75 Random NCLEX Practice Questions

1. The nurse is caring for a client who primarily speaks Spanish. An interpreter is currently unavailable. The nurse must perform a dressing change. What should the nurse do in order to enhance communication with this client prior to changing the dressing?

2. The nurse reviews wound culture results and learns that an assigned client has methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a wound bed. Which type of transmission-based precautions should the nurse implement for this client?

3. The nurse is teaching a client about the modifiable risk factors that can reduce the risk for colorectal cancer. The nurse places priority on discussing which risk factor with this client?

4. The nurse is assisting a client diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy to fill out the dietary menu. The nurse advises the client to avoid which entree item?

5. The mother explains that after meals her infant has been vomiting, and now it is becoming more frequent and forceful. During the assessment, the nurse notes visible peristaltic waves moving from left to right across the infant’s abdomen. On the basis of these findings, which condition should the nurse suspect?

6. The nurse is teaching a client with acute kidney injury to include proteins in the diet that are considered high quality or complete proteins. The nurse determines that the client needs further teaching if he indicates that which food item is considered high quality?

7. The nurse assists the primary health care provider with the removal of a chest tube. During the procedure, the nurse instructs the client to perform which action?

8. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) values should the nurse anticipate in the client with a nasogastric tube attached to continuous suction?

9. Cholestyramine is prescribed, and the nurse provides instructions to the client about the medication. Which client statement indicates a need for further teaching?

10. The nurse is teaching a client with hypertension about items that contain sodium and reviews a written list of items sent from the cardiac rehabilitation department. The nurse tells the client that which item is lowest in sodium content?

11. What is the smallest gauge catheter that the nurse can use to administer blood?

12. The nurse teaches a client about an upcoming endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure. The nurse determines that the client has a need for further teaching if the client makes which statement?

13. To ensure that the client self-administers medications safely in the home, which action plan should the nurse implement?

14. A client has a hip fracture repair with a prosthetic implant placed. On the day after the implant, the nurse finds the client surrounded by papers from his briefcase and planning a phone meeting. The nurse plans to discuss activities with the client and should base the discussion on which information?

15. An older client is brought to the emergency department by a family member with whom the client lives. The nurse observes that the client has poor hygiene, contractures, and pressure ulcers on the sacrum, the scapula, and the heels. Based on the nurse’s assessment data, the client is suspected of which form of victimization?

16. The nurse assesses cranial nerve XII in the client who sustained a stroke. To assess this cranial nerve, which action should the nurse ask the client to perform?

17. The nurse is developing a plan of care for an older client diagnosed with dementia. The nurse develops which realistic outcome for the client?

18. The nurse is caring for a client who is recovering from an episode of autonomic hyperreflexia. Which statement should the nurse make to the client to most encourage therapeutic communication?

19. A client who has been newly admitted to the mental health unit with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is trying to organize a dance with the other clients on the unit at suppertime. The nurse should encourage which action to decrease stimulation with the clients?

20. When the nurse manager encourages staff to provide input in the decision- making process, which leadership style is being demonstrated?

21. A client began receiving an intravenous (IV) infusion of packed red blood cells 30 minutes ago. What is the initial nursing action when the client reports itching and a tight sensation in the chest?

22. When planning the discharge of a client with a diagnosis of chronic anxiety, the nurse develops goals to promote a safe environment at home. Which topic is an appropriate maintenance goal for the client to focus on?

23. The home care nurse assesses the client’s environment for potential safety hazards. Which observation requires the nurse to counsel the client and family about the potential for injury?

24. A client diagnosed with diabetes mellitus has expressed frustration with learning the diabetic regimen and insulin administration. Which should be the initial action by the home care nurse?

25. A client is demonstrating confusion as a result of bed rest and a prolonged length of hospital stay. The client receives a prescription for progressive ambulation as tolerated. Which is the best nursing intervention to use to implement the prescription?

26. A clinic nurse is caring for a client with a suspected diagnosis of gestational hypertension. The nurse assesses the client, expecting to note which set of findings if gestational hypertension is present?

27. The nurse provides home care instructions to a client who has been diagnosed with recurrent trichomoniasis. The nurse determines the need for follow-up teaching if the client indicates she should take which action?

28. The nurse is assessing a client with a diagnosis of polycythemia vera.Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to note in this client?

29. A client with the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism states to the nurse, “I can’t stay on this diet. It is too difficult for me.” Which therapeutic response by the nurse is best when intervening in this situation?

30. An older client has been prescribed casanthranol on a long-term basis to treat constipation. The nurse determines that which laboratory finding is a result of the side/adverse effects of this medication?

31. Which type of anemia is diagnosed with a Schilling test?

32. A client who has sustained a burn injury receives a prescription for a regular diet. Which is the best meal for the nurse to provide to the client to promote wound healing?

33. A client with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus has been seen for 3 consecutive days in the emergency department with hyperglycemia. During the assessment, the client states to the nurse, “I’m sorry to keep bothering you every day, but I just can’t give myself those awful shots.” Which therapeutic comment is most appropriate for the nurse to respond?

34. The nurse is providing home care instructions to a client recovering from an acute inferior myocardial infarction (MI) with recurrent angina. What instruction should the nurse provide to this client?

35. A client diagnosed with renal cancer is being treated preoperatively with radiation therapy. The nurse evaluates that the client has an understanding of proper care of the skin over the treatment field when the client makes which statement?

36. The nurse fails to recognize that a client’s vital signs have deteriorated over the past 4 hours after surgery. Later, the client requires emergency surgery. Which legal consequence does the nurse potentially face because of a failure to act?

37. The nurse is assigned to care for a client experiencing hypertonic labor contractions. The nurse plans to conserve the client’s energy and promote rest by performing which intervention?

