NCLEX-RN : NCLEX

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX-RN

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Example Questions

Example Question #423 : Conditions And Treatments

Which of the following lifestyle exposures can lead to a thyroid disorder?

Possible Answers:

Diet high in oxalates

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Smoking

Asbestos

Correct answer:

Smoking

Explanation:

Smokers have higher levels of the chemical thiocyanate, a degradation product of cyanide in tobacco smoke, which can block iodine uptake by the thyroid. A high oxalate diet is associated with kidney stones, asbestos exposure is associated with mesothelioma, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use, while associated with several gastric disorders, has not been shown to have a significant effect on thyroid function. 

Example Question #424 : Conditions And Treatments

What is the most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism?

Possible Answers:

Parathyroid hyperplasia

Parathyroid adenoma

Parathyroid carcinoma

None of these

Correct answer:

Parathyroid adenoma

Explanation:

Primary hyperparathyroidism is most commonly due to a parathyroid adenoma. 80-90% of cases of primary hyperparathyroidism are due to parathyroid adenoma. 10-15% cases are due to parathyroid hyperplasia, and parathyroid carcinoma accounts for 1-5% of all cases.

Example Question #423 : Conditions And Treatments

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is the result of chronically diminished levels of serum calcium. Depressed levels of serum calcium leads to a compensatory increase in the activity of the parathyroid glands. 

What is the most common cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism?

Possible Answers:

Poor nutrition

Bone cancers

Renal failure

Pituitary tumor

Correct answer:

Renal failure

Explanation:

Renal failure is by far the most common cause of secondary hyperparathyroidismIf kidneys are unable to convert vitamin D to its active form, serum vitamin D levels will drop. Lower vitamin D levels reduce the absorption of calcium in the intestines and reduce the kidneys' ability to resorb calcium from the urine. In addition, if the kidneys are unable to adequately excrete phosphate, calcium phosphate forms, which further lowers free calcium levels in the blood. Poor nutrition is not a common cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism, though low vitamin D levels due to malabsorption can be a contributing factor. Pituitary tumors can be seen with hyperparathyroidism when part of multiple endocrine neoplasia type I, but this is not as common as renal failure. Bone cancers are more often associated with elevated calcium levels, resulting in low or undetectable parathyroid hormone levels. 

Example Question #1231 : Nclex

A 50-year-old female client is seen in the clinic for her recent diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Which of the following instructions should be included in the nurse's teaching plan?

Possible Answers:

High protein, low carbohydrate diet and replacement hydrocortisone

High fiber, low calorie diet, and 5-6 small meals per day

Obtain a hemoglobin A1C test

The use of antiglycemic medications

Explain the outcomes expected with removal of the thyroid gland

Correct answer:

High fiber, low calorie diet, and 5-6 small meals per day

Explanation:

Hypothyroidism usually involves weight gain so a lower calorie diet with frequent small meals are recommended. High fiber, low calorie diets and stool softeners will help to alleviate these symptoms. Antiglycemics and hemoglobin A1C tests are indicated for diabetics.

Example Question #11 : Causes And Treatments Of Endocrine Conditions

A middle-aged female client has just underwent a thyroidectomy for treatment of Graves' disease. The nurse caring for this client is aware she may need to monitor the client for what possible complication?

Possible Answers:

Bone pain

Oliguria

Tetany

Goiter

Tetanus

Correct answer:

Tetany

Explanation:

Tetany is a complication due to hypocalcemia which can occur if the parathyroid glands which control calcium balance are accidentaly injured during thyroidectomy. Tetany is associated with nerve excitability and sustained muscle contractions, or spasms. Tetanus, bone pain, and oliguria are not associated with complications of a thyroidectomy. Goiter is a manifestation of an overactive thyroid. 

Example Question #1231 : Nclex

A 45-year-old female client with Addison's disease has presented to the client for instruction on her medication regiment The nurse understands that the patient may require lifelong corticosteroid replacement. It will be necessary to educate the client about possible side effects of this type of therapy. 

Which of the following should a nurse include in his/her teaching plan about corticosteroid therapy?

Possible Answers:

The medications should be taken on a empty stomach in the morning to avoid nausea if taken with food. 

Increase sodium intake to prevent hypotension due to edema. 

Monitor glucose with finger sticks to check for hypoglycemia.

