NCLEX-RN
Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. Which of the following statements made by a client during an individual therapy session would the nurse most identify as reflecting schizoaffective disorder?
- A. ''I just want to stab myself with this pen.''
- B. ''What's the point in life anyways?''
- C. ''My thoughts are racing because of the conspiracies against me.''
- D. ''I hear voices every day and sometimes see old friends that don't exist.''
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is, ''My thoughts are racing because of the conspiracies against me.'' Schizoaffective disorder combines the symptoms of bipolar disorder (mania and depression) with those of schizophrenia (delusions and disturbed thought processes). Racing thoughts are a characteristic symptom of a manic episode, while beliefs in conspiracies indicate paranoia, which are common in schizoaffective disorder. Choices A, B, and D do not specifically align with the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder. Choice A suggests self-harm, which may be seen in various mental health conditions; choice B reflects existential questioning or depression; and choice D describes hallucinations, which are more characteristic of schizophrenia rather than schizoaffective disorder.
2. A physician suspects a patient may have pancreatitis. Which of the following tests would be most appropriate to diagnose this condition?
- A. CK and Troponin
- B. BUN and Creatinine
- C. Amylase and Lipase
- D. HDL and LDL Cholesterol Levels
Correct answer: C
Rationale: To diagnose pancreatitis, testing amylase and lipase levels is crucial. Amylase and lipase are enzymes produced by the pancreas that help digest carbohydrates and lipids. In pancreatitis, these enzymes are released in high amounts into the bloodstream due to pancreatic inflammation or damage. Elevated levels of amylase and lipase in blood tests strongly indicate pancreatitis. Choice A, CK and Troponin, are cardiac markers used in diagnosing heart conditions like myocardial infarction, not pancreatitis. Choice B, BUN and Creatinine, are kidney function tests, not specific to pancreatitis. Choice D, HDL and LDL Cholesterol Levels, are lipid profile tests used to assess cardiovascular health, not for diagnosing pancreatitis.
3. The clinic nurse reviews the record of an infant and notes that the primary health care provider (PHCP) has documented a diagnosis of suspected Hirschsprung's disease. The nurse reviews the assessment findings documented in the record, knowing that which sign most likely led the mother to seek health care for the infant?
- A. Diarrhea
- B. Projectile vomiting
- C. Regurgitation of feedings
- D. Constipation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Hirschsprung's disease, also known as congenital aganglionosis or aganglionic megacolon, is characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the rectum and other parts of the affected intestine. Clinical manifestations of Hirschsprung's disease include chronic constipation with pellet-like or ribbon-like foul-smelling stools, delayed or absent passage of meconium in the neonatal period, bowel obstruction (especially in the neonatal period), abdominal pain and distention, and failure to thrive. In the case of an infant with suspected Hirschsprung's disease, regurgitation of feedings is a sign that may have led the mother to seek healthcare. This symptom can be associated with the bowel dysfunction and obstruction seen in Hirschsprung's disease. Options A, B, and D are not typically associated with Hirschsprung's disease. Diarrhea is not a common symptom, projectile vomiting is not a typical presentation, and constipation, while a symptom of the disease, is not the sign that would most likely prompt a visit to seek healthcare in an infant suspected of having Hirschsprung's disease.
4. The parents of a newborn have been told that their child was born with bladder exstrophy, and the parents ask the nurse about this condition. Which explanation, given by the parents, indicates understanding of this condition?
- A. ''It's a hereditary disorder that occurs in every other generation.''
- B. ''It is caused by the use of medications taken by the mother during pregnancy.''
- C. ''It is a condition in which the urinary bladder is abnormally located in the pelvic cavity.''
- D. ''It's an extrusion of the urinary bladder to the outside of the body through a defect in the lower abdominal wall.''
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Bladder exstrophy is a congenital anomaly characterized by the extrusion of the urinary bladder to the outside of the body through a defect in the lower abdominal wall. The cause of bladder exstrophy is not precisely known, but it is believed to be due to a developmental abnormality during embryogenesis. The condition is more common in male newborns. Choice A is incorrect as bladder exstrophy is not a hereditary disorder that occurs in every other generation. Choice B is incorrect as bladder exstrophy is not caused by medications taken by the mother during pregnancy. Choice C is incorrect as it describes the condition inaccurately; it is not just an abnormal location of the bladder in the pelvic cavity, but rather an extrusion of the bladder outside the body through a defect in the lower abdominal wall.
5. Following assessment of a patient with pneumonia, the nurse identifies a nursing diagnosis of ineffective airway clearance. Which assessment data best supports this diagnosis?
- A. Weak, nonproductive cough effort
- B. Large amounts of greenish sputum
- C. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths/minute
- D. Resting pulse oximetry (SpO2) of 85%
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Weak, nonproductive cough effort.' A weak, nonproductive cough indicates that the patient is unable to clear the airway effectively, supporting the nursing diagnosis of ineffective airway clearance. In pneumonia, secretions can obstruct the airway, leading to ineffective clearance. Choices B, C, and D do not directly reflect ineffective airway clearance. Large amounts of greenish sputum (Choice B) may suggest infection or inflammation but do not specifically indicate ineffective airway clearance. The respiratory rate of 28 breaths/minute (Choice C) and a resting pulse oximetry (SpO2) of 85% (Choice D) are more indicative of impaired gas exchange or respiratory distress rather than ineffective airway clearance.
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