NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
Which statement describes the contagious stage of varicella?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Varicella (chickenpox) is contagious from 1-2 days before the rash until all lesions are crusted, as the virus is shed during this period. Earlier or later stages are less contagious.
Question 2 of 5
A client with hyperthyroidism is taking Eskalith (lithium carbonate) to inhibit thyroid hormone release. Which complaint by the client should alert the nurse to a problem with the client's medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increased thirst and urination suggest lithium toxicity, as lithium can cause polyuria and polydipsia. Blurred vision and weight gain are less specific, and rhinorrhea is unrelated.
Question 3 of 5
The blood alcohol concentration of a client admitted following a motor vehicle accident is 460 mg/dL. The nurse should give priority to monitoring the client for:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A blood alcohol level of 460 mg/dL (0.46%) is life-threatening and can cause respiratory depression, a critical concern requiring close monitoring. Coordination loss and tachycardia are less immediate.
Question 4 of 5
The physician decides to prescribe both a short-acting insulin and an intermediate-acting insulin for a newly diagnosed 8-year-old diabetic client. An example of a short-acting insulin is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Novolin is a short-acting insulin. (B,
C) NPH and Lente are intermediate-acting insulins. Protamine zinc insulin is a long-acting insulin preparation.
Question 5 of 5
A female client has married recently. A month ago she visited her physician with complaints of burning on urination. She was given a prescription for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) DS bid for 10 days. She was admitted through the emergency room on Saturday evening complaining of flank pain. Her temperature was 104°F. A preliminary urinalysis revealed 31 bacteria along with red and white blood cells Rankings blood cells in the urine. A preliminary diagnosis of pyelonephritis was made. During a nursing admission assessment, which statement by the client demonstrates a possible cause for pyelonephritis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Although it is important that the client drink adequate fluids while treating a bladder infection with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, the failure to do so will not cause pyelonephritis. A stricture or abnormality may cause the progression of bladder infection to urinary tract infection, but this is rare. There is no indication in this situation that this has occurred. The most common cause of pyelonephritis is improper treatment of bladder infections. The client typically feels better after several days, discontinues the medication, and saves the remainder for the next occurrence of a bladder infection. For this reason, it is imperative to provide client education related to completion of the prescribed medication. There is no evidence that infection in another body system could cause pyelonephritis.