Exit 1

Question 1

1. Which individual is at greatest risk for developing hypertension?

A. 45-year-old African American attorney
B. 60-year-old Asian American shop owner
C. 40-year-old Caucasian nurse
D. 55-year-old Hispanic teacher

Answer 1

A: 45-year-old African American attorney

The incidence of hypertension is greater among African Americans than other groups in the US. The incidence among the Hispanic population is rising.

Question 2

2. A child who ingested 15 maximum strength acetaminophen tablets 45 minutes ago is seen in the emergency department. Which of these orders should the nurse do first?

A. Gastric lavage PRN
B. Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) for age per pharmacy
C. Start an IV Dextrose 5% with 0.33% normal saline to keep vein open
D. Activated charcoal per pharmacy

Answer 2

A: Gastric lavage PRN

Removing as much of the drug as possible is the first step in treatment for this drug overdose. This is best done by gastric lavage. The next drug to give would be activated charcoal, then mucomyst and lastly the IV fluids.

Question 3

3. Which complication of cardiac catheterization should the nurse monitor for in the initial 24 hours after the procedure?

A. angina at rest
B. thrombus formation
C. dizziness
D. falling blood pressure

Answer 3

B: thrombus formation

Thrombus formation in the coronary arteries is a potential problem in the initial 24 hours after a cardiac catheterization. A falling BP occurs along with hemorrhage of the insertion site which is associated with the first 12 hours after the procedure.

Question 4

4. A client is admitted to the emergency room with renal calculi and is complaining of moderate to severe flank pain and nausea. The client’s temperature is 100.8 degrees Fahrenheit. The priority nursing goal for this client is:

A. Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance
B. Control nausea
C. Manage pain
D. Prevent urinary tract infection

Answer 4

C: Manage pain

The immediate goal of therapy is to alleviate the client’s pain.

Question 5

5. What would the nurse expect to see while assessing the growth of children during their school age years?

A. Decreasing amounts of body fat and muscle mass
B. Little change in body appearance from year to year
C. Progressive height increase of 4 inches each year
D. Yearly weight gain of about 5.5 pounds per year

Answer 5

D: Yearly weight gain of about 5.5 pounds per year

School age children gain about 5.5 pounds each year and increase about 2 inches in height.

Question 6

6. At a community health fair, the blood pressure of a 62-year-old client is 160/96 mmHg. The client states “My blood pressure is usually much lower.” The nurse should tell the client to

A. go get a blood pressure check within the next 48 to 72 hours
B. check blood pressure again in two (2) months
C. see the healthcare provider immediately
D. visit the health care provider within one (1) week for a BP check

Answer 6

A: go get a blood pressure check within the next 48 to 72 hours

The blood pressure reading is moderately high with the need to have it rechecked in a few days. The client states it is ‘usually much lower.’ Thus a concern exists for complications such as stroke. However, immediate check by the provider of care is not warranted. Waiting 2 months or a week for follow-up is too long.

Question 7

7. The hospital has sounded the call for a disaster drill on the evening shift. Which of these clients would the nurse put first on the list to be discharged in order to make a room available for a new admission?

A. A middle-aged client with a history of being ventilator dependent for over seven (7) years and admitted with bacterial pneumonia five days ago.
B. A young adult with diabetes mellitus Type 2 for over ten (10) years and admitted with antibiotic-induced diarrhea 24 hours ago.
C. An elderly client with a history of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and lupus, and was admitted with Stevens-Johnson syndrome that morning.
D. An adolescent with a positive HIV test and admitted for acute cellulitis of the lower leg 48 hours ago.

Answer 7

A: A middle-aged client with a history of being ventilator dependent for over 7 years and admitted with bacterial pneumonia five days ago

The best candidate for discharge is one who has had a chronic condition and is most familiar with their care. This client in option A is most likely stable and could continue medication therapy at home.

Question 8

8. A client has been newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism and will take levothyroxine (Synthroid) 50 mcg/day by mouth. As part of the teaching plan, the nurse emphasizes that this medication:

A. Should be taken in the morning
B. May decrease the client’s energy level
C. Must be stored in a dark container
D. Will decrease the client’s heart rate

Answer 8

A: Should be taken in the morning

Thyroid supplement should be taken in the morning to minimize the side effects of insomnia.

Question 9

9. A 3-year-old child comes to the pediatric clinic after the sudden onset of findings that include irritability, thick muffled voice, croaking on inspiration, hot to touch, sit leaning forward, tongue protruding, drooling and suprasternal retractions. What should the nurse do first?

