NCLEX-PN : Other Conditions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX-PN

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

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?

Possible Answers:

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

Correct answer:

Cerebral spinal fluid analysis showing elevated protein levels

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

Mast cell count

Creatinine

Hemoglobin

White blood count

Glucose

Correct answer:

Creatinine

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

Bronchoscopy

Dialysis

CPAP

BiPAP

Correct answer:

Dialysis

Explanation:

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 #41 : Other Conditions

The nurse is providing a teaching session to a client who has elevated uric acid levels. What type of diet will the nurse be teaching about?
Possible Answers:
High-potassium diet
Low-purine diet
High-fiber diet
High-calorie, high-protein diet
Correct answer: Low-purine diet
Explanation: Elevated uric acid levels is an indicator for a low-purine diet. Other indicators include gout and kidney stones. The patient should restrict the diet to foods that are low in purine.

Example Question #42 : Other Conditions

A nurse wishes to reduce the symptoms of a client with systemic lupus erythematosus. The nurse should do all of the following except:
Possible Answers:
Administer a high-iron diet and vitamin supplements
Administer topical corticosteroids as prescribed
Instruct the client to avoid harsh sunlight and ultraviolet exposure
Instruct the client to use strong soaps to cleanse skin rashes
Correct answer: Administer a high-iron diet and vitamin supplements
Explanation: Certain diets can exacerbate systemic lupus erythematosus symptoms, including diets high in iron. Diet should not be high in calories, zinc, or fats. Compounds that may provide benefits include vitamin E, vitamin A, fish oils, selenium, and flaxseed.
Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors