NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Prep Questions
Question 1 of 9
A client has died approximately one hour ago. The nurse notes that the client's temperature has decreased in the last hour since their death. Which of the following processes explains this phenomenon?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Algor mortis occurs after death when the body's circulation stops, and the client's temperature begins to fall. The client's temperature will drop by approximately 1.8 degrees per hour until it reaches room temperature. During algor mortis, the client's skin gradually loses its elasticity. Rigor mortis refers to the stiffening of the body after death due to chemical changes in the muscles. Postmortem decomposition is the breakdown of tissues after death. Livor mortis is the pooling of blood in the dependent parts of the body, causing a purple-red discoloration.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse should wash from the ________________________ when washing a patient's eye area.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When washing a patient's eye area, it is important to start from the inner canthus (closest to the nose) and move towards the outer canthus. This direction prevents any contaminants or debris from the outer area of the eye from moving towards the inner, more sensitive area. Choices C and D are incorrect as they pertain to the nasal passages (nares), which are not relevant when washing the eye area.
Question 3 of 9
A client is about to have a TENS unit attached for pain relief. Which of the following actions is most appropriate in this situation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When attaching a TENS unit for pain relief, it is essential to inform the client that he may experience tingling sensations. This is a common sensation experienced when using a TENS unit, but it should not cause muscle twitching. The therapeutic effects of a TENS unit usually last between 3 to 5 days. Choice B is incorrect because there is no specific recommendation to connect the TENS unit before bedtime. Choice C is incorrect as stating that the TENS unit may have pain-reducing effects for 10 to 15 days is inaccurate, as the effects typically last 3 to 5 days. Choice D is incorrect because there is no guideline suggesting that the client cannot use a TENS unit again for at least 2 weeks after treatment.
Question 4 of 9
A client's intake and output are being calculated by a nurse. During the last shift, the client consumed ½ cup of gelatin, a skinless chicken breast, 1 cup of green beans, and 300 cc of water. The client also urinated 250 cc and had 2 bowel movements. What is this client's intake and output for this shift?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 420 cc intake and 250 cc output for this shift. To calculate the intake, ½ cup of gelatin (approximately 120 cc) and 300 cc of water should be added together, resulting in 420 cc. Food intake like the chicken breast and green beans is not converted to cc's but may be documented for hospital protocol. Output includes urine (250 cc in this case) and other forms like vomit, diarrhea, or gastric suction. Bowel movements are not converted to cc's, but the nurse may need to document the number of stools passed. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the intake and output calculations based on the information provided.
Question 5 of 9
A client is preparing to irrigate a colostomy. Which of the following situations is a contraindication for this type of irrigation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a client with a colostomy is preparing for irrigation, it is essential to consider contraindications that could pose risks or worsen the client's condition. Diverticulitis is a contraindication for colostomy irrigation because the inflamed diverticula could be further irritated by the flushing action during irrigation, potentially leading to complications. An incontinent ostomy, irregular bowel routine, or presence of fecal material in the colostomy bag are not specific contraindications for irrigation and can be managed through appropriate techniques and interventions.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is preparing to insert a small-bore nasogastric feeding tube for a client's enteral feedings. In which method does the nurse measure the correct length of the tube?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When preparing to insert a nasogastric tube, the nurse must measure the correct length to ensure that the end of the tube will be in the correct position in the stomach. The accurate method to measure the length is from the tip of the nose to the earlobe to the xiphoid process. This length ensures that the end of the tube reaches the stomach, avoiding placement in the small intestine or esophagus. Choice A is incorrect as it does not include the earlobe, which is essential for accurate measurement. Choice C is incorrect because measuring from the earlobe alone does not provide the correct length for positioning in the stomach. Choice D is incorrect as it includes the umbilicus, which is not the appropriate landmark for measuring the length of a nasogastric tube intended for stomach placement.
Question 7 of 9
A client is diagnosed with ariboflavinosis. Which of the following foods should the nurse serve this client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ariboflavinosis is a vitamin B-2 deficiency. Symptoms may include cracks around the mouth, inflammation of the tongue, or light sensitivity. Foods rich in vitamin B-2, like milk, liver, green vegetables, or whole grains, are recommended. Citrus fruits (choice A) are good sources of vitamin C, not B-2. Fish (choice C) is a source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids but not a significant source of vitamin B-2. Potatoes (choice D) are a source of carbohydrates but do not provide high levels of vitamin B-2.
Question 8 of 9
A client is having difficulties reading an educational pamphlet. He cannot find his glasses. In order to read the words, he must hold the pamphlet at arm's length, which allows him to read the information. Which vision deficit does this client most likely suffer from?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Presbyopia is a condition that occurs when the lens of the eye loses accommodation and is unable to focus light on objects nearby. As a result, clients are unable to see or read items up close but may have success when holding the same item at arm's length. Many clients with presbyopia must wear bifocals, but long-distance vision remains unaffected. Cataracts involve clouding of the eye's lens, leading to blurry vision. Glaucoma is associated with increased intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve, causing vision loss. Astigmatism is a refractive error where the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, leading to distorted or blurred vision.
Question 9 of 9
When assisting a client with shampooing his hair while he is still in bed, a nurse raises the bed to approximately the level of her waist. What is the rationale for this action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Raising the bed to the level of the nurse's waist while assisting a client with shampooing in bed is done to reduce strain on the nurse's back. This adjustment ensures that the nurse can work comfortably without excessive bending or stooping, thus preventing back injuries. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While preventing shampoo from getting into the client's eyes, allowing excess water to run off the bed, and preventing hair tangles are important considerations, the primary rationale for raising the bed is to prioritize the nurse's ergonomic safety and prevent musculoskeletal strain.