NCLEX-RN Practice Questions with Nurse Brennan
Question 1: A client who has had a thyroidectomy is experiencing tingling around their mouth and fingertips. What complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypothyroidism
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: C. Hypocalcemia
Rationale: Tingling around the mouth and fingertips, also known as paresthesia, is a sign of hypocalcemia, which can occur after a thyroidectomy if the parathyroid glands are damaged or removed. This condition requires immediate attention and calcium level monitoring.
Question 2: A nurse is counseling a client who is about to undergo a colonoscopy. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the colonoscopy preparation?
A. "I can eat a light breakfast on the day of the procedure."
B. "I will get plenty of rest and avoid moving around before the procedure."
C. "I need to be on a clear liquid diet the day before the procedure."
D. "I should take my regular medications the morning of the procedure with breakfast."
Correct Answer: C. "I need to be on a clear liquid diet the day before the procedure."
Rationale: A clear liquid diet is essential the day before a colonoscopy to ensure the bowel is adequately prepared for visualization during the procedure. Eating food or avoiding activity is against standard preparation guidelines, and dietary habits should cease the day of the procedure.
Question 3: A nurse is assessing a patient taking atorvastatin. What side effect should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?
A. Insomnia
B. Muscle pain
C. Nausea
D. Mild rash
Correct Answer: B. Muscle pain
Rationale: Muscle pain might indicate rhabdomyolysis, a rare but serious side effect of statins like atorvastatin. This condition can result in severe muscle damage. Reporting muscle pain promptly is essential to avoid complications such as kidney damage.
Question 4: A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prescribed oxygen therapy at home. What should the nurse emphasize when teaching the client about oxygen use?
A. "Use oxygen continuously, even if you aren't feeling short of breath."
B. "It's safe to smoke as long as you use a fan while on oxygen."
C. "Adjust the flow rate to your activity level without consulting your provider."
D. "Ensure that electrical equipment is in good working order to avoid sparks near oxygen."
Correct Answer: D. "Ensure that electrical equipment is in good working order to avoid sparks near oxygen."
Rationale: Oxygen is highly flammable, so it’s crucial to ensure that all electrical equipment is functioning properly to minimize the risk of sparks and fire. Smoking is not safe around oxygen, and changes in the flow rate should only be made following a healthcare provider's guidance.
Question 5: A nurse is administering morning medications to a patient who is NPO for a procedure. Which medication is the nurse most concerned about administering?
A. Lisinopril
B. Levothyroxine
C. Aspirin
D. Atorvastatin
Correct Answer: B. Levothyroxine
Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach to ensure proper absorption, typically 30-60 minutes before breakfast. Administering this medication to a patient who is NPO can ensure the intended therapeutic effect, although patient-specific guidelines and physician orders must always be followed.
Question 3: A client with a new diagnosis of tonic-clonic seizures is prescribed phenytoin. Which instruction is essential for the nurse to include in the client's medication teaching plan?
A. "You can consume alcohol in moderation while on this medication."
B. "Do not stop taking phenytoin abruptly without consulting your healthcare provider."
C. "Take the medication on an empty stomach for better absorption."
D. "Phenytoin is an over-the-counter medication that you can adjust as needed."
Correct Answer: B. "Do not stop taking phenytoin abruptly without consulting your healthcare provider."
Rationale: Abruptly stopping phenytoin can lead to seizure recurrence. It’s important for clients to understand the necessity of adhering to the prescribed regimen and to consult their healthcare provider before making any changes. Alcohol should be avoided, and adjustments to the dose are decided by healthcare providers.
