NCLEX-RN Practice Questions with Nurse Brennan
Question 1: A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with heart failure. The nurse administers furosemide and monitors the client for what critical side effect?
A. Hypertension
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: C. Hypokalemia
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause the client to lose potassium through increased urination, leading to hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is essential because low potassium can lead to cardiac arrhythmias.
Question 2: A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is prescribed warfarin. Which lab test should the nurse monitor to ensure therapeutic effects?
A. Complete blood count (CBC)
B. Platelet count
C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Correct Answer: C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
Rationale: The INR is crucial for monitoring the therapeutic effects of warfarin, a medication used for anticoagulation. It helps determine if the dosing is within the therapeutic range to prevent clotting or excessive bleeding.
Question 3: A client with asthma is advised on proper inhaler technique for albuterol. Which step should not be part of the teaching provided by the nurse?
A. Shake the inhaler well before use.
B. Inhale deeply and slowly when administering the medication.
C. Use the inhaler only when symptoms occur.
D. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds after inhalation.
Correct Answer: C. Use the inhaler only when symptoms occur.
Rationale: While albuterol can be used as needed for acute symptoms, regular preventative use is often prescribed to manage chronic asthma by reducing baseline airway constriction. It's important that clients understand both scenarios for usage as part of a broader asthma management plan.
Question 4: A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. Which action is essential before starting the transfusion?
A. Warming the blood in a microwave
B. Verifying the client's identity and blood type with two nurses
C. Administering the transfusion rapidly in case of a reaction
D. Keeping the blood in the unit for more than 4 hours before transfusion
Correct Answer: B. Verifying the client's identity and blood type with two nurses
Rationale: Verifying the client's identity and blood type with another nurse is crucial to ensure the correct blood product is given, preventing serious transfusion reactions. Blood should never be warmed in a microwave, and transfusions should not be administered rapidly or kept out for more than 4 hours.
Question 5: A client with pneumonia is being taught about the importance of coughing and deep breathing exercises. What is the primary purpose of these exercises?
A. To induce fatigue, promoting rest
B. To increase blood pressure
C. To clear the airway of secretions and improve lung expansion
D. To decrease the need for supplemental oxygen
Correct Answer: C. To clear the airway of secretions and improve lung expansion
Rationale: Coughing and deep breathing are critical practices to help clear airway secretions and enhance lung expansion, aiding in respiratory function and recovery from pneumonia. These exercises do not aim to induce fatigue or change vital signs like blood pressure.
Question 6: A client is admitted with suspected appendicitis. What should the nurse anticipate is a priority diagnostic procedure?
A. MRI of the abdomen
B. Chest X-ray
C. Complete blood count (CBC)
D. Ultrasound of the abdomen
Correct Answer: D. Ultrasound of the abdomen
Rationale: An abdominal ultrasound is often used in diagnosing appendicitis to visually confirm inflammation or abnormalities of the appendix. While a CBC might be performed to check for signs of infection (like elevated white blood cells), the ultrasound provides direct imaging critical for diagnosis.
