NCLEX NCLEX-PN
NCLEX PN Exam Cram
1. A client who has a known history of cardiac problems and is still smoking enters the clinic complaining of sudden onset of sharp, stabbing pain that intensifies with a deep breath. The pain is occurring on only one side and can be isolated upon general assessment. The nurse concludes that this description is most likely caused by:
- A. pleurisy.
- B. pleural effusion.
- C. atelectasis.
- D. tuberculosis.
Correct answer: pleurisy.
Rationale: Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura and is often accompanied by an abrupt onset of pain. Symptoms of pleurisy include sudden sharp, stabbing pain that is usually unilateral and localized to a specific portion of the chest. The pain can be exacerbated by deep breathing. In contrast, pleural effusion is characterized by fluid accumulation in the pleural space, not sharp pain. Atelectasis involves collapse or closure of a lung leading to reduced gas exchange, but it does not typically present with sharp, stabbing pain. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that can affect the lungs but does not typically manifest with sudden sharp pain exacerbated by deep breathing.
2. 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: Document these measurements in the infant’s health care record.
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.
3. When the nurse is determining the appropriate size of an oropharyngeal airway to insert, what part of a client’s body should she measure?
- A. corner of the mouth to the tragus of the ear
- B. corner of the eye to the top of the ear
- C. tip of the chin to the sternum
- D. tip of the nose to the earlobe
Correct answer: corner of the mouth to the tragus of the ear
Rationale: Correct! When sizing an oropharyngeal airway, the nurse should measure from the corner of the client’s mouth to the tragus of the ear. This measurement ensures that the airway is the appropriate length to reach the pharynx without being too long or too short. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not provide the correct anatomical landmarks for determining the size of an oropharyngeal airway. Measuring from the corner of the mouth to the tragus of the ear is a standard method to ensure proper airway size and prevent complications during airway management.
4. A nurse at an outpatient clinic is returning phone calls that have been made to the clinic. Which of the following calls should have the highest priority for medical intervention?
- A. A home health patient reports, “I am starting to have a breakdown of my heels.”
- B. A patient that received an upper extremity cast yesterday reports, “I can’t feel my fingers in my right hand today.”
- C. A young female reports, 'I think I sprained my ankle about 2 weeks ago.'
- D. A middle-aged patient reports, 'My knee is still hurting from the TKR.'
Correct answer: A patient that received an upper extremity cast yesterday reports, “I can’t feel my fingers in my right hand today.”
Rationale: The correct answer is the patient who received an upper extremity cast yesterday and reports not being able to feel their fingers in the right hand. This situation indicates a potential neurovascular issue that requires immediate attention to prevent complications. The other options are of lesser priority: A - Breakdown of the heels, while concerning, is not an acute issue that necessitates immediate intervention. C - An ankle sprain that occurred two weeks ago is now subacute and unlikely to be an urgent medical concern. D - Pain in the knee following a total knee replacement (TKR) is common in the early postoperative period and is not unexpected.
5. For a client with suspected appendicitis, where should the nurse expect to find abdominal tenderness?
- A. upper right
- B. upper left
- C. lower right
- D. lower left
Correct answer: lower right
Rationale: The correct answer is C: lower right. Abdominal tenderness in the lower-right quadrant is a classic symptom of appendicitis. This tenderness is known as McBurney's point, which is located in the lower-right quadrant of the abdomen. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the tenderness associated with appendicitis is typically localized to the lower-right quadrant.
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