NCLEX-RN Practice Questions with Nurse Brennan
Question 1: A client with newly diagnosed hypertension is prescribed atenolol. What important information should the nurse include in the client's education about this medication?
A. "You can stop taking this medication once your blood pressure is normal."
B. "Check your pulse daily and notify your healthcare provider if it's below 60 beats per minute."
C. "This medication may cause a dry cough."
D. "Increase your intake of high-sodium foods."
Correct Answer: B. "Check your pulse daily and notify your healthcare provider if it's below 60 beats per minute."
Rationale: Atenolol is a beta-blocker that can slow the heart rate, so it's important for clients to monitor their pulse and report a rate below 60 beats per minute. They should not stop taking the medication abruptly, and it does not typically cause a dry cough or necessitate increased sodium intake.
Question 2: A client is receiving a blood transfusion and reports sudden chills, fever, and headache. What is the nurse's immediate priority action?
A. Slow down the transfusion
B. Administer acetaminophen
C. Stop the transfusion immediately
D. Notify the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: C. Stop the transfusion immediately
Rationale: Symptoms of chills, fever, and headache may indicate a transfusion reaction. The immediate action is to stop the transfusion to prevent further complications. The healthcare provider should be notified after stopping the transfusion, and further actions, such as administering antipyretics or other medications, can be considered afterwards.
Question 3: A client with a history of chronic angina is being discharged with a prescription for nitroglycerin patch. What instruction is most important for the nurse to emphasize?
A. "Apply the patch on your thigh to avoid spasm."
B. "Use the patch only when you have chest pain."
C. "Rotate sites to prevent skin irritation and apply a new patch every morning."
D. "Cut the patch in half if you need a smaller dose."
Correct Answer: C. "Rotate sites to prevent skin irritation and apply a new patch every morning."
Rationale: For a nitroglycerin patch, clients should be advised to apply a new patch each morning on a different skin site to prevent irritation and ensure consistent medication absorption. It should be applied on areas like the chest, back, or upper arms and not used only when experiencing chest pain. The patch should not be cut, as this alters the dosage and delivery system.
Question 4: A client with renal insufficiency has been prescribed erythropoietin. Which laboratory result would indicate the medication is having its desired effect?
A. Increased white blood cell count
B. Decreased hemoglobin
C. Increased hemoglobin
D. Decreased creatinine
Correct Answer: C. Increased hemoglobin
Rationale: Erythropoietin stimulates red blood cell production, leading to an increase in hemoglobin levels. This is beneficial for clients with renal insufficiency who may develop anemia due to decreased erythropoietin production by the kidneys. Increasing white blood cell counts and reducing creatinine are not the medication's intended effects.
Question 5: A nurse is teaching a client with asthma how to use a peak flow meter. What instruction should be included?
A. "Use the peak flow meter once a day, before taking any asthma medication."
B. "Inhale deeply and exhale slowly into the peak flow meter."
C. "Record the best of three attempts for each session."
D. "Use your peak flow meter after using your inhaler."
Correct Answer: C. "Record the best of three attempts for each session."
Rationale: Clients should perform three attempts using the peak flow meter and record the highest reading to monitor their asthma control. The peak flow meter is used to measure the highest flow rate achieved during a forceful exhalation, not necessarily slow or timed. It's typically done before using inhalers unless otherwise instructed by a healthcare professional.
Question 6: A client admitted with fluid volume overload is receiving furosemide. Which finding indicates the medication is effective?
A. Decreased urine output
B. Increased blood pressure
C. Weight loss
D. Dyspnea
Correct Answer: C. Weight loss
Rationale: Effective use of furosemide in treating fluid overload is often indicated by a reduction in weight due to diuresis (fluid loss). Decreased urine output and increased blood pressure are signs the medication is not working effectively, while improving dyspnea is also a positive sign but not as objectively measurable as weight loss.
