NCLEX-RN Exam: Practice Questions With Nurse Brennan (Part 2.)

Medliant International Healthcare Staffing, an employment-based staffing agency, proudly offers NCLEX Sponsorship, paying for our candidates NCLEX review and exam upfront! Our self-paced online NCLEX review partnered program promotes a pass rate of 90% (50% greater than the international NCLEX test taker average). To apply for Medliant's USRN Green Card Visa and NCLEX Sponsorship Programs, email your resume to nursebrennan@medliant.com today.

Below are 10 additional NCLEX practice questions to help supplement your NCLEX review:

NCLEX Practice Questions:

Question #1: A nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure who is receiving furosemide (Lasix). Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor closely in this patient?

A. Potassium

B. Sodium

C. Calcium

D. Magnesium

Question #2: A nurse is caring for a patient with a tracheostomy tube. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize when caring for this patient?

A. Assessing lung sounds every hour

B. Providing oral care every 4 hours

C. Suctioning the tracheostomy tube as needed

D. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula

Question #3: Which of the following is a priority intervention for a client experiencing anaphylaxis?

A. Administer epinephrine

B. Assess vital signs

C. Administer oxygen

D. Call for assistance

Question #4: A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prescribed albuterol. Which of the following is a potential side effect of this medication?

A. Bradycardia

B. Tachycardia

C. Hypotension

D. Hypertension

Question #5: A client with a history of congestive heart failure (CHF) is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin). Which of the following findings indicates a potential adverse effect of the medication?

A. Bradycardia

B. Hypertension

C. Tachypnea

D. Hyperglycemia

Question #6: Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention for a client experiencing an asthma attack?

A. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula

B. Administer a bronchodilator inhaler

C. Administer a corticosteroid inhaler

D. Administer intravenous fluids

Question #7: A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is experiencing shortness of breath. Which of the following positions should the nurse place the patient in to promote optimal breathing?

A. Prone

B. Supine

C. Fowler’s

D. Trendelenburg

Question #8: A patient is receiving a blood transfusion of packed red blood cells. The nurse observes the patient experiencing chills, fever, and lower back pain. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?

A. Administering a dose of acetaminophen

B. Administering an antihistamine

C. Increasing the rate of the transfusion

D. Stopping the transfusion immediately

Question #9: A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total hip replacement. Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?

A. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg

B. Urinary output of 30 ml/hour

C. Pain level of 6 out of 10

D. Swelling and redness in the affected leg

Question #10: A client with a history of schizophrenia is prescribed haloperidol (Haldol). Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor for?

A. Hypotension

B. Extrapyramidal symptoms

C. Tachycardia

D. Hypoglycemia

NCLEX Practice Answers and Rationale:

Answer #1: A. Potassium

Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia (low potassium) as a side effect. Hypokalemia can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias and other complications, so the nurse should monitor the patient's potassium levels closely and be prepared to administer potassium supplements as needed. While monitoring sodium, calcium, and magnesium levels may also be important in some cases, potassium is the most important value to monitor in a patient taking furosemide.

Answer #2: C. Suctioning the tracheostomy tube as needed

Rationale: Patients with a tracheostomy tube require frequent suctioning to maintain a patent airway and prevent complications such as infection and respiratory distress. While assessing lung sounds, providing oral care, and administering oxygen may also be necessary, suctioning is the most important intervention to prioritize in this situation.

Answer #3: A. Administer epinephrine

Rationale: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis as it helps to relieve bronchoconstriction, increase cardiac output, and reduce vascular permeability.

Answer #4: B. Tachycardia

Rationale: Albuterol is a bronchodilator that can cause increased heart rate and tremors. Hypotension or hypertension are not typically associated with this medication.

Answer #5: A. Bradycardia

Rationale: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that can cause bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, in clients. Bradycardia can exacerbate CHF and increase the risk of arrhythmias. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client's heart rate closely and notify the provider if it falls below the normal range. Hypertension, tachypnea, and hyperglycemia are not commonly associated with the use of digoxin.

Answer #6: B. Administer a bronchodilator inhaler

Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator inhaler is the priority nursing intervention for a client experiencing an asthma attack, as it helps to relax the bronchial smooth muscles and improve breathing. Oxygen therapy may also be necessary, but it is not the priority intervention. Corticosteroids may be given to reduce inflammation, but their onset of action is slower than that of a bronchodilator. Intravenous fluids are not indicated unless the client is experiencing severe respiratory distress and dehydration.

Answer #7: C. Fowler’s

Rationale: Fowler’s position is ideal for patients with COPD because it allows for maximal expansion of the chest, improving ventilation and oxygenation. This position is achieved by elevating the head of the bed to an angle of 45-60 degrees.

Answer #8: D. Stopping the transfusion immediately

Rationale: The symptoms described are indicative of a transfusion reaction, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should immediately stop the transfusion and notify the healthcare provider.

Answer #9: D. Swelling and redness in the affected leg

Rationale: Swelling and redness in the affected leg could indicate a potential complication such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to a pulmonary embolism. This finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately to prevent further complications. The other options, while important to monitor, are not as urgent and do not require immediate reporting.

Answer #10. B. Extrapyramidal symptoms

Rationale: Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication that can cause extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) as a side effect. These may include tremors, rigidity, and involuntary movements of the face and body. While hypotension and tachycardia are possible side effects of some medications used to treat schizophrenia, they are not specifically associated with haloperidol. Hypoglycemia is also not a common adverse effect of antipsychotic medications.