RN NCLEX Practice Test
Question 1 of 5.
A 30-year-old client in the third trimester of her pregnancy asks the nurse for advice about upper respiratory discomforts. She complains of nasal stuffiness and epistaxis, most noticeable on the left side. Which reply by the nurse is correct?
A. It sounds as though you are coming down with a bad cold. I'll ask the doctor to prescribe a decongestant for relief of symptoms.'
B. A good vaporizer will help; avoid the cool air kind. Also, try saline nose drops, and spend less time on your left side.'
C. These discomforts are all a result of increased blood supply; one of the pregnancy hormones, estrogen, causes them.'
D. This is most unusual. I'm sure your obstetrician will want you to see an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist.'
Explanation: Decongestants may exaggerate the nasal stuffiness associated with pregnancy. Judicious use of decongestants and nasal sprays is advocated during pregnancy. Cool air vaporizers and saline drops may help to relieve the nasal stuffiness. Positioning on either lateral side does not decrease nasal stuffiness or prevent epistaxis. Increased estrogen levels result in nasal mucosa edema with subsequent nasal stuffiness. Estrogen also promotes vasodilation, which contributes to epistaxis. The nurse may recommend cool air vaporizers and saline drops to help with the nasal stuffiness. Increased estrogen levels result in nasal mucosa edema with subsequent nasal stuffiness. Estrogen also promotes vasodilation discomforts associated with pregnancy.
Question 2 of 5.
The nurse is observing the ambulation of a client recently fitted for crutches. Which observation requires nursing intervention?
A. Two finger widths are noted between the axilla and the top of the crutch.
B. The client bears weight on his hands when ambulating.
C. The crutches and the client's feet move alternately.
D. The client bears weight on his axilla when standing.
Explanation: Bearing weight on the axilla can cause nerve damage (e.g., brachial plexus injury); crutches should support weight on the hands.
Question 3 of 5.
A client with angina is being discharged with a prescription for Transderm Nitro (nitroglycerin) patches. The nurse should tell the client to:
A. Shave the area before applying the patch
B. Remove the old patch and clean the skin with alcohol
C. Cover the patch with plastic wrap and tape it in place
D. Avoid cutting the patch because it will alter the dose
Explanation: Cutting a nitroglycerin patch can alter the dose by disrupting the drug delivery system, so clients should be instructed to avoid this.
Question 4 of 5.
A patient refuses to take his dose of oral medication. The nurse tells the patient that if he does not take the medication that she will administer it by injection. The nurse's comments can result in a charge of:
A. Malpractice
B. Assault
C. Negligence
D. Battery
Explanation: Threatening to administer medication by injection against the patient's will constitutes assault, as it involves a threat of unwanted contact.
Question 5 of 5.
An 18-month-old is admitted to the hospital with acute laryngotracheobronchitis. When assessing the respiratory status, the nurse should expect to find:
A. Inspiratory stridor and harsh cough
B. Strident cough and drooling
C. Wheezing and intercostal retractions
D. Expiratory wheezing and nonproductive cough
Explanation: Acute laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) typically presents with inspiratory stridor and a harsh, barking cough due to subglottic airway inflammation.
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