A. Prepare the child for X-ray of upper airways
B. Examine the child’s throat
C. Collect a sputum specimen
D. Notify the healthcare provider of the child’s status

Answer 9

D: Notify the health care provider of the child’s status

These findings suggest a medical emergency and may be due to epiglottitis. Any child with an acute onset of an inflammatory response in the mouth and throat should receive immediate attention in a facility equipped to perform intubation or a tracheostomy in the event of further or complete obstruction.

Question 10

10. In children suspected to have a diagnosis of diabetes, which one of the following complaints would be most likely to prompt parents to take their school-age child for evaluation?

A. Polyphagia
B. Dehydration
C. Bedwetting
D. Weight loss

Answer 10

C: Bedwetting

In children, fatigue and bed wetting are the chief complaints that prompt parents to take their child for evaluation. Bedwetting in a school-age child is readily detected by the parents.

Question 11

11. A client comes to the clinic for treatment of recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease. The nurse recognizes that this condition most frequently follows which type of infection?

A. Trichomoniasis
B. Chlamydia
C. Staphylococcus
D. Streptococcus

Answer 11

B: Chlamydia

Chlamydial infections are one of the most frequent causes of salpingitis or pelvic inflammatory disease.

Question 12

12. An RN who usually works in a spinal rehabilitation unit is floated to the emergency department. Which of these clients should the charge nurse assign to this RN?

A. A middle-aged client who says “I took too many diet pills” and “my heart feels like it is racing out of my chest.”
B. A young adult who says “I hear songs from heaven. I need money for beer. I quit drinking two (2) days ago for my family. Why are my arms and legs jerking?”
C. An adolescent who has been on pain medications terminal cancer with an initial assessment finding pinpoint pupils and a relaxed respiratory rate of 10.
D. An elderly client who reports having taken a “large crack hit” 10 minutes prior to walking into the emergency room.

Answer 12

C: An adolescent who has been on pain medications for terminal cancer with an initial assessment finding of pinpoint pupils and a relaxed respiratory rate of 10

Nurses who are floated to other units should be assigned to a client who has minimal anticipated immediate complications of their problem. The client in option C exhibits opioid toxicity with the pinpoint pupils and has the least risk of complications to occur in the near future.

Question 13

13. When teaching a client with coronary artery disease about nutrition, the nurse should emphasize

A. Eating three (3) balanced meals a day
B. Adding complex carbohydrates
C. Avoiding very heavy meals
D. Limiting sodium to 7 gms per day

Answer 13

C: Avoiding very heavy meals

Eating large, heavy meals can pull blood away from the heart for digestion and is dangerous for the client with coronary artery disease.

Question 14

14. Which of these findings indicate that a pump to deliver a basal rate of 10 ml per hour plus PRN for pain breakthrough for morphine drip is not working?

A. The client complains of discomfort at the IV insertion site
B. The client states “I just can’t get relief from my pain.”
C. The level of drug is 100 ml at 8 AM and is 80 ml at noon
D. The level of the drug is 100 ml at 8 AM and is 50 ml at noon

Answer 14

C: The level of drug is 100 mL at 8 AM and is 80 mL at noon

The minimal dose of 10 mL per hour which would be 40 mL given in a four (4) hour period. Only 60 mL should be left at noon. The pump is not functioning when more than expected medicine is left in the container.

Question 15

15. The nurse is speaking at a community meeting about personal responsibility for health promotion. A participant asks about chiropractic treatment for illnesses. What should be the focus of the nurse’s response?

A. Electrical energy fields
B. Spinal column manipulation
C. Mind-body balance
D. Exercise of joints

Answer 15

B: Spinal column manipulation

The theory underlying chiropractic is that interference with transmission of mental impulses between the brain and body organs produces diseases. Such interference is caused by misalignment of the vertebrae. Manipulation reduces the subluxation.

Question 16

16. The nurse is performing a neurological assessment on a client post right CVA. Which finding, if observed by the nurse, would warrant immediate attention?

A. Decrease in level of consciousness
B. Loss of bladder control
C. Altered sensation to stimuli
D. Emotional ability

Answer 16

A: Decrease in level of consciousness

A further decrease in the level of consciousness would be indicative of a further progression of the CVA.

Question 17

17. A child who has recently been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis is in a pediatric clinic where a nurse is performing an assessment. Which later finding of this disease would the nurse not expect to see at this time?

