NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Medical Surgical Questions Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is admitting a client with acute appendicitis to the emergency department. The client has abdominal pain of 10 on a pain scale of 1 to 10. The client will be going to surgery as soon as possible. The nurse should:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client with acute appendicitis should be placed on NPO status in preparation for surgery to prevent aspiration risk. Narcotics may mask symptoms, a recumbent position is not specific, and heat could worsen inflammation. CN: Physiological adaptation; CL: Synthesize
Question 2 of 5
A daughter is concerned that her mother is in denial when discussing her diagnosis of breast cancer because she sometimes says that breast cancer isn't that serious and changes the subject. The nurse informs the daughter that denial can be a healthy defense mechanism if it is used:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Denial can be healthy if it allows the client to maintain normal roles (e.g., as a mother) while gradually processing the diagnosis, as long as it doesn't interfere with treatment.
Question 3 of 5
A client with colon cancer had a left hemicolectomy 3 weeks previously. The client is still having difficulty maintaining an adequate oral intake to meet metabolic needs for optimal healing. Which of the following nutritional support methods would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A nasogastric feeding tube with protein supplement is appropriate for short-term nutritional support post-hemicolectomy, as it delivers nutrients directly to the stomach while the client's oral intake improves.
Question 4 of 5
A client with a suspected small bowel obstruction reports severe pain and vomiting. Which diagnostic test should the nurse prepare the client for first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An abdominal X-ray is typically the first diagnostic test for a suspected small bowel obstruction to identify air-fluid levels or free air. Barium enema and colonoscopy are contraindicated in acute obstruction, and a CT scan may follow for detailed imaging. CN: Reduction of risk potential; CL: Synthesize
Question 5 of 5
A 49-year-old male with a tracheostomy tube confides to the nurse during a clinic visit that he is beginning to avoid sexual activity because of the increased tracheostomy secretions. Which of the following statements by the nurse will be most helpful to the client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Placing a thin gauze over the tracheostomy can absorb secretions, reducing embarrassment and enabling the client to engage in sexual activity comfortably.