Basic Adult Health Care NCLEX Questions
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Question 1 of 5.
A nurse is assessing a surgical client's blood pressure 8 hours after surgery. The client's blood pressure before surgery was 120/80 mm Hg and on admission to the postsurgical nursing unit, it was 110/80 mm Hg. The client's blood pressure is now 90/70 mm Hg. What should the nurse do first?
A. Notify the surgeon.
B. Check the client's dressing for bleeding.
C. Administer oxygen.
D. Increase the I.V. fluid rate.
Explanation: A drop to 90/70 mm Hg suggests hypovolemia, likely from bleeding. Checking the dressing for bleeding is the first step to identify the cause before further interventions.
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.