NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Practice Questions With Rationale
1. Becky is a 17-year-old type I diabetic who has been admitted for her third episode of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) since being diagnosed last year. She states that she hates feeling different from her friends and refuses to take her insulin as recommended. What would be the most helpful action for Becky?
- A. Scolding her for not taking her insulin
- B. Recommending that she use an insulin pump
- C. Contacting the local support group for diabetic teens
- D. Telling her parents they must provide more strict oversight
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Contacting the local support group for diabetic teens would be the most helpful action for Becky. By reaching out to see if another diabetic teenager could provide support, Becky would have the opportunity to connect with someone in her peer group who faces similar challenges. This connection can help reduce her sense of isolation and the feeling of being 'different.' Choice A, 'Scolding her for not taking her insulin,' is inappropriate and could further alienate Becky. It does not address the underlying emotional issues driving her behavior. Choice B, 'Recommending that she use an insulin pump,' does not directly address Becky's emotional struggle with feeling different from her friends. While an insulin pump may be a helpful tool, it does not tackle the root cause of her non-compliance. Choice D, 'Telling her parents they must provide more strict oversight,' focuses on imposing stricter control without addressing Becky's emotional needs or offering peer support, which may not be effective in improving her insulin adherence in the long term.
2. An infant is brought to the clinic by his mother, who has noticed that he holds his head in an unusual position and always faces to one side. Which of the following is the most likely explanation?
- A. Torticollis, with shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle
- B. Craniosynostosis, with premature closure of the cranial sutures
- C. Plagiocephaly, with flattening of one side of the head
- D. Hydrocephalus, with increased head size
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is torticollis, characterized by the shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, limiting the range of motion of the neck and causing the chin to point to the opposing side. Craniosynostosis is the premature closure of cranial sutures, leading to an abnormal head shape but not necessarily affecting head position. Plagiocephaly is flattening of one side of the head due to external forces or positioning, not muscle shortening. Hydrocephalus presents with an increased head size due to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid, not with a fixed head position.
3. Which of the following statements is true regarding non-profit organizations?
- A. They are located in various areas, not specifically poor or rural ones.
- B. They are mandated to care for people, even if clients are unable to pay for services.
- C. The money they receive for services is reinvested back into their own business to further develop services.
- D. They are not referred to as proprietary organizations.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Non-profit organizations are entities that operate for a social cause or public benefit, and they do not distribute profits to owners or shareholders. They are not limited to being located in poor or rural areas; they can be found in various locations. One key characteristic of non-profits is that they are obligated to provide services, regardless of a client's ability to pay. This ensures that essential services are accessible to all individuals in need. The statement 'The money they receive for services is reinvested back into their own business to further develop services' is correct. Non-profit organizations reinvest any surplus funds back into their operations to enhance the services they provide. The statement 'They are not referred to as proprietary organizations' is correct because proprietary organizations are typically for-profit entities, not non-profit ones.
4. Mrs. M has had diabetes for seven years. She has worked hard to control her blood glucose levels and watch her dietary intake. Her physician orders a hemoglobin A1C test. Which of the following best describes the action of this test?
- A. The test determines if the client is anemic and needs iron supplements
- B. The test determines if there is excess glucose building up in the urine
- C. The test determines the amount of hemoglobin reaching the liver to support gluconeogenesis
- D. The test determines the amount of hemoglobin that is coated with glucose
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A hemoglobin A1C test, also known as a glycated hemoglobin test, determines the amount of hemoglobin that is coated with glucose. Excess glucose in the bloodstream may cause it to attach to hemoglobin on red blood cells. Because the life of these cells is between 2 and 3 months, the hemoglobin A1C is an accurate measurement of a client's glucose during that time. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A relates to anemia and iron supplements, which are not assessed by a hemoglobin A1C test. Choice B mentions excess glucose in the urine, which is typically assessed through a urine glucose test, not the hemoglobin A1C test. Choice C is incorrect as the test is not related to the amount of hemoglobin reaching the liver to support gluconeogenesis; instead, it specifically measures the amount of hemoglobin that is glycated or coated with glucose.
5. Which behavior observed by the nurse indicates a suspicion that a depressed adolescent client may be suicidal?
- A. The adolescent gives away a DVD player and a cherished autographed picture of a performer.
- B. The adolescent runs out of group therapy, swearing at the group leader, and then goes to her room.
- C. The adolescent becomes angry while speaking on the phone and slams down the receiver.
- D. The adolescent gets angry with her roommate when the roommate borrows her clothes without asking.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is when the adolescent gives away a DVD player and a cherished autographed picture of a performer. This behavior is concerning because a depressed suicidal client often gives away things of value as a way of saying goodbye and wanting to be remembered. Choices B, C, and D all involve anger and acting-out behaviors, which are common in adolescents but do not specifically indicate suicidal ideation. Running out of group therapy, swearing, and going to her room, becoming angry and slamming the phone receiver, or getting upset when her roommate borrows her clothes are not clear indications of suicidal thoughts.
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