A. Positive sweat test
B. Bulky greasy stools
C. Moist, productive cough
D. Meconium ileus

Answer 17

C: Moist, productive cough Option c is a later sign.

Noisy respirations and a dry non-productive cough are commonly the first of the respiratory signs to appear in a newly diagnosed client with cystic fibrosis (CF). The other options are the earliest findings. CF is an inherited (genetic) condition affecting the cells that produce mucus, sweat, saliva and digestive juices. Normally, these secretions are thin and slippery, but in CF, a defective gene causes the secretions to become thick and sticky. Instead of acting as a lubricant, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts, and passageways, especially in the pancreas and lungs. Respiratory failure is the most dangerous consequence of CF.

Question 18

18. The home health nurse visits a male client to provide wound care and finds the client lethargic and confused. His wife states he fell down the stairs 2 hours ago. The nurse should

A. Place a call to the client’s health care provider for instructions
B. Send him to the emergency room for evaluation
C. Reassure the client’s wife that the symptoms are transient
D. Instruct the client’s wife to call the doctor if his symptoms become worse

Answer 18

B: Send him to the emergency room for evaluation

This client requires immediate evaluation. A delay in treatment could result in further deterioration and harm. Home care nurses must prioritize interventions based on assessment findings that are in the client’s best interest.

Question 19

19. Which of the following should the nurse implement to prepare a client for a KUB (Kidney, Ureter, Bladder) radiograph test?

A. Client must be NPO before the examination
B. Enema to be administered prior to the examination
C. Medicate client with Lasix 20 mg IV 30 minutes prior to the examination
D. No special orders are necessary for this examination

Answer 19

D: No special orders are necessary for this examination

No special preparation is necessary for this examination.

Question 20

20. The nurse is giving discharge teaching to a client trseven (7) days post myocardial infarction. He asks the nurse why he must wait six (6) weeks before having sexual intercourse. What is the best response by the nurse to this question?

A. “You need to regain your strength before attempting such exertion.”
B. “When you can climb 2 flights of stairs without problems, it is generally safe.”
C. “Have a glass of wine to relax you, then you can try to have sex.”
D. “If you can maintain an active walking program, you will have less risk.”

Answer 20

B: “When you can climb 2 flights of stairs without problems, it is generally safe.”

There is a risk of cardiac rupture at the point of the myocardial infarction for about six (6) weeks. Scar tissue should form about that time. Waiting until the client can tolerate climbing stairs is the usual advice given by healthcare providers.

Question 21

21. A triage nurse has these four (4) clients arrive in the emergency department within 15 minutes. Which client should the triage nurse send back to be seen first?

A. A 2-month-old infant with a history of rolling off the bed and has bulging fontanels with crying
B. A teenager who got a singed beard while camping
C. An elderly client with complaints of frequent liquid brown colored stools
D. A middle-aged client with intermittent pain behind the right scapula

Answer 21

B: A teenager who got signed beard while camping

This client is in the greatest danger with a potential of respiratory distress. Any client with singed facial hair has been exposed to heat or fire in close range that could have caused serious damage to the interior of the lungs. Note that the interior lining of the lungs have no nerve fibers so the client will not be aware of swelling.

Question 22

22. While planning care for a toddler, the nurse teaches the parents about the expected developmental changes for this age. Which statement by the mother shows that she understands the child’s developmental needs?

A. “I want to protect my child from any falls.”
B. “I will set limits on exploring the house.”
C. “I understand the need to use those new skills.”
D. “I intend to keep control over our child.”

Answer 22

C: “I understand the need to use those new skills.”

Erikson describes the stage of the toddler as being the time when there is normally an increase in autonomy. The child needs to use motor skills to explore the environment.

Question 23

23. The nurse is preparing to administer an enteral feeding to a client via a nasogastric feeding tube. The most important action of the nurse is

A. Verify correct placement of the tube
B. Check that the feeding solution matches the dietary order
C. Aspirate abdominal contents to determine the amount of last feeding remaining in stomach
D. Ensure that feeding solution is at room temperature

Answer 23

A: Verify correct placement of the tube

Proper placement of the tube prevents aspiration.

Question 24

24. The nurse is caring for a client with a serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L. The client is placed on a cardiac monitor and receives 40 mEq KCL in 1000 ml of 5% dextrose in water IV. Which of the following EKG patterns indicates to the nurse that the infusions should be discontinued?

