NCLEX NCLEX-RN
Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. Which individual is at greatest risk for developing hypertension?
- A. 45-year-old African-American attorney
- B. 60-year-old Asian-American shop owner
- C. 40-year-old Caucasian nurse
- D. 55-year-old Hispanic teacher
Correct answer: 45-year-old African-American attorney
Rationale: African-Americans have a higher risk of developing hypertension compared to other ethnic groups. They tend to develop high blood pressure at younger ages and are more sensitive to salt, which increases their risk of hypertension. Additionally, studies have shown that African-Americans may respond differently to hypertensive drugs. Therefore, the 45-year-old African-American attorney is at the greatest risk for developing hypertension. The other choices do not specify factors that put them at a higher risk for hypertension compared to African-Americans.
2. A nursing student is teaching a patient and family about epilepsy prior to the patient’s discharge. For which statement should you intervene?
- A. “You should avoid consumption of all forms of alcohol.”
- B. “Wear your medical alert bracelet at all times.”
- C. “Protect your loved one’s airway during a seizure.”
- D. “It’s important to consult with your physician before taking over-the-counter medications.”
Correct answer: “It’s important to consult with your physician before taking over-the-counter medications.”
Rationale: The correct answer is, “It’s important to consult with your physician before taking over-the-counter medications.” Patients with epilepsy should not take over-the-counter medications without medical advice due to potential interactions with antiepileptic drugs or triggering seizures. Choices A, B, and C are all appropriate statements for a patient with epilepsy, focusing on alcohol avoidance, wearing a medical alert bracelet, and airway protection during a seizure, respectively. Choice D is incorrect because patients with epilepsy need to be cautious about medications due to possible interactions or adverse effects, so consulting with a physician is crucial before taking over-the-counter medications.
3. Your patient had a stroke, or CVA, five years ago. The resident still has right-sided weakness. You are ready to transfer the resident from the bed to the wheelchair. The wheelchair should be positioned at the _____________.
- A. head of the bed on the patient's right side
- B. head of the bed on the patient's left side
- C. bottom of the bed on the patient's right side
- D. bottom of the bed on the patient's left side
Correct answer: head of the bed on the patient's left side
Rationale: The wheelchair should be positioned at the head of the bed on the resident's left side. This positioning allows the resident to use their stronger left side to assist with the transfer, compensating for the right-sided weakness. Placing the wheelchair at the head of the bed on the patient's right side (Choice A) would not utilize the stronger left side, which is crucial for the transfer. Similarly, positioning the wheelchair at the bottom of the bed on either side (Choices C and D) would not facilitate optimal assistance from the resident's stronger side during the transfer process.
4. A patient with a history of diabetes mellitus is on the second postoperative day following cholecystectomy. She has complained of nausea and isn’t able to eat solid foods. The nurse enters the room to find the patient confused and shaky. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for the patient’s symptoms?
- A. Anesthesia reaction
- B. Hyperglycemia
- C. Hypoglycemia
- D. Diabetic ketoacidosis
Correct answer: Hypoglycemia
Rationale: In a postoperative diabetic patient who is unable to eat solid foods, the likely cause of symptoms such as confusion and shakiness is hypoglycemia. Confusion and shakiness are common manifestations of hypoglycemia. Insufficient glucose supply to the brain (neuroglycopenia) can lead to confusion, difficulty with concentration, irritability, hallucinations, focal impairments like hemiplegia, and, in severe cases, coma and death. Anesthesia reaction (Choice A) is less likely in this scenario as the patient is already on the second postoperative day. Hyperglycemia (Choice B) is unlikely given the patient's symptoms and history of not eating. Diabetic ketoacidosis (Choice D) typically presents with hyperglycemia, ketosis, and metabolic acidosis, which are not consistent with the patient's current symptoms of confusion and shakiness.
5. What is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient experiencing a migraine headache?
- A. Acute pain related to biologic and chemical factors
- B. Anxiety related to change in or threat to health status
- C. Hopelessness related to deteriorating physiological condition
- D. Risk for side effects related to medical therapy
Correct answer: Acute pain related to biologic and chemical factors
Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis for a patient experiencing a migraine headache is 'Acute pain related to biologic and chemical factors.' Migraine headaches are characterized by severe throbbing pain, often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound. Addressing the acute pain is crucial to improve the patient's comfort and quality of life. Choices B, C, and D are not the priority nursing diagnoses for a patient with a migraine headache. Anxiety, hopelessness, and risk for side effects may not be as urgent as managing the acute pain associated with a migraine.
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