NCLEX RN Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5.
A 28-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital for a thyroidectomy. Postoperatively she is taken to the postanesthesia care unit for several hours. In preparing for the client's return to her room, which nursing measure best demonstrates the nurse's thorough understanding of possible postthyroidectomy complications?
A. Dressings are placed at the bedside for dressing changes, which are to be done every 2 hours to best detect postoperative bleeding.
B. Narcotics are readily available and administered when the client returns to her room to prevent excruciating pain.
C. A tracheostomy set, O2, and suction are available at the bedside.
D. The nurse should instruct the client as soon as possible on alternative means of communication.
Explanation: Dressing changes are done as necessary for bleeding. However, frequently, post-thyroidectomy bleeding may not be visible on the dressing, but blood may drain down the back of the neck by gravity. Narcotics are administered for acute pain as necessary. They are not necessarily given on return of the client to her room. The most serious postthyroidectomy complication is ineffective airway and breathing pattern related to tracheal compression and edema. A tracheostomy set, O2, and suction should be available at bedside for at least the first 24 hours postoperatively. Impaired verbal communication may occur due to laryngeal edema or nerve damage, but most commonly, it occurs due to endotracheal intubation. The client is usually able to communicate but is hoarse.
Question 2 of 5.
A client is diagnosed with stage II Hodgkin's lymphoma. The nurse recognizes that the client has involvement:
A. In a single lymph node or single site
B. In more than one node or single organ on the same side of the diaphragm
C. In lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm
D. In disseminated organs and tissues
Explanation: Stage II Hodgkin's lymphoma involves two or more lymph nodes or a single organ on the same side of the diaphragm, per the Ann Arbor staging system.
Question 3 of 5.
When caring for a client with an anterior cervical discectomy, the nurse should give priority to assessing for post-operative bleeding. The nurse should pay particular attention to:
A. Drainage on the surgical dressing
B. Complaints of neck pain
C. Bleeding from the mouth
D. Swelling in the posterior neck
Explanation: Swelling in the posterior neck may indicate a hematoma, which can compress the airway or spinal cord, making it a priority assessment post-cervical discectomy.
Question 4 of 5.
Which of the following combinations of foods is appropriate for an eight-month-old infant?
A. Cocoa-flavored cereal, orange juice, and strained meat
B. Graham crackers, strained prunes, and pudding
C. Rice cereal, bananas, and strained carrots
D. Mashed potatoes, strained beets, and whole milk
Explanation: Rice cereal, bananas, and strained carrots are developmentally appropriate, easily digestible foods for an eight-month-old, unlike the other options, which include choking hazards or inappropriate items like whole milk.
Question 5 of 5.
A client with HELLP syndrome is admitted to the labor and delivery unit for observation. The nurse knows that the client will have elevated:
A. Serum glucose levels
B. Liver enzymes
C. Pancreatic enzymes
D. Plasma protein levels
Explanation: HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets) is characterized by elevated liver enzymes, reflecting liver dysfunction.
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