NCLEX RN Free Practice Questions
Question 1 of 5.
A male client has heart failure. He has been instructed to gradually increase his activities. Which signs and symptoms of worsening heart failure should the nurse tell him to watch for that would indicate a need for him to lower his activity level?
A. Pain in his legs when he walks
B. Thirst, weight loss, and polyuria
C. Drowsiness and lethargy after his activities
D. Weight gain, edema in his lower extremities, and shortness of breath
Explanation: Pain in the legs could be indicative of doing too much too quickly, but not of worsening heart failure. The client should be cautioned to increase his activities slowly. Thirst, weight loss, and frequent urination are not indicative of heart failure. The client should report these symptoms to his physician. Drowsiness and lethargy are not indicative of worsening heart failure. The client should report these symptoms to his physician. All of these symptoms indicate a worsening cardiac condition possibly associated with too much activity. The client's activity level should be evaluated.
Question 2 of 5.
The nurse is preparing to administer an injection to a six-month-old when she notices a white dot in the infant's right pupil. The nurse should:
A. Report the finding to the physician immediately.
B. Record the finding and give the infant's injection.
C. Recognize that the finding is a variation of normal.
D. Check both eyes for the presence of the red reflex.
Explanation: A white dot in the pupil (leukocoria) may indicate retinoblastoma or other serious conditions, requiring immediate reporting to the physician for evaluation.
Question 3 of 5.
A client with paranoid schizophrenia has an order for Thorazine (chlorpromazine) 400 mg orally twice daily. Which of the following symptoms should be reported to the physician immediately?
A. Fever, sore throat, weakness
B. Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision
C. Lethargy, slurred speech, thirst
D. Fatigue, drowsiness, photosensitivity
Explanation: Fever, sore throat, and weakness may indicate agranulocytosis, a serious side effect of chlorpromazine requiring immediate medical attention.
Question 4 of 5.
The physician has ordered a paracentesis for a client with severe abdominal ascites. Before the procedure, the nurse should:
A. Provide the client with a urinal
B. Prep the area by shaving the abdomen
C. Encourage the client to drink extra fluids
D. Request an ultrasound of the abdomen
Explanation: Providing a urinal ensures the bladder is empty, reducing the risk of bladder puncture during paracentesis, a priority before the procedure.
Question 5 of 5.
A new mother tells the nurse that she is getting a new microwave so that her husband can help prepare the baby's feedings. The nurse should:
A. Explain that a microwave should never be used to warm the baby's bottles.
B. Tell the mother that microwaving is the best way to prevent bacteria in the formula.
C. Tell the mother to shake the bottle vigorously for one minute after warming in the microwave.
D. Instruct the parents to always leave the top of the bottle open while microwaving so heat can escape.
Explanation: Microwaving baby bottles can cause uneven heating, leading to burns, so it should be avoided; warming under running water or in a bottle warmer is safer.