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NCLEX- RN Practice Exam 8 (PM)*
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Question 1
When the nurse checks the fundus of a client on the first postpartum day, she notes that the fundus is firm, is at the level of the umbilicus, and is displaced to the right. The next action the nurse should take is to:
A
Check the client for bladder distention
B
Assess the blood pressure for hypotension
C
Determine whether an oxytocic drug was given
D
Check for the expulsion of small clots
Question 1 Explanation:
If the fundus of the client is displaced to the side, this might indicate a full bladder. The next action by the nurse should be to check for bladder distention and catheterize, if necessary. Other answer choices are actions that relate to postpartal hemorrhage.
Question 2
The client presents to the clinic with a serum cholesterol of 275mg/dL and is placed on rosuvastatin (Crestor). Which instruction should be given to the client?
A
Report muscle weakness to the physician.
B
Allow six months for the drug to take effect.
C
Take the medication with fruit juice.
D
Ask the doctor to perform a complete blood count before starting the medication.
Question 2 Explanation:
The client taking antilipidemics should be encouraged to report muscle weakness because this is a sign of rhabdomyositis. The medication takes effect within 1 month of beginning therapy, so allowing six months for the drug to take effect is incorrect. The medication should be taken with water because fruit juice, particularly grapefruit, can decrease the effectiveness, making take the medication with fruit juice. incorrect. Liver function studies should be checked before beginning the medication, not after the fact, making ask the doctor to perform a complete blood count before starting the medication incorrect.
Question 3
The doctor has prescribed Exelon (rivastigmine) for the client with Alzheimer’s disease. Which side effect is most often associated with this drug?
A
Urinary incontinence
B
Headaches
C
Confusion
D
Nausea
Question 3 Explanation:
Nausea and gastrointestinal upset are very common in clients taking acetlcholinesterase inhibitors such as Exelon. Other side effects include liver toxicity, dizziness, unsteadiness, and clumsiness. The client might already be experiencing urinary incontinence or headaches, but they are not necessarily associated; and the client with Alzheimer’s disease is already confused. Therefore, urinary incontinence, headaches , and confusion are incorrect.
Question 4
The physician has prescribed Novalog insulin for a client with diabetes mellitus. Which statement indicates that the client knows when the peak action of the insulin occurs?
A
"I will make sure I eat breakfast within 10 minutes of taking my insulin."
B
"I will need to carry candy or some form of sugar with me all the time."
C
"I will eat a snack around three o’clock each afternoon."
D
"I can save my dessert from supper for a bedtime snack."
Question 4 Explanation:
Novalog insulin onsets very quickly, so food should be available within 10–15 minutes of taking the insulin. Answer "I will need to carry candy or some form of sugar with me all the time." does not address a particular type of insulin, so it is incorrect. NPH insulin peaks in 8–12 hours, so a snack should be eaten at the expected peak time. It may not be 3 p.m. as stated in answer "I will eat a snack around three o’clock each afternoon." . Answer "I can save my dessert from supper for a bedtime snack." is incorrect because there is no need to save the dessert until bedtime.
Question 5
The physician has prescribed Nexium (esomeprazole) for a client with erosive gastritis. The nurse should administer the medication:
A
30 minutes before meals
B
With each meal
C
In a single dose at bedtime
D
30 minutes after meals
Question 5 Explanation:
Proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium and Protonix should be taken with meals, for optimal effect. Histamine-blocking agents such as Zantac should be taken 30 minutes before meals, so taking 30 minutes before meals is incorrect. Tagamet can be taken in a single dose at bedtime, taking in a single dose at bedtime incorrect. Taking 30 minutes after meals does not treat the problem adequately and, therefore, is incorrect.
Question 6
The client is seen in the clinic for treatment of migraine headaches. The drug Imitrex (sumatriptan succinate) is prescribed for the client. Which of the following in the client’s history should be reported to the doctor?
A
Diabetes
B
Prinzmetal’s angina
C
Cancer
D
Cluster headaches
Question 6 Explanation:
If the client has a history of Prinzmetal’s angina, he should not be prescribed triptan preparations because they cause vasoconstriction and coronary spasms. There is no contraindication for taking triptan drugs in clients with diabetes, cancer, or cluster headaches .
Question 7
The client is instructed regarding foods that are low in fat and cholesterol. Which diet selection is lowest in saturated fats?
A
Macaroni and cheese
B
Shrimp with rice
C
Turkey breast
D
Spaghetti
Question 7 Explanation:
Turkey contains the least amount of fats and cholesterol. Liver, eggs, beef, cream sauces, shrimp, cheese, and chocolate should be avoided by the client. The client should bake meat rather than frying to avoid adding fat to the meat during cooking.
Question 8
A client with leukemia is receiving Trimetrexate. After reviewing the client’s chart, the physician orders Wellcovorin (leucovorin calcium). The rationale for administering leucovorin calcium to a client receiving Trimetrexate is to:
A
Treat iron-deficiency anemia caused by chemotherapeutic agents
B
Create a synergistic effect that shortens treatment time
C
Increase the number of circulating neutrophils
D
Reverse drug toxicity and prevent tissue damage
Question 8 Explanation:
Leucovorin is the antidote for Methotrexate and Trimetrexate which are folic acid antagonists. Leucovorin is a folic acid derivative. Other choices are incorrect because Leucovorin does not treat iron deficiency, increase neutrophils, or have a synergistic effect.
Question 9
The client with Alzheimer’s disease is being assisted with activities of daily living when the nurse notes that the client uses her toothbrush to brush her hair. The nurse is aware that the client is exhibiting:
A
Agnosia
B
Apraxia
C
Anomia
D
Aphasia
Question 9 Explanation:
Apraxia is the inability to use objects appropriately. Agnosia is loss of sensory comprehension, anomia is the inability to find words, and aphasia is the inability to speak or understand .
Question 10
A nurse employed in an emergency department is assigned to assist with the triage of clients arriving to the emergency department for treatment on the evening shift. The nurse would assign the highest priority to which of the following clients?
A
A client complaining of muscle aches, a headache, and malaise
B
A client who twisted her ankle when she fell while rollerblading
C
A client with a minor laceration on the index finger sustained while cutting an eggplant
D
A client with chest pain who states that he just ate pizza that was made with a very spicy sauce
Question 10 Explanation:
In an emergency department, triage involves classifying clients according to their need for care, and it includes establishing priorities of care. The type of illness, the severity of the problem, and the resources available govern the process. Clients with trauma, chest pain, severe respiratory distress, cardiac arrest, limb amputation, or acute neurological deficits and those who sustained a chemical splash to the eyes are classified as emergent, and these clients are the number 1 priority. Clients with conditions such as simple fractures, asthma without respiratory distress, fever, hypertension, abdominal pain, or renal stones have urgent needs, and these clients are classified as the number 2 priority. Clients with conditions such as minor lacerations, sprains, or cold symptoms are classified as non urgent, and they are the number 3 priority.
Question 11
The client with dementia is experiencing confusion late in the afternoon and before bedtime. The nurse is aware that the client is experiencing what is known as:
A
Chronic fatigue syndrome
B
Normal aging
C
Sundowning
D
Delusions
Question 11 Explanation:
Increased confusion at night is known as "sundowning" syndrome. This increased confusion occurs when the sun begins to set and continues during the night. Chronic fatigue syndrome is incorrect because fatigue is not necessarily present. Increased confusion at night is not part of normal aging; therefore, normal aging is incorrect. A delusion is a firm, fixed belief; therefore, delusions is incorrect.
