Basic Adult Health Care NCLEX Questions
Home / Nursing & Allied Health Certifications / NCLEX RN / RN Medical Surgical Nursing
Question 1 of 5.
A client who is to receive general anesthesia has a serum potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L. What should be the nurse's first response?
A. Call the surgeon.
B. Send the client to surgery.
C. Make a note on the front of the chart.
D. Notify the anesthesiologist.
Explanation: A potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which can cause cardiac complications under general anesthesia. Notifying the anesthesiologist first ensures prompt evaluation and management to ensure patient safety.
Question 2 of 5.
If the client who was admitted for myocardial infarction (MI) develops cardiogenic shock, which characteristic sign should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Oliguria.
B. Bradycardia.
C. Elevated blood pressure.
D. Fever.
Explanation: Cardiogenic shock causes decreased cardiac output, leading to reduced renal perfusion and oliguria (low urine output). Bradycardia, elevated BP, and fever are not typical signs.
Question 3 of 5.
Contraindications to the administration of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) include which of the following?
A. Age greater than 60 years.
B. History of cerebral hemorrhage.
C. History of heart failure.
D. Cigarette smoking.
Explanation: A history of cerebral hemorrhage is an absolute contraindication to t-PA due to the risk of bleeding. Age, heart failure, and smoking are not contraindications.
Question 4 of 5.
A client with angina has been taking nifedipine. The nurse should teach the client to:
A. Monitor blood pressure monthly.
B. Perform daily weights.
C. Inspect gums daily.
D. Limit intake of green leafy vegetables.
Explanation: Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, can cause gingival hyperplasia. Daily gum inspection helps detect this side effect early.
Question 5 of 5.
A client is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization. The nurse should do which of the following preprocedure tasks? Select all that apply.
A. Administer all ordered oral medications.
B. Check for iodine sensitivity.
C. Verify that written consent has been obtained.
D. Withhold food and oral fluids before the procedure.
E. Insert a urinary drainage catheter.
Explanation: Checking iodine sensitivity (B), verifying consent (C), and withholding food/fluids (D) are standard pre-catheterization tasks to ensure safety and preparedness.