NCLEX-RN Practice Questions with Nurse Brennan
Question 1: A client taking isoniazid for tuberculosis is discussing meal planning with the nurse. Which food selection should the nurse caution the client to avoid?
A. Bananas
B. Aged cheese
C. Chicken breast
D. White rice
Correct Answer: B. Aged cheese
Rationale: Isoniazid can interact with tyramine-rich foods, such as aged cheese, causing hypertension. It's important for clients to be aware of potential dietary restrictions to avoid adverse effects. Bananas, chicken breast, and white rice do not contain high levels of tyramine and are generally safe.
Question 2: A pregnant client is inquiring about the purpose of taking folic acid. How should the nurse respond?
A. "It helps to improve your digestion."
B. "It reduces the risk of neural tube defects in the baby."
C. "It enhances the taste of food."
D. "It prevents gestational diabetes."
Correct Answer: B. "It reduces the risk of neural tube defects in the baby."
Rationale: Folic acid is crucial during pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, in the developing fetus. It is not related to digestion, glycemic control, or enhancing the taste of food.
Question 3: A client undergoing heparin therapy for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) should have which lab value regularly monitored?
A. Hematocrit
B. Prothrombin Time (PT)
C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
D. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
Correct Answer: D. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
Rationale: The aPTT is used to monitor the effectiveness and safety of heparin therapy, as it assesses the intrinsic pathway of coagulation. PT and INR are more relevant to monitoring warfarin therapy.
Question 4: A nurse is teaching a client with congestive heart failure about dietary changes. Which statement by the client indicates effective teaching?
A. "I should increase my intake of canned soups and processed meats."
B. "I can drink as much water as I want between meals."
C. "I will include more fresh fruits and vegetables in my diet."
D. "I will use salt substitutes like potassium chloride freely."
Correct Answer: C. "I will include more fresh fruits and vegetables in my diet."
Rationale: Including fresh fruits and vegetables is beneficial for a client with congestive heart failure as these foods are generally low in sodium and can help manage fluid retention. Canned soups and processed meats often have high sodium content and should be avoided. Clients should monitor fluid intake as excessive fluids can exacerbate heart failure. Using salt substitutes containing potassium should be discussed with a healthcare provider due to the potential for hyperkalemia, especially with some heart medications.
Question 5: A client in labor is receiving an oxytocin infusion. What is the chief concern the nurse should monitor for during this administration?
A. Uterine rupture
B. Decreased maternal blood pressure
C. Hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn
D. Increased maternal heart rate
Correct Answer: A. Uterine rupture
Rationale: Oxytocin enhances uterine contractions, and close monitoring is essential to avoid hyperstimulation, which could lead to uterine rupture, a potentially life-threatening event for both the mother and fetus. While monitoring maternal vital signs is important, the greatest risk here is related to the uterus's reaction to the medication.
Question 6: A client on digoxin therapy for atrial fibrillation reports seeing yellow halos around lights. Which lab test should the nurse review next?
A. Serum potassium level
B. Blood glucose level
C. Digoxin level
D. Serum calcium level
Correct Answer: C. Digoxin level
Rationale: Seeing yellow halos can be a sign of digoxin toxicity. Checking the digoxin level is crucial to ensure it is within the therapeutic range. While potassium can affect digoxin toxicity, the priority is to verify the medication level directly associated with the client's symptoms.
