NCLEX NCLEX-PN
Nclex Exam Cram Practice Questions
1. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) works on an adult medical/surgical unit and has been pulled to work on the burn unit, which cares for clients of all ages. What should the LPN do?
- A. The LPN should take the assignment, but make it clear they will only care for adult clients.
- B. The LPN should take the assignment, but explain the situation to the charge nurse and ask for a quick orientation before starting.
- C. The LPN should refuse to take the assignment, as caring for the infant and child population is not within their scope of practice.
- D. The LPN should take the assignment, but ask to be paired with a more experienced LPN.
Correct answer: The LPN should take the assignment, but explain the situation to the charge nurse and ask for a quick orientation before starting.
Rationale: In this scenario, it is crucial for the LPN to demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to adapt to the new assignment that involves caring for clients of all ages. While the LPN may have expertise in a specific nursing area, it is essential to be able to provide care to diverse client populations. Accepting the assignment reflects a commitment to teamwork and patient care. However, to ensure safe and competent care, the LPN should communicate with the charge nurse about the situation. Requesting a quick orientation will help the LPN familiarize themselves with the burn unit's specific requirements, equipment, and protocols. This proactive approach allows the LPN to address any concerns, ask questions, and seek necessary support, ultimately ensuring the best care for all clients in the burn unit. Choice A is incorrect because limiting care to only adult clients may not be feasible in a unit that cares for clients of all ages. Choice C is incorrect as refusing the assignment outright may not be the best approach without considering alternatives. Choice D is not the most effective option as asking to be paired with a more experienced LPN does not address the need for a quick orientation to the new unit.
2. Which of the following medications should be held 24–48 hours prior to an electroencephalogram (EEG)?
- A. Lasix (furosemide)
- B. Cardizem (diltiazem)
- C. Lanoxin (digoxin)
- D. Dilantin (phenytoin)
Correct answer: Dilantin (phenytoin)
Rationale: Anticonvulsants like Dilantin should be held 24–48 hours before an EEG to prevent interference with the test results. Medications such as tranquilizers, barbiturates, and other sedatives should also be avoided. Lasix, Cardizem, and Lanoxin do not belong to these categories and are not known to interfere with EEG results.
3. A client is 2 days post-operative colon resection. After a coughing episode, the client’s wound eviscerates. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
- A. Reinsert the protruding organ and cover with 4x4s
- B. Cover the wound with a sterile 4x4 and ABD dressing
- C. Cover the wound with a sterile saline-soaked dressing
- D. Apply an abdominal binder and manual pressure to the wound
Correct answer: Cover the wound with a sterile saline-soaked dressing
Rationale: In the scenario where a client's wound eviscerates, the most appropriate nursing action is to cover the wound with a sterile saline-soaked dressing. Reinserting the protruding organ, as mentioned in choice A, is incorrect because it can lead to further complications requiring the client to return to surgery. Choice B, covering the wound with a sterile 4x4 and ABD dressing, is not ideal as it may not provide adequate protection and moisture for the exposed tissue. Choice D, applying an abdominal binder and manual pressure to the wound, is inappropriate as it does not address the specific needs of wound evisceration. Covering the wound with a sterile saline-soaked dressing helps maintain a moist environment, protects the exposed tissue, and prevents infection, promoting optimal wound healing and reducing the risk of complications.
4. The mother of a newborn who was circumcised before discharge from the hospital calls the nurse at the pediatrician’s office and tells the nurse that she is concerned because she has noticed a yellow crust over the circumcision site. The nurse provides which information to the mother?
- A. That it could indicate a sign of an infection and the infant’s temperature should be checked every 2 hours
- B. That the crust is to be expected as a normal part of healing
- C. To bring the infant to the pediatrician's office to be checked
- D. To remove the crust, using a warm, wet face cloth and a mild soap
Correct answer: That the crust is to be expected as a normal part of healing
Rationale: After circumcision, a yellow crust may form over the circumcision site, which is a normal part of healing and should not be removed. The mother should be reassured that this crust is to be expected. Yellow crusting or discharge is not indicative of an infection, and there is no need to notify the pediatrician. Checking the infant's temperature every 2 hours is unnecessary and may cause unnecessary alarm to the mother.
5. The client is taking prednisone 7.5mg po each morning to treat his systemic lupus erythematosus. Which statement best explains the reason for taking the prednisone in the morning?
- A. There is less chance of forgetting the medication if taken in the morning.
- B. There will be less fluid retention if taken in the morning.
- C. Prednisone is absorbed best with the breakfast meal.
- D. Morning administration mimics the body’s natural secretion of corticosteroid.
Correct answer: Morning administration mimics the body’s natural secretion of corticosteroid.
Rationale: Taking corticosteroids in the morning mimics the body’s natural release of cortisol, which follows a diurnal pattern with higher levels in the morning. This timing helps regulate the body's inflammatory response and minimizes potential side effects. Answer A is not the primary reason for morning dosing, as adherence concerns can be addressed through other means. Answer B is incorrect since fluid retention is not influenced by the timing of prednisone administration. Answer C is also incorrect as prednisone absorption is not significantly affected by whether it is taken with breakfast or not.
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