NCLEX-RN
Results Analysis Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the laboratory analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained during a lumbar puncture from a child who is suspected of having bacterial meningitis. Which result would most likely confirm this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A diagnosis of meningitis is made by testing CSF obtained by lumbar puncture. In the case of bacterial meningitis, findings usually include increased pressure and cloudy CSF with high protein and low glucose.
Therefore, options 1, 2, and 4 are incorrect.
Question 2 of 5
A client diagnosed with a thrombotic stroke experiences periods of emotional lability. What should the nurse interpret this behavior as indicating?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: After a thrombotic stroke, the client often experiences periods of emotional lability, which are characterized by sudden bouts of laughing or crying or by irritability, depression, confusion, or being demanding. This is a normal part of the clinical picture of the client with this health problem, although it may be difficult for health care personnel and family members to deal with it. The other options are incorrect.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse interprets that which observation is related to the dysfunction of cranial nerve III (oculomotor nerve)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ptosis of the eyelid is caused by pressure on and the dysfunction of cranial nerve III, the oculomotor nerve. The remaining options identify early signs of a deteriorating level of consciousness.
Question 4 of 5
Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) therapy is prescribed for a child diagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). What are the expected results of this medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: IVIG is usually effective to rapidly increase the platelet count. It is thought to act by interfering with the attachment of antibody-coded platelets to receptors on the macrophage cells of the reticuloendothelial system. Corticosteroids may be prescribed to enhance vascular stability and decrease the production of antiplatelet antibodies. Based on this information, the remaining options are unrelated to the administration of this medication.
Question 5 of 5
A child is admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of bacterial endocarditis. The child has been experiencing fever, malaise, anorexia, and a headache. Which diagnostic study will confirm the diagnosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The diagnosis of bacterial endocarditis is primarily established on the basis of a positive blood culture of the organisms and the visualization of vegetation on echocardiographic studies. Other laboratory tests that may help confirm the diagnosis are an elevated sedimentation rate and the C-reactive protein level. An ECG is not usually helpful for the diagnosis of bacterial endocarditis.