NCLEX staff nurse exam model questions

1. A 68-year-old woman is diagnosed with thrombocytopenia due to acute lymphocytic leukemia. She is admitted to the hospital for treatment. The nurse should assign the patient:

a. to a private room so she will not infect other patients and health care workers.
b. to a private room so she will not be infected by other patients and health care workers.
c. to a semiprivate room so she will have stimulation during her hospitalization.
d. to a semiprivate room so she will have the opportunity to express her feelings about her illness. 

2. While inserting a nasogastric tube, the nurse should use which of the following protective measures?

a. Gloves, gown, goggles, and surgical cap.
b. Sterile gloves, mask, plastic bags, and gown.
c. Gloves, gown, mask, and goggles.
d. Double gloves, goggles, mask, and surgical cap. 

3. A nursing team consists of an RN, an LPN/LVN, and a nursing assistant. The nurse should assign which of the following patients to the LPN/LVN?

a. A 72-year-old patient with diabetes who requires a dressing change for a stasis ulcer.
b. A 42-year-old patient with cancer of the bone complaining of pain.
c. A 55-year-old patient with terminal cancer being transferred to hospice home care.
d. A 23-year-old patient with a fracture of the right leg who asks to use the urinal. 

4. Which of the following ethnic groups is at higher risk for pesticide-related injury?

a.    Native American
b.    Asian-Pacific
c.    Norwegian
d.    Hispanic 

5.   The patient has sustained a hyphema, what intervention should nurse Adrian take?

a.    Have client wear ear protectors in the future
b.    Keep the client at bed rest typically with head of bed up
c.    Apply atropine eye drops
d.    Apply an ice pack to the site of injury 

6. While repositioning a comatose client, nurse Alexandra senses a tingling sensation as she lowers the bed. What action should she take?

a.    Unplug the bed’s power source
b.    Remove the client from the bed immediately
c.    Notify the biomedical department at once
d.    Turn off the oxygen 

7. During a well infant check-up, the RN notes a religious amulet around the client’s neck. What is the best response to the caregiver?

a.    Can you tell me about the necklace?
b.    This is a choking hazard
c.    Let me get this off
d.    Why did you put this around the baby’s neck? 

8.  A lifeless child is brought unconscious to ER with resuscitative efforts in progress. In considering the etiology of childhood deaths, which of the following is the most likely cause?

a.    Poisoning
b.    congenital defects
c.    accidents
d.    Influenza 

9. While eating in the hospital cafeteria, nurse Carol sees a visitor display the “universal sign of choking.” Her first action is:

a.    page a “Code Blue” emergency
b.    immediately perform the Heimlich maneuver
c.    assess for ineffective breathing by asking, “Are you choking
d.    deliver four sharp back blows between the scapulae 

10. Nurse Lizzie teaching a parenting class instructs that the hot water temperature in the home should be at what degree to prevent thermal burns?

a.   100ºF
b.   120ºF
c.   140ºF
d.   150ºF 

11. Community accident prevention education will include which of the following facts regarding the most prevalent cause of accidental death from age 1-44?

a.    Drowning
b.    Burns
c.    motor vehicle accidents
d.    Firearms 

12. The Client Self-Determination Act of 1990 requires all hospitals to inform clients of advance directives. What should nurse Byron tell the client about such advance directives as living wills and health care power of attorney?

a.    They guide the client’s treatment in certain health care situations
b.    They can’t provide do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders for clients with terminal illnesses
c.    They allow physicians to make decisions about treatment
d.    They permit physicians to give verbal DNR orders 

13. A client who agreed to become an organ donor is pronounced dead. What is the most important factor in selecting a transplant recipient?

a.    Blood relationship
b.    Sex and size
c.    Compatible blood and tissue types
d.    Need 

14. Nurse Calvin receives a medication order over the telephone. How should the nurse handle this situation?

a.    Tell the physician that the nurse practice act prohibits taking medication orders over the telephone
b.    Verify the order by repeating it over the phone
c.    Request that a second physician repeat the order to the nurse over the telephone
d.    Insist that the physician sign the medication order within 1 hour 

15. Emergency restraints or seclusion may be implemented without a physician’s order under which of the following conditions?

a.    When a written order will be obtained from the primary physician within 8 hours
b.    Never
c.    If a voluntary client wants to leave against medical advice
d.    When a minor child is out of control 

16. Nurse Elle is concerned about another nurse’s relationship with the members of a family and their ill preschooler. Which of the following behaviors would be most worrisome and should be brought to the attention of the nurse-manager?

a.    The nurse keeps communication channels open among herself, the family, physicians, and other health care providers.
b.    The nurse attempts to influence the family’s decisions by presenting her own thoughts and opinions.
c.    The nurse works with the family members to find ways to decrease their dependence on health care providers.
d.    The nurse has developed teaching skills to instruct the family members so they can accomplish tasks independently. 

