NCLEX RN Nursing Exam
Question 1 of 5.
The parents of a 9-year-old child with acute lymphocytic leukemia expressed concern about his alopecia from cranial irradiation. The nurse explains that:
A. Alopecia is an unavoidable side effect.
B. There are several wig makers for children.
C. Most children select a favorite hat to protect their heads.
D. His hair will grow back in a few months.
Explanation: Alopecia has occurred, and knowing it is a side effect does not address their concern. Although true, it does not give them hope for the future. Although true, it does not provide them with information of the temporary nature of the situation. Knowing the hair will grow back provides comfort that the alopecia is temporary.
Question 2 of 5.
A client tells the nurse that she takes St. John's wort (hypericum perforatum) three times a day for mild depression. The nurse should tell the client that:
A. St. John's wort seldom relieves depression.
B. She should avoid eating aged cheese.
C. Skin reactions increase with the use of sunscreen.
D. The herbal is safe to use with other antidepressants.
Explanation: St. John's wort increases photosensitivity, so sunscreen use may paradoxically increase skin reactions; clients should be cautioned about sun exposure.
Question 3 of 5.
An adolescent client hospitalized with anorexia nervosa is described by her parents as 'the perfect child.' When planning care for the client, the nurse should:
A. Allow her to choose what foods she will eat
B. Provide activities to foster her self-identity
C. Encourage her to participate in morning exercise
D. Provide a private room near the nurse's station
Explanation: Anorexia nervosa is often linked to issues of control and identity; activities fostering self-identity help address underlying psychological factors.
Question 4 of 5.
The mother of a child with chickenpox wants to know if there is a medication that will shorten the course of the illness. Which medication is sometimes used to speed healing of the lesions and shorten the duration of fever and itching?
A. Zovirax (acyclovir)
B. Varivax (varicella vaccine)
C. VZIG (varicella-zoster immune globulin)
D. Periactin (cyproheptadine)
Explanation: Acyclovir (Zovirax) is an antiviral that can reduce the severity and duration of chickenpox symptoms, including lesions, fever, and itching.
Question 5 of 5.
The physician has ordered an IV bolus of Solu-Medrol (methylprednisolone sodium succinate) in normal saline for a client admitted with a spinal cord injury. Solu-Medrol has been shown to be effective in:
A. Preventing spasticity associated with cord injury
B. Decreasing the need for mechanical ventilation
C. Improving motor and sensory functioning
D. Treating post injury urinary tract infections
Explanation: High-dose methylprednisolone within 8 hours of spinal cord injury can improve motor and sensory outcomes by reducing inflammation and edema.