NCLEX-RN Practice Questions with Nurse Brennan

Question 1: A nurse is caring for a patient who has just been diagnosed with Addison's disease. Which of the following signs and symptoms is most consistent with this condition?

A. Hypertension and hyperglycemia

B. Purple striae and moon face

C. Bronze skin and hypotension

D. Weight gain and fluid retention

Correct Answer: C. Bronze skin and hypotension

Rationale: Addison's disease, a form of adrenal insufficiency, is characterized by insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone. This can lead to symptoms such as bronze pigmentation of the skin (due to increased melanin) and hypotension. The other options are more consistent with conditions like Cushing's syndrome.

Question 2: A patient who is receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer is experiencing nausea and vomiting. Which action by the nurse is best to manage these side effects?

A. Encourage the patient to lie flat after meals

B. Offer small, frequent meals that are bland and dry

C. Provide meals rich in fats and proteins

D. Increase the intake of liquids during meals

Correct Answer: B. Offer small, frequent meals that are bland and dry

Rationale: Small, frequent meals that are bland and dry can help manage nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy by reducing stomach irritation. Avoiding fatty, heavy meals and not increasing fluid intake during meals are common strategies to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.

Question 3: A client is being assessed for risk factors associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). Which of the following would the nurse identify as a modifiable risk factor?

A. Male gender

B. Family history of CAD

C. Sedentary lifestyle

D. Advanced age

Correct Answer: C. Sedentary lifestyle

Rationale: A sedentary lifestyle is a modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease. Encouraging physical activity can reduce this risk. Male gender, family history, and advanced age are non-modifiable risk factors.

Question 4: A client is receiving intravenous vancomycin for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Which assessment finding would indicate a possible adverse effect of the medication?

A. Decreased urinary output

B. Hypertension

C. Reduced temperature

D. Facial flushing and hypotension

Correct Answer: D. Facial flushing

Rationale: Vancomycin can cause "red man syndrome," a reaction that results in sudden onset of low blood pressure, flushing, and a rash. It is often caused by rapid infusion of the drug. Slowing the rate of infusion can usually resolve it.

Question 5: A client has been admitted for severe dehydration and is receiving intravenous fluids. Which assessment finding would indicate to the nurse that the therapy is effective?

A. Increased respiratory rate

B. Decreased urine output

C. Decreased heart rate

D. Decreased blood pressure

Correct Answer: C. Decreased bone density

Rationale: Diabetic patients are advised to monitor their blood glucose before insulin intake for appropriate dosage adjustments. While dehydration could occur if fluid intake is low, it is not because of the albuterol. Similarly, hypoglycemia, associated with too much insulin or food delay, is unrelated to albuterol. Insomnia might occur in some patients due to albuterol’s stimulating side effects, but this is not the primary side effect of concern.