NCLEX : Conditions and Treatments
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX
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Example Questions
Example Question #161 : Conditions And Treatments
A 25-year-old male client presents to the emergency department complaining of severe headache, nausea, vomiting and nuchal rigidity. Nurse recognizes this patient may be experiencing some form of meningitis.
Which test is the most appropriate to determine if this patient is experiencing the bacterial form of meningitis?
X-ray of the spine
Cerebral spinal fluid analysis to confirm elevated glucose levels
Blood culture positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae
Cerebral spinal fluid analysis showing elevated protein levels
Computerized tomography scan of the head to assess for increased intracranial pressure
Cerebral spinal fluid analysis showing elevated protein levels
Cerebral spinal fluid analysis is the best test - elevated protein, decreased glucose levels, with high levels of PMN's (polymorphonuclear cells) are indicative of bacterial meningitis, which is a medical emergency. Blood culture is appropriate but will not yield quick results, computer tomography (CT) scan is also helpful but not priority.
Example Question #963 : Nclex
A patient is severely dehydrated and is being given IV normal saline at a rate of 160 cc per hour. Which of the following laboratory values would you expect to be abnormally elevated in this patient?
Mast cell count
Creatinine
Hemoglobin
White blood count
Glucose
Creatinine
In a dehydrated patient, the BUN and creatinine is often elevated. Creatinine is a marker of kidney function. Elevations in creatinine from baseline are considered kidney injury. Dehydration is decreased circulatory volume to the kidneys. This will result in an elevation of creatinine (and BUN) on laboratory testing. Rehydration therapy with IV fluids will often correct this abnormality.
Example Question #964 : Nclex
What is the medical term for the artificial mechanism by which fluid and toxic solutes are removed from circulation when the kidneys are unable to function?
Bronchoscopy
Dialysis
CPAP
BiPAP
Dialysis
Dialysis is an artificial mechanism used to filter the blood when the kidneys are unable to do so. The two major types are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Dialysis is usually considered in the treatment of chronic kidney disease and toxic overdoses. BiPAP and CPAP are used to help with respirations. Bronchoscopy is used to explore the lung space.
Example Question #1 : Other Condition Follow Up
Example Question #2 : Other Condition Follow Up
Example Question #1 : Obstetrics And Gynecological Conditions
Which of the following is a possible complication of amniocentesis?
RH sensitization
Needle injury
Miscarriage
All of these
All of these
There are several risks to amniocentesis, including (but not limited to) miscarriage, infection, needle injury, and RH sensitization. The rate of miscarriage due to amniocentesis is between 1 in 300 and 1 in 500. The other complications listed are relatively rare.
Example Question #1 : Obstetrics And Gynecological Conditions
Fundal height of a pregnant woman is measured from __________.
the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus
the middle of the pubic bone to the bottom of the uterus
the top of the pubic bone to the middle of the uterus
the bottom of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus
the middle of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus
the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus
Fundal height (sometimes referred to as McDonald's rule) is measured in centimeters from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus. The top of the uterus may also be called the fundus of the uterus. It is used to assess the growth and development of the fetus inside the womb.
Example Question #2 : Obstetrics And Gynecological Conditions
Alex is 17 weeks pregnant. She comes into the clinic to get a alpha-fetoprotein test. A low result could indicate all of the following except __________.
fetal trisomy 18
fetal trisomy 21
the gestational age of the baby is incorrect
hydatidiform mole
preeclampsia
preeclampsia
Alpha-fetoprotein is made by the fetus. Congenital abnormalities (fetal trisomy 18, fetal trisomy 21) are associated with low levels of this protein. Additionally, so is hydatidiform mole. Hydatidiform mole is the presence of an abnormal mass or growth inside the uterus. Based on a low result, the physician may want to conduct further testing. Preeclampsia is a dangerous medical condition characterized by high blood pressure. It is not associated with alpha-fetoprotein.
Example Question #1 : Obstetrics And Gynecological Conditions
The nurse is assessing a woman in labor. He knows that fetal bradycardia occurs when the heart rate drops below __________.
130 beats per minute
110 beats per minute
90 beats per minute
120 beats per minute
100 beats per minute
110 beats per minute
Fetal bradycardia is recognized when fetal heart rate drops below 110 beats per minute for 10 minutes or longer. The normal fetal heart rate is between 120 beats per minute and 160 beats per minute. Fetal tachycardia is a heart rate above 160 beats per minute.
Example Question #2 : Obstetrics And Gynecological Conditions
Anne, a 32-year-old woman, presents for her first prenatal visit. The doctor orders a CBC (complete blood count). Which of the following is not included in a CBC?
Blood type
Hematocrit
White blood cells
Platelets
Hemoglobin
Blood type
A separate test called a "type and screen" is needed to assess the blood type. Complete blood counts (CBC's) typically contain hemoglobin and hematocrit, platelet counts, white blood cell counts, and red blood cell counts among many other measures. They are among the most frequently ordered laboratory tests by providers. The physician will use this information to diagnose conditions such as anemia.
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