Free NCLEX-RN Sample Test Questions For Nursing Review (Part 2)

Question 1
The feeling of trust can best be established by the nurse during the process of the development of a nurse-client relationship by which of these characteristics?
A) Reliability and kindness
B) Demeanor and sincerity
C) Honesty and consistency
D) Sympathy and appreciativeness

Review Information: The correct answer is C: Honesty and consistency
Characteristics of a trusting relationship include respect, honesty, consistency, faith and caring.

Question 2
A nurse has administered several blood transfusions over 3 days to a 12 year-old client with Thalassemia. What lab value should the nurse monitor closely during this therapy?
A) Hemoglobin
B) Red Blood Cell Indices
C) Platelet count
D) Neutrophil percent

Review Information: The correct answer is A: Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin should be in a therapeutic range of approximately 10 g/dl (100gL). "This level is low enough to foster the patient''s own erythropoiesis without enlarging the spleen."

Question 3
The nurse is providing care to a newly a hospitalized adolescent. What is the major threat experienced by the hospitalized adolescent?
A) Pain management
B) Restricted physical activity
C) Altered body image
D) Separation from family

Review Information: The correct answer is C: Altered body image
The hospitalized adolescent may see each of these as a threat, but the major threat that they feel when hospitalized is the fear of altered body image, because of the emphasis on physical appearance during this developmental stage.

Question 4
A 12 year-old child is admitted with a broken arm and is told surgery is required. The nurse finds him crying and unwilling to talk. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
A) Give him privacy
B) Tell him he will get through the surgery with no problem
C) Try to distract him
D) Make arrangements for his friends to visit


Review Information: The correct answer is A: Give him privacy
A 12 year-old child needs the opportunity to express his emotions privately.

Question 5
In discharge teaching, the nurse should emphasize that which of these is a common side effect of clozapine (Clozaril) therapy?
A) Dry mouth
B) Rhinitis
C) Dry skin
D) Extreme salivation

Review Information: The correct answer is D: Extreme salivation
A significant number of clients receiving Clozapine (Clozaril) therapy experience extreme salivation.

Question 6
A client has had a positive reaction to purified protein derivative (PPD). The client asks the nurse what this means. The nurse should indicate that the client has
A) active tuberculosis
B) been exposed to mycobacterium tuberculosis
C) never had tuberculosis
D) never been infected with mycobacterium tuberculosis

Review Information: The correct answer is B: been exposed to mycobacterium tuberculosis
The PPD skin test is used to determine the presence of tuberculosis antibodies and a positive result indicates that the person has been exposed to mycobacterium tuberculosis. Additional tests are needed to determine if active tuberculosis is present.


Question 7
A client is receiving and IV antibiotic infusion and is scheduled to have blood drawn at 1:00 pm for a "peak" antibiotic level measurement. The nurse notes that the IV infusion is running behind schedule and will not be competed by 1:00. The nurse should:
A) Notify the client's health care provider
B) Stop the infusion at 1:00 pm
C) Reschedule the laboratory test
D) Increase the infusion rate


Review Information: The correct answer is C: Reschedule the laboratory test
If the antibiotic infusion will not be completed at the time the peak blood level is due to be drawn, the nurse should ask that the blood sampling time be adjusted

Question 8
The nurse is caring for a client with a new order for bupropion (Wellbutrin) for treatment of depression. The order reads “Wellbutrin 175 mg. BID x 4 days.” What is the appropriate action?
A) Give the medication as ordered
B) Question this medication dose
C) Observe the client for mood swings
D) Monitor neuro signs frequently


Review Information: The correct answer is B: Question this medication dose
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) should be started at 100mg BID for three days then increased to 150mg BID. When used for depression, it may take up to four weeks for results. Common side effects are dry mouth, headache, and agitation. Doses should be administered in equally spaced time increments throughout the day to minimize the risk of seizures.

Question 9
The clinic nurse is discussing health promotion with a group of parents. A mother is concerned about Reye's Syndrome, and asks about prevention. Which of these demonstrates appropriate teaching?
A) "Immunize your child against this disease."
B) "Seek medical attention for serious injuries."
C) "Report exposure to this illness."
D) "Avoid use of aspirin for viral infections."