Question 12
The best method of evaluating the amount of peripheral edema is:
A
Weighing the client daily
B
Measuring the extremity
C
Measuring the intake and output
D
Checking for pitting edema
Question 12 Explanation:
The best indicator of peripheral edema is measuring the extremity. A paper tape measure should be used rather than one of plastic or cloth, and the area should be marked with a pen, providing the most objective assessment. Weighing the client daily is incorrect because it will not indicate peripheral edema. Measuring the intake and output is incorrect because it will not indicate peripheral edema. Checking for pitting edema is incorrect it is less reliable than measuring with a paper tape measure.
Question 13
A nurse in a medical unit is caring for a client with heart failure. The client suddenly develops extreme dyspnea, tachycardia, and lung crackles, and the nurse suspects pulmonary edema. The nurse immediately notifies the registered nurse and expects which interventions to be prescribed? Select all that apply.
A
Administering oxygen
B
Inserting a Foley catheter
C
Administering furosemide (Lasix)
D
Administering morphine sulfate intravenously
E
Transporting the client to the coronary care unit
F
Placing the client in a low Fowler’s side-lying position
Question 13 Explanation:
Pulmonary edema is a life-threatening event that can result from severe heart failure. In pulmonary edema the left ventricle fails to eject sufficient blood, and pressure increases in the lungs because of the accumulated blood. Oxygen is always prescribed, and the client is placed in a high Fowler’s position to ease the work of breathing. Furosemide, a rapid-acting diuretic, will eliminate accumulated fluid. A Foley catheter is inserted to accurately measure output. Intravenously administered morphine sulfate reduces venous return (preload), decreases anxiety, and reduces the work of breathing. Transporting the client to the coronary care unit is not a priority intervention. In fact, this may not be necessary at all if the client’s response to treatment is successful.
Question 14
The physician orders lisinopril (Zestril) and furosemide (Lasix) to be administered concomitantly to the client with hypertension. The nurse should:
A
Question the order
B
Administer the medications
C
Administer separately
D
Contact the pharmacy
Question 14 Explanation:
Zestril is an ACE inhibitor and is frequently given with a diuretic such as Lasix for hypertension. Questioning the order , administering separately , and contacting the pharmacy are incorrect because the order is accurate. There is no need to question the order, administer the medication separately, or contact the pharmacy.
Question 15
The client is admitted to the hospital with hypertensive crises. Diazoxide (Hyperstat) is ordered. During administration, the nurse should:
A
Utilize an infusion pump
B
Check the blood glucose level
C
Place the client in Trendelenburg position
D
Cover the solution with foil
Question 15 Explanation:
Hyperstat is given IV push for hypertensive crises, but it often causes hyperglycemia. The glucose level will drop rapidly when stopped. Utilizing an infusion pump is incorrect because the hyperstat is given by IV push. The client should be placed in dorsal recumbent position, not a Trendelenburg position. Covering the solution with foil is incorrect because the medication does not have to be covered with foil.
Question 16
The client with confusion says to the nurse, "I haven’t had anything to eat all day long. When are they going to bring breakfast?" The nurse saw the client in the day room eating breakfast with other clients 30 minutes before this conversation. Which response would be best for the nurse to make?
A
"You know you had breakfast 30 minutes ago."
B
"I am so sorry that they didn’t get you breakfast. I’ll report it to the charge nurse."
C
"I’ll get you some juice and toast. Would you like something else?"
D
"You will have to wait a while; lunch will be here in a little while."
Question 16 Explanation:
The client who is confused might forget that he ate earlier. Don’t argue with the client. Simply get him something to eat that will satisfy him until lunch. Statements, "You know you had breakfast 30 minutes ago." and "You will have to wait a while; lunch will be here in a little while" are incorrect because the nurse is dismissing the client. Statement, "I am so sorry that they didn’t get you breakfast. I’ll report it to the charge nurse." is validating the delusion.
Question 17
The nurse is checking the client’s central venous pressure. The nurse should place the zero of the manometer at the:
A
Phlebostatic axis
B
PMI
C
Erb’s point
D
Tail of Spence
Question 17 Explanation:
The phlebostatic axis is located at the fifth intercostals space midaxillary line and is the correct placement of the manometer. The PMI or point of maximal impulse is located at the fifth intercostals space midclavicular line. Erb’s point is the point at which you can hear the valves close simultaneously. The Tail of Spence (the upper outer quadrant) is the area where most breast cancers are located and has nothing to do with placement of a manometer.
Question 18
A client is admitted to the hospital with a temperature of 99.8°F, complaints of blood-tinged hemoptysis, fatigue, and night sweats. The client’s symptoms are consistent with a diagnosis of:
A
Pneumonia
B
Reaction to antiviral medication
C
Tuberculosis
D
Superinfection due to low CD4 count
Question 18 Explanation:
A low-grade temperature, blood-tinged sputum, fatigue, and night sweats are symptoms consistent with tuberculosis. If the answer in pneumonia had said pneumocystis pneumonia, pneumonia would have been consistent with the symptoms given in the stem, but just saying pneumonia isn’t specific enough to diagnose the problem. Reaction to antiviral medication and superinfection due to low CD4 count are not directly related to the stem.
Question 19
A nurse develops a plan of care for a client following a lumbar puncture. Which interventions should be included in the plan? Select all that apply.
A
Monitor the client’s ability to void.
B
Maintain the client in a flat position.
C
Restrict fluid intake for a period of 2 hours.
D
Monitor the client’s ability to move the extremities.
E
Inspect the puncture site for swelling, redness, and drainage.
F
Maintain the client on a nothing-by-mouth (NPO) status for 24 hours.
Question 19 Explanation:
Following a lumbar puncture, the client remains flat in bed for 6 to 24 hours, depending on the health care provider’s prescriptions. A liberal fluid intake (not NPO status) is encouraged to replace cerebrospinal fluid removed during the procedure, unless contraindicated by the client’s condition. The nurse checks the puncture site for redness and drainage, and monitors the client’s ability to void and move the extremities.
Question 20
The nurse is teaching basic infant care to a group of first-time parents. The nurse should explain that a sponge bath is recommended for the first 2 weeks of life because:
A
New parents need time to learn how to hold the baby.
B
The umbilical cord needs time to separate.
C
Newborn skin is easily traumatized by washing.
D
The chance of chilling the baby outweighs the benefits of bathing.
Question 20 Explanation:
The umbilical cord needs time to dry and fall off before putting the infant in the tub. Although other choices might be important, they are not the primary answer to the question.
Question 21
A 4-month-old is brought to the well-baby clinic for immunization. In addition to the DPT and polio vaccines, the baby should receive:
A
Hib titer
B
Mumps vaccine
C
Hepatitis B vaccine
D
MMR
Question 21 Explanation:
The Hemophilus influenza vaccine is given at 4 months with the polio vaccine. Other choices are incorrect because these vaccines are given later in life.
Question 22
The 6-month-old client with a ventral septal defect is receiving Digitalis for regulation of his heart rate. Which finding should be reported to the doctor?
