NCLEX-PN
NCLEX PN Practice Test with NGN Questions
Extract:
The nurse is caring for an 84-year-old client with dementia.
Nurses' Notes
Medical-Surgical Unit
Day 1: The left antecubital peripheral IV insertion site has no erythema or edema, and the catheter flushes easily. The dressing is clean, dry, and intact. Potassium chloride infusion is initiated.
Day 3: Potassium chloride is infusing. The area surrounding the IV site is taut, edematous, blanched, and cool to the touch. Small, fluid-filled vesicles are noted around the IV site. Capillary refill distal to the IV site is >3 seconds. The client is grimacing and unable to verbally report pain.
Question 1 of 5
For each potential intervention, click to specify if the potential intervention is appropriate or not appropriate for the care of client.
| Potential Intervention | Appropriate | Not Appropriate |
|---|---|---|
| Elevate the affected extremity | ||
| Apply pressure to the affected area | ||
| Discontinue the potassium chloride infusion | ||
| Aspirate the potassium chloride from the IV catheter | ||
| Leave the IV catheter in place for potential antidote administration |
Correct Answer: A: Appropriate, B: Not Appropriate, C: Appropriate, D: Not Appropriate, E: Appropriate
Rationale: The symptoms suggest IV infiltration with potassium chloride, which is caustic. Elevating the extremity (
A) reduces swelling. Discontinuing the infusion (
C) prevents further damage. Leaving the catheter in place (E) allows for potential antidote administration. Applying pressure (
B) may worsen tissue damage, and aspirating (
D) is not standard for infiltration.
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 2 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 is caring for a client in the clinic.
Nurses' Notes
Initial Clinic Visit
The client reports progressive fatigue and weakness over the past 2 months. Pallor and minor glossitis are noted. Laboratory results show a decreased hemoglobin. The client is instructed to take an iron supplement for treatment of iron-deficiency anemia.
Clinic Visit: 2 Weeks Later
The client reports discomfort and straining with bowel movements over the past week. Stool has become increasingly hard and pellet-like. The client reports feeling bloated with crampy abdominal pain that is relieved with defecation. The abdomen is nontender to palpation.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is contributing to the client's plan of care. For each potential intervention, click to specify if the intervention is expected or not expected for the care of the client.
| Potential Intervention | Expected | Not Expected |
|---|---|---|
| Recommend a stool softener | ||
| Take the iron supplement with meals | ||
| Encourage warm fluids with breakfast | ||
| Increase consumption of dairy products | ||
| Increase intake of raw fruits and vegetables | ||
| Drink eight to ten 8-oz glasses of water per day |
Correct Answer: A,C,E,F
Rationale: A: Stool softeners are expected to manage constipation, a side effect of iron supplements. C: Warm fluids aid bowel motility. E: Raw fruits and vegetables increase fiber to relieve constipation. F: Adequate hydration softens stool and prevents constipation.
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 4 of 5
The nurse is evaluating teaching for the client who is newly prescribed methadone for opioid use disorder. Which of the following client statements indicate that the teaching has been effective? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B,C,E
Rationale: B: Rising slowly prevents orthostatic hypotension, a methadone side effect. C: Avoiding alcohol reduces CNS depression risk. E: Reporting dizziness or palpitations ensures timely management of adverse effects. A is incorrect as extra doses require provider approval, and D is incorrect as stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal.
Extract:
The nurse in an inpatient mental health unit is caring for a 43-year-old client.
History
Admission:
The client comes to the inpatient psychiatric facility for an evaluation. The client is having distressing nightmares, flashbacks, and feelings of being "on edge" since a severe motor vehicle collision 6 months ago that resulted in the death of the client's sibling. The client blames self for the sibling's death and verbalizes feelings of guilt. The client reports an inability to sleep well and being quick to anger, both of which led to job loss and the client seeking help. The client reports a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, such as working out and interacting with friends. The client has started smoking cigarettes daily since the collision and typically consumes ≥4 alcoholic beverages per day. Mental status examination reveals an irritable, guarded, and easily distracted mood. The client's appearance is well- kept, and grooming and hygiene are appropriate. The client’s speech is hyperverbal yet coherent, and thought process is organized. The client admits to feelings of hopelessness after the death of the sibling. The client reports occasionally seeing "shadows" but no visual hallucinations. The client has no homicidal ideations or history of violence toward others.
Vital signs: P 78, RR 17, BP 132/78.
Nurses' Notes
Inpatient - Mental Health Unit
2100:
Client appears anxious and withdrawn, and states, "I am afraid to sleep at night because I get nightmares about my sibling." The client would not elaborate on the content of the nightmares.
Question 5 of 5
For each potential intervention, click to specify if the intervention is appropriate or not appropriate for the care of the client.
| Potential Intervention | Appropriate | Not Appropriate |
|---|---|---|
| Provide the client privacy during flashbacks | ||
| Help the client identify available support systems | ||
| Directly ask if the client is having thoughts of self-harm | ||
| Determine the client's ability to perform activities of daily living | ||
| Reinforce the use of progressive muscle relaxation for anxiety | ||
| Avoid discussion of the traumatic event when speaking to the client |
Correct Answer: B,C,E
Rationale: Appropriate interventions include identifying support systems (
B), directly assessing for self-harm (
C), and using relaxation techniques (E). Providing privacy during flashbacks (
A) may increase distress, assessing ADLs (
D) is less urgent, and avoiding discussion of the trauma (F) may hinder therapeutic progress.