Review Information: The correct answer is D: "Avoid use of aspirin for viral infections."
The link between aspirin use and Reye''s Syndrome has not been confirmed, but evidence suggests that the risk is sufficiently grave to include the warning on aspirin products.

Question 10
A post-operative client is admitted to the post-anesthesia recovery room (PACU). The anesthetist reports that malignant hyperthermia occurred during surgery. The nurse recognizes that this complication is related to what factor?
A) Allergy to general anesthesia
B) Pre-existing bacterial infection
C) A genetic predisposition
D) Selected surgical procedures

Review Information: The correct answer is C: A genetic predisposition
Malignant hyperthermia is a rare, potentially fatal adverse reaction to inhaled anesthetics. There is a genetic predisposition to this disorder.


Question 11
A 9 year-old is taken to the emergency room with right lower quadrant pain and vomiting. When preparing the child for an emergency appendectomy, what must the nurse expect to be the child's greatest fear?
A) Change in body image
B) An unfamiliar environment
C) Perceived loss of control
D) Guilt over being hospitalized

Review Information: The correct answer is C: Perceived loss of control
For school age children, major fears are loss of control and separation from friends/peers.

Question 12
A client is to begin taking Fosamax. The nurse must emphasize which of these instructions to the client when taking this medication? "Take Fosamax
A) on an empty stomach."
B) after meals."
C) with calcium."
D) with milk 2 hours after meals."


Review Information: The correct answer is A: on an empty stomach."
Fosamax should be taken first thing in the morning with 6-8 ounces of plain water at least 30 minutes before other medication or food. Food and fluids (other than water) greatly decrease the absorption of Fosamax. The client must also be instructed to remain in the upright position for 30 minutes following the dose to facilitate passage into the stomach and minimize irritation of the esophagus.

Question 13
An older adult client is to receive and antibiotic, gentamicin. What diagnostic finding indicates the client may have difficult excreting the medication?
A) High gastric pH
B) High serum creatinine
C) Low serum albumin
D) Low serum blood urea nitrogen


Review Information: The correct answer is B: High serum creatinine
An elevated serum creatinine indicates reduced renal function. Reduced renal function will delay the excretion of many mediations.

Question 14
A nurse is assigned to care for a comatose diabetic on IV insulin therapy. Which task would be most appropriate to delegate to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
A) Check the client's level of consciousness
B) Obtain the regular blood glucose readings
C) Determine if special skin care is needed
D) Answer questions from the client's spouse about the plan of care


Review Information: The correct answer is B: Obtain the regular blood glucose readings
The UAP can safely obtain blood glucose readings, which are routine tasks.

Question 15
Which of the following laboratory results would suggest to the emergency room nurse that a client admitted after a severe motor vehicle crash is in acidosis?
A) Hemoglobin 15 gm/dl
B) Chloride 100 mEq/L
C) Sodium 130 mEq/L
D) Carbon dioxide 20 mEq/L


Review Information: The correct answer is D: Carbon dioxide 20 mEq/L
Serum carbon dioxide is an indicator of acid-base status. This finding would indicate acidosis.

Question 16
The nurse has just received report on a group of clients and plans to delegate care of several of the clients to a practical nurse (PN). The first thing the RN should do before the delegation of care is
A) Provide a time-frame for the completion of the client care
B) Assure the PN that the RN will be available for assistance
C) Ask about prior experience with similar clients
D) Review the specific procedures unique to the assignment

Review Information: The correct answer is C: Ask about prior experience with similar clients.
The first step in delegation is to determine the qualifications of the person to whom one is delegating. By asking about the PN''s prior experience with similar clients/tasks, the RN can determine whether the PN has the requisite experience to care for the assigned clients.


Question 17
The mother of a 4 month-old infant asks the nurse about the dangers of sunburn while they are on vacation at the beach. Which of the following is the best advice about sun protection for this child?
A) "Use a sunscreen with a minimum sun protective factor of 15."
B) "Applications of sunscreen should be repeated every few hours."
C) "An infant should be protected by the maximum strength sunscreen."
D) "Sunscreens are not recommended in children younger than 6 months."