A
Blood pressure of 126/80
B
Blood glucose of 110mg/dL
C
Heart rate of 60bpm
D
Respiratory rate of 30 per minute
Question 22 Explanation:
A heart rate of 60 in the baby should be reported immediately. The dose should be held if the heart rate is below 100bpm. The blood glucose, blood pressure, and respirations are within normal limits; thus answers are incorrect.
Question 23
The client with suspected meningitis is admitted to the unit. The doctor is performing an assessment to determine meningeal irritation and spinal nerve root inflammation. A positive Kernig’s sign is charted if the nurse notes:
A
Pain on flexion of the hip and knee
B
Nuchal rigidity on flexion of the neck
C
Pain when the head is turned to the left side
D
Dizziness when changing positions
Question 23 Explanation:
Kernig’s sign is positive if pain occurs on flexion of the hip and knee. The Brudzinski reflex is positive if pain occurs on flexion of the head and neck onto the chest so nuchal rigidity on flexion of the neck is incorrect. Pain when the head is turned to the left side and dizziness when changing positions might be present but are not related to Kernig’s sign.
Question 24
A client with vaginal cancer is being treated with a radioactive vaginal implant. The client’s husband asks the nurse if he can spend the night with his wife. The nurse should explain that:
A
Overnight stays by family members is against hospital policy.
B
There is no need for him to stay because staffing is adequate.
C
His wife will rest much better knowing that he is at home.
D
Visitation is limited to 30 minutes when the implant is in place.
Question 24 Explanation:
Clients with radium implants should have close contact limited to 30 minutes per visit. The general rule is limiting time spent exposed to radium, putting distance between people and the radium source, and using lead to shield against the radium. Teaching the family member these principles is extremely important. Other choices are not empathetic and do not address the question; therefore, they are incorrect.
Question 25
The client is admitted with left-sided congestive heart failure. In assessing the client for edema, the nurse should check the:
A
Feet
B
Neck
C
Hands
D
Sacrum
Question 25 Explanation:
The jugular veins in the neck should be assessed for distension. The other parts of the body will be edematous in right-sided congestive heart failure, not left-sided; thus, feet, hands, and sacrum are incorrect.
Question 26
A nurse enters a client’s room and notes that the client’s lawyer is present and that the client is preparing a living will. The living will requires that the client’s signature be witnessed, and the client asks the nurse to witness the signature. Which of the following is the appropriate nursing action?
A
Decline to sign the will.
B
Sign the will as a witness to the signature only.
C
Call the hospital lawyer before signing the will.
D
Sign the will, clearly identifying credentials and employment agency.
Question 26 Explanation:
Living wills are required to be in writing and signed by the client. The client’s signature either must be witnessed by specified individuals or notarized. Many states prohibit any employee from being a witness, including a nurse in a facility in which the client is receiving care.
Question 27
The client admitted with angina is given a prescription for nitroglycerine. The client should be instructed to:
A
Replenish his supply every 3 months
B
Take one every 15 minutes if pain occurs
C
Leave the medication in the brown bottle
D
Crush the medication and take with water
Question 27 Explanation:
Nitroglycerine should be kept in a brown bottle (or even a special air- and water-tight, solid or plated silver or gold container) because of its instability and tendency to become less potent when exposed to air, light, or water. The supply should be replenished every 6 months, not 3 months, and one tablet should be taken every 5 minutes until pain subsides, so answers replenishing his supply every 3 months and taking one every 15 minutes if pain occurs are incorrect. If the pain does not subside, the client should report to the emergency room. The medication should be taken sublingually and should not be crushed.
Question 28
A client on the psychiatric unit is in an uncontrolled rage and is threatening other clients and staff. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
A
Call security for assistance and prepare to sedate the client.
B
Tell the client to calm down and ask him if he would like to play cards.
C
Tell the client that if he continues his behavior he will be punished.
D
Leave the client alone until he calms down
Question 28 Explanation:
If the client is a threat to the staff and to other clients the nurse should call for help and prepare to administer a medication such as Haldol to sedate him. Telling the client to calm down and ask him if he would like to play cards is incorrect because simply telling the client to calm down will not work. Telling the client that if he continues his behavior he will be punished is incorrect because telling the client that if he continues he will be punished is a threat and may further anger him. Leaving the client alone until he calms down is incorrect because if the client is left alone he might harm himself.
Question 29
A nurse has reinforced instructions to the client with hyperparathyroidism regarding home care measures related to exercise. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further instruction? Select all that apply.
A
“I enjoy exercising but I need to be careful.”
B
“I need to pace my activities throughout the day.”
C
“I need to limit playing football to only the weekends.”
D
“I should gauge my activity level by my energy level.”
E
“I should exercise in the evening to encourage a good sleep pattern.”
Question 29 Explanation:
The client should be instructed to avoid high-impact activity or contact sports such as football. Exercising late in the evening may interfere with restful sleep. The client with hyperparathyroidism should pace activities throughout the day and plan for periods of uninterrupted rest. The client should plan for at least 30 minutes of walking each day to support calcium movement into the bones. The client should be instructed to use energy level as a guide to activity.
Question 30
The nurse is caring for a client hospitalized with a facial stroke. Which diet selection would be suited to the client?
The client with a facial stroke will have difficulty swallowing and chewing, and the foods split pea soup, mashed potatoes, pudding, milk provide the least amount of chewing. Other choices in the question would require more chewing and, thus, are incorrect.
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NCLEX- RN Practice Exam 8 (EM)*
Choose the letter of the correct answer. You got 30 minutes to finish the exam .Good luck!
Start
Congratulations - you have completed NCLEX- RN Practice Exam 8 (EM)*.
You scored %%SCORE%% out of %%TOTAL%%.
Your performance has been rated as %%RATING%%
Your answers are highlighted below.
Question 1
The client with Alzheimer’s disease is being assisted with activities of daily living when the nurse notes that the client uses her toothbrush to brush her hair. The nurse is aware that the client is exhibiting:
A
Agnosia
B
Apraxia
C
Anomia
D
Aphasia
Question 1 Explanation:
Apraxia is the inability to use objects appropriately. Agnosia is loss of sensory comprehension, anomia is the inability to find words, and aphasia is the inability to speak or understand .
Question 2
A nurse enters a client’s room and notes that the client’s lawyer is present and that the client is preparing a living will. The living will requires that the client’s signature be witnessed, and the client asks the nurse to witness the signature. Which of the following is the appropriate nursing action?
A
Decline to sign the will.
B
Sign the will as a witness to the signature only.
C
Call the hospital lawyer before signing the will.
D
Sign the will, clearly identifying credentials and employment agency.
Question 2 Explanation:
Living wills are required to be in writing and signed by the client. The client’s signature either must be witnessed by specified individuals or notarized. Many states prohibit any employee from being a witness, including a nurse in a facility in which the client is receiving care.
Question 3
The best method of evaluating the amount of peripheral edema is:
A
Weighing the client daily
B
Measuring the extremity
C
Measuring the intake and output
D
Checking for pitting edema
Question 3 Explanation:
The best indicator of peripheral edema is measuring the extremity. A paper tape measure should be used rather than one of plastic or cloth, and the area should be marked with a pen, providing the most objective assessment. Weighing the client daily is incorrect because it will not indicate peripheral edema. Measuring the intake and output is incorrect because it will not indicate peripheral edema. Checking for pitting edema is incorrect it is less reliable than measuring with a paper tape measure.
