NCLEX-RN
Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. The nurse has been assigned to care for a neonate just delivered who has gastroschisis. Which concern should the nurse address in the client's plan of care?
- A. Infection.
- B. Poor body image.
- C. Decreased urinary elimination.
- D. Cracking oral mucous membranes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a neonate with gastroschisis, the bowel herniates through a defect in the abdominal wall without a covering membrane, which puts the neonate at high risk of infection. Immediate surgical repair is necessary due to the vulnerability of the exposed bowel to infection. Therefore, the most critical concern for the nurse to address in the plan of care of a neonate with gastroschisis is preventing infection. Poor body image is not a priority in neonatal care as neonates do not have body image concerns. Decreased urinary elimination is not typically a direct consequence of gastroschisis as it primarily affects the gastrointestinal system, not the genitourinary system. Cracking oral mucous membranes are not relevant to gastroschisis as it involves the lower gastrointestinal system, not the oral cavity.
2. When admitting a 64-year-old patient with acute pancreatitis, the healthcare provider should specifically inquire about a history of
- A. diabetes mellitus.
- B. high-protein diet.
- C. cigarette smoking.
- D. alcohol consumption.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In patients with acute pancreatitis, alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor and one of the most common causes in the United States. It is crucial to assess alcohol intake as it plays a key role in the development of pancreatitis. While cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus, and high-protein diets can contribute to various health issues, they are not directly associated with the development of acute pancreatitis.
3. A patient with newly diagnosed lung cancer tells the nurse, 'I don't think I'm going to live to see my next birthday.' Which response by the nurse is best?
- A. Would you like to talk to the hospital chaplain about your feelings?
- B. Can you tell me what it is that makes you think you will die so soon?
- C. Are you afraid that the treatment for your cancer will not be effective?
- D. Do you think that taking an antidepressant medication would be helpful?
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The nurse's initial response should be to collect more assessment data about the patient's statement. The answer beginning 'Can you tell me what it is' is the most open-ended question and will offer the best opportunity for obtaining more data. The answer beginning 'Are you afraid' implies that the patient thinks that the cancer will be immediately fatal, although the patient's statement may not be related to the cancer diagnosis. The remaining two answers offer interventions that may be helpful to the patient, but more assessment is needed to determine whether these interventions are appropriate.
4. Which of the following is the most common type of malignant brain tumor in the United States?
- A. Meningioma
- B. Glioblastoma multiforme
- C. Acoustic neuroma
- D. Pituitary adenoma
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common malignant brain tumor in the United States, accounting for a significant portion of cases. It is known for its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. Surgical resection, followed by radiation and chemotherapy, is the standard treatment approach for glioblastoma multiforme. Meningioma, acoustic neuroma, and pituitary adenoma are also types of brain tumors but are not as common as glioblastoma multiforme in the United States.
5. A patient is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. A nurse checking the patient's lab results would expect which of the following changes in laboratory findings?
- A. Elevated serum calcium
- B. Low serum parathyroid hormone (PTH)
- C. Elevated serum vitamin D
- D. Low urine calcium
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In primary hyperparathyroidism, there is excess secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) leading to increased resorption of calcium from bones and decreased excretion of calcium by the kidneys. This results in elevated serum calcium levels. Elevated serum calcium is a hallmark characteristic of primary hyperparathyroidism, making it the correct answer. Low serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) (Choice B) is incorrect because primary hyperparathyroidism is associated with elevated PTH levels due to the malfunction of the parathyroid glands. Elevated serum vitamin D (Choice C) is incorrect because primary hyperparathyroidism is not typically associated with elevated vitamin D levels. Low urine calcium (Choice D) is incorrect as primary hyperparathyroidism leads to decreased calcium excretion by the kidneys, resulting in high levels of calcium in the urine.
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