NCLEX RN Med Surg Questions
Home / Nursing & Allied Health Certifications / NCLEX RN / RN Medical Surgical Nursing
Question 1 of 5.
A nurse is assessing a client when she returns from same-day surgery for a dilatation and curettage. The nurse checks preoperative vital signs at 8:30 a.m. to compare them with the current vital signs at 10:30 p.m. (see chart). What should the nurse do fi rst?
A. Call the physician for pain medication.
B. Cover the client with warmed blankets.
C. Administer oxygen at 4 L/minute.
D. Increase the I.V. fl uid rate.
Explanation: The client's body temperature dropped 2.5° F from the preoperative to postoperative phase. The client lost heat during the preoperative period. The client has not had time to regain the heat she has lost and should not be discharged postoperatively until her postoperative vital signs, which include body temperature, are closer to her preoperative vital signs. The client's pulse rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure have compensated according to the client's hypothermic state and will refl ect changes as the client warms up. There are no indications that the client needs more pain medication, oxygen, or I.V. fl uids.
Question 2 of 5.
A 65-year-old client is admitted to the emergency department with a fractured hip. The client has chest pain and shortness of breath. The health care provider orders nitroglycerin tablets. Which should the nurse instruct the client to do?
A. Put the tablet under the tongue until it is dissolved.
B. Swallow the tablet with 120 mL of water.
C. Chew the tablet until it is dissolved.
D. Place the tablet between his cheek and gums.
Explanation: Sublingual nitroglycerin is administered under the tongue for rapid absorption to relieve chest pain. Other methods (swallowing, chewing, or buccal placement) are incorrect for this medication.
Question 3 of 5.
After a myocardial infarction, the hospitalized client is taught to move the legs while resting in bed. This type of exercise is recommended primarily to help:
A. Prepare the client for ambulation.
B. Promote urinary and intestinal elimination.
C. Prevent thrombophlebitis and blood clot formation.
D. Decrease the likelihood of pressure ulcer formation.
Explanation: Leg exercises prevent venous stasis, reducing the risk of thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis, common complications post-MI due to immobility.
Question 4 of 5.
The client who experiences angina has been told to follow a low-cholesterol diet. Which of the following meals should the nurse tell the client would be best on her low-cholesterol diet?
A. Hamburger, salad, and milkshake.
B. Baked liver, green beans, and coffee.
C. Spaghetti with tomato sauce, salad, and coffee.
D. Fried chicken, green beans, and skim milk.
Explanation: Spaghetti with tomato sauce, salad, and coffee is low in cholesterol, unlike hamburger, liver, or fried chicken, which contain higher cholesterol or saturated fats.
Question 5 of 5.
Which of the following foods should the nurse teach a client with heart failure to limit when following a 2-g sodium diet?
A. Apples.
B. Tomato juice.
C. Whole wheat bread.
D. Beef tenderloin.
Explanation: Tomato juice is high in sodium, which should be limited on a 2-g sodium diet to prevent fluid retention in heart failure.
Related Questions