NCLEX NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Practice Questions Quizlet
1. The nurse is caring for a client with a serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L. The client is placed on a cardiac monitor and receives 40 mEq potassium chloride in 1000 ml of 5% dextrose in water IV. Which of the following EKG patterns indicates to the nurse that the infusions should be discontinued?
- A. Narrowed QRS complex
- B. Shortened “PR” interval
- C. Tall peaked “T” waves
- D. Prominent “U” waves
Correct answer: Tall peaked “T” waves
Rationale: A tall peaked T wave is a characteristic EKG pattern associated with hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia refers to high levels of potassium in the blood, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and other serious complications. Tall peaked T waves are a red flag for potential cardiac issues and can indicate the need to discontinue potassium infusions. The other choices, such as narrowed QRS complex, shortened “PR” interval, and prominent “U” waves, are not typically associated with hyperkalemia. Therefore, recognizing tall peaked T waves is crucial for the nurse to take prompt action in managing the client's condition.
2. Which brain structure serves as the heat-regulating center?
- A. Hypothalamus
- B. Pituitary Gland
- C. Pons
- D. Medulla Oblongata
Correct answer: A: Hypothalamus
Rationale: The correct answer is the Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating body temperature, ensuring it stays within a narrow range. Moreover, the hypothalamus controls various essential bodily functions, such as hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the Pituitary Gland primarily produces and releases hormones, the Pons is involved in functions like sleep, respiration, and bladder control, and the Medulla Oblongata controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate, but not body temperature regulation.
3. Based on Mr. C's assessment, which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate?
- A. Elevate the lower extremities to 45 degrees to promote venous return
- B. Place Mr. C in the Trendelenburg position
- C. Administer total parenteral nutrition
- D. Monitor urine output
Correct answer: Monitor urine output
Rationale: In the context of Mr. C's assessment, the most appropriate nursing intervention is to monitor urine output. A client in hypovolemic shock may experience decreased urine output due to poor kidney perfusion. By monitoring urine output, the nurse can assess renal function and fluid status. Administering total parenteral nutrition (Choice C) is not indicated based on the information provided, as the priority is to stabilize the client's condition. Elevating the lower extremities (Choice A) may be helpful in some cases but is not the priority in this situation. Placing Mr. C in the Trendelenburg position (Choice B) is contraindicated in hypovolemic shock as it can worsen venous return and compromise cardiac output.
4. A physician's order instructs a nurse to take a temperature at the axilla. Where would the nurse place the thermometer?
- A. In the rectum
- B. In the mouth
- C. On the temples
- D. In the armpit
Correct answer: In the armpit
Rationale: When a physician's order specifies taking a temperature at the axilla, the nurse should place the thermometer in the armpit. The axilla is the anatomical area of the armpit located under the arms, proximal to the trunk. Placing the thermometer in the rectum (Choice A) is used for rectal temperature measurements, in the mouth (Choice B) for oral temperature measurements, and on the temples (Choice C) is not a common site for temperature assessment. Therefore, the correct placement based on the given instruction is in the armpit.
5. During an assessment, a nurse asks a patient, “If you had fever and vomiting for 3 days, what would you do?” Which aspect of the mental status examination is the nurse assessing?
- A. Behavior
- B. Cognition
- C. Affect and mood
- D. Perceptual disturbances
Correct answer: B: Cognition
Rationale: The nurse is assessing cognition in this scenario. Cognition involves evaluating a patient's judgment and decision-making abilities. By asking the patient what they would do in a specific situation, the nurse aims to determine the patient's cognitive function. A correct response indicating intact cognition would involve a decision like 'Call my doctor.' If the patient suggests inappropriate actions like 'I would stop eating' or 'I would just wait and see what happened,' it would suggest impaired judgment. The other options, behavior, affect and mood, and perceptual disturbances, refer to different aspects of the mental status examination and are not directly assessed through this question.
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