17. The basis for building a strong therapeutic nurse-client relationship begins with the nurse’s:

a.    sincere desire to help others
b.    acceptance of others
c.    self-awareness and understanding
d.    sound knowledge of psychiatric nursing 

18. A man found wandering in a local park is unable to state who or where he is or where he lives. He is brought to the emergency department, where his identification is eventually discovered. The client’s wife states that he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 3 years ago and has had increasing memory loss. She tells the nurse she is worried about how she’ll continue to care for him. Which response by the nurse would be most helpful?

a.    Because of the nature of your husband’s disease, you should start looking into nursing homes for him
b.    What aspect of caring for your husband is causing you the greatest concern?
c.    You may benefit from a support group called Mates of Alzheimer’s Disease Clients
d.    Do you have any children or friends who could give you a break from his care every now and then? 

19. Nurse Beth is caring for a client with hyperemesis gravidarum who will need close monitoring at home. When should the nurse begin discharge planning?

a.    On the day of discharge
b.    When the client expresses readiness to learn
c.    When the client’s vomiting has stopped
d.    On admission to the facility 

20. A client is being discharged after undergoing abdominal surgery and colostomy formation to treat colon cancer. Which nursing action is most likely to promote continuity of care?

a.    Notifying the American Cancer Society of the client’s diagnosis
b.    Requesting Meals On Wheels to provide adequate nutritional intake
c.    Referring the client to a home health nurse for follow-up visits to provide colostomy care
d.    Asking an occupational therapist to evaluate the client at home 

21. A client requests his medication at 9 p.m. instead of 10 p.m. so that he can go to sleep earlier. Which type of nursing intervention is required?

a.    Intradependent
b.    Interdependent
c.    Dependent
d.    Independent 

22. A family member visiting on an acute care psychiatric unit approaches the nurse’s station and reports that an elderly client is walking in the hall without her clothing. Nurse Casper doesn’t assist the client and suggests that the family member inform the nurse assigned to that client. Which of the following terms describes the nurse’s action?

a.    Negligent
b.    Sensitive
c.    Compassionate
d.    Organized 

23. An agitated client demands to see her chart so she can read what has been written about her. Which of the following statements is nurse Cedric best response to the client?

a.    I’m sorry the chart is the property of the facility. We don’t permit clients to read them
b.    You have the right to see your chart. Please discuss this with your primary care provider
c.    You may see your chart after you’re discharged
d.    Please discuss this matter with your attorney 

24. Nurse Chuck is caring for a school-age child with cerebral palsy. The child has difficulty eating using regular utensils and requires a lot of assistance. Which of the following referrals is most appropriate?

a.    Registered dietitian
b.    Physical therapist
c.    Occupational therapist
d.    Nursing assistant  

25. Nurse Sylvia manages a unit that has four full-time vacant positions, and nurses volunteer to work extra shifts to cover the staffing shortages. One of the staff nurses hasn’t volunteered and states, “Forty hours a week of nursing is all I can manage to do. I won’t volunteer for overtime.” The nurse-manager says to an attending physician on the unit, “I’ll adjust her schedule to make her wish she’d volunteered.” The physician to whom she commented should:

a.    choose to ignore the comment because it isn’t the physician’s domain
b.    report the nurse-manager to the labor relations board
c.    ensure that the nurse-manager receives counseling about her comment
d.    tell the staff nurse what the manager said about her

ANSWERS

#1. Answer: B

Rationale: Lymphocytic leukemia is a disease characterized by proliferation of immature WBCs. Immature cells are unable to fight infection as competently as mature white cells.

Treatment: chemotherapy, antibiotics, blood transfusions, bone marrow transplantation.

