Prepare for the NCLEX-RN with these Archer practice questions and answers. This guide covers all areas of the NCLEX test plan including safe care, health promotion, and physiological integrity.
Q: List in order how the PPE should be put on
Answer: 1st-Gown2nd-Mask/Respirator3rd-Goggles4th-Gloves
Q: List in order how the PPE should be removed
Answer: 1st-Gloves2nd-Goggles3rd-Gown4th-Mask/Respirator
Q: The nurse teaches the family of a patient with end stage renal disease to offer foods high in?a. Fluidsb. Proteinc. Potassiumd. Carbohydrates
Answer: d. Carbohydrates
Q: A pt has an epidural for the birth of her child. While massaging the fundus, it is found to be firm and located under the right rib cage. To alleviate this problem, the nurse should first:a. Empty the pt’s bladderb. Initiate breast feeding the infantc. Give Oxytocic drugs as orderedd. Massage the uterus for another 15 minutes
Answer: a. Empty the pt’s bladder
Q: The nurse is caring for a newborn who is pale and jittery and has a high-pitched cry. The Primary nursing action is to:a. Check the newborn’s serum glucose levelb. Obtain the newborn’s axillary tempc. Review the maternal history for substance abused. Determine if the mother was anxious during the birthing process
Answer: a. Check the newborn’s serum glucose level
Q: A pt w/heart failure is receiving digoxin and furosemide. The lab values of the pt include serum digoxin 2.9ng/mL and K+ 3.2mEq/L. Based on these lab results the most appropriate nursing action is to:a. Withhold the next dose of Furosemideb. Administer an addt’l dose of digoxinc. Notify the physician of the lab resultsd. These results are w/in normal limits and require no action
Answer: c. Notify the physician of the lab results
Q: A 64-year-old man is admitted to the ER w/complaints of shortness of breath, heartburn, and pain in the left shoulder. After obtaining vital signs, the nurse performs a focused assessment related to the pt’s:a. Heartb. Abdomenc. Current stressorsd. Recent life changes
Answer: a. Heart
Q: One nursing intervention in the plan of care for a pt w/paranoid personality disorder is promoting consensual validation of reality. Which nursing action is most appropriate to implement this plan?a. Reinforcing the facts of the situationb. Encouraging verbalization of feelingsc. Administering antidepressant medicationsd. Using humor to challenge patient misperceptions
Answer: a. Reinforcing the facts of the situation
Q: A 50-yr-old pt has been under extreme job stress for 10 yrs and is diagnosed as having an enlarged heart. The nurse understands which factor in his history is a modifiable risk factor for heart disease?a. He eats beef once a weekb. He exercises four times a weekc. He has a family history of heart attacksd. He smokes one pack of cigarettes a day
Answer: d. He smokes one pack of cigarettes a day
Q: Liver involvement is associated with Reye’s syndrome. When caring for children with this condition, the nurse takes with special precaution?a. Turning and positioningb. Assessing the level of consciousnessc. Administering intramuscular injectionsd. Monitoring output from the urinary catheter
Answer: c. Administering intramuscular injections
Q: The nurse anticipates which type of isolation precautions should be taken with a 4-month old infant with diarrhea?a. Strict precautionsb. Droplet precautionsc. Contact precautionsd. Airborne precautions
Answer: c. Contact precautions
Q: An infant is brought to the ER by EMS with suspected SIDS. The infants’ parents have accompanied EMS and are present when the infant is pronounced dead. The most important aspect of compassionate care for the parent is to:a. Explain that the death is not their faultb. Allow the parents to say goodbye to the babyc. Gather data about the events prior to the deathd. Encourage the parents to join a support group
Answer: b. Allow the parents to say goodbye to the baby
Q: A nurse has reinforced teaching w/a client’s spouse about how to change the client’s colostomy bag. The nurse Best determines that the spouse understands the procedure by:a. Asking if the spouse has any questionsb. Asking if the spouse understands what items are needed to perform the procedurec. Having the spouse perform the procedure and observing as the procedure is performedd. Asking if the spouse feels comfortable performing the procedure
Answer: c. Having the spouse perform the procedure and observing as the procedure is performed
Q: A male patient who had a pacemaker inserted relates to the nurse that he is apprehensive about being discharged because he does not fully understand the pacemaker and what to expect when he gets home. The most therapeutic response by the nurse is:a. “All people who have a pacemaker are concerned at first.”b. “Tell me what you don’t understand about your pacemaker.”c. “Don’t worry; I will teach you everything you need to know.”d. “I will provide you with written instructions before you leave.”
