NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Review Answers Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client with schizophrenia is taking loxapine. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the most important to report?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Spasms of the muscles of the tongue, face, neck, and back are indicative of acute dystonia, an extrapyramidal manifestation associated with loxapine use. Acute dystonia is a serious condition that can lead to airway obstruction and respiratory compromise.
Therefore, the nurse should prioritize reporting this finding to prevent potential harm to the client. Orthostatic hypotension, dry mouth, and increased appetite are common side effects of antipsychotic medications but are not as immediately life-threatening as acute dystonia. Monitoring and managing these side effects are essential for the client's overall well-being, but they do not pose the same level of urgency as addressing acute dystonia.
Question 2 of 5
A client with a new prescription for lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder is being educated by a nurse on early indications of toxicity. The nurse should include which of the following manifestations in the teachings?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Polyuria is a crucial early indication of lithium toxicity. It results from the drug's effect on the kidneys, leading to increased urine output. This is a significant symptom to monitor as it can indicate potential toxicity. Constipation, rash, and tinnitus are not typically associated with early indications of lithium toxicity. Constipation is more commonly seen as a side effect of some medications, while rash and tinnitus are not specific indicators of lithium toxicity.
Question 3 of 5
A client on lithium has diarrhea and vomiting. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Diarrhea and vomiting are manifestations of lithium toxicity. The priority action for the nurse is to hold the next dose of lithium and obtain an order for a stat serum lithium level to confirm toxicity. This ensures patient safety and prevents further harm. Recognizing it as a drug interaction is not the first step in this scenario. Cogentin is used to manage extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) associated with antipsychotics, not lithium toxicity. Reassuring the client about these symptoms as common side effects of lithium therapy is inappropriate as they indicate a more serious issue than typical side effects like hand tremors, nausea, polyuria, and polydipsia.
Question 4 of 5
Gio told his nurse that the FBI is monitoring and recording his every movement and that microphones have been placed in the unit walls. Which action would be the most therapeutic response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most therapeutic response in this situation is to acknowledge Gio's feelings of fear and validate his experience by expressing empathy ('this must seem frightening to him'). By reassuring Gio that he is safe in the current environment, the nurse can help reduce his anxiety and build trust.
Choice A is not recommended as directly confronting delusional beliefs may lead to increased distress and resistance.
Choice C delays addressing Gio's concerns and may not provide immediate support.
Choice D of isolating Gio can worsen his feelings of paranoia and distrust in the treatment setting.
Question 5 of 5
Jaime has a diagnosis of schizophrenia with negative symptoms. In planning care for the client, Nurse Brienne would anticipate a problem with:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In clients with negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as Jaime, a common problem is avolition, which is the lack of motivation for activities. These 'negative' symptoms are characterized by inexpressive faces, blank looks, monotone speech, few gestures, and a seeming lack of interest in the world. Patients may also experience an inability to feel pleasure or act spontaneously. It is crucial to differentiate between the lack of expression and lack of feeling, as well as between lack of will and lack of activity. Auditory hallucinations (choice
A) are positive symptoms, not typically associated with negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Bizarre behaviors (choice
B) are more aligned with positive symptoms like disorganized behavior. Ideas of reference (choice
C) involve incorrectly interpreting casual incidents and external events as having direct reference to oneself, which is not directly related to motivation for activities seen in negative symptoms.