Nursing responsibilities: private room, no raw fruits or vegs, small frequent meals, O₂, good skin care.

a. to a private room so she will not infect other patients and health care workers — poses little or no threat

b. to a private room so she will not be infected by other patients and health care workers —CORRECT: protects patient from exogenous bacteria, risk for developing infection from others due to depressed WBC count, alters ability to fight infection.

c. to a semiprivate room so she will have stimulation during her hospitalization — should be placed in a room alone

d. to a semiprivate room so she will have the opportunity to express her feelings about her illness — ensure that patient is provided with opportunities to express feelings about illness 

#2. Answer: C

Rationale:

Question: What is the correct universal precaution?

Strategy: Think about each answer choice. How is each measure protecting the nurse?

Needed Info: Mask, eye protection, face shield protect mucous membrane exposure; used if activities are likely to generate splash or sprays. Gowns used if activities are likely to generate splashes or sprays.

a. Gloves, gown, goggles, and surgical cap — surgical caps offer protection to hair but aren’t required.

b. Sterile gloves, mask, plastic bags, and gown — plastic bags provide no direct protection and aren’t part of universal precautions.

c. Gloves, gown, mask, and goggles — CORRECT: must use universal precautions on ALL patients; prevent skin and mucous membrane exposure when contact with blood or other body fluids is anticipated.

d. Double gloves, goggles, mask, and surgical cap — surgical cap not required; unnecessary to double glove. 

#3. Answer: A

Rationale:

Question: Which patient is an appropriate assignment for the LPN/LVN?

Strategy: Think about the skill level involved in each patient’s care.

Needed Info: LPN/LVN: assists with implementation of care; performs procedures; differentiates normal from abnormal; cares for stable patients with predictable conditions; has knowledge of asepsis and dressing changes; administers medications (varies with educational background and state nurse practice act).

a. A 72-year-old patient with diabetes who requires a dressing change for a stasis ulcer —CORRECT: stable patient with an expected outcome.

b. A 42-year-old patient with cancer of the bone complaining of pain — requires assessment; RN is the appropriate caregiver .

c. A 55-year-old patient with terminal cancer being transferred to hospice home care —requires nursing judgement; RN is the appropriate caregiver .

d. A 23-year-old patient with a fracture of the right leg who asks to use the urinal —standard unchanging procedure; assign to the nursing assistant.

#4.  Answer: D

Rationale: Because of the predilection toward outside and agricultural jobs, migrant workers, made up mostly of Hispanic people, this group is at higher risk for exposure.

#5. Answer: B

Rationale: Initial care of the patient involves preventing further damage and rebleeding.Patients are kept at bed rest if possible and usually with the head of bed raised. TV watching is permitted but not reading. The use of atropine, ice, and eye shields are controversial, and a nurse would not prescribe a pharmacologic agent or thermal therapy although the nurse may administer a physician’s or a nurse practitioner’s order.

#6. Answer: A

Rationale: Shutting off the bed’s electricity should be the initial step. The nurse should not touch the client until the bed is checked for faulty grounding. An electrician should assess the equipment. Oxygen should be discontinued until the equipment is cleared. 

#7. Answer: A

Rationale: Asking about the significance of the amulet in a nonthreatening manner is the first step in conveying respect for the client’s religion/culture. Immediately passing judgment and instructing against the use of the necklace rejects the individuality of the client and their ethnic diversity. Asking why as the initial response does not convey acceptance and might impair communication and incite client defensiveness. 

#8.  Answer: C

Rationale: Accidents (particularly motor vehicle) are the leading cause of death for all age groups from toddlerhood to adulthood. Poisoning while significant for this age group, is not as prevalent. Deaths from congenital defects occur most often in the neonatal and infancy stages. Influenza deaths, while possible, are much more uncommon in children. In assessing a patient in a critical illness or injury situation, the nurse brings her knowledge of age-specific causes of death. 

#9. Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse’s first response is to assess that the person is actually choking and then rapidly proceed to intervene using the Heimlich. Back blows are not indicated in adults with obstructed airways and might actually create a complete obstruction by dislodging a foreign body that was only partially blocking the airway. 

#10. Answer: C

Rationale: To prevent thermal burns and scalding, hot water thermostats should be set at 120 or less. Adult skin can tolerate temperatures somewhat higher (that is, 140 or less). The class here involved parents of children. 

#11. Answer: C

Rationale: Accidents are the number one cause of death for ages 1-44 with motor vehicle accidents accounting for the majority, while congenital conditions and medical illnesses claim the youngest and the oldest.