Answer: b. “Tell me what you don’t understand about your pacemaker.”
Q: A 10-year-old girl with type one diabetes receives her dinner tray. The child states that she hates broccoli and instead wants corn on the cob. The most therapeutic response by the nurse is:a. “Yes, but only half and Ear is allowed.”b. “No vegetable exchanges are permitted.”c. “Corn is considered a bread exchange.”d. “One vegetable can be exchanged for any other vegetable.”
Answer: c. “Corn is considered a bread exchange.”
Q: A women’s labor is being augmented with Pitocin IV. Contractions have been 2 to 3 minutes apart, lasting 60 seconds, and moderately firm. When palpating a patient’s abdomen, the nurse identify as a firm contraction lasting 2 1/2 minutes. The nurse:a. Turns off the Pitocin IVb. Increases the Pitocin IVc. Encourages the patient to voidd. Encourages deep breathing exercises
Answer: a.Turns off the Pitocin IV
Q: A patient in the cardiac unit of the hospital is diagnosed with heart failure. The patient complains about the food, the room temperature, and the noise on during hours of sleep. These behaviors should cause the nurse to consider what factor?a. Hypokalemiab. Digitalis toxicityc. Decreased cardiac outputd. Anxiety related to heart failure
Answer: d. Anxiety related to heart failure
Q: When a patient is receiving chemotherapy, it is important for the nurse to assess the patient in order to implement appropriate interventions. The nurse assesses the patient for:a. Hair lossb. Oral lesionsc. Side effects of chemotherapyd. Neutropenia
Answer: c. Side effects of chemotherapy
Q: List in order Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
Answer: 1st-basic physiological needs2nd-Safety and security3rd-Love and belonging4th-Self-esteem5th-Self actualization
Q: What is the age range of Erickson’s developmental stages of Trust vs Mistrust
Answer: Birth-18 months
Q: What is the age range of Erickson’s developmental stage in Autonomy vs Shame & Doubt
Answer: 18 months-3 yrs old
Q: What is the age range of Erickson’s developmental stages of Initiative vs Guilt
Answer: 3-6 yrs old
Q: What is the age range of Erickson’s developmental stages of Industry vs Inferiority
Answer: 6-12 yrs old
Q: What is the age range of Erickson’s developmental stages and Identity vs Role Confusion
Answer: 12-20 yrs old
Q: What is the age range of Erickson’s developmental stages in Intimacy vs Isolation
Answer: 20-30 yrs old
Q: What is the age range of Erickson’s developmental stages of Generativity vs Stagnation
Answer: 30-65 yrs old
Q: When is the age range of Erickson’s developmental stages of Ego Integrity vs Despair
Answer: 65 yrs old – Death
Q: What causes respiratory acidosis?
Answer: Respiratory problems; acute respiratory acidosis by hypo ventilation from drugs or neurological problems that depress breathing
Q: What are some signs and symptoms of respiratory acidosis?
Answer: Confusion, lethargy to stupor and, if not treated: shortness of breath, fatigue, sleepiness
Q: What are the causes for respiratory alkalosis?
Answer: Hyperventilation resulting from prolonged mechanical ventilation, high altitude’s, and excessive fear and anxiety during pulmonary exam
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of respiratory alkalosis?
Answer: Sarah PH increases; lightheadedness, dizziness, numbness of the hands and feet, heart rate increases, pulses weak and thready
Q: What causes metabolic alkalosis?
Answer: Overuse or abusive antacids or baking soda, prolonged vomiting, or NG suctioning
Q: What are some signs and symptoms Of metabolic alkalosis?
Answer: Related to hypokalemia which can involve weakness, dysrhythmias, and hypocalcemia which is related to headache, lethargy, neuromuscular excitability
Q: What causes metabolic acidosis?
Answer: Too much acid in the body or buy two little bicarbonate. Uncontrolled diabetes, and stage renal failure, severe diarrhea, or prolonged NG suctioning
Q: What are some of the signs and symptoms of metabolic acidosis?