Review Information: The correct answer is D: "Sunscreens are not recommended in children younger than 6 months."
Infants under 6 months of age should be kept out of the sun or shielded from it. Even on a cloudy day, the infant can be sunburned while near water. A hat and light protective clothing should be worn.

Question 18
The nurse administers cimetidine (Tagamet) to a 79 year-old male with a gastric ulcer. Which parameter may be affected by this drug, and should be closely monitored by the nurse?
A) Blood pressure
B) Liver function
C) Mental status
D) Hemoglobin

Review Information: The correct answer is C: Mental status
The elderly are at risk for developing confusion when taking cimetidine, a drug that interacts with many other medications.

Question 19
The nurse assesses the use of coping mechanisms by an adolescent 1 week after the client had a motor vehicle accident resulting in multiple serious injuries. Which of these characteristics are most likely to be displayed?
A) Ambivalence, dependence, demanding
B) Denial, projection, regression
C) Intellectualization, rationalization, repression
D) Identification, assimilation, withdrawal

Review Information: The correct answer is B: Denial, projection, regression
Helplessness and hopelessness may contribute to regressive, dependent behavior which often occurs at any age with hospitalization. Denying or minimizing the seriousness of the illness is used to avoid facing the worst situation. Recall that denial is the initial step in the process of working through any loss.

Question 20
A 52 year-old post menopausal woman asks the nurse how frequently she should have a mammogram. What is the nurse's best response?
A) "Your doctor will advise you about your risks."
B) "Unless you had previous problems, every 2 years is best."
C) "Once a woman reaches 50, she should have a mammogram yearly."
D) "Yearly mammograms are advised for all women over 35."


Review Information: The correct answer is C: "Once a woman reaches 50, she should have a mammogram yearly."
The American Cancer Society recommends a screening mammogram by age 40, every 1 - 2 years for women 40-49, and every year from age 50. If there are family or personal health risks, other assessments may be recommended.

Question 21
The nurse is planning care for a client who is taking cyclosporin (Neoral). What would be an appropriate nursing diagnosis for this client?
A) Alteration in body image
B) High risk for infection
C) Altered growth and development
D) Impaired physical mobility


Review Information: The correct answer is B: High risk for infection
Cyclosporin (Neoral) inhibits normal immune responses. Clients receiving cyclosporin are at risk for infection.

Question 22
A client on telemetry begins having premature ventricular beats (PVBs) at 12 per minute. In reviewing the most recent laboratory results, which would require immediate action by the nurse?
A) Calcium 9 mg/dl
B) Magnesium 2.5 mg/dl
C) Potassium 2.5 mEq/L
D) PTT 70 seconds


Review Information: The correct answer is C: Potassium 2.5 mEq/L
The patient is at risk for ventricular dysrhythmias when the potassium level is low.
Daniels, R. (2003).

Question 23
The nurse is caring for a client who is 4 days post-op for a transverse colostomy. The client is ready for discharge and asks the nurse to empty his colostomy pouch. What is the best response by the nurse?
A) "You should be emptying the pouch yourself."
B) "Let me demonstrate to you how to empty the pouch."
C) "What have you learned about emptying your pouch?"
D) "Show me what you have learned about emptying your pouch."


Review Information: The correct answer is D: "Show me what you have learned about emptying your pouch."
Most adult learners obtain skills by participating in the activities. Anxiety about discharge can be causing the client to forget that they have mastered the skill of emptying the pouch. The client should show the nurse how the pouch is emptied.

Question 24
A 3 year-old child has tympanostomy tubes in place. The child's parent asks the nurse if he can swim in the family pool. The best response from the nurse is
A) "Your child should not swim at all while the tubes are in place."
B) "Your child may swim in your own pool but not in a lake or ocean."
C) "Your child may swim if he wears ear plugs."
D) "Your child may swim anywhere."


Review Information: The correct answer is C: "Your child may swim if he wears ear plugs."

Water should not enter the ears. Children should use ear plugs when bathing or swimming and should not put their heads under the water.