#12. Answer: A

Rationale: Advance directives are signed, witnessed documents that provide specific instructions for treatment if a client can’t give those instructions personally when required. Depending on the client’s wishes, they may or may not include DNR orders. 

#13. Answer: C

Rationale: The donor and recipient must have compatible blood and tissue types. They should be fairly close in size and age. When a living donor is considered, it’s preferable to have a relative donate the organ. Need is important but it can’t be the critical factor if a compatible donor isn’t available. 

#14. Answer: B

Rationale: When taking a medication order over the telephone, standard practice requires verbal verification of the order and the physician’s written signature within 24 hours. The nurse practice act doesn’t prohibit taking medication orders over the telephone. 

#15. Answer: A

Rationale: The primary physician in charge of a client’s care must write an order for the restraint within 8 hours. In an emergency, a client who is a threat to himself or others may be restrained without an order. Voluntary clients have the right to leave against medical advice. A minor is treated the same as an adult regarding restraints. 

#16. Answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse attempts to influence a family’s decision with her own opinions and values, the situation becomes one of overinvolvement on the nurse’s part and a nontherapeutic relationship. When a nurse keeps communication channels open, works with family members to decrease their dependence on health care providers, and instructs family members so they can accomplish tasks independently, she has developed an appropriate therapeutic relationship. 

#17. Answer: C

Rationale: Although all of the options are desirable, knowledge of self is the basis for building a strong, therapeutic nurse-client relationship. Being aware of and understanding personal feelings and behavior are prerequisites for understanding and helping clients. 

#18. Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should determine the specific concerns of the client’s wife. Jumping to conclusions regarding the client’s need for a nursing home or other care placement options would be inappropriate. The nurse must tailor care to the client and family, focusing on their needs. 

#19. Answer: D

Rationale: Discharge planning should begin when a client is first admitted to the facility. Initially, discharge planning requires collecting information about the client’s home environment, support systems, functional abilities, and finances 

#20.  Answer: C

Rationale: Many clients are discharged from acute care settings so quickly that they don’t receive complete instructions. Therefore, the first priority is to arrange for colostomy care. The American Cancer Society often sponsors support groups, which are helpful when the person is ready, but contacting this organization doesn’t take precedence over ensuring proper colostomy care. Requesting Meals on Wheels and asking for an occupational therapy evaluation are important but can occur later in rehabilitation. 

#21. Answer: D

Rationale: Nursing interventions are classified as independent, interdependent, or dependent. Altering the drug schedule to coincide with the client’s daily routine represents an independent intervention, whereas consulting with the physician and pharmacist to change a client’s medication because of adverse reactions represents an interdependent intervention. Administering an already-prescribed drug on time is a dependent intervention. An intradependent nursing intervention doesn’t exist. 

#22. Answer: A

Rationale:  The nurse has failed to respond immediately to the safety and privacy of a vulnerable client. Negligence is defined as an omission to do something a reasonable person would do. This nurse’s behavior is anything but sensitive, caring, or compassionate. Organization isn’t addressed in this situation. 

#23. Answer: B

Rationale: The Bill of Rights for Psychiatric Clients includes the right for clients to access their medical records unless doing so would be detrimental to their health. To determine if information might to be detrimental to the client, the primary care provider should be informed of the client’s request. The client doesn’t need an attorney to view her chart. She also doesn’t need to wait until after discharge to view it.

 #24. Answer: C

Rationale: An occupational therapist helps physically disabled clients adapt to physical limitations and is most qualified to help a child with cerebral palsy eat and perform other activities of daily living. A registered dietitian manages and plans for the nutritional needs of children with cerebral palsy but isn’t trained in modifying or fitting utensils with assistive devices. A physical therapist is trained to help a child with cerebral palsy gain function and prevent further disability but not to assist the child in performing activities of daily living. A nursing assistant can help a child eat; however, the nursing assistant isn’t trained in modifying utensils. 

#25. Answer: C

Rationale: It’s discriminatory and punitive for the nurse-manager to alter the staff nurse’sschedule. The remark is inappropriate and unprofessional, and the nurse-manager should receive counseling. The physician could choose to ignore the comment, but any provider who hears of discrimination should deal with it. If the matter can be resolved locally, reporting the nurse-manager to the labor relations board should be avoided. Institutional documentation should exist for such matters. It’s inappropriate for the physician to inform the staff nurse about what was said. Such action could create difficult relations on the unit and, thereby, affect nursing care.