NCLEX : Standard Tests and Treatments

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX

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Example Questions

Example Question #43 : Procedures

A nurse is performing standard cardiac auscultation on a 47 year old male with normal heart size.

The nurse pauses to listen at the fifth intercostal space on the left mid-clavicular line. The nurse is evaluating which of the following?

Possible Answers:

The pulmonic valve

The aortic valve

The tricuspid valve

The mitral valve

Correct answer:

The mitral valve

Explanation:

The fifth intercostal space on the left mid-clavicular line is the best location from which to evaluate the mitral valve. The other heart structures are paired with locations as follows:

  • Aortic valve: the second intercostal space right of the sternum
  • Pulmonic valve: the second intercostal space left of the sternum
  • Tricuspid valve: the fourth intercostal space left of the sternum

Example Question #44 : Ethics, Processing, And Care

A nurse administers one unit of packed red blood cells. 4-6 hours later, what change can be expected in the patient's hemoglobin levels?

Possible Answers:

15% increase

20% increase

3% increase

5% decrease

Correct answer:

3% increase

Explanation:

A nurse should expect to see an approximately 3% increase in the recipient's hemoglobin 4-6 hours after the administration of one unit of packed red blood cells. 

Example Question #704 : Nclex

Which of the following has been removed from washed red blood cells?

Possible Answers:

All of these are correct

Antibodies

Platelets 

Plasma

Correct answer:

All of these are correct

Explanation:

Washed red blood cells are the product of blood that has been stripped of plasma, leukocytes, antibodies, cytokines, and platelets, in addition to any other blood proteins. 

Example Question #44 : Procedures

After thawing, fresh frozen plasma must be used within which of the following time frames?

Possible Answers:

Within 12 hours, if refrigerated

Within 24 hours, if refrigerated

Within 30 minutes (refrigeration is not advised)

Within two hours, if refrigerated

Correct answer:

Within 24 hours, if refrigerated

Explanation:

Whenever possible, fresh frozen plasma should be transfused immediately (or as soon as possible) after thawing. However, if this is not possible, it may be refrigerated for as long as 24 hours after thawing.

Example Question #45 : Procedures

Which of the following laboratory values is not reported in a basic metabolic profile (BMP).

Possible Answers:

Creatinine

Potassium

Phosphorus

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

Sodium

Correct answer:

Phosphorus

Explanation:

A BMP is a commonly ordered lab value set on patients. It checks commonly reported electrolytes in the body. It is also known as a Chem-7. It looks at: Sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and glucose. Phosphorous is not included in this laboratory order, and must be checked separately.

Example Question #46 : Procedures

A nurse is reviewing labs for a 63 year old female. Lipid testing revealed a total cholesterol of . This patient's cholesterol level would be defined as __________.

Possible Answers:

high risk

normal

moderate risk

low risk

Correct answer:

moderate risk

Explanation:

A total cholesterol over  is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A total cholesterol level of  is considered moderate risk, while a total cholesterol of over 240 mg/dL is considered a high risk for cardiovascular disease. This patient's total cholesterol is , which would place her in the moderate risk category.

Example Question #42 : Procedures And Care

Which of the following might be a sign of a transfusion reaction?

Possible Answers:

All of these are correct

Urticaria, itching, or swelling

Pallor or cyanosis

Myalgia, tingling, or numbness

Correct answer:

All of these are correct

Explanation:

Common signs of transfusion reaction include urticaria, itching, or swelling, pallor or cyanosis, anxiety, and myalgia, tingling, or numbness, in addition to diaphoresis, tachycardia, headache, and gastrointestinal distress.

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