NCLEX Predictor Practice Questions
A newborn is placed under fluorescent light as part of the treatment for physiologic
jaundice. During the duration of the newborn's treatment, a nurse should:
a. cover the newborn's closed eyes with patches.
b. measure the newborn's pulse and respirations every two hours.
c. keep the newborn under the light at all times, even during the feedings.
d. notify the physician if the newborns stools become greenish yellow. - Answer-a. cover
the newborn's closed eyes with patches.
Which of these symptoms should a nurse expect to assess in a client who develops
hypoglycemia?
a. Fruity breath odor.
b. Polyuria.
c. Diaphoresis.
d. Flushed skin. - Answer-c. Diaphoresis.
A client is eight hours postoperative after a transurethral resection of the prostate
(TURP). Which of these observations, if noted by a nurse, indicates a complication?
a. Hourly urine output of 90 mL.
b. Reports of bladder spasms.
c. BP 92/60 mm Hg, pulse rate 118/minute.
d. Pink-tinged urine output. - Answer-c. BP 92/60 mm Hg, pulse rate 118/minute.
A nurse should assess a child who has diabetes mellitus (type 1) for symptoms of
hyperglycemia, which include:
a. flushed skin and thirst.
b. irritability and hunger.
c. sweating and jitteriness.
d. lethargy and tremors. - Answer-a. flushed skin and thirst.
Which of these laboratory test results should a nurse monitor for a client who is
receiving intravenous heparin therapy at a rate of 1,500 units per hour for the treatment
of an acute pulmonary embolism?
a. Partial thromboplastin time.
b. Clot retraction time.
c. Platelet levels.
d. Bleeding time. - Answer-a. Partial thromboplastin time.
,Which of these techniques should a nurse use to assess for correct placement of a
nasogastric tube prior to administering a feeding?
a. Aspirate 10 mL contents and measure the pH.
b. Slowly inject 50 mL of saline and observe for resistance.
c. Inject 20 mL of water and listen for gurgling sounds.
d. Observe for bubbles after submerging the end of the tube in a cup of water. - Answer-
a. Aspirate 10 mL contents and measure the pH.
A client has shortness of breath when lying down and usually assumes an upright or
sitting position in order to breathe more comfortably. A nurse should document this
observation as:
a. dyspnea.
b. bradypnea.
c. orthopnea.
d. apnea. - Answer-c. orthopnea.
Which of these instructions should a nurse give to a client when collecting a sputum
specimen?
a. "Take a deep breath, then cough and spit into this container."
b. "Gargle with antiseptic mouthwash before you spit into this container.
c. "Spit whatever sputum you have in your mouth into this container."
d. "Drink some fluids to loosen your secretions and the spit into this container." -
Answer-a. "Take a deep breath, then cough and spit into this container."
A client who is receiving radiation therapy has a nursing diagnosis of imbalanced
nutrition: less than body requirements related to diminished taste perception and
nausea. Which of these additional nursing diagnoses should a nurse consider for the
client?
a. Risk for aspiration.
b. Ineffective protection.
c. Risk for deficient fluid volume.
d. Altered tissue perfusion. - Answer-c. Risk for deficient fluid volume.
Which of these menus, if chosen by a parent of a child who has celiac disease, would
indicate to a nurse that the parent understands the teaching about a gluten-free diet?
a. Broiled steak, baked potato, and spinach.
b. Pork chop, egg noodles, and green peas.
c. Fried chicken, white roll, and mixed vegetables.
d. Baked macaroni with cheddar cheese and corn. - Answer-a. Broiled steak, baked
potato, and spinach.
Which of these statements, if made by a nurse, is non-therapeutic because it disregards
a client's feelings and concerns?
a. "You appear anxious and tense."
b. "Everything will be okay."
c. "I notice you're biting your nails."
,d. "I'm not sure I understand what you're saying." - Answer-b. "Everything will be okay."