Answer: Serum PH decreases as the bicarb level decreases; confusion, lethargy, Kussmaul respirations
Q: What is this an example of?Low pH, high or normal HCO3, pCO2 high
Answer: Respiratory Acidosis
Q: What is this an example of?High pH, low or normal HCO3, pCO2 low
Answer: Respiratory Alkalosis
Q: What is this an example of?Low pH, Low HCO3, Low or normal pCO2
Answer: Metabolic Acidosis
Q: What is this an example of?High pH, High HCO3, High or normal pCO2
Answer: Metabolic Alkalosis
Q: An otherwise healthy individual has experienced severe diarrhea for 36 hours. The nurse specifically will note indications that the patient is experiencing;a. Malnutritionb. Malabsorptionc. Metabolic alkalosisd. Metabolic acidosis
Answer: d. Metabolic acidosis
Q: What is the normal range for pH level?
Answer: 7.35-7.45
Q: What is the normal range for HCO3?
Answer: 22-27 mEq/L
Q: What is the normal range for pCO2?
Answer: 35-45mm/Hg
Q: What is the mineral element necessary for bone formation, coagulation of blood, excitation of cardiac and skeletal muscle, conduction of nerve impulses and regulation of endocrine glands?
Answer: Calcium
Q: What is the normal range for calcium?
Answer: 8.6-10 mg/dL
Q: What element is concentrated in the bone, cartilage and in the cell. Required for the use of an Adenosine triphosphate as a source of energy. Necessary for carbohydrate metabolism, protein synthesis, and contraction of muscular tissue. It also regulates neuromuscular activity and clotting mechanism.
Answer: Magnesium
Q: What is the normal range for magnesium?
Answer: 1.6-2.6 mg/dL
Q: What is the principal electrolyte for intracellular fluid and buffer inside the cell. Necessary for nerve conduction, muscle function, acid-base balance, and osmotic pressure. In addition to calcium and magnesium, it controls the rate and force of contraction of the heart.
Answer: Potassium
Q: What is the normal range of potassium?
Answer: 3.5-5.1 mEq/L
Q: What is needed for generation of bony tissue; functions in the metabolism of glucose and lipids. Helps maintain acid-base balance.
Answer: Phosphorus
Q: What happens to phosphorus levels when calcium levels are decreased?
Answer: Phosphorus levels increase
Q: What is the normal range of phosphorus?
Answer: 2.7-4.5 mg/dL
Q: What abundant electrolytes maintains osmotic pressure and acid-base balance. It also transmit nerve and pulses.
Answer: Sodium
Q: What is the normal range of sodium?
Answer: 135-145 mEq/L
Q: What are some causes of hypokalemia?
Answer: Vomiting, diarrhea, non-potassium sparing diuretics
Q: What are some causes of hyperkalemia?
Answer: Excessive use of potassium-based salt substitutes
Q: What is the normal range for P02?
Answer: 80-100mm/Hg
Q: If the pH is LOW does this indicate acidosis or alkalosis?
Answer: Acidosis
Q: If the pH is HIGH does this indicate acidosis or alkalosis?
Answer: Alkalosis
Q: What is the normal range of PO4?
Answer: 2.5-4.5 mEq/L
Q: What is the normal range of gastric pH?
Answer: +/- 4.5
Q: What is the normal range and respiratory secretion pH?
Answer: Above 5.5
Q: What is the normal range for a Creatinine Clearance for Renal Patients?
Answer: 1.67-2.6 mL/sec
Q: When is the normal range for BUN in Renal patients?
Answer: 7-18 mg/dL
Q: What is the normal urine specific gravity range?
Answer: 1.010-1.030
Q: What does a low specific gravity of 1.008 indicate?
Answer: Fluid overload
Q: What two things does positioning always promote or prevent?
Answer: 1. Promotes breathing2. Prevent sores
Q: What position is a patient in if their head is above 45 to 90°?
Answer: Fowlers
Q: Clients who are taking anticoagulants or who have a bleeding disorder, should avoid what type of supplements? (Hint:The G’s)
Answer: Ginkgo BilobaGarlicGreen TeaGinseng & Ginseng TeaGinger
Q: What are 3 good sources of K+?
Answer: Orange juiceTomatoesBananas
Q: What nutrients are needed for wound healing?
Answer: Vit AVit CProtein
Q: What is a normal Cholesterol level?
Answer: <200
Q: Name the 4 fat soluble vitamins
Answer: D,A,K,E
Q: Name 2 water soluble vitamins
Answer: C and B complex
Q: What is the vitamin that’s only found in food of animal origin and is absorbed in the small intestine?
