NCLEX-RN : Conditions and Treatments

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX-RN

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Example Questions

Example Question #211 : Conditions And Treatments

Sandy is 29 years old and experiences bleeding between periods. The nurse marks which of the following on sandy's medical chart? 

Possible Answers:

Metrorrhagia

Menometrorrhagia

Oligomenorrhea

Polymenorrhea

Menorrhagia

Correct answer:

Metrorrhagia

Explanation:

Metrorrhagia is bleeding between periods. Menorrhagia refers to excessively heavy periods. Oligomenorrhea refers to light, scattered periods (typically spaced by greater than 35 days). Polymenorrhea is used to describe short cycles of equal to or less than 21 days. Menometrorrhagia is used to describe periods that are heavier, sporadic, and more frequent than normal periods. 

Example Question #212 : Conditions And Treatments

A patient tells the nurse that she is practicing fertility awareness. The nurse tells the patient that the "unsafe period" can range from __________.

Possible Answers:

two days before and two days after ovulation

seven days before and seven days after ovulation

one day before and two days after ovulation

two days before and one day after ovulation

one day before and one day after ovulation

Correct answer:

seven days before and seven days after ovulation

Explanation:

According to the family planning method of contraception, the period in which conception can occur and one should refrain from intercourse is up to 7 days before and 7 days after ovulation. Some references show that sperm can live for up to five to seven days inside the female reproductive system. An unfertilized egg can live from between 12-24 hours. This greatly increases the window in which conception can occur. 

Example Question #213 : Conditions And Treatments

Which of the following is false regarding oral contraceptives? 

Possible Answers:

They may decrease the risk of breast cancer

They may heighten the risk of depression

They may reduce the risk of uterine cancer

They may decrease the severity of menstrual cramps

They may increase the risk of developing a blood clot

Correct answer:

They may decrease the risk of breast cancer

Explanation:

Oral contraceptives may increase the risk of breast cancer, increase the risk of depression, and increase the risk of developing a blood clot (higher in women who smoke cigarettes). They can reduce the risk of uterine cancer and are frequently used in women with primary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstrual cycles without an underlying cause. 

Example Question #214 : Conditions And Treatments

A 51-year-old female arrives at her doctor's office because she has not had any periods for 12 months. The nurse should suspect __________.

Possible Answers:

menopause

pregnancy

polycystic ovarian syndrome

pelvic inflammatory disease

endometriosis

Correct answer:

menopause

Explanation:

Amenorrhea is the complete absence of a period. There are many different causes for amenorrhea. One of the most frequent causes of amenorrhea for women in the fifth decade of life, is menopause. Menopause is the most likely  cause of amenorrhea in this particular patient because she has not been experiencing periods for 12 months and is 51-years-old. While pregnancy is possible, the nurse would suspect menopause first. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a pelvic infection usually resulting in severe pain. Endometriosis is a condition in which uterine tissue inappropriately grows in areas such as the rectum or ovary, also typically causing severe pain. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition causing hormone imbalance. It can cause amenorrhea. This question requires the use of strategy to answer. There are several choices that could be responsible for amenorrhea, but which one is the most correct?  

Example Question #46 : Obstetrics And Gynecological Conditions

Jody is a 40-year-old woman seeking care for dysmenorrhea for the first time. Which would not be considered an appropriate treatment? 

Possible Answers:

Naproxen

Lifestyle modifications

Oxycodone/acetaminophen

Ibuprofen

Oral contraceptives

Correct answer:

Oxycodone/acetaminophen

Explanation:

There are many different ways to treat painful periods (dysmenorrhea). Ibuprofen and naproxen are anti-inflammatory agents that do not require a prescription and can be very effective. They have relatively few side effects. Lifestyle modification (such as exercise) is another good alternative. The use of oral contraceptives are also frequently used to give women lighter and milder periods. Percocet is not generally used because it is an opioid analgesic and not recommended for long term use because they carry potential for addiction.

Example Question #1021 : Nclex

Which of the following is false regarding the respiratory system of pregnant women? 

Possible Answers:

There is increased metabolic demand for oxygen from the body

Total lung capacity decreases

The diaphragm elevates

Oxygen consumption is increased

The rib cage becomes slightly more compact

Correct answer:

The rib cage becomes slightly more compact

Explanation:

In pregnancy, the ribs start to flare (expand slightly) as the pressure from the growing fetus moves the diaphragm upwards. Many women experience this during the third trimester as the baby is at it's largest. The flaring of the ribs is assisted by maternal hormones that enable more flexibility throughout the body.

Example Question #1022 : Nclex

Which of the following reasons does not indicate the need to induce labor?

Possible Answers:

Fetal jeopardy

Gestational hypertension

Diabetes

Fetal macrosomia

Postmaturity

Correct answer:

Fetal macrosomia

Explanation:

Induction of labor may occur for various indications: diabetes, postmaturity, hypertensive disorders or pregnancy, fetal jeopardy, or logistical factors including distance from qualified hospital or a rate of rapid birth. Induction of labor may only occur if the mother does not have cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD), the fetus has a vertex presentation with an engaged head, and the mother has a "ripened" cervic or is prepared to be "ripened". Fetal macrosomia is a concerning condition and may require intervention, but is typically not resolved by inducing labor. With fetal macrosomia, a cesarean section may be considered instead of vaginal delivery, due to the potential risks of delivering a large infant vaginally.

Example Question #5 : Causes And Treatments Of Ob/Gyn Conditions

What is the most common form of female reproductive tumor?

Possible Answers:

Endometrial adenocarcinoma

Uterine leiomyoma

Choriocarcinoma

Yolk sac tumor

Correct answer:

Uterine leiomyoma

Explanation:

The most common tumor of the female reproductive tract by far is uterine leiomyoma, also known as a uterine fibroid. Uterine fibroids are benign smooth muscle tumors that grow into the myometrium. They can often cause pain in the lower back or pain during penetration, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia.  

Example Question #214 : Conditions And Treatments

Sudden onset of severe abdominal pain with a unilateral adnexal mass would most likely be which of the following conditions?

Possible Answers:

Teratoma

Ovarian torsion

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Correct answer:

Ovarian torsion

Explanation:

While any of the conditions listed can cause abdominal or pelvic pain, the most likely cause of severe pain of sudden onset is ovarian torsion. This is an emergency condition which can result in loss of the affected ovary if not treated within four hours. 

Example Question #1023 : Nclex

Clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina is strongly linked to pre-birth exposure to what medication?

Possible Answers:

Thalidomide

Acetaminophen 

Diethylstilbestrol (DES)

Clomiphene

Correct answer:

Diethylstilbestrol (DES)

Explanation:

Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a medication used from 1940 to 1971 to reduce the risk of miscarriage, resulted in the later development of clear-cell adenocarcinoma in many of the unborn children of these pregnancies. 

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