Incease intake of folic acid and B12 to prevent neurological side effects such as paresthesias of the hands and feet.

Increase calcium intake to at least  with vitamin D, to help to prevent steroid induced osteoporosis. 

Correct answer:

Increase calcium intake to at least  with vitamin D, to help to prevent steroid induced osteoporosis. 

Explanation:

Corticosteroids may lead to bone loss, especially after long term treatment (over 3 months). Calcium and vitamin D supplementation can help prevent these side effects. The client should also be advised to start a low impact exercise regimine if possible, and if necessary take a bisphosphonate drug. 

Example Question #1235 : Nclex

You are caring for a patient who is started on clindamycin, ketorolac, prednisone, lisinopril, and simvastatin. After receiving multiple doses of each of these medications, you notice that the patient's blood glucose is . Which of these medications is known to cause hyperglycemia?

Possible Answers:

Simvastatin

Clindamycin

Ketorolac

Lisinopril

Prednisone

Correct answer:

Prednisone

Explanation:

The correct answer is prednisone. Of all the medications listed, prednisone is the only medication that is known to cause hyperglycemia. 

Prednisone has a number of side effects including hyperglycemia, acne, headache, restlessness, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, and weight gain, among others. 

Clindamycin's side effects include diarrhea (including Clostridium difficile), and less commonly nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, among others, but not hyperglycemia.

Ketorolac's side effects include renal toxicity, tinnitus, heartburn, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, among others, but not hyperglycemia.

Lisinopril's side effects include hypotension, lightheadedness, angioedema, and barky cough, among others, but not hyperglycemia.

Simvastatin's side effects include muscle pains/aches, muscle weakness, and less frequently confusion, and electrolyte disturbances, but not hyperglycemia.

Example Question #1236 : Nclex

You are the nurse taking care of a patient with type two diabetes mellitus. The patient is hospitalized for pneumonia and switched from his home medication, metformin, to sliding-scale insulin, while inpatient. You explain to the patient that the specific reason is which of the following? 

Possible Answers:

To prevent headache while hospitalized

To prevent lactic acidosis while hospitalized

To prevent depression while hospitalized 

To prevent myocardial infarction while hospitalized

To prevent stroke while hospitalized

Correct answer:

To prevent lactic acidosis while hospitalized

Explanation:

The correct answer is "to prevent lactic acidosis while hospitalized." This is the correct answer because a known side effect of metformin use is development of lactic acidosis (a form of metabolic acidosis). Patients who are hospitalized, especially if hospitalized for infections, like pneumonia, are independently at an elevated risk of developing a lactic acidosis. As such, to minimize the risk of lactic acidosis, a modifiable risk factor, metformin use, is frequently temporarily discontinued while inpatient. Patients on metformin are frequently switched to sliding-scale insulin as inpatients, as this allows for adequate glycemic monitoring, titration, and control. Once they are stable for discharge and the cause of their hospitalization is addressed and treated, most can be safely discharged home on metformin without issue.

While numerous measures are carried out while patients are hospitalized to prevent myocardial infarction, stroke, headache, and depression, the switching of metformin to sliding-scale insulin is not performed specifically for any of those reasons.

Example Question #1231 : Nclex

Which of the following is true of type I diabetes?

Possible Answers:

Patients do not require treatment with insulin

Patients typically present in diabetic ketoacidosis

Patients are typically overweight adults

Patients develop insulin resistance

Correct answer:

Patients typically present in diabetic ketoacidosis

Explanation:

Type I diabetes is an autoimmune process that typically presents in young children in the form of DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). This potentially life threatening condition is treated with IV insulin. Type II diabetes is insulin resistance, and is found in older adults (typically those who are overweight).

Example Question #1232 : Nclex

The nurse is caring for a patient who is to receive a fasting blood glucose test. The nurse does all of the following to prepare the patient except __________.

Possible Answers:

Instructs the patient to refrain from the use of hard candy

Instructs the patient not to use any gum or breath mints

Stops the patient's D5 0.45 IV maintenance fluid

Marks the patient NPO 2 hours before the test

Restricts meals 4-8 hours before the test

Correct answer:

Marks the patient NPO 2 hours before the test

Explanation:

The patient should refrain from ingesting any material that may contain sugar prior to a fasting blood glucose. However, is not necessary for a patient to be labeled NPO as they are still able to ingest water. All other preparations should be made.

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