NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Exam Review Answers

1. What might be signaled when a client tells the nurse to 'pray for me' and entrusts her wedding ring to the nurse?

Correct Answer: Suicidal ideation

Rationale: The client entrusting the wedding ring and asking the nurse to pray for them can be indicative of suicidal ideation. This behavior suggests a deep level of distress and hopelessness, potentially leading to suicidal thoughts or actions. While anxiety is a common emotion, the act of entrusting personal items and making requests like praying for them go beyond typical anxiety symptoms. Major depression can be associated with suicidal ideation, but the specific actions described in this scenario point more towards suicidal thoughts. Hopelessness, while related to suicidal ideation, is a broader concept that does not capture the specific cues given by the client in this scenario, making it a less accurate choice.

2. A client on lithium has diarrhea and vomiting. What should the nurse do first?

Correct Answer: Hold the next dose and obtain an order for a stat serum lithium level

Rationale: Diarrhea and vomiting are manifestations of lithium toxicity. The priority action for the nurse is to hold the next dose of lithium and obtain an order for a stat serum lithium level to confirm toxicity. This ensures patient safety and prevents further harm. Recognizing it as a drug interaction is not the first step in this scenario. Cogentin is used to manage extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) associated with antipsychotics, not lithium toxicity. Reassuring the client about these symptoms as common side effects of lithium therapy is inappropriate as they indicate a more serious issue than typical side effects like hand tremors, nausea, polyuria, and polydipsia.

3. What is the highest priority for post ECT care?

Correct Answer: Monitor respiratory status

Rationale: The highest priority for post ECT care is to monitor respiratory status. This is crucial because a life-threatening side effect of ECT is respiratory arrest. While observing for confusion and reorienting the client are important aspects of post ECT care, they are not as critical as ensuring the client's respiratory status is stable. Documenting the client's response to treatment is also important for maintaining accurate medical records, but it is not the highest priority immediately post ECT.

4. A writer is admitted for the second time accompanied by his wife. He is demanding, arrogant, talks fast, and is hyperactive. Initially, the nurse should plan this for a manic client:

Correct Answer: Set realistic limits to the client’s behavior

Rationale: For a manic client who is demanding, arrogant, talks fast, and is hyperactive, setting realistic limits to the client’s behavior is essential to ensure safety as manic clients may engage in injurious activities. A quiet environment and consistent, firm limits help to maintain control. While repeating verbal instructions may be necessary due to distractibility, it is not the priority compared to setting limits for safety. Allowing the client to express feelings is important, but only non-destructive methods of expression should be permitted. Assigning a staff member to be with the client at all times is not a realistic approach as it may not always be feasible or necessary for managing manic behavior effectively.

5. Which of the following interventions should be prioritized in the care of the suicidal client?

Correct Answer: Remove all potentially harmful items from the client’s room

Rationale: accessibility of the means of suicide increases the lethality. Allowing a patient to express feelings and setting a no suicide contract are interventions for suicidal client but blocking the means of suicide is priority. Increasing self esteem is an intervention for depressed clients but not specifically for suicide.