NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Practice Questions Exam Cram
1. The nurse is discussing negativism with the parents of a 30-month-old child. How should the nurse advise the parents to best respond to this behavior?
- A. Reprimand the child and give a 15-minute 'time out'
- B. Maintain a permissive attitude for this behavior
- C. Use patience and a sense of humor to deal with this behavior
- D. Assert authority over the child through limit setting
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Use patience and a sense of humor to deal with this behavior. The nurse should help the parents understand that negativism is a normal part of a toddler's growth towards autonomy. Reacting with patience and humor can help diffuse the situation and maintain a positive relationship with the child. Reprimanding the child and giving a 'time out' (Choice A) may not be effective for addressing negativism and can lead to power struggles. Maintaining a permissive attitude (Choice B) may reinforce negative behavior. Asserting authority through limit setting (Choice D) may be necessary in some situations, but using patience and humor is a more effective initial approach for handling negativism.
2. The nurse is reviewing the lab results of a patient taking lithium for schizoaffective disorder. The lab results show that the blood lithium value is 1.7 mcg/L. What would the nurse take as the priority action?
- A. Induce vomiting
- B. Hold the next dose of Lithium
- C. Administer an antiemetic
- D. Give the next dose of Lithium
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the next dose of Lithium. The blood lithium value of 1.7 mcg/L exceeds the therapeutic range of 0.5-1.5 mcg/L, indicating potential toxicity. Holding the next dose is crucial to prevent further accumulation of lithium in the bloodstream. Inducing vomiting is not appropriate in this situation as the priority is to prevent further absorption of lithium. Administering an antiemetic is not the priority in lithium toxicity. Giving the next dose of lithium would exacerbate the toxicity and should be avoided.
3. When taking a patient’s history, she mentions being depressed and dealing with an anxiety disorder. Which of the following medications would the patient most likely be taking?
- A. Amitriptyline (Elavil)
- B. Calcitonin
- C. Pergolide mesylate (Permax)
- D. Verapamil (Calan)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Amitriptyline (Elavil) as it is a tricyclic antidepressant commonly used to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. Amitriptyline works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain to improve mood. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Calcitonin is a hormone used in the treatment of osteoporosis; Pergolide mesylate is a dopamine agonist used in Parkinson's disease; Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions, not mental health disorders.
4. The healthcare provider is managing a 20 lbs (9 kg) 6-month-old with a 3-day history of diarrhea, occasional vomiting, and fever. Peripheral intravenous therapy has been initiated, with 5% dextrose in 0.33% normal saline with 20 mEq of potassium per liter infusing at 35 ml/hr. Which finding should be immediately reported to the healthcare provider?
- A. 3 episodes of vomiting in 1 hour.
- B. Periodic crying and irritability.
- C. Vigorous sucking on a pacifier.
- D. No measurable voiding in 4 hours.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The critical finding that should be reported immediately to the healthcare provider is 'No measurable voiding in 4 hours.' This finding raises concerns about possible hyperkalemia, which can result from continued potassium administration and a decrease in urinary output. Hyperkalemia can lead to serious complications, including cardiac arrhythmias. The management of acute hyperkalemia involves interventions such as administering calcium to protect the heart, shifting potassium into cells, and enhancing potassium elimination from the body. The other choices do not indicate an urgent issue that requires immediate attention. Three episodes of vomiting in 1 hour can be concerning but may not be as immediately critical as the risk of hyperkalemia. Periodic crying and irritability are common in infants and may not indicate a severe complication. Vigorous sucking on a pacifier is a normal behavior in infants and does not signal a medical emergency.
5. A client has no pulse or respirations. After calling for help, what should the nurse's first action be?
- A. Start a peripheral IV
- B. Initiate high-quality chest compressions
- C. Establish an airway
- D. Obtain the crash cart
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a situation where a client has no pulse or respirations, the initial action recommended by the American Heart Association is to start high-quality chest compressions. This action helps maintain blood flow to vital organs such as the brain until normal heart rhythm is restored. Starting CPR with chest compressions before checking the airway and providing rescue breaths is crucial to improve outcomes. While establishing an airway and obtaining a crash cart are important steps in resuscitation, initiating chest compressions takes precedence to ensure oxygenated blood circulation. Starting with chest compressions applies to adults, children, and infants but not newborns.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
NCLEX RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access
NCLEX RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access