NCLEX-RN Practice Questions with Nurse Brennan
Question 1: A nurse is caring for a client with chronic renal failure who is prescribed erythropoietin. What is the primary purpose of this medication?
A. To improve appetite
B. To decrease blood pressure
C. To treat anemia
D. To reduce edema
Correct Answer: C. To treat anemia
Rationale: Erythropoietin is used to stimulate the production of red blood cells, which helps treat anemia commonly associated with chronic renal failure. This is because the kidneys typically produce erythropoietin, but renal failure can decrease this production. It is not used to improve appetite, decrease blood pressure, or reduce edema.
Question 2: A client with type 2 diabetes is admitted to the hospital for an infection and has a blood glucose level of 240 mg/dL. The client is on sliding-scale insulin. What action should the nurse take?
A. Withhold insulin based on the fasting glucose reading
B. Administer the insulin according to the sliding scale
C. Encourage the client to drink more water
D. Call the healthcare provider before administering insulin
Correct Answer: B. Administer the insulin according to the sliding scale
Rationale: In the case of elevated blood glucose levels, especially with an infection present, administering insulin according to the sliding scale is the correct action to help regulate blood sugar. Sliding-scale insulin is intended to bring blood glucose levels down safely. Withholding insulin, giving extra fluids, or delaying to call the healthcare provider might allow the glucose levels to remain high or worsen.
Question 3: A nurse is completing discharge teaching for a client who has been prescribed warfarin. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for further education?
A. "I will avoid drinking grapefruit juice while on this medication."
B. "I need to have my INR levels checked regularly."
C. "I can continue to take my daily aspirin for my headaches."
D. "I should inform my dentist that I'm taking warfarin."
Correct Answer: C. "I can continue to take my daily aspirin for my headaches."
Rationale: Clients taking warfarin should avoid taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without consulting their healthcare provider, as these can increase the risk of bleeding. The other statements accurately reflect proper understanding of precautions while on warfarin therapy.
Question 4: A client is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes. What important side effect should the nurse advise the client to report?
A. Increased hunger
B. Constipation
C. Muscle pain
D. Lactic acidosis symptoms, such as fatigue and weakness
Correct Answer: D. Lactic acidosis symptoms, such as fatigue and weakness
Rationale: Metformin can lead to lactic acidosis, a rare but serious side effect. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and abdominal discomfort, among others. Prompt reporting of these symptoms is essential for preventing complications. Increased hunger is more often related to blood glucose levels, not specific metformin side effects. Constipation and muscle pain aren't typical concerns with metformin.
Question 5: A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who is receiving furosemide. The nurse should monitor which laboratory value most closely?
A. Hemoglobin
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Platelets
Correct Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic, which can cause significant potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia. Regular monitoring of potassium levels is essential to avoid cardiac and muscular complications. While hemoglobin, calcium, and platelet counts are important, they are not typically affected by furosemide use and relevant for this particular medication.
Question 6: A client with a suspected stroke is admitted to the emergency department. What is the nurse's priority assessment?
A. Urine output
B. Blood glucose level
C. Airway and breathing
D. Pain level
Correct Answer: C. Airway and breathing
Rationale: When a client is experiencing a stroke, maintaining a patent airway and ensuring effective breathing is the top priority. Airway compromise can lead to hypoxia and exacerbate brain injury. Although monitoring blood glucose levels, assessing pain, and tracking urine output are important, they are secondary to ensuring the client's airway and breathing are managed effectively.
