Free NCLEX-RN Sample Test Questions For Nursing Review (Part 5)

Question 1
A client complains of some discomfort after a below the knee amputation. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate initially?
A) Conduct guided imagery or distraction
B) Ensure that the stump is elevated the first day post-op
C) Wrap the stump snugly in an elastic bandage
D) Administer opioid narcotics as ordered




Review Information: The correct answer is B: Ensure that the stump is elevated the first day post-op
This priority intervention prevents pressure caused by pooling of blood, thus minimizing the pain. Without this measure, a firm elastic bandage, opioid narcotics, or guided imagery will have little effect. Opioid narcotics are given for severe pain.


Question 2
A 78 year-old client with pneumonia has a productive cough, but is confused. Safety protective devices (restraints) have been ordered for this client. How can the nurse prevent aspiration?
A) Suction the client frequently while restrained
B) Secure all 4 restraints to 1 side of bed
C) Obtain a sitter for the client while restrained
D) Request an order for a cough suppressant


Review Information: The correct answer is C: Obtain a sitter for the client while restrained
The plan to use safety devices (restraints) should be rethought. Restraints are used to protect the client from harm caused by removing tubes or getting out of bed. In the event that this restricted movement could cause more harm, such as aspiration, then a sitter should be requested. These are to be provided by the facility in the event the family cannot do so. This client needs to cough and be watched rather than restricted. Suctioning will not prevent aspiration in this situation. Cough suppressants should be avoided for this client.


Question 3
A couple trying to conceive asks the nurse when ovulation occurs. The woman reports a regular 32 day cycle. Which response by the nurse is correct?
A) Days 7-10
B) Days 10-13
C) Days 14-16
D) Days 17-19




Review Information: The correct answer is D: Days 17-19
Ovulation occurs 14 days prior to menses. Considering that the woman''s cycle is 32 days, subtracting 14 from 32 suggests ovulation is at about the 18th day.


Question 4
A newborn is having difficulty maintaining a temperature above 98 degrees Fahrenheit and has been placed in an incubator. Which action is a nursing priority?
A) Protect the eyes of the neonate from the heat lamp
B) Monitor the neonate’s temperature
C) Warm all medications and liquids before giving
D) Avoid touching the neonate with cold hands




Review Information: The correct answer is B: Monitor the neonate’s temperature
When using a warming device the neonate’s temperature should be continuously monitored for undesired elevations. The use of heat lamps is not safe as there is no way to regulate their temperature. Warming medications and fluids is not indicated. While touching with cold hands can startle the infant it does not pose a safety risk.


Question 5
Which oxygen delivery system would the nurse apply that would provide the highest concentrations of oxygen to the client?
A) Venturi mask
B) Partial rebreather mask
C) Non-rebreather mask
D) Simple face mask




Review Information: The correct answer is C: Non-rebreather mask
The non-rebreather mask has a one-way valve that prevents exhales air from entering the reservoir bag and one or more valves covering the air holes on the face mask itself to prevent inhalation of room air but to allow exhalation of air. When a tight seal is achieved around the mask up to 100% of the oxygen is available.


Question 6
At a senior citizens meeting a nurse talks with a client who has Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which statement by the client during the conversation is most predictive of a potential for impaired skin integrity?
A) "I give my insulin to myself in my thighs."
B) "Sometimes when I put my shoes on I don't know where my toes are."
C) "Here are my up and down glucose readings that I wrote on my calendar."
D) "If I bathe more than once a week my skin feels too dry."






Review Information: The correct answer is B: "Sometimes when I put my shoes on I don''t know where my toes are."
Peripheral neuropathy can lead to lack of sensation in the lower extremities. Clients who do not feel pressure and/or pain are at high risk for skin impairment.


Question 7
A client returns from surgery after an open reduction of a femur fracture. There is a small bloodstain on the cast. Four hours later, the nurse observes that the stain has doubled in size. What is the best action for the nurse to take?
A) Call the health care provider
B) Access the site by cutting a window in the cast
C) Simply record the findings in the nurse's notes only
D) Outline the spot with a pencil and note the time and date on the cast


Review Information: The correct answer is D: Outline the spot with a pencil and note the time and date on the cast
This is a good way to assess the amount of bleeding over a period of time. The bleeding does not appear to be excessive and some bleeding is expected with this type of surgery. The bleeding should also be documented in the nurse’s notes.