A client tells a nurse, "I am so scared about the interview tomorrow. I just know I will say
the wrong thing and not get the job." Which of these responses, if made by the nurse,
will create a communication barrier?
a. "Would you like to practice the interview?"
b. "Have you thought about some possible questions that may be asked in the
interview?"
c. "Tell me more about your concerns."
d. "You need to relax, and everything will be fine." - Answer-d. "You need to relax, and
everything will be fine."
A young healthy adult, who has been exercising in hot weather, has fatigue, loss of
appetite, and lightheadedness. Which of these assessments should a nurse make?
a. Determine the client's preferred diet.
b. Measure the client's body temperature.
c. Auscultate the lungs.
d. Ascertain the client's typical sleep pattern. - Answer-b. Measure the client's body
temperature.
Which of these nursing measures is the priority for a child who has hemophilia and who
sustains a leg injury?
a. Ensuring adequate hydration for the child.
b. Soaking the child's injured leg in warm water.
c. Administering the missing factor VIII to the child.
d. Transfusing one unit of whole blood to the child. - Answer-c. Administering the
missing factor VIII to the child.
Which of these outcomes should a nurse focus on for a client who had a bronchoscopy
two hours ago?
a. Preventing hemorrhage.
b. Preventing pneumonia.
c. Preventing aspiration.
d. Preventing dehydration. - Answer-c. Preventing aspiration.
A client who had a coronary artery bypass graft four days ago suddenly develops sinus
tachycardia and reports shortness of breath and dizziness. Which of these
interpretations and actions should a nurse take?
a. This is an expected occurrence following bypass surgery; continue to monitor the
client.
b. This indicates normalization of the blood pressure; hold all anti-hypertensive
medications.
c. This may be an early sign of heart failure; notify the physician.
d. This indicates hypoxia; administer oxygen at 5/L per minute. - Answer-c. This may be
an early sign of heart failure; notify the physician.
, Which of these lunch selections, if made by a client who has congestive heart failure,
should a nurse recognize as indicative of a need for additional instructions?
a. Cottage cheese with fresh fruit salad, whole wheat bread, and herbal tea.
b. Baked chicken with brown rice, mixed green salad, and iced coffee.
c. Egg salad sandwich with mayonnaise, pickles, and seltzer water.
d. Beef tenderloin, carrots, mashed potatoes, and a baked apple. - Answer-c. Egg salad
sandwich with mayonnaise, pickles, and seltzer water.
Which of the statements if made by a client who is take furosemide (Lasix), supports a
nursing diagnosis of knowledge deficit?
a. "This medication will increase the amount and frequency of my urination."
b. "This medication must be taken, even on days when I fell well."
c. "I will need to add more salt to my diet because this medication will increase its
excretion."
d. "I should change my position slowly to avoid dizziness related to this medication." -
Answer-c. "I will need to add more salt to my diet because this medication will increase
its excretion."
Which of these statements, if made by a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease, indicates improvement?
a. "I hope to attend my grandson's graduation next month."
b. "I can now walk one more block than I could last month."
c. "I take several quick breaths when I begin to cough."
d. "I do my breathing exercises in the evening after I eat dinner." - Answer-b. "I can now
walk one more block than I could last month."
An 8-month-old infant is admitted to the hospital because of failure to thrive. Which of
these actions should a nurse plan?
a. Limit the parents' interactions with the infant.
b. Consistently assign the care of the infant to the same staff.
c. Rotate assignments so that all staff can evaluate the infant.
d. Limit the infant's activity until the cause of the problem is identified. - Answer-b.
Consistently assign the care of the infant to the same staff.
Which of these actions should a nurse include to enhance the effectiveness of client
teaching sessions?
a. Include all content in one session so as not to overwhelm the client.
b. Initially demonstrate and explain the procedure to the client.
c. Avoid repetition of content.
d. Include all clients on the unit in the sessions. - Answer-b. Initially demonstrate and
explain the procedure to the client.
Which of these laboratory test results is more important for a nurse to assess for a client
who reports chest pain?
a. WBC count.
b. PTT level.
