, means to execute plan; and/or overt gestures or an attempt must be addressed as an immediate concern and safety measures implemented appropriate to the risk of suicide. Rest and activity impairment may take time and further assessment to determine client's sleep pattern and amount of psychomotor retardation with the more immediate concern for safety present.