NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Prioritization Questions
1. A client presents with symptoms of a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, fever, chills, and extreme fatigue. Based on these symptoms, which of the following illnesses could the nurse consider for this client?
- A. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- B. Hepatitis B
- C. Infectious mononucleosis
- D. Norovirus infection
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Infectious mononucleosis is a viral disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The symptoms of sore throat, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and extreme fatigue are characteristic of infectious mononucleosis. The diagnosis is confirmed through the client's history and blood tests for the Epstein-Barr virus. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents with localized skin infections, not the systemic symptoms described. Hepatitis B typically presents with jaundice, abdominal pain, and liver inflammation, not the symptoms described. Norovirus infection commonly causes gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, not the symptoms presented by the client.
2. When taking the blood pressure (BP) on the right arm of a patient with severe acute pancreatitis, the nurse notices carpal spasms of the patient's right hand. Which action should the nurse take next?
- A. Ask the patient about any arm pain.
- B. Retake the patient's blood pressure.
- C. Check the calcium level in the chart.
- D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse observed carpal spasms in the patient's right hand, indicating a positive Trousseau's sign, which is associated with hypocalcemia. Patients with acute pancreatitis are at risk for hypocalcemia, hence the nurse should promptly check the calcium level in the chart to assess the patient's condition. Notifying the healthcare provider comes after confirming the calcium level. There is no indication to ask about arm pain or to retake the blood pressure, as the primary concern is addressing the potential hypocalcemia.
3. The nurse is creating a plan of care for a 10-year-old child diagnosed with acute glomerulonephritis. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Promoting bed rest
- B. Restricting oral fluids
- C. Allowing the child to play
- D. Encouraging visits from friends
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During the acute phase of glomerulonephritis, promoting bed rest is a priority to reduce stress on the kidneys and promote recovery. As the condition improves, activity can be gradually increased. Restricting oral fluids is not recommended as maintaining adequate hydration is crucial. Allowing the child to play quietly can be beneficial but is not the priority over rest during the acute phase. Encouraging visits from friends may disrupt the rest needed for recovery, so visitors should be limited.
4. During an assessment of a child admitted to the hospital with a probable diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome, what assessment findings should the nurse expect to observe? Select one that applies.
- A. Proteinuria
- B. Weight gain
- C. Decreased serum lipids
- D. Hematuria
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In nephrotic syndrome, the hallmark finding is massive proteinuria due to increased glomerular permeability. This leads to hypoalbuminemia, resulting in generalized edema. Weight gain, not weight loss, is typically seen due to fluid retention. Serum lipids are elevated, not decreased, in nephrotic syndrome. Hematuria, the presence of blood in the urine, is not a typical finding in nephrotic syndrome.
5. Which of the following factors may alter the level of consciousness in a patient?
- A. Alcohol
- B. Electrolytes
- C. Infection
- D. All of the above may cause altered level of consciousness
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Various factors can lead to altered levels of consciousness in a patient. Alcohol consumption can depress the central nervous system and cause changes in consciousness. Electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia or hypernatremia, can disrupt brain function and affect consciousness. Infections, especially those affecting the brain like encephalitis, can also lead to alterations in consciousness. Therefore, all of the choices provided - Alcohol, Electrolytes, and Infection - can potentially cause changes in the level of consciousness. Remember the acronym AEIOU-TIPPS to recall common causes of decreased level of consciousness, including Alcohol, Electrolytes, and Infection, among others.
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