Question 8
The nurse is caring for a 1 year-old child who has 6 teeth. What is the best way for the nurse to give mouth care to this child?
A) Using a moist soft brush or cloth to clean teeth and gums
B) Swabbing teeth and gums with flavored mouthwash
C) Offering a bottle of water for the child to drink
D) Brushing with toothpaste and flossing each tooth




Review Information: The correct answer is A: Using a moist soft brush or cloth to clean teeth and gums
The nurse should use a soft cloth or soft brush to do mouth care so that the child can adjust to the routine of cleaning the mouth and teeth.


Question 9
In addition to standard precautions, a nurse should implement contact precautions for which client?
A) 60 year-old with herpes simplex
B) 6 year-old with mononucleosis
C) 45 year-old with pneumonia
D) 3 year-old with scarlet fever




Review Information: The correct answer is A: 60 year-old with herpes simplex
Clients who have herpes simplex infections must have contact precautions in addition to standard precautions because of the associated, potentially weeping, skin lesions. Contact precautions are used for clients who are infected by microorganisms that are transmitted by direct contact with the client, including hand or skin-to-skin contact.


Question 10
Which of the following situations is most likely to produce sepsis in the neonate?
A) Maternal diabetes
B) Prolonged rupture of membranes
C) Cesarean delivery
D) Precipitous vaginal birth




Review Information: The correct answer is B: Prolonged rupture of membranes
Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) is a leading cause of newborn sepsis. After 12-24 hours of leaking fluid, measures are taken to reduce the risk to mother and the fetus/newborn.




Question 11
The nurse is teaching a parent about side effects of routine immunizations. Which of the following must be reported immediately?
A) Irritability
B) Slight edema at site
C) Local tenderness
D) Seizure activity




Review Information: The correct answer is D: Seizure activity
Other reactions that should be reported include crying for >3 hours, temperature over 104.8 degrees Fahrenheit following DPT immunization, and tender, swollen, reddened areas.


Question 12
The nurse is at the community center speaking with retired people about glaucoma. Which comment by one of the retirees would the nurse support to reinforce correct information?
A) "I usually avoid driving at night since lights sometimes seem to make things blur."
B) "I take half of the usual dose for my sinuses to maintain my blood pressure."
C) "I have to sit at the side of the pool with the grandchildren since I can't swim with this eye problem."
D) "I take extra fiber and drink lots of water to avoid getting constipated."




Review Information: The correct answer is D: "I take extra fiber and drink lots of water to avoid getting constipated."
Any activity that involves straining should be avoided in clients with glaucoma. Such activities would increase intraocular pressure.


Question 13
A newborn has hyperbilirubinemia and is undergoing phototherapy with a fiberoptic blanket. Which safety measure is most important during this process?
A) Regulate the neonate’s temperature using a radiant heater
B) Withhold feedings while under the phototherapy
C) Provide water feedings at least every 2 hours
D) Protect the eyes of neonate from the phototherapy lights


Review Information: The correct answer is C: Provide water feedings at least every 2 hours
Protecting the eyes of the neonates is very important to prevent damage when under the ultraviolet lights, but since the blanket is used, extra protection of the eyes is unnecessary. It is recommended that the neonate remain under the lights for extended periods. The neonate’s skin is exposed to the light and the temperature is monitored, but a heater may not be necessary. There is no reason to withhold feedings. Frequent water or feedings are given to help with the excretion of the bilirubin in the stool.
.

Question 14
A nurse is performing the routine daily cleaning of a tracheostomy. During the procedure, the client coughs and displaces the tracheostomy tube. This negative outcome could have avoided by
A) placing an obturator at the client’s bedside
B) having another nurse assist with the procedure
C) fastening clean tracheostomy ties before removing old ties
D) placing the client in a flat, supine position




Review Information: The correct answer is C: fastening clean tracheostomy ties before removing old ties
Fastening clean tracheostomy ties before removing old ones will ensure that the tracheostomy is secured during the entire cleaning procedure. The obturator is useful to keep the airway open only after the tracheostomy outer tube is coughed out. A second nurse is not needed. Changing the position may not prevent a dislodged tracheostomy.


Question 15
A 4 year-old hospitalized child begins to have a seizure while playing with hard plastic toys in the hallway. Of the following nursing actions, which one should the nurse do first?
A) Place the child in the nearest bed
B) Administer IV medication to slow down the seizure
C) Place a padded tongue blade in the child's mouth
D) Remove the child's toys from the immediate area




Review Information: The correct answer is D: Remove the child''s toys from the immediate area
Nursing care for a child having a seizure includes, maintaining airway patency, ensuring safety, administering medications, and providing emotional support. Since the seizure has already started, nothing should be forced into the child''s mouth and the child should not be moved. Of the choices given, the first priority would be to provide a safe environment.


