NCLEX Practice Test Sample Questions
Try these free sample questions from the NCLEX Practice Test. Each one shows the correct answer and an explanation. The full practice tests covers: Basic Care and Comfort, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Management of Care, Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies, Physiological Adaptation, Physiological Integrity, Psychosocial Integrit, Reduction of Risk Potential, Safe and Effective Care Environment, Safety and Infection Control.
Question 1
For a client with Graves’ disease, which nursing intervention promotes comfort?
- Restricting intake of oral fluids.
- Placing extra blankets on the client’s bed.
- Limiting intake of high-carbohydrate foods.
- Maintaining room temperature in the low-normal range.
Answer: Maintaining room temperature in the low-normal range.
Explanation: Graves’ disease causes signs and symptoms of hypermetabolism, such as heat intolerance, diaphoresis, excessive thirst and appetite, and weight loss. To reduce heat intolerance and diaphoresis, the nurse should keep the client’s room temperature in the low-normal range. Option A: To replace fluids via diaphoresis, the nurse should encourage, not restrict, intake of oral fluids. Option B: Placing extra blankets on the bed of a client with heat intolerance would cause discomfort. Option C: To provide needed energy and calories, the nurse should encourage the client to eat high-carbohydrate foods.
Question 2
A patient is about to undergo bone marrow aspiration and biopsy and expresses fear and anxiety about the procedure. Which of the following is the most effective nursing response?
- Warn the patient to stay very still because the smallest movement will increase her pain.
- Encourage the family to stay in the room for the procedure.
- Stay with the patient and focus on slow, deep breathing for relaxation.
- Delay the procedure to allow the patient to deal with her feelings.
Answer: Stay with the patient and focus on slow, deep breathing for relaxation.
Explanation: Slow, deep breathing is the most effective method of reducing anxiety and stress. It reduces the level of carbon dioxide in the brain to increase calm and relaxation. Stay with the patient during panic attacks. Use short, simple directions. Encourage the client’s participation in relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, meditation and so forth. Option A: Warning the patient to remain still will likely increase her anxiety. Maintain a calm, non-threatening manner while working with the client. Anxiety is contagious and may be transferred from health care provider to client or vice versa. Client develops feeling of security in presence of calm staff person. Option B: Encouraging family members to stay with the patient may make her worry about their anxiety as well as her own. Move the client to a quiet area with minimal stimuli such as a small room or seclusion area (dim lighting, few people, and so on.) Anxious behavior escalates by external stimuli. A smaller or secluded area enhances a sense of security as compared to a large area which can make the client feel lost and panicked. Option D: Delaying the procedure is unlikely to allay her fears. Establish and maintain a trusting relationship by listening to the client; displaying warmth, answering questions directly, offering unconditional acceptance; being available, and respecting the client’s use of personal space.
Question 3
A clinic patient has a hemoglobin concentration of 10.8 g/dL and reports sticking to a strict vegetarian diet. Which of the following nutritional advice is appropriate?
- The diet is providing adequate sources of iron and requires no changes.
- The patient should add meat to her diet; a vegetarian diet is not advised.
- The patient should use iron cookware to prepare foods, such as dark-green, leafy vegetables, and legumes, which are high in iron.
- A cup of coffee or tea should be added to every meal
Answer: The patient should use iron cookware to prepare foods, such as dark-green, leafy vegetables, and legumes, which are high in iron.
Explanation: Normal hemoglobin values range from 11.5-15.0. This vegetarian patient is mildly anemic. When food is prepared in iron cookware its iron content is increased. Option A: In addition, dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, and legumes are high in iron. Option B: Mild anemia does not require that animal sources of iron be added to the diet. Many non-animal sources are available. Option D: Coffee and tea increase gastrointestinal activity and inhibit the absorption of iron.
Question 4
A nurse is managing the care of a 32-year-old female client diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. The client reports experiencing palpitations, unintentional weight loss, and intermittent bouts of excessive sweating. The treatment plan includes antithyroid medications. In addition to administering medication, what nursing interventions should be prioritized to manage the client’s condition best?
- Ensure the client is provided with extra blankets and clothing to maintain a warm environment due to heightened sensitivity to cold.
- Closely monitor the client for increased signs of restlessness, sweating, and significant weight loss.
- Create a balance between the client's periods of activity and rest to manage fatigue without exacerbating symptoms.
- Encourage increased physical activity to counteract the sedative effects of the medication and prevent constipation.
- Regularly check the client’s temperature as they are prone to developing fevers.
- Offer a low-iodine diet and coordina with a dietitian to manage dietary influences on thyroid function.
Answer: Create a balance between the client's periods of activity and rest to manage fatigue without exacerbating symptoms.
Explanation: Clients with hyperthyroism may experience symptoms like fatigue and muscle weakness. Balancing activity with rest helps to conserve energy and prevent exacerbation of symptoms. Option A: Providing extra blankets is more associated with patients with hypothyroidism. Option B: Monitoring for signs of restlessness and sweating is essential, but this option refers more to the assessment of potential overmedication rather than an intervention. Option D: Encouraging the client to be active to prevent constipation (D) is less specific to hyperthyroidism, where diarrhea is more common than constipation. Options E and F: Checking for fever (E) and offering a low-iodine diet (F) are additional supportive measures. However, they do not directly address managing the client’s current symptoms and treatment plan as effectively as balancing activity and rest.
Question 5
A community health nurse is conducting a workshop on breast health for a group of women with diverse backgrounds, ranging from those who have never performed Breast Self-Examination (BSE) to some who have had benign breast conditions in the past. As part of the educational session, the nurse emphasizes the importance of BSE for the early detection of potential breast anomalies. What should the nurse identify as the primary goal for these women in performing regular BSE?
- To detect any cancerous lumps early in their development
- To identify areas of thickness or fullness that differ from the rest of the breast tissue
- To notice any changes in the breast tissue from what is normal for each individual
- To differentiate between fibrocystic masses and other types of breast lumps
- To promote self-awareness of breast health and encourage routine health screening
- To understand the normal texture and appearance of their breast tissue for future comparison
Answer: To notice any changes in the breast tissue from what is normal for each individual
Explanation: The primary purpose of BSE is for individuals to become familiar with their own breasts so they can detect any changes early, which could be indicative of breast cancer or other breast conditions. Detecting cancerous lumps (A) is an important aspect of BSE, but the emphasis is on noticing any change, not only cancer. Identifying areas of thickness or fullness (B) and differentiating types of masses (D) are part of noticing changes, but these are not the primary goals. Promoting self-awareness and encouraging routine screening (E), as well as understanding normal breast tissue (F), are also critical educational points, but the main goal remains the detection of any new or unusual changes since the last examination.