NCLEX-PN
2024 PN NCLEX Questions
1. During a well-baby examination, the nurse measures the head circumference, and it is the same as the chest circumference. On the basis of this measurement, what action should the nurse take?
- A. Document these measurements in the infant's health care record.
- B. Tell the mother that the infant is growing faster than expected.
- C. Suggest to the health care provider that a skull x-ray be performed.
- D. Report the presence of hydrocephalus to the health care provider.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The head circumference growth rate during the first year is approximately 0.4 inches (1 cm) per month. By 10 to 12 months of age, the infant's head and chest circumferences are equal. In this case, where the head circumference matches the chest circumference, it is a normal finding in infants around 10-12 months. Therefore, the most appropriate action is to document these measurements in the infant's health care record. Suspecting hydrocephalus or suggesting a skull x-ray would be premature and not indicated based on this measurement. Similarly, telling the mother that the infant is growing faster than expected is not accurate and could cause unnecessary concern.
2. A 2-year-old child diagnosed with HIV comes to a clinic for immunizations. Which of the following vaccines should the healthcare provider expect to administer in addition to the scheduled vaccines?
- A. pneumococcal vaccine
- B. hepatitis A vaccine
- C. Lyme disease vaccine
- D. typhoid vaccine
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the pneumococcal vaccine. Children with HIV are at increased risk of pneumococcal infections, so the pneumococcal vaccine is recommended as a supplemental vaccine for them. The hepatitis A vaccine is not routinely given to HIV-positive children unless they have other risk factors for hepatitis A. Lyme disease vaccine is for individuals at risk for Lyme disease, not routinely recommended for a 2-year-old. Typhoid vaccine is typically given to individuals traveling to endemic areas or working in settings with potential exposure to Salmonella typhi, not a routine vaccine for a 2-year-old with HIV.
3. During a genital examination of a male client, a nurse notices wrinkled skin on the penis and scrotum. What should the nurse do based on this finding?
- A. Documents the normal finding
- B. Checks for penile discharge, as this indicates infection
- C. Palpates for a mass in the scrotum, as wrinkling suggests the presence of one
- D. Obtains additional subjective data from the client, focusing on the scrotal abnormality
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The penile skin typically appears wrinkled and hairless, without lesions, during a normal examination. Also, the scrotal skin naturally has a wrinkled appearance known as rugae. It is common for the left half of the scrotum to be positioned lower than the right, indicating normal asymmetry. Given these normal variations, the nurse should document the finding of wrinkled skin on the penis and scrotum. Checking for penile discharge or palpating for a mass in the scrotum is not indicated based on the presence of wrinkled skin, as this is a normal finding. Obtaining additional subjective data focusing on a scrotal abnormality is unnecessary since the wrinkled appearance is typical.
4. The nurse is teaching parents of a newborn about feeding their infant. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Use the defrost setting on microwave ovens to warm bottles.
- B. When refrigerating formula, discard partially used bottles after 24 hours.
- C. When using formula concentrate, mix one part concentrate and two parts water.
- D. If a portion of one bottle is left for the next feeding, discard it.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to use the defrost setting on microwave ovens to warm bottles. It is crucial to be cautious when heating bottles in a microwave to prevent milk from becoming superheated. The defrost setting is recommended, and the formula's temperature should always be checked before feeding the baby. Choice B, which advises to discard partially used bottles of refrigerated formula after 24 hours, is also correct. This is important to prevent the introduction of pathogens by the baby into the formula. Choice C, recommending mixing one part formula concentrate with two parts water, is essential for ensuring the correct dilution. Choice D, suggesting to discard any remaining portion of a bottle for the next feeding, is incorrect. It is not necessary to discard the remaining portion if it has been refrigerated promptly and used within a safe time frame. Adding fresh formula to a partially used bottle is not recommended, as it can lead to the growth of pathogens that may be transferred to the new formula.
5. What is the most appropriate initial action for a newborn infant with low blood glucose?
- A. Ask the registered nurse to draw another blood sample in 2 hours and repeat the test
- B. Contact the healthcare provider
- C. Contact the registered nurse
- D. Document the results in the newborn's medical record
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The blood glucose level for a newborn infant should remain greater than 40 mg/dL to prevent permanent brain damage. When dealing with low blood glucose in a newborn, the most appropriate initial action is to contact the registered nurse. The nurse will obtain prescriptions regarding feeding the infant with low blood glucose and follow agency policies on feeding infants in such conditions. It is common practice to feed the infant if the glucose level is 40 mg/dL or less. Asking the registered nurse to draw another blood sample in 2 hours and repeating the test is not the most appropriate immediate action, as timely intervention is crucial in this situation. Contacting the healthcare provider may cause unnecessary delays since the registered nurse is usually the first point of contact for immediate actions in this scenario. Documenting the results in the newborn's medical record is essential, but it is not the initial step in managing low blood glucose in a newborn.
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