A. Narrowed QRS complex
B. Shortened “PR” interval
C. Tall peaked “T” waves
D. Prominent “U” waves

Answer 24

C: Tall peaked T waves

A tall peaked T wave is a sign of hyperkalemia. The healthcare provider should be notified regarding discontinuing the medication.

Question 25

25. A nurse prepares to care for a 4-year-old newly admitted for rhabdomyosarcoma. The nurse should alert the staff to pay more attention to the function of which area of the body?

A. All striated muscles
B. The cerebellum
C. The kidneys
D. The leg bones

Answer 25

A: All striated muscles

Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common children’s soft tissue sarcoma. It originates in striated (skeletal) muscles and can be found anywhere in the body. The clue is in the middle of the word and is “myo” which typically means muscle.

Question 26

26. The nurse anticipates that for a family who practices Chinese medicine the priority goal would be to:

A. Achieve harmony
B. Maintain a balance of energy
C. Respect life
D. Restore yin and yang

Answer 26

D: Restore yin and yang

For followers of Chinese medicine, health is maintained through the balance between the forces of yin and yang.

Question 27

27. During an assessment of a client with cardiomyopathy, the nurse finds that the systolic blood pressure has decreased from 145 to 110 mm Hg and the heart rate has risen from 72 to 96 beats per minute and the client complains of periodic dizzy spells. The nurse instructs the client to

A. Increase fluids that are high in protein
B. Restrict fluids
C. Force fluids and reassess blood pressure
D. Limit fluids to non-caffeine beverages

Answer 27

C: Force fluids and reassess blood pressure

Postural hypotension, a decrease in systolic blood pressure of more than 15 mmHg and an increase in heart rate of more than 15 percent usually accompanied by dizziness indicate volume depletion, inadequate vasoconstrictor mechanisms, and autonomic insufficiency.

Question 28

28. The nurse prepares the client for insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter (Swan-Ganz catheter). The nurse teaches the client that the catheter will be inserted to provide information about:

A. Stroke volume
B. Cardiac output
C. Venous pressure
D. Left ventricular functioning

Answer 28

D. Left ventricular functioning

The catheter is placed in the pulmonary artery. Information regarding left ventricular function is obtained when the catheter balloon is inflated.

Question 29

29. A nurse enters a client’s room to discover that the client has no pulse or respirations. After calling for help, the first action the nurse should take is:

A. Start a peripheral IV
B. Initiate high-quality chest compressions
C. Establish an airway
D. Obtain the crash cart

Answer 29

B. Initiate high-quality chest compressions

As per new guidelines, the American Heart Association recommends beginning CPR with chest compression (rather than checking for the airway first). Start CPR with 30 chest compressions before checking the airway and giving rescue breaths. Starting with chest compressions first applies to adults, children, and infants needing CPR, but not newborns. CPR can keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until more definitive medical treatment can restore a normal heart rhythm.

Question 30

30. A client is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin) 0.25 mg daily. The health care provider has written a new order to give metoprolol (Lopressor) 25 mg B.I.D. In assessing the client prior to administering the medications, which of the following should the nurse report immediately to the health care provider?

A. Blood pressure 94/60
B. Heart rate 76
C. Urine output 50 ml/hour
D. Respiratory rate 16

Answer 30

A: Blood pressure 94/60

Both medications decrease the heart rate. Metoprolol affects blood pressure. Therefore, the heart rate and blood pressure must be within normal range (HR 60-100; systolic BP over 100) in order to safely administer both medications.

Question 31

31. While assessing a 1-month-old infant, which finding should the nurse report immediately?

A. Abdominal respirations
B. Irregular breathing rate
C. Inspiratory grunt
D. Increased heart rate with crying

Answer 31

C: Inspiratory grunt

Inspiratory grunting is abnormal and may be a sign of respiratory distress in this infant.

Question 32

32. The nurse practicing in a maternity setting recognizes that the postmature fetus is at risk due to

A. Excessive fetal weight
B. Low blood sugar levels
C. Depletion of subcutaneous fat
D. Progressive placental insufficiency

Answer 32

D: Progressive placental insufficiency

The placenta functions less efficiently as the pregnancy continues beyond 42 weeks. Immediate and long-term effects may be related to hypoxia.

Question 33

33. The nurse is caring for a client who had a total hip replacement four (4) days ago. Which assessment requires the nurse’s immediate attention?