Question 4
The client admitted with angina is given a prescription for nitroglycerine. The client should be instructed to:
A
Replenish his supply every 3 months
B
Take one every 15 minutes if pain occurs
C
Leave the medication in the brown bottle
D
Crush the medication and take with water
Question 4 Explanation:
Nitroglycerine should be kept in a brown bottle (or even a special air- and water-tight, solid or plated silver or gold container) because of its instability and tendency to become less potent when exposed to air, light, or water. The supply should be replenished every 6 months, not 3 months, and one tablet should be taken every 5 minutes until pain subsides, so answers replenishing his supply every 3 months and taking one every 15 minutes if pain occurs are incorrect. If the pain does not subside, the client should report to the emergency room. The medication should be taken sublingually and should not be crushed.
Question 5
The physician has prescribed Nexium (esomeprazole) for a client with erosive gastritis. The nurse should administer the medication:
A
30 minutes before meals
B
With each meal
C
In a single dose at bedtime
D
30 minutes after meals
Question 5 Explanation:
Proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium and Protonix should be taken with meals, for optimal effect. Histamine-blocking agents such as Zantac should be taken 30 minutes before meals, so taking 30 minutes before meals is incorrect. Tagamet can be taken in a single dose at bedtime, taking in a single dose at bedtime incorrect. Taking 30 minutes after meals does not treat the problem adequately and, therefore, is incorrect.
Question 6
The client with dementia is experiencing confusion late in the afternoon and before bedtime. The nurse is aware that the client is experiencing what is known as:
A
Chronic fatigue syndrome
B
Normal aging
C
Sundowning
D
Delusions
Question 6 Explanation:
Increased confusion at night is known as "sundowning" syndrome. This increased confusion occurs when the sun begins to set and continues during the night. Chronic fatigue syndrome is incorrect because fatigue is not necessarily present. Increased confusion at night is not part of normal aging; therefore, normal aging is incorrect. A delusion is a firm, fixed belief; therefore, delusions is incorrect.
Question 7
A nurse employed in an emergency department is assigned to assist with the triage of clients arriving to the emergency department for treatment on the evening shift. The nurse would assign the highest priority to which of the following clients?
A
A client complaining of muscle aches, a headache, and malaise
B
A client who twisted her ankle when she fell while rollerblading
C
A client with a minor laceration on the index finger sustained while cutting an eggplant
D
A client with chest pain who states that he just ate pizza that was made with a very spicy sauce
Question 7 Explanation:
In an emergency department, triage involves classifying clients according to their need for care, and it includes establishing priorities of care. The type of illness, the severity of the problem, and the resources available govern the process. Clients with trauma, chest pain, severe respiratory distress, cardiac arrest, limb amputation, or acute neurological deficits and those who sustained a chemical splash to the eyes are classified as emergent, and these clients are the number 1 priority. Clients with conditions such as simple fractures, asthma without respiratory distress, fever, hypertension, abdominal pain, or renal stones have urgent needs, and these clients are classified as the number 2 priority. Clients with conditions such as minor lacerations, sprains, or cold symptoms are classified as non urgent, and they are the number 3 priority.
Question 8
A 4-month-old is brought to the well-baby clinic for immunization. In addition to the DPT and polio vaccines, the baby should receive:
A
Hib titer
B
Mumps vaccine
C
Hepatitis B vaccine
D
MMR
Question 8 Explanation:
The Hemophilus influenza vaccine is given at 4 months with the polio vaccine. Other choices are incorrect because these vaccines are given later in life.
Question 9
A nurse develops a plan of care for a client following a lumbar puncture. Which interventions should be included in the plan? Select all that apply.
A
Monitor the client’s ability to void.
B
Maintain the client in a flat position.
C
Restrict fluid intake for a period of 2 hours.
D
Monitor the client’s ability to move the extremities.
E
Inspect the puncture site for swelling, redness, and drainage.
F
Maintain the client on a nothing-by-mouth (NPO) status for 24 hours.
Question 9 Explanation:
Following a lumbar puncture, the client remains flat in bed for 6 to 24 hours, depending on the health care provider’s prescriptions. A liberal fluid intake (not NPO status) is encouraged to replace cerebrospinal fluid removed during the procedure, unless contraindicated by the client’s condition. The nurse checks the puncture site for redness and drainage, and monitors the client’s ability to void and move the extremities.
Question 10
The physician has prescribed Novalog insulin for a client with diabetes mellitus. Which statement indicates that the client knows when the peak action of the insulin occurs?
A
"I will make sure I eat breakfast within 10 minutes of taking my insulin."
B
"I will need to carry candy or some form of sugar with me all the time."
C
"I will eat a snack around three o’clock each afternoon."
D
"I can save my dessert from supper for a bedtime snack."
Question 10 Explanation:
Novalog insulin onsets very quickly, so food should be available within 10–15 minutes of taking the insulin. Answer "I will need to carry candy or some form of sugar with me all the time." does not address a particular type of insulin, so it is incorrect. NPH insulin peaks in 8–12 hours, so a snack should be eaten at the expected peak time. It may not be 3 p.m. as stated in answer "I will eat a snack around three o’clock each afternoon." . Answer "I can save my dessert from supper for a bedtime snack." is incorrect because there is no need to save the dessert until bedtime.
Question 11
A client with leukemia is receiving Trimetrexate. After reviewing the client’s chart, the physician orders Wellcovorin (leucovorin calcium). The rationale for administering leucovorin calcium to a client receiving Trimetrexate is to:
A
Treat iron-deficiency anemia caused by chemotherapeutic agents
B
Create a synergistic effect that shortens treatment time
C
Increase the number of circulating neutrophils
D
Reverse drug toxicity and prevent tissue damage
Question 11 Explanation:
Leucovorin is the antidote for Methotrexate and Trimetrexate which are folic acid antagonists. Leucovorin is a folic acid derivative. Other choices are incorrect because Leucovorin does not treat iron deficiency, increase neutrophils, or have a synergistic effect.
Question 12
The 6-month-old client with a ventral septal defect is receiving Digitalis for regulation of his heart rate. Which finding should be reported to the doctor?
A
Blood pressure of 126/80
B
Blood glucose of 110mg/dL
C
Heart rate of 60bpm
D
Respiratory rate of 30 per minute
Question 12 Explanation:
A heart rate of 60 in the baby should be reported immediately. The dose should be held if the heart rate is below 100bpm. The blood glucose, blood pressure, and respirations are within normal limits; thus answers are incorrect.
Question 13
A client with vaginal cancer is being treated with a radioactive vaginal implant. The client’s husband asks the nurse if he can spend the night with his wife. The nurse should explain that:
A
Overnight stays by family members is against hospital policy.
B
There is no need for him to stay because staffing is adequate.
C
His wife will rest much better knowing that he is at home.
D
Visitation is limited to 30 minutes when the implant is in place.
Question 13 Explanation:
Clients with radium implants should have close contact limited to 30 minutes per visit. The general rule is limiting time spent exposed to radium, putting distance between people and the radium source, and using lead to shield against the radium. Teaching the family member these principles is extremely important. Other choices are not empathetic and do not address the question; therefore, they are incorrect.
