NCLEX-PN
NCLEX PN Exam Cram Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is instructing a patient about the warning signs of Digitalis side effects. Which of the following side effects should the nurse tell the patient are sometimes associated with excessive levels of Digitalis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Muscle weakness.' Palpitations and muscle weakness are commonly associated with excessive levels of Digitalis. Seizures, depression, and anxiety are not typically linked to Digitalis toxicity. Seizures could be more related to other medications or conditions, while depression and anxiety are not commonly reported side effects of Digitalis.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following lab values would indicate symptomatic AIDS in the medical chart? (T4 cell count per deciliter)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A T4 cell count of less than 200 cells per deciliter indicates symptomatic AIDS. This severe depletion of T4 cells signifies advanced HIV infection and a significantly compromised immune system.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because T4 cell counts above 2000, above 1000, or below 500 cells per deciliter, respectively, are not indicative of symptomatic AIDS.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following situations requires nurse intervention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Patient confidentiality must be maintained at all times to respect the patient's privacy and dignity. Disclosing sensitive information like a patient's prognosis in a public setting violates confidentiality and can cause distress. The nurse should intervene in this situation and educate the nursing student about the importance of not discussing confidential patient information in public.
Choices A, B, and D do not involve breaching patient confidentiality and do not require immediate nurse intervention.
Choice A focuses on infection control measures, choice B relates to clinical assessment, and choice D is about the doctor's rounds, which are not urgent matters requiring immediate intervention.
Question 4 of 5
If a client is suffering from thyroid storm, the PN can expect to find on assessment:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In thyroid storm, there is an excess of thyroxine, leading to symptoms such as tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and hyperthermia (increased body temperature). Atrial fibrillation and palpitations are also commonly observed.
Choices B and C are more indicative of hypothyroidism, where the thyroid is underactive, leading to bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypothermia (decreased body temperature), and the development of a large goiter.
Choice D, a calm, quiet client, is unlikely in a thyroid storm where the individual would typically present with symptoms of agitation and restlessness due to the hypermetabolic state.
Question 5 of 5
A client who is newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and beginning medication therapy asks the nurse, 'How soon will I see improvement?' The nurse's best response is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the case of Parkinson's disease, improvement in symptoms may take several weeks of therapy to become noticeable.
Therefore, the correct answer is to inform the client that it might take several weeks before they notice improvement.
Choice A acknowledges individual variability but does not provide a specific timeframe, making it less reassuring.
Choice B suggests deferring the question to the physician, which is not the most supportive response.
Choice C is incorrect because improvement in Parkinson's disease symptoms typically does not occur within a few days.