NCLEX-RN
Saunders NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. 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.
2. A patient is being seen in the crisis unit reporting that poison letters are coming in the mail. The patient has no history of psychiatric illness. Which group of the following medications would the patient most likely be started on?
- A. Aripiprazole (Abilify)
- B. Risperidone (Risperdal Consta)
- C. Fluphenazine (Prolixin)
- D. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, where a patient without a history of psychiatric illness is experiencing psychotic symptoms like believing in poison letters, the most suitable medication group to start the patient on would be atypical antipsychotics. Aripiprazole (Abilify) belongs to this group and is preferred due to its efficacy with fewer side effects compared to conventional antipsychotics. Risperidone (Risperdal Consta) is also an atypical antipsychotic but is usually indicated after stabilizing the patient with oral medications. Fluphenazine (Prolixin) is a conventional antipsychotic, which is less favored due to its side effect profile. Fluoxetine (Prozac) is an antidepressant and is not the first-line treatment for psychotic symptoms.
3. A client is preparing to undergo a cystoscopy for stones. Which of the following statements indicates that the client understands the procedure?
- A. I better drink a lot of fluid now because I won't be able to after the test.
- B. I will probably see a little blood when I urinate.
- C. I will be able to go home after 3 days in the hospital.
- D. I won't need any pain medicine; this probably will not hurt.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is, 'I will probably see a little blood when I urinate.' During a cystoscopy, a scope is inserted into the client's bladder to inspect structures or remove objects like stones. This procedure is usually performed under local or general anesthesia. It is common for clients to experience a small amount of blood in their urine (hematuria) or have pink-colored urine after the procedure. The other choices are incorrect because drinking a lot of fluid before the test, staying in the hospital for 3 days, and assuming no pain will be experienced are not accurate statements related to a cystoscopy procedure.
4. You are taking care of Mary Eden, an elderly and frail 91-year-old resident. She gets confused during evening hours and at times she thinks that she hears her daughter calling her from the other side of the nursing home. Which physical problem places Mary Eden at risk for falls?
- A. Her confusion
- B. Her daughter
- C. Evening hours
- D. Her frailness
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Mary Eden's frail and weak muscles due to her age and physical condition place her at risk for falls. While her confusion can contribute to falls, it is considered an emotional or cognitive issue rather than a physical problem. Her daughter and the evening hours are not physical problems that directly increase her risk of falling.
5. Which of the following situations might warrant a laboratory magnesium level?
- A. Hyperthyroidism
- B. Arthritis
- C. Ulcerative colitis
- D. Depression
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Ulcerative colitis can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, and weight loss. This condition may impact the absorption of certain nutrients, including magnesium. Therefore, patients with chronic gastrointestinal conditions like ulcerative colitis should be screened for electrolyte imbalances related to impaired digestion. Hyperthyroidism, arthritis, and depression do not typically directly affect magnesium levels in the same way as gastrointestinal conditions like ulcerative colitis.
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