PN NCLEX Practice Questions
Question 1 of 5.
An adult postoperative client vomits, and his abdominal wound eviscerates. What is the best initial action for the nurse to take?
A. Cover the exposed coils of intestine with sterile moist towels or dressings
B. Pack the intestines back into the abdominal cavity
C. Irrigate the exposed coils of intestines with sterile water
D. Take the client's vital signs
Explanation: Covering exposed intestines with sterile moist dressings prevents infection and drying of tissue, stabilizing the client until surgical intervention. Packing intestines risks contamination, irrigation is inappropriate, and vital signs are secondary to immediate protection.
Question 2 of 5.
A woman who is at 39 weeks gestation enters the hospital in early labor. Several hours later, she says, 'What's happening? I suddenly feel as though I have to have a bowel movement.' The woman starts bearing down as if to push out stool. What is the best initial action for the licensed practical nurse at this time?
A. Encourage her to push
B. Ask her to pant
C. Immediately call the charge nurse
D. Ask her when she last had a bowel movement
Explanation: The urge to have a bowel movement and bearing down indicate advanced labor or delivery. Panting prevents pushing, allowing time to assess and prepare for delivery.
Question 3 of 5.
The nurse is caring for an adult male who is receiving haloperidol (Haldol). Which complaint by the client is of most concern to the nurse and should be immediately reported?
A. I have gained so much weight in the last few months.
B. I am having trouble getting an erection.
C. My legs are cramping and I feel like I need to walk all the time.
D. It's really embarrassing. I'm drooling a lot.
Explanation: Leg cramping and restlessness suggest akathisia, a serious extrapyramidal side effect of haloperidol, requiring immediate reporting.
Question 4 of 5.
Divalproex sodium (Depakote) is prescribed for a 28-year-old female. Which lab test would the nurse expect prior to administration of the medication?
A. Urine drug screen
B. Pregnancy test
C. CBC with differential
D. Liver function tests
Explanation: Divalproex is teratogenic; a pregnancy test is critical in females of childbearing age to prevent fetal harm.
Question 5 of 5.
The nurse is discussing hypertension with a group of people. Which person is at greatest risk for hypertension?
A. A 63-year-old overweight Caucasian female office worker who smokes and whose parents both had high blood pressure.
B. A 52-year-old African-American female of normal weight whose parents have diabetes and who is an avid swimmer.
C. A 48-year-old Hispanic-American smoker whose father had high blood pressure.
D. A 45-year-old Native American who leads a sedentary life and smokes.
Explanation: Age, obesity, smoking, and family history of hypertension confer the highest risk, as seen in the 63-year-old Caucasian female.
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