Question 14
The client is seen in the clinic for treatment of migraine headaches. The drug Imitrex (sumatriptan succinate) is prescribed for the client. Which of the following in the client’s history should be reported to the doctor?
A
Diabetes
B
Prinzmetal’s angina
C
Cancer
D
Cluster headaches
Question 14 Explanation:
If the client has a history of Prinzmetal’s angina, he should not be prescribed triptan preparations because they cause vasoconstriction and coronary spasms. There is no contraindication for taking triptan drugs in clients with diabetes, cancer, or cluster headaches .
Question 15
A nurse in a medical unit is caring for a client with heart failure. The client suddenly develops extreme dyspnea, tachycardia, and lung crackles, and the nurse suspects pulmonary edema. The nurse immediately notifies the registered nurse and expects which interventions to be prescribed? Select all that apply.
A
Administering oxygen
B
Inserting a Foley catheter
C
Administering furosemide (Lasix)
D
Administering morphine sulfate intravenously
E
Transporting the client to the coronary care unit
F
Placing the client in a low Fowler’s side-lying position
Question 15 Explanation:
Pulmonary edema is a life-threatening event that can result from severe heart failure. In pulmonary edema the left ventricle fails to eject sufficient blood, and pressure increases in the lungs because of the accumulated blood. Oxygen is always prescribed, and the client is placed in a high Fowler’s position to ease the work of breathing. Furosemide, a rapid-acting diuretic, will eliminate accumulated fluid. A Foley catheter is inserted to accurately measure output. Intravenously administered morphine sulfate reduces venous return (preload), decreases anxiety, and reduces the work of breathing. Transporting the client to the coronary care unit is not a priority intervention. In fact, this may not be necessary at all if the client’s response to treatment is successful.
Question 16
The client is admitted to the hospital with hypertensive crises. Diazoxide (Hyperstat) is ordered. During administration, the nurse should:
A
Utilize an infusion pump
B
Check the blood glucose level
C
Place the client in Trendelenburg position
D
Cover the solution with foil
Question 16 Explanation:
Hyperstat is given IV push for hypertensive crises, but it often causes hyperglycemia. The glucose level will drop rapidly when stopped. Utilizing an infusion pump is incorrect because the hyperstat is given by IV push. The client should be placed in dorsal recumbent position, not a Trendelenburg position. Covering the solution with foil is incorrect because the medication does not have to be covered with foil.
Question 17
The nurse is checking the client’s central venous pressure. The nurse should place the zero of the manometer at the:
A
Phlebostatic axis
B
PMI
C
Erb’s point
D
Tail of Spence
Question 17 Explanation:
The phlebostatic axis is located at the fifth intercostals space midaxillary line and is the correct placement of the manometer. The PMI or point of maximal impulse is located at the fifth intercostals space midclavicular line. Erb’s point is the point at which you can hear the valves close simultaneously. The Tail of Spence (the upper outer quadrant) is the area where most breast cancers are located and has nothing to do with placement of a manometer.
Question 18
When the nurse checks the fundus of a client on the first postpartum day, she notes that the fundus is firm, is at the level of the umbilicus, and is displaced to the right. The next action the nurse should take is to:
A
Check the client for bladder distention
B
Assess the blood pressure for hypotension
C
Determine whether an oxytocic drug was given
D
Check for the expulsion of small clots
Question 18 Explanation:
If the fundus of the client is displaced to the side, this might indicate a full bladder. The next action by the nurse should be to check for bladder distention and catheterize, if necessary. Other answer choices are actions that relate to postpartal hemorrhage.
Question 19
A client is admitted to the hospital with a temperature of 99.8°F, complaints of blood-tinged hemoptysis, fatigue, and night sweats. The client’s symptoms are consistent with a diagnosis of:
A
Pneumonia
B
Reaction to antiviral medication
C
Tuberculosis
D
Superinfection due to low CD4 count
Question 19 Explanation:
A low-grade temperature, blood-tinged sputum, fatigue, and night sweats are symptoms consistent with tuberculosis. If the answer in pneumonia had said pneumocystis pneumonia, pneumonia would have been consistent with the symptoms given in the stem, but just saying pneumonia isn’t specific enough to diagnose the problem. Reaction to antiviral medication and superinfection due to low CD4 count are not directly related to the stem.
Question 20
The client is instructed regarding foods that are low in fat and cholesterol. Which diet selection is lowest in saturated fats?
A
Macaroni and cheese
B
Shrimp with rice
C
Turkey breast
D
Spaghetti
Question 20 Explanation:
Turkey contains the least amount of fats and cholesterol. Liver, eggs, beef, cream sauces, shrimp, cheese, and chocolate should be avoided by the client. The client should bake meat rather than frying to avoid adding fat to the meat during cooking.
Question 21
The physician orders lisinopril (Zestril) and furosemide (Lasix) to be administered concomitantly to the client with hypertension. The nurse should:
A
Question the order
B
Administer the medications
C
Administer separately
D
Contact the pharmacy
Question 21 Explanation:
Zestril is an ACE inhibitor and is frequently given with a diuretic such as Lasix for hypertension. Questioning the order , administering separately , and contacting the pharmacy are incorrect because the order is accurate. There is no need to question the order, administer the medication separately, or contact the pharmacy.
Question 22
The client with suspected meningitis is admitted to the unit. The doctor is performing an assessment to determine meningeal irritation and spinal nerve root inflammation. A positive Kernig’s sign is charted if the nurse notes:
A
Pain on flexion of the hip and knee
B
Nuchal rigidity on flexion of the neck
C
Pain when the head is turned to the left side
D
Dizziness when changing positions
Question 22 Explanation:
Kernig’s sign is positive if pain occurs on flexion of the hip and knee. The Brudzinski reflex is positive if pain occurs on flexion of the head and neck onto the chest so nuchal rigidity on flexion of the neck is incorrect. Pain when the head is turned to the left side and dizziness when changing positions might be present but are not related to Kernig’s sign.
Question 23
The client with confusion says to the nurse, "I haven’t had anything to eat all day long. When are they going to bring breakfast?" The nurse saw the client in the day room eating breakfast with other clients 30 minutes before this conversation. Which response would be best for the nurse to make?
A
"You know you had breakfast 30 minutes ago."
B
"I am so sorry that they didn’t get you breakfast. I’ll report it to the charge nurse."
C
"I’ll get you some juice and toast. Would you like something else?"
D
"You will have to wait a while; lunch will be here in a little while."
Question 23 Explanation:
The client who is confused might forget that he ate earlier. Don’t argue with the client. Simply get him something to eat that will satisfy him until lunch. Statements, "You know you had breakfast 30 minutes ago." and "You will have to wait a while; lunch will be here in a little while" are incorrect because the nurse is dismissing the client. Statement, "I am so sorry that they didn’t get you breakfast. I’ll report it to the charge nurse." is validating the delusion.
Question 24
The client is admitted with left-sided congestive heart failure. In assessing the client for edema, the nurse should check the:
A
Feet
B
Neck
C
Hands
D
Sacrum
Question 24 Explanation:
The jugular veins in the neck should be assessed for distension. The other parts of the body will be edematous in right-sided congestive heart failure, not left-sided; thus, feet, hands, and sacrum are incorrect.
