NCLEX-RN
Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. Which of the following statements best describes postural drainage as part of chest physiotherapy?
- A. Tapping on the chest wall to loosen secretions
- B. Squeezing the abdomen to increase expansion of the upper chest
- C. Using gravity to move secretions in the lung tissue
- D. Dilating the trachea to facilitate better release of secretions
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Postural drainage is a technique used in chest physiotherapy for clients with accumulated lung secretions. It involves positioning the client to utilize gravity in moving secretions from the lungs. Choice A, tapping on the chest wall, describes percussion, not postural drainage. Choice B, squeezing the abdomen, is not a correct description of postural drainage. Choice D, dilating the trachea, is not related to postural drainage but may be associated with airway clearance techniques.
2. The parents of an infant who underwent surgical repair of bladder exstrophy ask if the infant will be able to control their bladder as they get older. How should the nurse respond?
- A. Your child will need catheterization until bladder control is gained.
- B. Your child will be able to control their bladder like other children.
- C. You should potty train your child at the same time you normally would.
- D. Your child will not have a sphincter mechanism for the first 3 to 5 years, so urine will drain freely.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Bladder exstrophy is a congenital defect where the infant is born with the bladder located on the outside of the body. Surgical repair typically occurs within the first 1 to 2 days of life. In the following 3 to 5 years post-surgery, urine will drain freely from the urethra due to the absence of a sphincter mechanism. This period allows the bladder to develop capacity as the child grows. Subsequent surgical interventions will be required to establish a functioning sphincter mechanism. Therefore, the correct response is that the child will not have a sphincter mechanism for the first 3 to 5 years, leading to urine draining freely. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the physiological process and management of bladder exstrophy.
3. Application - The nurse is caring for a patient who has the following labs: Creatinine 2.5mg/dL, WBC 11,000 cells/mL, and Hemoglobin of 12 g/dL. Based on this information, which of these orders would the nurse question?
- A. Administer 30 Units of Lantus Daily
- B. CT of the spine with contrast
- C. X-ray of the abdomen and chest
- D. Administer heparin subcutaneously 5,000 Units every 12 hours
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to question the order for a CT of the spine with contrast. The patient's elevated creatinine level of 2.5mg/dL indicates impaired kidney function. Contrast agents are nephrotoxic and can further compromise kidney function in patients with existing nephropathy. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid contrast-enhanced imaging studies in patients with impaired renal function. Choice A: Administering 30 Units of Lantus Daily is not contraindicated based on the provided lab values. Choice C: Ordering an X-ray of the abdomen and chest is not contraindicated based on the provided lab values. Choice D: Administering heparin subcutaneously at 5,000 Units every 12 hours is not contraindicated based on the provided lab values.
4. A patient in the cardiac care unit is taking bumetanide (Bumex) for heart issues and is also diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. An unlicensed assistive personnel is assisting with feeding the patient. Which of these foods should the nurse stress for the patient to eat most?
- A. Foods containing the least amount of salt
- B. Foods containing the most amount of potassium
- C. Foods containing the most amount of calories
- D. Foods containing the most amount of fiber
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Bumex is a loop diuretic that can lead to hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Hypokalemia can be dangerous and lead to various complications. To prevent a hypokalemic crisis, it is crucial to ensure an adequate intake of potassium. Therefore, the nurse should stress the patient to eat foods rich in potassium. Choices A, C, and D are not the priority in this situation. While monitoring salt intake is important in cardiac patients, the immediate concern with bumetanide use is the risk of hypokalemia, making choice B the most appropriate option.
5. The healthcare professional is taking the health history of a patient being treated for sickle cell disease. After being told the patient has severe generalized pain, the healthcare professional expects to note which assessment finding?
- A. Severe and persistent diarrhea
- B. Intense pain in the toe
- C. Yellow-tinged sclera
- D. Headache
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In patients with sickle cell disease, severe generalized pain can be associated with vaso-occlusive crises, but yellow-tinged sclera is a common clinical finding related to sickle cell disease. This yellowing of the sclera, known as jaundice, occurs due to the release of bilirubin from damaged or destroyed red blood cells. Severe and persistent diarrhea is not a typical assessment finding in sickle cell disease. Intense pain in the toe may be associated with vaso-occlusive crisis but is not the expected assessment finding in this scenario. Headache is a common symptom in many conditions but is not specifically related to the assessment finding expected in a patient with sickle cell disease presenting with severe generalized pain.
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