NCLEX-PN
NCLEX PN Practice Test with NGN Questions
Extract:
The nurse is caring for a 52-year-old client on the orthopedic unit.
Nurses' Notes
Postoperative Day 1
0900:
The client's left leg was placed in balanced suspension skeletal traction for a fractured femur 12 hours ago. The client is positioned supine in the center of the bed with the foot of the bed elevated 15 degrees. Traction ropes are free of frays, centered in the pulleys, and moving freely with attached weights resting on the bed frame.
Serous drainage noted around the pin sites. Left foot slightly cool to the touch with posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis pulses palpable at 2+ and capillary refill <2 seconds in the toes. Client has normal sensation and movement of the left toes. Client rates left leg pain as 8 on a scale of 0-10.
Vital signs are T 100.4 F (38 C), P 110, RR 18, and BP 132/68. Weight is 173 lb (78.5 kg).
Question 1 of 5
Which statement by the client is the most concerning?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pain and tightness in the calf (
A) is concerning for deep venous thrombosis, a potentially life-threatening complication requiring immediate attention.
Extract:
The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 62-year-old client.
Progress Notes
Emergency Department
0900: The client is brought to the emergency department by a family member after being found confused and lethargic. On arrival, the client is obtunded and does not respond to verbal stimuli.
Medical history includes major depressive disorder and chronic neck and back pain after a motor vehicle collision 2 years ago. The family member states that the client takes multiple medications but does not know which kind. The client was divorced a few months ago.
Physical examination shows 1-mm pupils, shallow breathing, and reduced bowel sounds. Fingerstick blood glucose is 78 mg/dL (4.3 mmol/L). ECG reveals normal sinus rhythm. Breath alcohol test is negative.
Vital signs: T 98.1 F (36.7 C), P 62, RR 8, BP 80/40, SpO, 94% on room air.
1800:
The client is awake, alert, and oriented to person, place, time, and situation. The client is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and is admitted for supervised detoxification.
Laboratory Results
Urine Drug Screen
On admission
Cocaine- Negative
Opioids- Positive
Amphetamines- Negative
Marijuana- Positive
Phencyclidine-Negative
Benzodiazepines- Negative
Barbiturates- Negative
Laboratory Test and Reference Range
Cocaine- Negative
Opioids- Negative
Amphetamines- Negative
Marijuana- Negative
Phencyclidine- Negative
Benzodiazepines- Negative
Barbiturates- Negative
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is helping the client prepare for discharge after 3 days of inpatient detoxification. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,E
Rationale: All are appropriate: A: Identifying maladaptive behaviors supports recovery. B: Support groups aid long-term sobriety. C: Naloxone training prevents overdose deaths. D: Referrals ensure continued care. E: Education on medications (e.g., methadone) ensures adherence.
Extract:
The nurse in the surgical unit is caring for a 57-year-old client who underwent an abdominal hysterectomy.
Progress Notes
1 Day Postoperative
0800:
The client underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy and tumor debulking 1 day ago for treatment of ovarian cancer. She has had four episodes of vomiting with bilious emesis over the past 12 hours, which have continued despite V antiemetic administration. The client has been receiving V broad-spectrum antibiotics since the procedure. The skin is warm. A low transverse abdominal incision is present; staples are clean and dry. Chest expansion is symmetric; respirations are unlabored: diminished breath sounds are auscultated in bilateral lower lobes. Radial pulses 2+ bilaterally, capillary refill <3 seconds in all four extremities; no peripheral edema is noted. The client reports frequent hot flashes occurring roughly every hour, starting last night. The abdomen is markedly distended and tender to palpation. Bowel sounds are absent in all four quadrants; the client reports no flatus. Urine is clear yellow with moderate output. The client reports incontinence with coughing or during episodes of vomiting.
Prescriptions
0820:
• 5% dextrose and 0.45% sodium chloride at 75 m/hr continuous
• 50% dextrose 25 mg IV push as needed for blood glucose <70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L)
• Ketorolac 15 mg IV push every 6 hours as needed for severe pain
• Ondansetron 8 mg PO every 8 hours as needed for nausea
• Pantoprazole 40 mg PO daily
• Potassium chloride 40 mEq/100 mL IVPB once
• Sips of clear liquids, advance diet as tolerated
Laboratory Results
Laboratory Test and Reference Range: 1 day postoperative
WBC count:
5000-10.000/mm3 (5-10 × 10%L): 12,000/mm3 (12 × 10°/L)
Urea nitrogen (BUN)
10-20 mg/dL (3.6-7.1 mmol/L): 24 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L)
Creatinine
Male: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL(53-106 umol/L):
1.6 mg/dL (141.4 pmol/L)
Female: 0.5-1.1 mg/dL (44-97 umol/L):
Potassium
3.5-5.0 mEq/L (3.5--5.0 mmol/L): 3.3 mEq/L (3.3 mmol/L)
Sodium
135-145 mEq/L (135-145 mmol/L): 137 mEq/L (137 mmol/L)
Blood glucose level
74-106 mg/dL (4.1-5.9 mmol/L): 75 mg/dL (4.2 mmol/L)
Question 3 of 5
The nurse has reviewed the information from the Prescriptions and Laboratory Results. The nurse is planning care with the registered nurse. Select 2 prescriptions the nurse should anticipate initiating first.