Question 25
The client presents to the clinic with a serum cholesterol of 275mg/dL and is placed on rosuvastatin (Crestor). Which instruction should be given to the client?
A
Report muscle weakness to the physician.
B
Allow six months for the drug to take effect.
C
Take the medication with fruit juice.
D
Ask the doctor to perform a complete blood count before starting the medication.
Question 25 Explanation:
The client taking antilipidemics should be encouraged to report muscle weakness because this is a sign of rhabdomyositis. The medication takes effect within 1 month of beginning therapy, so allowing six months for the drug to take effect is incorrect. The medication should be taken with water because fruit juice, particularly grapefruit, can decrease the effectiveness, making take the medication with fruit juice. incorrect. Liver function studies should be checked before beginning the medication, not after the fact, making ask the doctor to perform a complete blood count before starting the medication incorrect.
Question 26
The doctor has prescribed Exelon (rivastigmine) for the client with Alzheimer’s disease. Which side effect is most often associated with this drug?
A
Urinary incontinence
B
Headaches
C
Confusion
D
Nausea
Question 26 Explanation:
Nausea and gastrointestinal upset are very common in clients taking acetlcholinesterase inhibitors such as Exelon. Other side effects include liver toxicity, dizziness, unsteadiness, and clumsiness. The client might already be experiencing urinary incontinence or headaches, but they are not necessarily associated; and the client with Alzheimer’s disease is already confused. Therefore, urinary incontinence, headaches , and confusion are incorrect.
Question 27
A nurse has reinforced instructions to the client with hyperparathyroidism regarding home care measures related to exercise. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further instruction? Select all that apply.
A
“I enjoy exercising but I need to be careful.”
B
“I need to pace my activities throughout the day.”
C
“I need to limit playing football to only the weekends.”
D
“I should gauge my activity level by my energy level.”
E
“I should exercise in the evening to encourage a good sleep pattern.”
Question 27 Explanation:
The client should be instructed to avoid high-impact activity or contact sports such as football. Exercising late in the evening may interfere with restful sleep. The client with hyperparathyroidism should pace activities throughout the day and plan for periods of uninterrupted rest. The client should plan for at least 30 minutes of walking each day to support calcium movement into the bones. The client should be instructed to use energy level as a guide to activity.
Question 28
A client on the psychiatric unit is in an uncontrolled rage and is threatening other clients and staff. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
A
Call security for assistance and prepare to sedate the client.
B
Tell the client to calm down and ask him if he would like to play cards.
C
Tell the client that if he continues his behavior he will be punished.
D
Leave the client alone until he calms down
Question 28 Explanation:
If the client is a threat to the staff and to other clients the nurse should call for help and prepare to administer a medication such as Haldol to sedate him. Telling the client to calm down and ask him if he would like to play cards is incorrect because simply telling the client to calm down will not work. Telling the client that if he continues his behavior he will be punished is incorrect because telling the client that if he continues he will be punished is a threat and may further anger him. Leaving the client alone until he calms down is incorrect because if the client is left alone he might harm himself.
Question 29
The nurse is teaching basic infant care to a group of first-time parents. The nurse should explain that a sponge bath is recommended for the first 2 weeks of life because:
A
New parents need time to learn how to hold the baby.
B
The umbilical cord needs time to separate.
C
Newborn skin is easily traumatized by washing.
D
The chance of chilling the baby outweighs the benefits of bathing.
Question 29 Explanation:
The umbilical cord needs time to dry and fall off before putting the infant in the tub. Although other choices might be important, they are not the primary answer to the question.
Question 30
The nurse is caring for a client hospitalized with a facial stroke. Which diet selection would be suited to the client?
The client with a facial stroke will have difficulty swallowing and chewing, and the foods split pea soup, mashed potatoes, pudding, milk provide the least amount of chewing. Other choices in the question would require more chewing and, thus, are incorrect.
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1. The client presents to the clinic with a serum cholesterol of 275mg/dL and is placed on rosuvastatin (Crestor). Which instruction should be given to the client?
Report muscle weakness to the physician.
Allow six months for the drug to take effect.
Take the medication with fruit juice.
Ask the doctor to perform a complete blood count before starting the medication.
2. The client is admitted to the hospital with hypertensive crises. Diazoxide (Hyperstat) is ordered. During administration, the nurse should:
Utilize an infusion pump
Check the blood glucose level
Place the client in Trendelenburg position
Cover the solution with foil
3. The 6-month-old client with a ventral septal defect is receiving Digitalis for regulation of his heart rate. Which finding should be reported to the doctor?
Blood pressure of 126/80
Blood glucose of 110mg/dL
Heart rate of 60bpm
Respiratory rate of 30 per minute
4. The client admitted with angina is given a prescription for nitroglycerine. The client should be instructed to:
Replenish his supply every 3 months
Take one every 15 minutes if pain occurs
Leave the medication in the brown bottle
Crush the medication and take with water
5. The client is instructed regarding foods that are low in fat and cholesterol. Which diet selection is lowest in saturated fats?
Macaroni and cheese
Shrimp with rice
Turkey breast
Spaghetti
6. The client is admitted with left-sided congestive heart failure. In assessing the client for edema, the nurse should check the:
Feet
Neck
Hands
Sacrum
7. The nurse is checking the client’s central venous pressure. The nurse should place the zero of the manometer at the:
Phlebostatic axis
PMI
Erb’s point
Tail of Spence
8. The physician orders lisinopril (Zestril) and furosemide (Lasix) to be administered concomitantly to the client with hypertension. The nurse should:
Question the order
Administer the medications
Administer separately
Contact the pharmacy
9. The best method of evaluating the amount of peripheral edema is:
Weighing the client daily
Measuring the extremity
Measuring the intake and output
Checking for pitting
10. A client with vaginal cancer is being treated with a radioactive vaginal implant. The client’s husband asks the nurse if he can spend the night with his wife. The nurse should explain that:
Overnight stays by family members is against hospital policy.
There is no need for him to stay because staffing is adequate.
His wife will rest much better knowing that he is at home.
Visitation is limited to 30 minutes when the implant is in place.
11. The nurse is caring for a client hospitalized with a facial stroke. Which diet selection would be suited to the client?
12. The physician has prescribed Novalog insulin for a client with diabetes mellitus. Which statement indicates that the client knows when the peak action of the insulin occurs?
“I will make sure I eat breakfast within 10 minutes of taking my insulin.”
“I will need to carry candy or some form of sugar with me all the time.”
“I will eat a snack around three o’clock each afternoon.”
“I can save my dessert from supper for a bedtime snack.”
13. The nurse is teaching basic infant care to a group of first-time parents. The nurse should explain that a sponge bath is recommended for the first 2 weeks of life because:
New parents need time to learn how to hold the baby.
The umbilical cord needs time to separate.
Newborn skin is easily traumatized by washing.
The chance of chilling the baby outweighs the benefits of bathing.