Question 16
The nurse is teaching home care to the parents of a child with acute spasmodic croup. The most important aspects of this care is/are
A) sedation as needed to prevent exhaustion
B) antibiotic therapy for 10 to 14 days
C) humidified air and increased oral fluids
D) antihistamines to decrease allergic response




Review Information: The correct answer is C: humidified air and increased oral fluids
The most important aspects of home care for a child with acute spasmodic croup are humidified air and increased oral fluids. Moisture soothes inflamed membranes. Adequate systemic hydration aids is mucociliary clearance and keeps secretions thin, white, watery, and easily removed with minimal coughing.


Question 17
The nurse is assigned to care for a client who has a leaking intracranial aneurysm. To minimize the risk of rebleeding, the nurse should plan to
A) restrict visitors to immediate family
B) avoid arousal of the client except for family visits
C) keep client's hips flexed at no less than 90 degrees
D) apply a warming blanket for temperatures of 98 degrees Fahrenheit or less




Review Information: The correct answer is A: restrict visitors to immediate family
Maintaining a quiet environment will assist in minimizing cerebral rebleeding. When family visit, the client should not be disturbed. If the client is awake, topics of a general nature are better choices for discussion than topics that result in emotional or physiological stimulation.


Question 18
A client who is 12 hour post-op becomes confused and says: “Giant sharks are swimming across the ceiling.” Which assessment is necessary to adequately identify the source of this client's behavior?
A) Cardiac rhythm strip
B) Pupillary response
C) Pulse oximetry
D) Peripheral glucose stick




Review Information: The correct answer is C: Pulse oximetry
A sudden change in mental status in any post-op client should trigger a nursing intervention directed toward respiratory evaluation. Pulse oximetry would be the initial assessment. If available, arterial blood gases would be better. Acute respiratory failure is the sudden inability of the respiratory system to maintain adequate gas exchange which may result in hypercapnia and/or hypoxemia. Clinical findings of hypoxemia include these finding which are listed in order of initial to later findings: restlessness, irritability, agitation, dyspnea, disorientation, confusion, delirium, hallucinations, and loss of consciousness. While there may be other factors influencing the client''s behavior, the first nursing action should be directed toward maintaining oxygenation. Once respiratory or oxygenation issues are ruled out then significant changes in glucose would be evaluated.


Question 19
A newborn delivered at home without a birth attendant is admitted to the hospital for observation. The initial temperature is 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) axillary. The nurse recognizes that cold stress may lead to what complication?
A) Lowered BMR
B) Reduced PaO2
C) Lethargy
D) Metabolic alkalosis




Review Information: The correct answer is B: Reduced PaO2
Cold stress causes increased risk for respiratory distress. The baby delivered in such circumstances needs careful monitoring. In this situation, the newborn must be warmed immediately to increase its temperature to at least 97 degrees Fahrenheit (36 degrees Celsius).


Question 20
Which contraindication should the nurse assess for prior to giving a child immunizations?
A) Mild cold symptoms
B) Chronic asthma
C) Depressed immune system
D) Allergy to eggs




Review Information: The correct answer is C: Depressed immune system
Children who have a depressed immune system related to HIV or chemotherapy should not be given routine immunizations.


Question 21
The nurse is caring for a client with a myocardial infarction. Which finding requires the nurse's immediate action?
A) Periorbital edema
B) Dizzy spells
C) Lethargy
D) Shortness of breath




Review Information: The correct answer is B: Dizzy spells
Cardiac dysrhythmias may cause a transient drop in cardiac output and decreased blood flow to the brain. Near syncope refers to lightheartedness, dizziness, temporary confusion. Such "spells" may indicate runs of ventricular tachycardia or periods of asystole and should be reported immediately.


Question 22
Decentralized scheduling is used on a nursing unit. A chief advantage of this management strategy is that it:
A) considers client and staff needs
B) conserves time spent on planning
C) frees the nurse manager to handle other priorities
D) allows requests for special privileges




Review Information: The correct answer is A: considers client and staff needs
Decentralized staffing takes into consideration specific client needs and staff interests and abilities.


Question 23
Included in teaching the client with tuberculosis taking isoniazid (INH) about follow-up home care, the nurse should emphasize that a laboratory appointment for which of the following lab tests is critical?
A) Liver function
B) Kidney function
C) Blood sugar
D) Cardiac enzymes




Review Information: The correct answer is A: Liver function
INH can cause hepatocellular injury and hepatitis. This side effect is age-related and can be detected with regular assessment of liver enzymes, which are released into the blood from damaged liver cells.