Question 25
The nurse is caring for a client with asthma who has developed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which of the following medications prescribed for the client may aggravate GERD?
A) Anticholinergics
B) Corticosteroids
C) Histamine blocker
D) Antibiotics

Review Information: The correct answer is A: Anticholinergics
An anticholinergic medication will decrease gastric emptying and the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter.

Question 26
A client is receiving a nitroglycerin infusion for unstable angina. What assessment would be a priority when monitoring the effects of this medication?
A) Blood pressure
B) Cardiac enzymes
C) ECG analysis
D) Respiratory rate


Review Information: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure
Since an effect of this drug is vasodilation, the client must be monitored for hypotension.

Question 27
The nurse is caring for a 10 year-old child who has just been diagnosed with diabetes insipidus. The parents ask about the treatment prescribed, vasopressin. A What is priority in teaching the child and family about this drug?
A) The child should carry a nasal spray for emergency use
B) The family must observe the child for dehydration
C) Parents should administer the daily intramuscular injections
D) The client needs to take daily injections in the short-term


Review Information: The correct answer is A: The child should carry a nasal spray for emergency use
Diabetes insipidus results from reduced secretion of the antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin. The child will need to administer daily injections of vasopressin, and should have the nasal spray form of the medication readily available. A medical alert tag should be worn.

Question 28
A client diagnosed with cirrhosis is started on lactulose (Cephulac). The main purpose of the drug for this client is to
A) add dietary fiber
B) reduce ammonia levels
C) stimulate peristalsis
D) control portal hypertension


Review Information: The correct answer is B: reduce ammonia levels
Lactulose blocks the absorption of ammonia from the GI tract and secondarily stimulates bowel elimination.

Question 29
The nurse is explaining the effects of cocaine abuse to a pregnant client. Which of the following must the nurse understand as a basis for teaching?
A) Cocaine use can cause fetal growth retardation
B) The drug has been linked to neural tube defects
C) Newborn withdrawal generally occurs immediately after birth
D) Breast feeding promotes positive parenting behaviors


Review Information: The correct answer is A: Cocaine use can cause fetal growth retardation
Cocaine is vasoconstrictive, and this effect in the placental vessels causes fetal hypoxia and diminished growth. Other risks of continued cocaine use during pregnancy include preterm labor, congenital abnormalities, altered brain development and subsequent behavioral problems in the infant.

Question 30
A client has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. The nurse enters the room and the client tells the nurse that she is stupid. What is the most therapeutic response by the nurse?
A) Explore what is going on with the client
B) Accept the client’s statement without comment
C) Tell the client that the comment is inappropriate
D) Leave the client's room


Review Information: The correct answer is A: Explore what is going on with the client
Exploring feelings with the verbally aggressive client helps to put angry feelings into words and then to engage in problem solving.

Question 31
A client has many delusions. As the nurse helps the client prepare for breakfast the client comments "Don’t waste good food on me. I’m dying from this disease I have." The appropriate response would be
A) "You need some nutritious food to help you regain your weight."
B) "None of the laboratory reports show that you have any physical disease."
C) "Try to eat a little bit, breakfast is the most important meal of the day."
D) "I know you believe that you have an incurable disease."


Review Information: The correct answer is D: "I know you believe that you have an incurable disease."
This response does not challenge the client’s delusional system and thus forms an alliance by providing reassurance of desire to help the client.

Question 32
A client with paranoid thoughts refuses to eat because of the belief that the food is poisoned. The appropriate statement at this time for the nurse to say is
A) "Here, I will pour a little of the juice in a medicine cup to drink it to show you that it is OK."
B) "The food has been prepared in our kitchen and is not poisoned."
C) "Let's see if your partner could bring food from home."
D) "If you don't eat, I will have to suggest for you to be tube fed."


Review Information: The correct answer is C: "Let''s see if your partner could bring food from home."
Reassurance is ineffective when a client is actively delusional. This option avoids both arguing with the client and agreeing with the delusional premise. Option D offers a logical response to a primarily affective concern. When the client’s condition has improved, gentle negation of the delusional premise can be employed.