14. A client with leukemia is receiving Trimetrexate. After reviewing the client’s chart, the physician orders Wellcovorin (leucovorin calcium). The rationale for administering leucovorin calcium to a client receiving Trimetrexate is to:
Treat iron-deficiency anemia caused by chemotherapeutic agents
Create a synergistic effect that shortens treatment time
Increase the number of circulating neutrophils
Reverse drug toxicity and prevent tissue damage
15. A 4-month-old is brought to the well-baby clinic for immunization. In addition to the DPT and polio vaccines, the baby should receive:
Hib titer
Mumps vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine
MMR
16. The physician has prescribed Nexium (esomeprazole) for a client with erosive gastritis. The nurse should administer the medication:
30 minutes before meals
With each meal
In a single dose at bedtime
30 minutes after meals
17. A client on the psychiatric unit is in an uncontrolled rage and is threatening other clients and staff. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
Call security for assistance and prepare to sedate the client.
Tell the client to calm down and ask him if he would like to play cards.
Tell the client that if he continues his behavior he will be punished.
Leave the client alone until he calms down.
18. When the nurse checks the fundus of a client on the first postpartum day, she notes that the fundus is firm, is at the level of the umbilicus, and is displaced to the right. The next action the nurse should take is to:
Check the client for bladder distention
Assess the blood pressure for hypotension
Determine whether an oxytocic drug was given
Check for the expulsion of small clots
19. A client is admitted to the hospital with a temperature of 99.8°F, complaints of blood-tinged hemoptysis, fatigue, and night sweats. The client’s symptoms are consistent with a diagnosis of:
Pneumonia
Reaction to antiviral medication
Tuberculosis
Superinfection due to low CD4 count
20. The client is seen in the clinic for treatment of migraine headaches. The drug Imitrex (sumatriptan succinate) is prescribed for the client. Which of the following in the client’s history should be reported to the doctor?
Diabetes
Prinzmetal’s angina
Cancer
Cluster headaches
21. The client with suspected meningitis is admitted to the unit. The doctor is performing an assessment to determine meningeal irritation and spinal nerve root inflammation. A positive Kernig’s sign is charted if the nurse notes:
Pain on flexion of the hip and knee
Nuchal rigidity on flexion of the neck
Pain when the head is turned to the left side
Dizziness when changing positions
22. The client with Alzheimer’s disease is being assisted with activities of daily living when the nurse notes that the client uses her toothbrush to brush her hair. The nurse is aware that the client is exhibiting:
Agnosia
Apraxia
Anomia
Aphasia
23. The client with dementia is experiencing confusion late in the afternoon and before bedtime. The nurse is aware that the client is experiencing what is known as:
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Normal aging
Sundowning
Delusions
24. The client with confusion says to the nurse, “I haven’t had anything to eat all day long. When are they going to bring breakfast?” The nurse saw the client in the day room eating breakfast with other clients 30 minutes before this conversation. Which response would be best for the nurse to make?
“You know you had breakfast 30 minutes ago.”
“I am so sorry that they didn’t get you breakfast. I’ll report it to the charge nurse.”
“I’ll get you some juice and toast. Would you like something else?”
“You will have to wait a while; lunch will be here in a little while.”
25. The doctor has prescribed Exelon (rivastigmine) for the client with Alzheimer’s disease. Which side effect is most often associated with this drug?
Urinary incontinence
Headaches
Confusion
Nausea
26. A nurse develops a plan of care for a client following a lumbar puncture. Which interventions should be included in the plan? Select all that apply.
Monitor the client’s ability to void.
Maintain the client in a flat position.
Restrict fluid intake for a period of 2 hours.
Monitor the client’s ability to move the extremities.
Inspect the puncture site for swelling, redness, and drainage.
Maintain the client on a nothing-by-mouth (NPO) status for 24 hours.
27. A nurse employed in an emergency department is assigned to assist with the triage of clients arriving to the emergency department for treatment on the evening shift. The nurse would assign the highest priority to which of the following clients?
A client complaining of muscle aches, a headache, and malaise
A client who twisted her ankle when she fell while rollerblading
A client with a minor laceration on the index finger sustained while cutting an eggplant
A client with chest pain who states that he just ate pizza that was made with a very spicy sauce
28. A nurse enters a client’s room and notes that the client’s lawyer is present and that the client is preparing a living will. The living will requires that the client’s signature be witnessed, and the client asks the nurse to witness the signature. Which of the following is the appropriate nursing action?
Decline to sign the will.
Sign the will as a witness to the signature only.
Call the hospital lawyer before signing the will.
Sign the will, clearly identifying credentials and employment agency.
29. A nurse has reinforced instructions to the client with hyperparathyroidism regarding home care measures related to exercise. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further instruction? Select all that apply.
“I enjoy exercising but I need to be careful.”
“I need to pace my activities throughout the day.”
“I need to limit playing football to only the weekends.”
“I should gauge my activity level by my energy level.”
“I should exercise in the evening to encourage a good sleep pattern.”
30. A nurse in a medical unit is caring for a client with heart failure. The client suddenly develops extreme dyspnea, tachycardia, and lung crackles, and the nurse suspects pulmonary edema. The nurse immediately notifies the registered nurse and expects which interventions to be prescribed? Select all that apply.
Administering oxygen
Inserting a Foley catheter
Administering furosemide (Lasix)
Administering morphine sulfate intravenously
Transporting the client to the coronary care unit
Placing the client in a low Fowler’s side-lying position
Answers and Rationales
Answer A . The client taking antilipidemics should be encouraged to report muscle weakness because this is a sign of rhabdomyositis. The medication takes effect within 1 month of beginning therapy, so answer B is incorrect. The medication should be taken with water because fruit juice, particularly grapefruit, can decrease the effectiveness, making answer C incorrect. Liver function studies should be checked before beginning the medication, not after the fact, making answer D incorrect.
Answer B. Hyperstat is given IV push for hypertensive crises, but it often causes hyperglycemia. The glucose level will drop rapidly when stopped. Answer A is incorrect because the hyperstat is given by IV push. The client should be placed in dorsal recumbent position, not a Trendelenburg position, as stated in answer C. Answer D is incorrect because the medication does not have to be covered with foil.
Answer C . A heart rate of 60 in the baby should be reported immediately. The dose should be held if the heart rate is below 100bpm. The blood glucose, blood pressure, and respirations are within normal limits; thus answers A, B, and D are incorrect.
Answer C. Nitroglycerine should be kept in a brown bottle (or even a special air- and water-tight, solid or plated silver or gold container) because of its instability and tendency to become less potent when exposed to air, light, or water. The supply should be replenished every 6 months, not 3 months, and one tablet should be taken every 5 minutes until pain subsides, so answers A and B are incorrect. If the pain does not subside, the client should report to the emergency room. The medication should be taken sublingually and should not be crushed, as stated in answer D.
Answer C . Turkey contains the least amount of fats and cholesterol. Liver, eggs, beef, cream sauces, shrimp, cheese, and chocolate should be avoided by the client; thus, answers A, B, and D are incorrect. The client should bake meat rather than frying to avoid adding fat to the meat during cooking.
Answer B . The jugular veins in the neck should be assessed for distension. The other parts of the body will be edematous in right-sided congestive heart failure, not left-sided; thus, answers A, C, and D are incorrect.
Answer A . The phlebostatic axis is located at the fifth intercostals space midaxillary line and is the correct placement of the manometer. The PMI or point of maximal impulse is located at the fifth intercostals space midclavicular line, so answer B is incorrect. Erb’s point is the point at which you can hear the valves close simultaneously, making answer C incorrect. The Tail of Spence (the upper outer quadrant) is the area where most breast cancers are located and has nothing to do with placement of a manometer; thus, answer D is incorrect.