Question 24
A woman in her third trimester complains of severe heartburn. What is appropriate teaching by the nurse to help the woman alleviate these symptoms?
A) Drink small amounts of liquids frequently
B) Eat the evening meal just before retiring
C) Take sodium bicarbonate after each meal
D) Sleep with head propped on several pillows




Review Information: The correct answer is D: Sleep with head propped on several pillows
Heartburn is a burning sensation caused by regurgitation of gastric contents. It is best relieved by sleeping position, eating small meals, and not eating before bedtime.


Question 25
A 16 year-old boy is admitted for Ewing's sarcoma of the tibia. In discussing his care with the parents, the nurse understands that the initial treatment most often includes
A) amputation just above the tumor
B) surgical excision of the mass
C) bone marrow graft in the affected leg
D) radiation and chemotherapy




Review Information: The correct answer is D: radiation and chemotherapy
The initial treatment of choice for Ewing''s sarcoma is a combination of radiation and chemotherapy.


Question 26
A new nurse manager is responsible for interviewing applicants for a staff nurse position. Which interview strategy would be the best approach?
A) Vary the interview style for each candidate to learn different techniques
B) Use simple questions requiring "yes" and "no" answers to gain definitive information
C) Obtain an interview guide from human resources for consistency in interviewing each candidate
D) Ask personal information of each applicant to assure he/she can meet job demands


Review Information: The correct answer is C: Obtain an interview guide from human resources for consistency in interviewing each candidate
An interview guide used for each candidate enables the nurse manager to be more objective in the decision making. The nurse should use resources available in the agency before attempts to develop one from scratch. Certain personal questions are prohibited, and HR can identify these for novice managers.


Question 27
What is the best way that parents of pre-schoolers can begin teaching their child about injury prevention?
A) Set good examples themselves
B) Protect their child from outside influences
C) Make sure their child understands all the safety rules
D) Discuss the consequences of not wearing protective devices


Review Information: The correct answer is A: Set good examples themselves
The preschool years are the time for parents to begin emphasizing safety principles as well as providing protection. Setting a good example themselves is crucial because of the imitative behaviors of pre-schoolers; they are quick to notice discrepancies between what they see and what they are told.


Question 28
A nurse assessing the newborn of a mother with diabetes understands that hypoglycemia is related to what pathophysiological process?
A) Disruption of fetal glucose supply
B) Pancreatic insufficiency
C) Maternal insulin dependency
D) Reduced glycogen reserves


Review Information: The correct answer is A: Disruption of fetal glucose supply
After delivery, the high glucose levels which crossed the placenta to the fetus are suddenly stopped. The newborn continues to secrete insulin in anticipation of glucose. When oral feedings begin, the newborn will adjust insulin production within a day or two.


Question 29
The nurse is caring for a client with extracellular fluid volume deficit. Which of the following assessments would the nurse anticipate finding?
A) bounding pulse
B) rapid respirations
C) oliguria
D) neck veins are distended




Review Information: The correct answer is C: oliguria
Kidneys maintain fluid volume through adjustments in urine volume.


Question 30
A 70 year-old woman is evaluated in the emergency department for a wrist fracture of unknown causes. During the process of taking client history, which of these items should the nurse identify as related to the client’s greatest risk factors for osteoporosis?
A) History of menopause at age 50
B) Taking high doses of steroids for arthritis for many years
C) Maintaining an inactive lifestyle for the past 10 years
D) Drinking 2 glasses of red wine each day for the past 30 years


Review Information: The correct answer is B: Taking high doses of steroids for arthritis for many years
The use of steroids, especially at high doses over time, increases the risk for osteoporosis. The other options also predispose to osteoporosis, as do low bone mass, poor calcium absorption and moderate to high alcohol ingestion. Long-term steroid treatment is the most significant risk factor, however.


Question 31
The nurse is caring for a 2 year-old who is being treated with chelation therapy, calcium disodium edetate, for lead poisoning. The nurse should be alert for which of the following side effects?
A) Neurotoxicity
B) Hepatomegaly
C) Nephrotoxicity
D) Ototoxicity


Review Information: The correct answer is C: Nephrotoxicity
Nephrotoxicity is a common side effect of calcium disodium edetate, in addition to lead poisoning in general.


Question 32
The parents of a toddler ask the nurse how long their child will have to sit in a car seat while in the automobile. What is the nurse’s best response to the parents?
A) "Your child must use a care seat until he weighs at least 40 pounds."
B) "The child must be 5 years of age to use a regular seat belt."
C) "Your child must reach a height of 50 inches to sit in a seat belt."
D) "The child can use a regular seat belt when he can sit still."