Question 33
A client with tuberculosis is started on Rifampin. Which one of the following statements by the nurse would be appropriate to include in teaching? "You may notice:
A) an orange-red color to your urine."
B) your appetite may increase for the first week.”
C) it is common to experience occasional sleep disturbances."
D) if you take the medication with food, you may have nausea."


Review Information: The correct answer is A: an orange-red color to your urine."
Discoloration of the urine and other body fluids may occur. It is a harmless response to the drug, but the patient needs to be aware it may happen.

Question 34
A client tells the RN she has decided to stop taking sertraline (Zoloft) because she doesn’t like the nightmares, sex dreams, and obsessions she’s experiencing since starting on the medication. What is an appropriate response by the nurse?
A) "It is unsafe to abruptly stop taking any prescribed medication."
B) "Side effects and benefits should be discussed with your health care provider."
C) "This medication should be continued despite unpleasant symptoms."
D) "Many medications have potential side effects."


Review Information: The correct answer is A: "It is unsafe to abruptly stop taking any prescribed medication."
Abrupt withdrawal may occasionally cause serotonin syndrome, consisting of lethargy, nausea, headache, fever, sweating and chills. A slow withdrawal may be prescribed with sertraline to avoid dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Question 35
A client is admitted to the hospital with findings of liver failure with ascites. The health care provider orders spironolactone (Aldactone). What is the pharmacological effect of this medication?
A) Promotes sodium and chloride excretion
B) Increases aldosterone levels
C) Depletes potassium reserves
D) Combines safely with antihypertensives


Review Information: The correct answer is A: Promotes sodium and chloride excretion
Spironolactone promotes sodium and chloride excretion while sparing potassium and decreasing aldosterone levels. It had no effect on ammonia levels.

Question 36
A client was admitted to the psychiatric unit for severe depression. After several days, the client continues to withdraw from the other clients. Which of these statements by the nurse would be the most appropriate to promote interaction with other clients?
A) "Your team here thinks it's good for you to spend time with others."
B) "It is important for you to participate in group activities."
C) "Come with me so you can paint a picture to help you feel better."
D) "Come play Chinese Checkers with Gloria and me."

Review Information: The correct answer is D: "Come play Chinese Checkers with Gloria and me."
This gradually engages the client in interactions with others in small groups rather than large groups. In addition, focusing on an activity is less anxiety-provoking than unstructured discussion. The statement is an example of a positive behavioral expectation.

Question 37
The nurse is teaching a school-aged child and family about the use of inhalers prescribed for asthma. What is the best way to evaluate effectiveness of the treatments?

A) Rely on child's self-report
B) Use a peak-flow meter
C) Note skin color changes
D) Monitor pulse rate


Review Information: The correct answer is B: Use a peak-flow meter
The peak flowmeter, if used correctly, shows effectiveness of inhalants.

Question 38
The nurse is teaching a client about the toxicity of digoxin. Which one of the following statements made by the client to the nurse indicates more teaching is needed?
A) "I may experience a loss of appetite."
B) "I can expect occasional double vision."
C) "Nausea and vomiting may last a few days."
D) "I must report a bounding pulse of 62 immediately."


Review Information: The correct answer is D: "I must report a bounding pulse of 62 immediately."
Slow heart rate is related to increased cardiac output and an intended effect of digoxin. The ideal heart rate is above 60 BPM with digoxin. The client needs further teaching.


Question 39
Which of the following assessments by the nurse would indicate that the client is having a possible adverse response to the isoniazid (INH)?
A) Severe headache
B) Appearance of jaundice
C) Tachycardia
D) Decreased hearing

Review Information: The correct answer is B: Appearance of jaundice
Clients receiving INH therapy are at risk for developing drug induced hepatitis. The appearance of jaundice may indicate that the client has liver damage.

Question 40
The nurse is beginning nutritional counseling/teaching with a pregnant woman. What is the initial step in this interaction?

A) Teach her how to meet the needs of self and her family
B) Explain the changes in diet necessary for pregnant women
C) Question her understanding and use of the food pyramid
D) Conduct a diet history to determine her normal eating routines


Review Information: The correct answer is D: Conduct a diet history to determine her normal eating routines.

Assessment is always the first step in planning teaching for any client. A thorough and accurate history is essential for gathering the needed information.