Answer: Vit B12
Q: What is the most important means of preventing the spread of disease?
Answer: Handwashing
Q: If someone is allergic to apples, Oranges, and bananas what else might they be allergic to?
Answer: Latex
Q: Is impetigo classified as a contact and airborne precautions?
Answer: Contact only
Q: Is chickenpox classified under Contact precautions only?
Answer: No, airborne as well
Q: What is the number one killer in the United States and over 60% of all victims die before they reach the hospital?
Answer: Heart disease
Q: Which part of the heart receives deoxygenated blood from the body?
Answer: right atrium
Q: What side of the heart receives the oxygenated blood from the lungs through the pulmonary vein?
Answer: Left side
Q: This occurs 4 to 6 minutes after clinical death when the cells of the brain begin to die
Answer: Brain death
Q: All systems cease to function. Organ systems have shut down and no longer work. What is this called?
Answer: Biological death
Q: What is it referred to you when the heart and breathing have stopped?
Answer: Clinical death
Q: What do anticholinergic drugs do for preoperative patients? (Ex:Glycopyrrolate aka Robinal)
Answer: Decreases respiratory secretions(Complications May include dry eyes, dry mouth, urinary difficulties, and constipation because the medication blocks all secretions of the body)
Q: What type of intubation includes the mouth to stomach?
Answer: Orogastric
Q: What type of intubation includes the nose to his stomach?
Answer: Nasogastric
Q: What type of Intubation Includes the nose to intestine?
Answer: Nasointestinal
Q: What is the medical term used by creating a surgically opening?
Answer: Ostomy
Q: What type of intubation includes the trachea?
Answer: Endotracheal
Q: What type of intubatiom refers to the bladder or kidney?
Answer: Urinary or Renal
Q: What type of into Bashan includes the intrapleural Space?
Answer: Chest tube
Q: What is an esophageal to be used for?
Answer: Applies pressure against esophageal veins to control bleeding
Q: What are endotracheal tube is used for?
Answer: Maintain a patent airway and mechanical ventilation
Q: What are chest tubes used for?
Answer: Returning negative pressure to intrapleural space; removing abnormal amounts of air and or fluid from intrapleural space
Q: What are common complaints from a client that has a nasogastric tube?
Answer: Nose and throat pain
Q: What type of class are “-CAINE” medications in?
Answer: Local anesthetic
Q: What type of class are “-DONE” medications in?
Answer: Opioid Analgesics
Q: What type of class are “-MYCIN or MICIN” medications in?
Answer: Antibiotics
Q: What type of class are “-OXACIN” medications in?
Answer: Antibiotics (Broad spectrum)
Q: What type of class are “-VIR” medications in?
Answer: Anti-Viral
Q: What type of class are “-DINE” medications in?
Answer: Anti-ulcer (H2 histamine blockers)
Q: What type of class are “-LAM and PAM” medications in?
Answer: Anti-Anxiety
Q: What type of class are “-NIUM” medications in?
Answer: Neuromuscular Blockers
Q: What type of class are “-STATIN” medications in?
Answer: Antihyperlipidemic
Q: What type of class are “-IDE” medications in?
Answer: Oral hypoglycemics
Q: What type of class are “-SONE” medications in?
Answer: Steroids
Q: What type of class are “-ZIDE or MIDE” medications in?
Answer: Diuretics
Q: What type of class are “-PRIL” medications in?
Answer: ACE inhibitor (b/p)
Q: What type of class are “-PINE and AMIL” medications in?
Answer: Ca+ channel blocker (b/p)
Q: What type of class are “-OLOL” medications in?
Answer: Beta Blockers (b/p)
Q: What’s the (average) mL’s of amniotic fluid at full term?
Answer: 1000mL
Q: What term is referred to the time of conception to 12 weeks?
Answer: 1st trimester
Q: What term is referred to from 13-27 wks gestation?
Answer: 2nd trimester
Q: What term is referred to from 28-40 wks gestation?
Answer: 3rd trimester
Q: What is the term used for the shortening and thinning of the cervix?
Answer: Effacement
Q: What is the term used for the widening of the cervix os and canal?
Answer: Dilatation
Q: How long does a pregnancy last?
Answer: 40 wks or 280 days
Q: What is the medical term for the compression of vena cava; relieved by laying in a lateral recumbent position?
