NCLEX NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Practice Questions With Rationale
1. Which of the following reasons would be legal when considering a patient's medical record?
- A. Allowing a patient's brother to view her chart to find out her birthdate and address so that he can mail her a card
- B. Not allowing a patient to view her own chart because the physician feels this information would be detrimental to her wellbeing
- C. Not allowing a patient to view her chart because she is behind on her payments
- D. All of the above are legal
Correct answer: Not allowing a patient to view her own chart because the physician feels this information would be detrimental to her wellbeing
Rationale: The correct answer is not allowing a patient to view her own chart because the physician feels this information would be detrimental to her wellbeing. Physicians have a duty to withhold certain health information from patients if disclosing it could potentially harm the patient. In situations where revealing certain information may have a significantly negative impact on the patient's mental or physical health, healthcare providers have the legal right to withhold that information. Allowing a patient's brother to view her chart for non-medical reasons like sending a card is not a valid legal reason for disclosing patient information. Similarly, refusing access based on financial reasons is not a legal ground for restricting access to a patient's medical record as patient care should not be influenced by financial matters.
2. What is the most frequent cause for suicide in adolescents?
- A. Progressive failure to adapt
- B. Feelings of anger or hostility
- C. Reunion wish or fantasy
- D. Feelings of alienation or isolation
Correct answer: D: Feelings of alienation or isolation
Rationale: Feelings of alienation or isolation are the most frequent cause for suicide in adolescents. Adolescents may experience a gradual isolation leading to a loss of meaningful social contacts, which can be self-imposed or result from an inability to express feelings. During this developmental stage, achieving a sense of identity and peer acceptance is crucial. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: Progressive failure to adapt, feelings of anger or hostility, and reunion wish or fantasy are not typically identified as the primary cause of suicide in adolescents.
3. When assessing a child admitted to the hospital with pyloric stenosis, which symptom would the nurse likely find when asking the parent about the child's symptoms?
- A. Watery diarrhea
- B. Projectile vomiting
- C. Increased urine output
- D. Vomiting large amounts of bile
Correct answer: Projectile vomiting
Rationale: In pyloric stenosis, hypertrophy of the circular muscles of the pylorus causes narrowing of the pyloric canal between the stomach and the duodenum. The hallmark symptom of pyloric stenosis is projectile vomiting, which is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents. Other common symptoms include irritability, hunger and crying, constipation, and signs of dehydration. Watery diarrhea (Choice A) is not a typical symptom of pyloric stenosis. Increased urine output (Choice C) is not directly associated with this condition. Vomiting large amounts of bile (Choice D) is not a characteristic symptom of pyloric stenosis; instead, the vomitus in pyloric stenosis is non-bilious.
4. The client is seven (7) days post total hip replacement. Which statement by the client requires the nurse’s immediate attention?
- A. I have bad muscle spasms in my lower leg of the affected extremity.
- B. I just can’t ‘catch my breath’ over the past few minutes and I think I am in grave danger.
- C. I have to use the bedpan to pass my water at least every 1 to 2 hours.
- D. It seems that the pain medication is not working as well today.
Correct answer: I just can’t ‘catch my breath’ over the past few minutes and I think I am in grave danger.
Rationale: While all statements by the client require attention, the most critical one that demands immediate action is option B. Clients who have undergone hip or knee surgery are at an increased risk of postoperative pulmonary embolism. Sudden dyspnea and tachycardia are hallmark signs of this condition. Without appropriate prophylaxis such as anticoagulant therapy, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can develop within 7 to 14 days after surgery, potentially leading to pulmonary embolism. It is crucial for the nurse to recognize signs of DVT, which include pain, tenderness, skin discoloration, swelling, or tightness in the affected leg. Signs of pulmonary embolism include sudden onset dyspnea, tachycardia, confusion, and pleuritic chest pain. Option B indicates a potentially life-threatening situation that requires immediate intervention to prevent serious complications.
5. A client is having difficulties reading an educational pamphlet. He cannot find his glasses. In order to read the words, he must hold the pamphlet at arm's length, which allows him to read the information. Which vision deficit does this client most likely suffer from?
- A. Cataracts
- B. Glaucoma
- C. Astigmatism
- D. Presbyopia
Correct answer: Presbyopia
Rationale: Presbyopia is a condition that occurs when the lens of the eye loses accommodation and is unable to focus light on objects nearby. As a result, clients are unable to see or read items up close but may have success when holding the same item at arm's length. Many clients with presbyopia must wear bifocals, but long-distance vision remains unaffected. Cataracts involve clouding of the eye's lens, leading to blurry vision. Glaucoma is associated with increased intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve, causing vision loss. Astigmatism is a refractive error where the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, leading to distorted or blurred vision.
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