NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Nursing Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
Which set of vital signs would best indicate to the nurse that a client has an increase in intracranial pressure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Increased ICP is indicated by Cushing’s triad: hypertension (BP 180/70), bradycardia (pulse 50), and irregular respirations. Option A best matches this, with fever as a possible secondary sign. Options B, C, and D lack this combination.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse who is caring for a client with pneumonia assesses that the client has become increasingly irritable and restless. The nurse realizes that this is a result of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Maintaining bed rest helps to decrease the O2 needs of the tissues, which decreases dyspnea and workload on the respiratory system. The semi-Fowler or high-Fowler position is necessary to aid in lessening pressure on the diaphragm from the abdominal organs, which facilitates comfort and easier breathing patterns. Cerebral hypoxia causes the client with pneumonia to be increasingly irritable and restless and results from the client not obtaining enough O2 to meet metabolic needs. Proper hydration facilitates liquefaction of mucus trapped in the bronchioles and alveoli and enhances expectoration. Unless contraindicated, a reasonable amount of IV fluids to be administered is at least 2.5-3 liters in a 24-hour period.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease. Which laboratory value is most likely to be elevated?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Gestational trophoblastic disease (e.g. molar pregnancy) causes markedly elevated hCG levels due to abnormal trophoblastic tissue growth. AFP estriol and progesterone are not typically elevated in this condition.
Question 4 of 5
A client is placed on lithium therapy for her manic-depressive illness. When monitoring the client, the nurse assesses the laboratory blood values. Toxicity may occur with lithium therapy when the blood level is above:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This value is the level at which most clients are maintained, and toxicity may occur if the level increases. The client should be monitored closely for symptoms, because some clients become toxic even at this level.
Question 5 of 5
A postpartum client complains of rectal pressure and severe pain in her perineum; this may be indicative of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Afterbirth pains are a common complaint in the postpartum client, but they are located in the uterus. Constipation may cause rectal pressure but is not usually associated with 'severe pain.' Cystitis may cause pain, but the location is different. Hematomas are frequently associated with severe pain and pressure. Further assessments are indicated for this client.