Answer B . Zestril is an ACE inhibitor and is frequently given with a diuretic such as Lasix for hypertension. Answers A, C, and D are incorrect because the order is accurate. There is no need to question the order, administer the medication separately, or contact the pharmacy.
Answer B . The best indicator of peripheral edema is measuring the extremity. A paper tape measure should be used rather than one of plastic or cloth, and the area should be marked with a pen, providing the most objective assessment. Answer A is incorrect because weighing the client will not indicate peripheral edema. Answer C is incorrect because checking the intake and output will not indicate peripheral edema. Answer D is incorrect because checking for pitting edema is less reliable than measuring with a paper tape measure.
Answer D. Clients with radium implants should have close contact limited to 30 minutes per visit. The general rule is limiting time spent exposed to radium, putting distance between people and the radium source, and using lead to shield against the radium. Teaching the family member these principles is extremely important. Answers A, B, and C are not empathetic and do not address the question; therefore, they are incorrect.
Answer B. The client with a facial stroke will have difficulty swallowing and chewing, and the foods in answer B provide the least amount of chewing. The foods in answers A, C, and D would require more chewing and, thus, are incorrect.
Answer A . Novalog insulin onsets very quickly, so food should be available within 10–15 minutes of taking the insulin. Answer B does not address a particular type of insulin, so it is incorrect. NPH insulin peaks in 8–12 hours, so a snack should be eaten at the expected peak time. It may not be 3 p.m. as stated in answer C. Answer D is incorrect because there is no need to save the dessert until bedtime.
Answer B . The umbilical cord needs time to dry and fall off before putting the infant in the tub. Although answers A, C, and D might be important, they are not the primary answer to the question.
Answer D. Leucovorin is the antidote for Methotrexate and Trimetrexate which are folic acid antagonists. Leucovorin is a folic acid derivative. Answers A, B, and C are incorrect because Leucovorin does not treat iron deficiency, increase neutrophils, or have a synergistic effect.
Answer A. The Hemophilus influenza vaccine is given at 4 months with the polio vaccine. Answers B, C, and D are incorrect because these vaccines are given later in life.
Answer B. Proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium and Protonix should be taken with meals, for optimal effect. Histamine-blocking agents such as Zantac should be taken 30 minutes before meals, so answer A is incorrect. Tagamet can be taken in a single dose at bedtime, making answer C incorrect. Answer D does not treat the problem adequately and, therefore, is incorrect.
Answer A. If the client is a threat to the staff and to other clients the nurse should call for help and prepare to administer a medication such as Haldol to sedate him. Answer B is incorrect because simply telling the client to calm down will not work. Answer C is incorrect because telling the client that if he continues he will be punished is a threat and may further anger him. Answer D is incorrect because if the client is left alone he might harm himself.
Answer A . If the fundus of the client is displaced to the side, this might indicate a full bladder. The next action by the nurse should be to check for bladder distention and catheterize, if necessary. The answers in B, C, and D are actions that relate to postpartal hemorrhage.
Answer C . A low-grade temperature, blood-tinged sputum, fatigue, and night sweats are symptoms consistent with tuberculosis. If the answer in A had said pneumocystis pneumonia, answer A would have been consistent with the symptoms given in the stem, but just saying pneumonia isn’t specific enough to diagnose the problem. Answers B and D are not directly related to the stem.
Answer B . If the client has a history of Prinzmetal’s angina, he should not be prescribed triptan preparations because they cause vasoconstriction and coronary spasms. There is no contraindication for taking triptan drugs in clients with diabetes, cancer, or cluster headaches making answers A, C, and D incorrect.
Answer A . Kernig’s sign is positive if pain occurs on flexion of the hip and knee. The Brudzinski reflex is positive if pain occurs on flexion of the head and neck onto the chest so answer B is incorrect. Answers C and D might be present but are not related to Kernig’s sign.
Answer B. Apraxia is the inability to use objects appropriately. Agnosia is loss of sensory comprehension, anomia is the inability to find words, and aphasia is the inability to speak or understand so answers A, C, and D are incorrect.
Answer C . Increased confusion at night is known as “sundowning” syndrome. This increased confusion occurs when the sun begins to set and continues during the night. Answer A is incorrect because fatigue is not necessarily present. Increased confusion at night is not part of normal aging; therefore, answer B is incorrect. A delusion is a firm, fixed belief; therefore, answer D is incorrect.
Answer C . The client who is confused might forget that he ate earlier. Don’t argue with the client. Simply get him something to eat that will satisfy him until lunch. Answers A and D are incorrect because the nurse is dismissing the client. Answer B is validating the delusion.
Answer D . Nausea and gastrointestinal upset are very common in clients taking acetlcholinesterase inhibitors such as Exelon. Other side effects include liver toxicity, dizziness, unsteadiness, and clumsiness. The client might already be experiencing urinary incontinence or headaches, but they are not necessarily associated; and the client with Alzheimer’s disease is already confused. Therefore, answers A, B, and C are incorrect.
Answers A, B, D, and E. Following a lumbar puncture, the client remains flat in bed for 6 to 24 hours, depending on the health care provider’s prescriptions. A liberal fluid intake (not NPO status) is encouraged to replace cerebrospinal fluid removed during the procedure, unless contraindicated by the client’s condition. The nurse checks the puncture site for redness and drainage, and monitors the client’s ability to void and move the extremities.
Answers D. In an emergency department, triage involves classifying clients according to their need for care, and it includes establishing priorities of care. The type of illness, the severity of the problem, and the resources available govern the process. Clients with trauma, chest pain, severe respiratory distress, cardiac arrest, limb amputation, or acute neurological deficits and those who sustained a chemical splash to the eyes are classified as emergent, and these clients are the number 1 priority. Clients with conditions such as simple fractures, asthma without respiratory distress, fever, hypertension, abdominal pain, or renal stones have urgent needs, and these clients are classified as the number 2 priority. Clients with conditions such as minor lacerations, sprains, or cold symptoms are classified as non urgent, and they are the number 3 priority.
Answers A. Living wills are required to be in writing and signed by the client. The client’s signature either must be witnessed by specified individuals or notarized. Many states prohibit any employee from being a witness, including a nurse in a facility in which the client is receiving care.
Answers C and E. The client should be instructed to avoid high-impact activity or contact sports such as football. Exercising late in the evening may interfere with restful sleep. The client with hyperparathyroidism should pace activities throughout the day and plan for periods of uninterrupted rest. The client should plan for at least 30 minutes of walking each day to support calcium movement into the bones. The client should be instructed to use energy level as a guide to activity.
Answers A, B, C, and D. Pulmonary edema is a life-threatening event that can result from severe heart failure. In pulmonary edema the left ventricle fails to eject sufficient blood, and pressure increases in the lungs because of the accumulated blood. Oxygen is always prescribed, and the client is placed in a high Fowler’s position to ease the work of breathing. Furosemide, a rapid-acting diuretic, will eliminate accumulated fluid. A Foley catheter is inserted to accurately measure output. Intravenously administered morphine sulfate reduces venous return (preload), decreases anxiety, and reduces the work of breathing. Transporting the client to the coronary care unit is not a priority intervention. In fact, this may not be necessary at all if the client’s response to treatment is successful.