Correct Answer: A, F
Rationale: IV fluids (
A) are critical to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance, especially with vomiting and ileus. Potassium chloride (F) addresses the low potassium level (3.3 mEq/L). Dextrose is not needed with normal glucose (75 mg/dL). Ketorolac and ondansetron are as-needed, and pantoprazole is daily but less urgent. Clear liquids may exacerbate ileus.
Extract:
The nurse is caring for a 58-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit.
History and Physical
General
The client is vomiting bright red blood; medical history includes alcohol use disorder, liver cirrhosis, and hypertension; the client was admitted a year ago for alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis
Neurological
The client is oriented to person and place; the pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation
Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (EENT)
Yellow scleras are noted
Pulmonary
Vital signs are RR 18, SpO 94% on room air
Cardiovascular
Vital signs are T 99 F (37.2 C), P 102, BP 90/40; S1 and S2 are heard on auscultation; peripheral pulses are 2+ in all extremities; 1+ edema is noted at the bilateral lower extremities
Gastrointestinal
The abdomen is distended and nontender to palpation; the flanks are dull to percussion; bowel sounds are hypoactive; distended veins are present around the umbilicus
Genitourinary
Client is voiding amber-colored urine
Nurses’ notes.
Postoperative Day 1
1000:
The client underwent banding of esophageal varices 1 day ago. Today, the client is somnolent and oriented to person only. Speech is slurred. Flapping tremors are present in the clients arms and hands. The abdomen is soft and distended; bowel sounds are present. Dark-colored stool is noted. Amber-colored urine is noted. Vital signs are T 98.2 F (36.8 C), P 85, RR 24, BP 132/76, SpOz 94% on room air.
Question 4 of 5
For each finding, specify if the finding is expected or unexpected for this client.
| Finding | Expected | Unexpected |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory | ||
| Neurological | ||
| Genitourinary | ||
| Cardiovascular | ||
| Gastrointestinal | ||
| Musculoskeletal |
Correct Answer: A: Expected, B: Expected, C: Expected, D: Expected, E: Expected, F: Unexpected
Rationale:
A) Expected: RR 24 is slightly elevated but consistent with cirrhosis and post-op status.
B) Expected: Somnolence, disorientation, slurred speech, and flapping tremors indicate hepatic encephalopathy, common in cirrhosis.
C) Expected: Amber urine is typical in cirrhosis due to dehydration or bilirubin.
D) Expected: Stabilized vitals (BP 132/76, P 85) are post-treatment improvements. E) Expected: Dark stool is from variceal bleeding or banding, and distended abdomen is from ascites. F) Unexpected: No musculoskeletal issues (e.g., tremors are neurological) are noted.
Extract:
The nurse is caring for a 52-year-old client on the orthopedic unit.
Nurses' Notes
Postoperative Day 1
0900:
The client's left leg was placed in balanced suspension skeletal traction for a fractured femur 12 hours ago. The client is positioned supine in the center of the bed with the foot of the bed elevated 15 degrees. Traction ropes are free of frays, centered in the pulleys, and moving freely with attached weights resting on the bed frame.
Serous drainage noted around the pin sites. Left foot slightly cool to the touch with posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis pulses palpable at 2+ and capillary refill <2 seconds in the toes. Client has normal sensation and movement of the left toes. Client rates left leg pain as 8 on a scale of 0-10.
Vital signs are T 100.4 F (38 C), P 110, RR 18, and BP 132/68. Weight is 173 lb (78.5 kg).
Question 5 of 5
For each potential prescription, click to specify if the prescription is expected or not expected for the care of the client.
| Potential Prescription | Expected | Not Expected |
|---|---|---|
| Restrict fluid intake | ||
| Offer a low-fiber diet | ||
| Use incentive spirometer | ||
| Administer stool softener | ||
| Administer anticoagulant |
Correct Answer: C,D,E
Rationale: Expected prescriptions include using an incentive spirometer (
C) to prevent atelectasis, administering a stool softener (
D) for constipation, and an anticoagulant (E) for DVT prevention. Fluid restriction (
A) and low-fiber diet (
B) are not indicated.