NCLEX-RN
Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. A parent calls the pediatric clinic and is frantic about the bottle of cleaning fluid her child drank for 20 minutes. Which of the following is the most important instruction the nurse can give the parent?
- A. This too shall pass.
- B. Take the child immediately to the ER
- C. Contact the Poison Control Center quickly
- D. Give the child syrup of ipecac
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In situations where a child has ingested a potentially harmful substance, contacting the Poison Control Center quickly is crucial. The Poison Control Center can provide specific guidance tailored to the child's situation, which can include whether immediate medical attention is necessary or if any actions need to be taken at home. Option A, 'This too shall pass,' is not appropriate as it dismisses the seriousness of the situation. Option B, 'Take the child immediately to the ER,' may not always be the best course of action without guidance from experts. Option D, 'Give the child syrup of ipecac,' is outdated advice and not recommended as a first response to poisoning incidents.
2. The nurse receives change-of-shift report on the following four patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
- A. A 23-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis who has pulmonary function testing scheduled
- B. A 46-year-old patient on bed rest who is complaining of sudden onset of shortness of breath
- C. A 77-year-old patient with tuberculosis (TB) who has four antitubercular medications due in 15 minutes
- D. A 35-year-old patient who was admitted the previous day with pneumonia and has a temperature of 100.2 F (37.8 C)
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the 46-year-old patient on bed rest who is complaining of sudden onset of shortness of breath. Patients on bed rest who are immobile are at high risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sudden onset of shortness of breath in a patient with a DVT suggests a pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate assessment and action such as oxygen administration to maintain adequate oxygenation. The other patients should also be assessed as soon as possible, but they do not present with an immediate life-threatening condition that requires urgent intervention like the patient experiencing sudden shortness of breath.
3. In a patient with acromegaly, which assessment finding will the nurse expect to find?
- A. Sternal deformity and hyperextensible joints
- B. Growth retardation and a delayed onset of puberty
- C. Overgrowth of bone in the face, head, hands, and feet
- D. Increased height and weight and delayed sexual development
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Acromegaly is a condition characterized by excessive secretion of growth hormone in adulthood after normal body growth completion. This hormonal excess leads to overgrowth of bones in the face, head, hands, and feet; however, there is no significant change in height. Stating sternal deformity and hyperextensible joints is incorrect as they are characteristic findings of Marfan syndrome. Growth retardation and delayed onset of puberty are not typical of acromegaly but are seen in hypopituitary dwarfism. Increased height, weight, and delayed sexual development are features of gigantism, not acromegaly. Therefore, the correct assessment finding in a patient with acromegaly would be overgrowth of bone in the face, head, hands, and feet.
4. The healthcare provider is preparing to use an otoscope for an examination. Which statement is true regarding the otoscope?
- A. Often used to direct light into the sinuses
- B. Used to examine the structures of the internal ear
- C. Uses a short, broad speculum to help visualize the ear
- D. Directs light into the ear canal and onto the tympanic membrane
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The otoscope is a tool used to examine the ear canal and tympanic membrane, which separates the external and middle ear. It is not intended to direct light into the sinuses or examine the internal structures of the ear. The otoscope typically uses a short, narrow speculum to aid in visualizing the ear canal and tympanic membrane, not a short, broad speculum as mentioned in choice C.
5. After taking the vital signs for your patient and finding them to be normal, what should you do next?
- A. Report the vital signs to the doctor
- B. Write the vital signs on a scrap paper
- C. Call the family members
- D. Document them on the graphic VS form
Correct answer: D
Rationale: After assessing and finding that the vital signs are normal for the patient, the appropriate action would be to document them on the graphic VS form. This form is used to track and record vital sign measurements accurately and consistently. Reporting the normal vital signs to the doctor is not necessary unless there are concerning trends or deviations. Writing the vital signs on a scrap piece of paper is not recommended as it may not be an official or reliable record. Calling the family members is unrelated to the process of documenting and tracking vital signs for the patient.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
NCLEX RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access
NCLEX RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access