NCLEX-PN
Quizlet NCLEX PN 2023 Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
In a client with asthma who develops respiratory acidosis, what should the nurse expect the client's serum potassium level to be?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In respiratory acidosis, the serum potassium level is expected to be elevated. This occurs because potassium shifts from cells into the bloodstream as a compensatory mechanism to maintain acid-base balance.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A normal potassium level is not expected in respiratory acidosis. A low potassium level is more commonly associated with alkalosis, not acidosis. The potassium level is indeed related to pH changes in respiratory acidosis, leading to the expected elevation.
Question 2 of 5
A 32-year-old male with a complaint of dizziness has an order for Morphine via IV. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take in this situation is to retake the patient's vitals, including blood pressure. Dizziness can be a sign of hypotension, which may be a contraindication for administering Morphine. Checking the chest x-ray results (
Choice
A) would not be the priority in this case as addressing the dizziness is more urgent. Performing a neurological screening (
Choice
C) may be important but not the first step when a patient presents with dizziness and an order for Morphine. Requesting the physician to assess the patient (
Choice
D) should come after the initial assessment and vitals retake.
Question 3 of 5
A patient has a history of cardiac arrhythmia. A nurse has been ordered to give 2 units of blood to this patient. The nurse should take which of the following actions?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmia, warming the blood before transfusion can help prevent additional arrhythmias. Cold blood can lead to arrhythmias and should be avoided. Administering pain medication (
Choice
A) is not directly related to the safe administration of blood. Informing the patient's family in person (
Choice
B) is important but not the immediate action required for safe transfusion. Decreasing the temperature of the blood to be given (
Choice
C) would increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmia, contrary to the goal of ensuring patient safety.
Question 4 of 5
When choosing a needle gauge for an intramuscular injection in a 12-year-old boy, which of the following gauges would you choose?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 22 gauge. A 22-gauge needle is recommended for school-age children, toddlers, and adolescents due to their muscle mass and tolerance. In infants, a smaller gauge (23-25) is preferred as their muscles are less developed and more sensitive.
Choice A, 27 gauge, is too thin for an intramuscular injection in a 12-year-old boy.
Choice B, 25 gauge, is more suitable for infants than for a 12-year-old.
Choice D, 20 gauge, is too thick and not typically used for intramuscular injections in children.
Question 5 of 5
During a petit mal seizure in the clinic, what should be the highest priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During a petit mal seizure, the highest priority is to provide a safe environment free of obstructions in the immediate area. This action aims to prevent injuries to the patient during the seizure. While calling a code or contacting the patient's physician may be necessary at some point, immediate safety measures take precedence. Preventing excessive movement of the extremities is relevant but ensuring a safe environment is crucial to avoid harm during the seizure.