Answer: Supine Hypotension
Q: By 16 weeks of pregnancy what organ becomes part of the abdomen?
Answer: Uterus
Q: What does L-I-O-N stand for?
Answer: L-Left sideI-IV’sO-O2N-Notify Dr
Q: These are all signs of what?*Cervix dialates*Contractions increase (intensity & frequency)*Leaking amniotic fluid (bloody show)*Low back pain
Answer: True/Active Labor
Q: These are all signs of what?*Cervix unchanged*Contractions irregular (decrease w/change of position or activity)*No evidence of change (vaginal discharge)*Mostly abdominal (also groin discomfort)
Answer: False Labor
Q: What is the term used for premature separation of placenta from the uterus? (Painful vaginal bleeding)
Answer: Abruptio Placentae
Q: What is the term used for an abnormal, long or difficult labor or delivery?
Answer: Dystocia*Monitor for fetal distress*Monitor for Uterine Contractions
Q: What are the two nursing actions for Hypotonic Uterine Contractions? (aka Uterine Inertia: short, irregular and weak contractions)
Answer: Amniotomy & Pitocin
Q: What is the term used when the infants Buttocks or feet present first?
Answer: Breech Presentation
Q: What’s the term used for a labor lasting more than 18 to 24 hours or fails to make changes and dilation or effacement?
Answer: Pro long labor or failure to Progress
Q: What are two indications of precipitous labor or delivery?
Answer: Labor that last less than three hoursUnexpected fast delivery
Q: What is the ideology behind premature rupture of the membranes?
Answer: Infections
Q: What three treatment plans or nursing care plans need to happen for premature rupture of membranes?
Answer: Wait and watch, bed rest, no intercourseCheck temperature frequentlyCheck white blood cell count
Q: What is the term given for labor that occurs after 20 weeks but before 37 weeks?
Answer: Preterm labor
Q: What do tocolytic drugs do?
Answer: Decreases frequency and intensity of uterine contractions
Q: What type of medication is magnesium sulfate?
Answer: Tocolytic medication
Q: When a patient has been given magsulfate what needs to be monitored?
Answer: Respiratory rate
Q: What are some side effects of magsulfate?
Answer: Lethargy and weaknessSweating, FlushingN/V, Headache, slurred speech
Q: What exercise is important to teach women after giving birth?
Answer: Kegels-This is the tightening and releasing of the peroneal muscles. And improve circulation and healing of an episiotomy or lacerations
Q: List six maternal warning signs to report
Answer: Heavy vaginal dischargePelvic or Perineal painFever this is considered anything over 100.4Burning sensation during urinationSwollen area on legs; painful, red, or hotBreast: painful, red, hot area; mastitis
Q: What are toxic effects of magsulfate?
Answer: Absence of reflexesRespiratory depression
Q: What vitamin is monitored in babies after birth?
Answer: Vitamin K
Q: What is Demirel used for?
Answer: Pain
Q: What is Narcan used for?
Answer: Opioid reversal
Q: What’s Docusate sulfate used for?
Answer: Constipation/store softener
Q: What is mag sulfate used for?
Answer: Pre-eclampsia
Q: What is Methergine used for?
Answer: Uterine bleeding
Q: What is Pitocin used for?
Answer: Labor induction
Q: What is Marcaine used for?
Answer: Epidurals
Q: What are seven signs of cancer?
Answer: C-change in bowel or bladder habitsA-a sore throat persistsU-unusual bleedingT-Thickening breast tissue or a lumpI-IndigestionO-SwallOwing, mOle, mOuth sOreN-Nagging cough or hoarseness
Q: What are two disorders of the adrenal glands?
Answer: Addison’s diseaseCushing’s disease
Q: What are three complications of diabetes?
Answer: RetinopathyNephropathyNeuropathy
Q: What are the intermediate acting insulin’s? (2, 12, 24 hrs) “evens”
Answer: Humulin N & Novolin N
Q: What are the short acting insulin’s? (1,3, and 5 hrs)
Answer: Humulin R & Novolin R
Q: When is Presbycusis?
Answer: Bilateral, Gradual decline (Age related hearing loss)
Q: Besides COPD what Other diseases cause airflow obstruction?
Answer: Chronic bronchitisEmphysemaAsthma: WHEEZING
Q: What type of breathing is encouraged for those that have COPD?
Answer: Pursed lip breathing