38. The nurse provides discharge instructions to a client after implantation of a permanent pacemaker. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid exposure to which item?

39. An adult client with hyperkalemia is prescribed sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Which serum potassium level is a clinical indicator of effective therapy?

40. The nurse is discharging a female client from the hospital who has a diagnosis of a thoracic 11 (T11) fracture with cord transection. The nurse has provided home care instructions to the client. Which action indicates the need for further teaching before discharge?

41. The nurse notes that the client’s continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) complexes are very small and hard to evaluate. Which setting on the ECG monitor console should the nurse check?

42. The nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled to have a liver biopsy. Before the procedure, it is important for the nurse to assess which parameter to assure client safety?

43. An emergency department nurse prepares to plan care for a child diagnosed with acetaminophen overdose. The nurse reviews the primary health care provider ’s prescriptions and prepares to administer which medication?

44. The nurse inserts an indwelling Foley catheter into the bladder of a postoperative client who has not voided for 8 hours and has a distended bladder. After the tubing is secured and the collection bag is hung on the bed frame, the nurse notices that 900 mL of urine has drained into the collection bag. What is the appropriate nursing action for the safety of this client?

45. The nurse is caring for a client who has just had a mastectomy. Which exercise should the nurse assist the client in doing during the first 24 hours after surgery?

46. A newborn infant is diagnosed with imperforate anus. Which description of this disorder should the nurse provide to the parents?

47. The clinic nurse instructs a client diagnosed with diabetes mellitus about preventing diabetic ketoacidosis on days when the client is feeling ill. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further teaching?

48. A client has been prescribed a clonidine patch, and the nurse has instructed the client regarding the use of the patch. Which client statement indicates a need for further teaching?

49. The nurse is monitoring the function of a client’s chest tube that is attached to a chest drainage system. The nurse notes that the fluid in the water-seal chamber is below the 2-cm mark. What should the nurse determine based on this finding?

50. . A hospital administrator has implemented a change in the method of assigning nurses to client care units. A group of registered nurses is resistant to the change, and the nursing administrator anticipates that the nurses will not facilitate the process of change. Which approach is best for the administrator to take initially in dealing with the resistance?

51. A client is prescribed risperidone. Which laboratory study should the nurse anticipate to be prescribed before the initiation of this medication therapy?

52. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit after a suicide attempt. The nurse should plan which intervention as the most important to maintain client safety?

53. A nursing student is asked to conduct a clinical conference about autism. Which characteristic associated with autism should the student plan to include?

54. The nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled an arthrogram involving the use of a contrast medium. Which action by the nurse is the priority?

55. The nurse monitors the client taking amitriptyline for which common side effect?

56. A teenaged client is discharged from the hospital after surgery with instructions to use a cane for the next 6 months. What question best demonstrates the nurse’s ability to use therapeutic communication techniques to effectively assess the teenager ’s feelings about using a cane?

57. A client is receiving cisplatin. On assessment of the client, which findings indicate that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the medication?

58. A client who has a history of depression has been prescribed nadolol for the management of angina pectoris. Which consideration is most important when the nurse plans to counsel this client about the effects of this medication?

59. The nurse performing tracheostomy care has replaced the tracheostomy tube holder (tracheostomy ties). Which is an effective measure for the nurse to use when determining if the holder is not too tight?

60. A child is admitted to the pediatric unit with a diagnosis of celiac disease. Based on this diagnosis, the nurse expects that the child’s stools will have which characteristic?

61. The nurse inserts an indwelling urinary catheter into a client. As the catheter moves into the bladder, urine begins to flow into the tubing. Which action should the nurse implement next?

62. A client diagnosed with urolithiasis is being evaluated to determine the type of calculi that are present. The nurse should plan to keep which item available in the client’s room to assist in this process?

63. A child was diagnosed with acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis and renal insufficiency. Which laboratory result should the nurse expect to note in the child?

64. The nurse is preparing a plan of care for a child diagnosed with leukemia who is beginning chemotherapy. Which intervention should the nurse include?

65. Which important parameter should the nurse assess on a daily basis for a client diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome?

66. A client who is to undergo thoracentesis is afraid of not being able to tolerate the procedure. The nurse interprets that the client needs honest support and reassurance, best accomplished with which information?

67. The nurse performs an initial assessment on a pregnant client and determines that the client is at risk for toxoplasmosis. The nurse provides education to the client on how to prevent the disease. Which statement by the client indicates that teaching has been effective?

68. The nurse is caring for an infant after a pyloromyotomy is performed to treat hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. In which position should the nurse place the infant after surgery?

69. The nurse caring for a client immediately following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) notices that the client has suddenly become confused and disoriented. The nurse determines that this may be a result of which potential complication of this surgical procedure?

70. When performing an assessment on a mother who just delivered a healthy newborn, the nurse should expect to note that the fundus is positioned at which location?

71. The nurse should place a client who sustained a head injury in which position to prevent increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

72. The nurse is assessing a client who was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of urinary calculi. The client received 4 mg of morphine sulfate approximately 2 hours previously. The client states to the nurse, “I’m scared to death that it’ll come back.” Based on these statements, which concern should the nurse identify for this client at this time?

73. A client has a history of fibrocystic disorder of the breasts. The nurse determines that the client understands the nature of the disorder when the client states that symptoms are most likely to occur at which time?

74. A client who experienced a myocardial infarction (MI) 4 days ago refuses to dangle at the bedside, saying, “If my doctor tells me to do it, I will. Otherwise, I won’t.” Which behavior should the nurse determine that the client is displaying?

75. A client is prescribed diphenhydramine 1% as a topical agent for allergic dermatosis. The nurse evaluates that the medication is having the intended effect when the client reports relief of what complaint?