A newborn is placed under fluorescent light as part of the treatment for physiologic
jaundice. During the duration of the newborn's treatment, a nurse should:
a. cover the newborn's closed eyes with patches.
b. measure the newborn's pulse and respirations every two hours.
c. keep the newborn under the light at all times, even during the feedings.
d. notify the physician if the newborns stools become greenish yellow. - Answer-a. cover
the newborn's closed eyes with patches.
Which of these symptoms should a nurse expect to assess in a client who develops
hypoglycemia?
a. Fruity breath odor.
b. Polyuria.
c. Diaphoresis.
d. Flushed skin. - Answer-c. Diaphoresis.
A client is eight hours postoperative after a transurethral resection of the prostate
(TURP). Which of these observations, if noted by a nurse, indicates a complication?
a. Hourly urine output of 90 mL.
b. Reports of bladder spasms.
c. BP 92/60 mm Hg, pulse rate 118/minute.
d. Pink-tinged urine output. - Answer-c. BP 92/60 mm Hg, pulse rate 118/minute.
A nurse should assess a child who has diabetes mellitus (type 1) for symptoms of
hyperglycemia, which include:
a. flushed skin and thirst.
b. irritability and hunger.
c. sweating and jitteriness.
d. lethargy and tremors. - Answer-a. flushed skin and thirst.
Which of these laboratory test results should a nurse monitor for a client who is
receiving intravenous heparin therapy at a rate of 1,500 units per hour for the treatment
of an acute pulmonary embolism?
a. Partial thromboplastin time.
b. Clot retraction time.
c. Platelet levels.
d. Bleeding time. - Answer-a. Partial thromboplastin time.
,Which of these techniques should a nurse use to assess for correct placement of a
nasogastric tube prior to administering a feeding?
a. Aspirate 10 mL contents and measure the pH.
b. Slowly inject 50 mL of saline and observe for resistance.
c. Inject 20 mL of water and listen for gurgling sounds.
d. Observe for bubbles after submerging the end of the tube in a cup of water. - Answer-
a. Aspirate 10 mL contents and measure the pH.
A client has shortness of breath when lying down and usually assumes an upright or
sitting position in order to breathe more comfortably. A nurse should document this
observation as:
a. dyspnea.
b. bradypnea.
c. orthopnea.
d. apnea. - Answer-c. orthopnea.
Which of these instructions should a nurse give to a client when collecting a sputum
specimen?
a. "Take a deep breath, then cough and spit into this container."
b. "Gargle with antiseptic mouthwash before you spit into this container.
c. "Spit whatever sputum you have in your mouth into this container."
d. "Drink some fluids to loosen your secretions and the spit into this container." -
Answer-a. "Take a deep breath, then cough and spit into this container."
A client who is receiving radiation therapy has a nursing diagnosis of imbalanced
nutrition: less than body requirements related to diminished taste perception and
nausea. Which of these additional nursing diagnoses should a nurse consider for the
client?
a. Risk for aspiration.
b. Ineffective protection.
c. Risk for deficient fluid volume.
d. Altered tissue perfusion. - Answer-c. Risk for deficient fluid volume.
Which of these menus, if chosen by a parent of a child who has celiac disease, would
indicate to a nurse that the parent understands the teaching about a gluten-free diet?
a. Broiled steak, baked potato, and spinach.
b. Pork chop, egg noodles, and green peas.
c. Fried chicken, white roll, and mixed vegetables.
d. Baked macaroni with cheddar cheese and corn. - Answer-a. Broiled steak, baked
potato, and spinach.
Which of these statements, if made by a nurse, is non-therapeutic because it disregards
a client's feelings and concerns?
a. "You appear anxious and tense."
b. "Everything will be okay."
c. "I notice you're biting your nails."
,d. "I'm not sure I understand what you're saying." - Answer-b. "Everything will be okay."
