NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Medical Surgical Questions Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The client who has been hospitalized with pancreatitis does not drink alcohol because of her religious convictions. She becomes upset when the physician persists in asking her about alcohol intake. The nurse should explain that the reason for these questions is that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Alcohol is a primary cause of acute pancreatitis, so questioning its use (
A) is essential to identify etiology. Interference with tests (
B), general alcoholism screening (
C), or disregarding beliefs (
D) are not accurate explanations.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following changes are associated with normal aging?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aging reduces subcutaneous fat and extracellular water, leading to thinner, drier skin. Cell replacement slows, vascularity decreases, and collagen loses elasticity.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse notices that a client's heart rate decreases from 63 to 50 beats per minute on the monitor. The nurse should first:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A heart rate of 50 bpm may indicate bradycardia. Taking the blood pressure first assesses hemodynamic stability, guiding whether immediate intervention (e.g., atropine or pacing) is needed.
Question 4 of 5
A client who has undergone a subtotal thyroidectomy is subject to complications in the first 48 hours after surgery. The nurse should obtain and keep at the bedside equipment to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Tracheotomy equipment is essential due to the risk of airway obstruction from swelling or hemorrhage post-thyroidectomy.
Question 5 of 5
A client has the following arterial blood gas values: pH, 7.52; PaO2, 50 mm Hg; PaCO2, 28 mm Hg; HCO3ˆ’, 24 mEq/L. Based upon the client's PaO2, which of the following conclusions would be accurate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A PaO2 of 50 mm Hg indicates severe hypoxia (normal is 75–100 mm Hg), requiring urgent oxygen therapy. It poses significant risk and is not normal or manageable with low concentrations.