NCLEX-PN
Nclex Practice Questions 2024
1. The nurse is caring for a client with epilepsy who is being treated with carbamazepine (Tegretol). Which laboratory value might indicate a serious side effect of this drug?
- A. Uric acid of 5 mg/dL
- B. Hematocrit of 33%
- C. WBC 2,000 per cubic millimeter
- D. Platelets 150,000 per cubic millimeter
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Carbamazepine (Tegretol) can suppress the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in the white blood cell count. A laboratory value of WBC 2,000 per cubic millimeter indicates a serious side effect of the drug. Choices A and D are within normal limits, while choice B is at the lower limit of normal. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect.
2. The nurse is caring for a client scheduled for removal of a pituitary tumor using the transsphenoidal approach. The nurse should be particularly alert for:
- A. Nasal congestion
- B. Abdominal tenderness
- C. Muscle tetany
- D. Oliguria
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During the removal of a pituitary tumor using the transsphenoidal approach, nasal congestion is a significant concern as it can further obstruct the airway. This can be due to mucosal swelling, bleeding, or edema resulting from the surgery. Nasal congestion requires immediate attention to prevent airway compromise. Abdominal tenderness, muscle tetany, and oliguria are not directly associated with the pituitary gland or the transsphenoidal approach, making them incorrect choices. Abdominal tenderness is more common in abdominal or pelvic surgeries due to intra-abdominal issues. Muscle tetany is related to electrolyte imbalances or neuromuscular disorders, not specific to pituitary surgery. Oliguria is a concern in renal-related conditions, not typically in pituitary tumor surgeries.
3. When discussing the patterns of use of alcohol and other drugs, which piece of information should the nurse include?
- A. Lifetime prevalence and intensity of alcohol use are greater in men than in women.
- B. Caucasians report higher levels of alcohol use than African Americans or Hispanics.
- C. Overuse of alcohol and other drugs increases into the mid-20s, then levels off and decreases with age.
- D. Heavy use is more common in lower socioeconomic groups due to affordability.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is that overuse of alcohol and other drugs increases into the mid-20s, then levels off and decreases with age. Recent research indicates that alcohol and illicit drug use tends to rise into the mid-20s and then decline with age. Choices A and B are incorrect because lifetime prevalence and intensity of alcohol use are greater in men than in women, and Caucasians do not report higher levels of alcohol use compared to African Americans or Hispanics. Choice D is incorrect because heavy use is more common in lower socioeconomic groups due to factors like stress, coping mechanisms, and availability, not just affordability.
4. The client is scheduled for a pericentesis. Which instruction should be given to the client before the exam?
- A. "You will need to lie flat during the exam."?
- B. "You need to empty your bladder before the procedure."?
- C. "You will be asleep during the procedure."?
- D. "The doctor will inject a medication to treat your illness during the procedure."?
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The client scheduled for a pericentesis should be instructed to empty the bladder to prevent the risk of bladder puncture when the needle is inserted. A pericentesis involves removing fluid from the peritoneal cavity. The client is typically positioned sitting up or leaning over a table, making answer A incorrect. During a pericentesis, the client is usually awake, so answer C is incorrect. Medications are not commonly injected into the peritoneal cavity during this procedure, making answer D incorrect. However, it's important to note that the administration of medications during the procedure could vary based on specific circumstances.
5. While the client is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), which lab test should be evaluated?
- A. Hemoglobin
- B. Creatinine
- C. Blood glucose
- D. White blood cell count
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a client is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial as TPN solutions contain high amounts of glucose. This monitoring helps prevent hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Evaluating hemoglobin (choice A) is not directly related to TPN administration. Creatinine (choice B) is more relevant for assessing kidney function. White blood cell count (choice D) is important for evaluating immune function and infection, but not specifically tied to TPN administration.
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