A client tells a nurse, "I am so scared about the interview tomorrow. I just know I will say
the wrong thing and not get the job." Which of these responses, if made by the nurse,
will create a communication barrier?
a. "Would you like to practice the interview?"
b. "Have you thought about some possible questions that may be asked in the
interview?"
c. "Tell me more about your concerns."
d. "You need to relax, and everything will be fine." - Answer-d. "You need to relax, and
everything will be fine."
A young healthy adult, who has been exercising in hot weather, has fatigue, loss of
appetite, and lightheadedness. Which of these assessments should a nurse make?
a. Determine the client's preferred diet.
b. Measure the client's body temperature.
c. Auscultate the lungs.
d. Ascertain the client's typical sleep pattern. - Answer-b. Measure the client's body
temperature.
Which of these nursing measures is the priority for a child who has hemophilia and who
sustains a leg injury?
a. Ensuring adequate hydration for the child.
b. Soaking the child's injured leg in warm water.
c. Administering the missing factor VIII to the child.
d. Transfusing one unit of whole blood to the child. - Answer-c. Administering the
missing factor VIII to the child.
Which of these outcomes should a nurse focus on for a client who had a bronchoscopy
two hours ago?
a. Preventing hemorrhage.
b. Preventing pneumonia.
c. Preventing aspiration.
d. Preventing dehydration. - Answer-c. Preventing aspiration.
A client who had a coronary artery bypass graft four days ago suddenly develops sinus
tachycardia and reports shortness of breath and dizziness. Which of these
interpretations and actions should a nurse take?
a. This is an expected occurrence following bypass surgery; continue to monitor the
client.
b. This indicates normalization of the blood pressure; hold all anti-hypertensive
medications.
c. This may be an early sign of heart failure; notify the physician.
d. This indicates hypoxia; administer oxygen at 5/L per minute. - Answer-c. This may be
an early sign of heart failure; notify the physician.
, Which of these lunch selections, if made by a client who has congestive heart failure,
should a nurse recognize as indicative of a need for additional instructions?
a. Cottage cheese with fresh fruit salad, whole wheat bread, and herbal tea.
b. Baked chicken with brown rice, mixed green salad, and iced coffee.
c. Egg salad sandwich with mayonnaise, pickles, and seltzer water.
d. Beef tenderloin, carrots, mashed potatoes, and a baked apple. - Answer-c. Egg salad
sandwich with mayonnaise, pickles, and seltzer water.
Which of the statements if made by a client who is take furosemide (Lasix), supports a
nursing diagnosis of knowledge deficit?
a. "This medication will increase the amount and frequency of my urination."
b. "This medication must be taken, even on days when I fell well."
c. "I will need to add more salt to my diet because this medication will increase its
excretion."
d. "I should change my position slowly to avoid dizziness related to this medication." -
Answer-c. "I will need to add more salt to my diet because this medication will increase
its excretion."
Which of these statements, if made by a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease, indicates improvement?
a. "I hope to attend my grandson's graduation next month."
b. "I can now walk one more block than I could last month."
c. "I take several quick breaths when I begin to cough."
d. "I do my breathing exercises in the evening after I eat dinner." - Answer-b. "I can now
walk one more block than I could last month."
An 8-month-old infant is admitted to the hospital because of failure to thrive. Which of
these actions should a nurse plan?
a. Limit the parents' interactions with the infant.
b. Consistently assign the care of the infant to the same staff.
c. Rotate assignments so that all staff can evaluate the infant.
d. Limit the infant's activity until the cause of the problem is identified. - Answer-b.
Consistently assign the care of the infant to the same staff.
Which of these actions should a nurse include to enhance the effectiveness of client
teaching sessions?
a. Include all content in one session so as not to overwhelm the client.
b. Initially demonstrate and explain the procedure to the client.
c. Avoid repetition of content.
d. Include all clients on the unit in the sessions. - Answer-b. Initially demonstrate and
explain the procedure to the client.
Which of these laboratory test results is more important for a nurse to assess for a client
who reports chest pain?
a. WBC count.
b. PTT level.