Review Information: The correct answer is A: "Your child must use a care seat until he weighs at least 40 pounds."
Children should use car seats until they weigh 40 pounds.


Question 33
A client asks the nurse to explain the basic ideas of homeopathic medicine. The response that best explains this approach is that such remedies
A) destroy organisms causing disease
B) maintain fluid balance
C) boost the immune system
D) increase bodily energy




Review Information: The correct answer is C: boost the immune system
The practitioner treats with minute doses of plant, mineral or animal substances which provide a gentle stimulus to the body''s own defenses.


Question 34
A client with a fractured femur has been in Russell’s traction for 24 hours. Which nursing action is associated with this therapy?
A) Check the skin on the sacrum for breakdown
B) Inspect the pin site for signs of infection
C) Auscultate the lungs for atelectasis
D) Perform a neurovascular check for circulation


Review Information: The correct answer is D: Perform a neurovascular check for circulation
While each of these is an important assessment, the neurovascular integrity check is most associated with this type of traction. Russell’s traction is Buck’s traction with a sling under the knee.


Question 35
When suctioning a client's tracheostomy, the nurse should instill saline in order to
A) decrease the client's discomfort
B) reduce viscosity of secretions
C) prevent client aspiration
D) remove a mucus plug


Review Information: The correct answer is D: remove a mucus plug
While no longer recommended for routine suctioning, saline may thin and loosen viscous secretions that are very difficult to move, perhaps making them easier to suction.


Question 36
The nurse is performing a gestational age assessment on a newborn delivered 2 hours ago. When coming to a conclusion using the Ballard scale, which of these factors may affect the score?
A) Birth weight
B) Racial differences
C) Fetal distress in labor
D) Birth trauma




Review Information: The correct answer is C: Fetal distress in labor
The effects of earlier distress may alter the findings of reflex responses as measured on the Ballard tool. Other physical characteristics that estimate gestational age, such as amount of lanugo, sole creases and ear cartilage are unaffected by the other factors.


Question 37
A nurse is caring for a client who had a closed reduction of a fractured right wrist followed by the application of a fiberglass cast 12 hours ago. Which finding requires the nurse’s immediate attention?
A) Capillary refill of fingers on right hand is 3 seconds
B) Skin warm to touch and normally colored
C) Client reports prickling sensation in the right hand
D) Slight swelling of fingers of right hand


Review Information: The correct answer is C: Client reports prickling sensation in the right hand
A prickling sensation is an indication of compartment syndrome and requires immediate action by the nurse. The other findings are normal for a client in this situation.


Question 38
A client is admitted with the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. While taking a history, the client tells the nurse he was admitted for the same thing twice before, the last time just 3 months ago. The nurse would anticipate the provider ordering
A) pulmonary embolectomy
B) vena caval interruption
C) increasing the Coumadin therapy to an INR of 3-4
D) thrombolytic therapy


Review Information: The correct answer is B: vena caval interruption
Clients with contraindications to Heparin, recurrent PE or those with complications related to the medical therapy may require vena caval interruption by the placement of a filter device in the inferior vena cava. A filter can be placed transvenously to trap clots before they travel to the pulmonary circulation.


Question 39
Which client is at highest risk for developing a pressure ulcer?
A) 23 year-old in traction for fractured femur
B) 72 year-old with peripheral vascular disease, who is unable to walk without assistance
C) 75 year-old with left sided paresthesia who is incontinent of urine and stool
D) 30 year-old who is comatose following a ruptured aneurysm


Review Information: The correct answer is C: 75 year-old with left sided paresthesia who is incontinent of urine and stool
Risk factors for pressure ulcers include: immobility, absence of sensation, decreased LOC, poor nutrition and hydration, skin moisture, incontinence, increased age, decreased immune response. This client has the greatest number of risk factors.


Question 40
The nurse is teaching the mother of a 5 month-old about nutrition for her baby. Which statement by the mother indicates the need for further teaching?
A) "I'm going to try feeding my baby some rice cereal."
B) "When he wakes at night for a bottle, I feed him."
C) "I dip his pacifier in honey so he'll take it."
D) "I keep formula in the refrigerator for 24 hours."


Review Information: The correct answer is C: "I dip his pacifier in honey so he''ll take it."
Honey has been associated with infant botulism and should be avoided. Older children and adults have digestive enzymes that kill the botulism spores.