A. I have bad muscle spasms in my lower leg of the affected extremity.
B. “I just can’t ‘catch my breath’ over the past few minutes and I think I am in grave danger.”
C. “I have to use the bedpan to pass my water at least every 1 to 2 hours.”
D. “It seems that the pain medication is not working as well today.”

Answer 33

B: “I just can’t ”catch my breath” over the past few minutes and I think I am in grave danger.”

The nurse would be concerned about all of these comments. However, the most life-threatening is option B. Clients who have had hip or knee surgery are at greatest risk for development of postoperative pulmonary embolism. Sudden dyspnea and tachycardia are classic findings of pulmonary embolism. Muscle spasms do not require immediate attention. Option C may indicate a urinary tract infection. And option D requires further investigation and is not life-threatening.

Question 34

34. A client has been taking furosemide (Lasix) for the past week. The nurse recognizes which finding may indicate the client is experiencing a negative side effect from the medication?

A. Weight gain of 5 pounds
B. Edema of the ankles
C. Gastric irritability
D. Decreased appetite

Answer 34

D: Decreased appetite

Lasix causes a loss of potassium if a supplement is not taken. Signs and symptoms of hypokalemia include anorexia, fatigue, nausea, decreased GI motility, muscle weakness, dysrhythmias.

Question 35

35. A client who is pregnant comes to the clinic for a first visit. The nurse gathers data about her obstetric history, which includes 3-year-old twins at home and a miscarriage 10 years ago at 12 weeks gestation. How would the nurse accurately document this information?

A. Gravida 4 para 2
B. Gravida 2 para 1
C. Gravida 3 para 1
D. Gravida 3 para 2

Answer 35

C: Gravida 3 para 1

Gravida is the number of pregnancies and Parity is the number of pregnancies that reach viability (not the number of fetuses). Thus, for this woman, she is now pregnant, had 2 prior pregnancies, and 1 viable birth (twins).

Question 36

36. The nurse is caring for a client with a venous stasis ulcer. Which nursing intervention would be most effective in promoting healing?

A. Apply dressing using sterile technique
B. Improve the client’s nutrition status
C. Initiate limb compression therapy
D. Begin proteolytic debridement

Answer 36

B: Improve the client’s nutritional status

The goal of clinical management in a client with venous stasis ulcers is to promote healing. This only can be accomplished with proper nutrition. The other answers are correct, but without proper nutrition, the other interventions would be of little help.

Question 37

37. A nurse is to administer meperidine hydrochloride (Demerol) 100 mg, atropine sulfate (Atropisol) 0.4 mg, and promethazine hydrochloride (Phenergan) 50 mg IM to a pre-operative client. Which action should the nurse take first?

A. Raise the side rails on the bed
B. Place the call bell within reach
C. Instruct the client to remain in bed
D. Have the client empty bladder

Answer 37

D: Have the client empty bladder

The first step in the process is to have the client void prior to administering the pre-operative medication. The other actions follow this initial step in this sequence: D, C, A and then B.

Question 38

38. Which of these statements best describes the characteristics of an effective reward-feedback system?

A. Specific feedback is given as close to the event as possible
B. Staff is given feedback in equal amounts over time
C. Positive statements are to precede a negative statement
D. Performance goals should be higher than what is attainable

Answer 38

A: Specific feedback is given as close to the event as possible

Feedback is most useful when given immediately. Positive behavior is strengthened through immediate feedback, and it is easier to modify problem behaviors if the standards are clearly understood.

Question 39

39. A client with multiple sclerosis plans to begin an exercise program. In addition to discussing the benefits of regular exercise, the nurse should caution the client to avoid activities which

A. Increase the heart rate
B. Lead to dehydration
C. Are considered aerobic
D. May be competitive

Answer 39

B: Lead to dehydration

The client must take in adequate fluids before and during exercise periods.

Question 40

40. During the evaluation of the quality of home care for a client with Alzheimer’s disease, the priority for the nurse is to reinforce which statement by a family member?

A. At least two (2) full meals a day is eaten.
B. We go to a group discussion every week at our community center.
C. We have safety bars installed in the bathroom and have 24-hour alarms on the doors.
D. The medication is not a problem to have it taken three (3) times a day.

Answer 40

C: We have safety bars installed in the bathroom and have 24-hour alarms on the doors.

Ensuring safety of the client with increasing memory loss is a priority of home care. Note all options are correct statements. However, safety is most important to reinforce.