NCLEX-RN
Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. A home care nurse instructs the mother of a 5-year-old child with lactose intolerance about dietary measures for her child. The nurse should tell the mother that it is necessary to provide which dietary supplement in the child's diet?
- A. Fats
- B. Zinc
- C. Protein
- D. Calcium
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In lactose intolerance, the inability to digest lactose, the sugar in dairy products, can lead to calcium deficiency if dairy products are removed from the diet. Calcium is crucial for bone health and other bodily functions, so alternative calcium sources like fortified non-dairy milks or leafy greens must be included to prevent deficiency. While fats and proteins are important nutrients, they are not typically deficient in lactose intolerance. Zinc, although an essential mineral, is not the primary concern in this case.
2. A nursing student caring for a 6-month-old infant is asked to collect a sample for urinalysis from the infant. How should the student collect the specimen?
- A. Catheterizing the infant using the smallest available Foley catheter
- B. Attaching a urinary collection device to the infant's perineum for collection
- C. Obtaining the specimen from the diaper by squeezing the diaper after the infant voids
- D. Noting the time of the next expected voiding and then preparing a specimen cup for the urine
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct method for collecting a urine sample from an infant for urinalysis is by attaching a urinary collection device to the infant's perineum. This device is a plastic bag with an adhesive opening that allows it to be secured to the perineum to collect urine. Catheterizing the infant with a Foley catheter should not be done unless specifically prescribed due to the risk of infection. Obtaining the specimen from the diaper by squeezing it after the infant voids may not provide an accurate sample for urinalysis. Trying to predict the time of the next voiding to prepare a specimen cup is not practical or reliable in ensuring an appropriate sample for urinalysis.
3. A patient is being visited at home by a healthcare professional. The patient has been taking Naproxen for back pain. Which statement made by the patient most indicates that the healthcare professional needs to contact the physician?
- A. I get an upset stomach if I don't take Naproxen with my meals.
- B. My back pain right now is about a 3/10.
- C. I get occasional headaches since taking Naproxen
- D. I have ringing in my ears.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'I have ringing in my ears.' Ringing in the ears is a severe adverse effect of Naproxen, indicating potential toxicity. This symptom warrants immediate medical attention. Choices A, B, and C are less concerning and do not directly indicate a severe adverse effect or toxicity related to Naproxen. Upset stomach, mild back pain, and occasional headaches are common side effects that may not require immediate physician contact.
4. A serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L (3.2 mmol/L) is reported for a patient with cirrhosis who has scheduled doses of spironolactone (Aldactone) and furosemide (Lasix) due. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Administer both drugs.
- B. Administer the spironolactone.
- C. Withhold the spironolactone and administer the furosemide.
- D. Withhold both drugs until discussed with the healthcare provider.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L is low (hypokalemia), which can be concerning in a patient with cirrhosis who is already at risk for electrolyte imbalances. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can help increase the patient's potassium level and correct the hypokalemia. Therefore, the appropriate action for the nurse to take in this scenario is to administer the spironolactone. Withholding the spironolactone could further lower the potassium level. Furosemide, on the other hand, is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss and worsen hypokalemia; hence, it should be withheld until the nurse discusses the situation with the healthcare provider. While the healthcare provider should be informed about the low potassium value, immediate administration of spironolactone is necessary to address the hypokalemia in this patient population.
5. Which of the following is TRUE about shock?
- A. A patient with severe shock does not always have an abnormally low blood pressure.
- B. Confusion and deteriorating mentation are indicative of hypotensive shock.
- C. Patients with compensated shock may not be able to maintain a normal blood pressure.
- D. A normal blood pressure does not imply that the patient is stable.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Confusion and deteriorating mentation are indeed indicative of hypotensive shock. It is important to note that a patient with hypotensive shock will likely exhibit deteriorating mental status. Choice A is incorrect because a patient in severe shock may not always have an abnormally low blood pressure, making it an unreliable indicator of shock severity. Choice C is incorrect because patients with compensated shock may present with normal blood pressure but still have inadequate tissue perfusion. Choice D is incorrect because a normal blood pressure does not guarantee the patient's stability, especially in cases of shock where tissue perfusion may be compromised despite normal blood pressure readings.
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