COMPLETE NCLEX-STYLE QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS &
RATIONALES
QUESTION 1:
A nurse is caring for a patient with major depressive disorder who has been
prescribed fluoxetine. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse
monitor for during the first few weeks of therapy?
A) Hypertension and bradycardia
B) Insomnia and agitation
C) Weight gain and sedation
D) Dry mouth and constipation
CORRECT OPTION: B) Insomnia and agitation
RATIONALE Fluoxetine is an SSRI that can cause activation syndrome, including
insomnia, agitation, and anxiety, particularly during the initial weeks of treatment.
These effects typically diminish over time, and patients should be educated about
this possibility to improve medication adherence.
QUESTION 2:
A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a patient. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take first?
A) Obtain a signed informed consent from the patient
B) Verify the blood product with another licensed nurse
C) Start a large-bore IV line with normal saline
D) Check the patient's vital signs
,CORRECT OPTION: B) Verify the blood product with another licensed nurse
RATIONALE Verification of the blood product with another licensed nurse is the
priority action to ensure patient safety and prevent transfusion reactions. Two
nurses must verify the blood unit against the patient's identification band, type
and crossmatch, and expiration date before transfusion begins.
QUESTION 3:
A nurse is assessing a patient who is 24 hours post-operative following abdominal
surgery. Which finding would indicate the development of a postoperative
complication?
A) Temperature of 99.2°F (37.3°C)
B) Heart rate of 88 beats per minute
C) Respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute
D) Blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg with urine output of 20 mL/hr
CORRECT OPTION: D) Blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg with urine output of 20
mL/hr
RATIONALE This finding is concerning for hypovolemia or shock, as urine output
should be at least 30 mL/hr. Low blood pressure combined with decreased urine
output indicates inadequate renal perfusion and requires immediate intervention
to prevent acute kidney injury.
QUESTION 4:
A nurse is teaching a patient with chronic kidney disease about dietary
restrictions. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the
teaching?
A) "I should eat more bananas and oranges for potassium"
B) "I need to limit my intake of high-phosphorus foods"
C) "I can eat as much protein as I want"
D) "I should drink at least 3 liters of fluid daily"
,CORRECT OPTION: B) "I need to limit my intake of high-phosphorus foods"
RATIONALE Patients with chronic kidney disease need to restrict phosphorus
intake because declining kidney function impairs phosphorus excretion, leading to
hyperphosphatemia, which contributes to bone disease and cardiovascular
complications. Foods high in phosphorus include dairy products, nuts, and
processed foods.
QUESTION 5:
A nurse is caring for a patient with pneumonia who has an oxygen saturation of
88% on room air. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A) Apply oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min
B) Notify the healthcare provider
C) Position the patient in high Fowler's position
D) Encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises
CORRECT OPTION: A) Apply oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min
RATIONALE The priority action is to address the hypoxemia by administering
supplemental oxygen. An oxygen saturation below 90% indicates significant
hypoxemia requiring immediate intervention. The nurse should apply oxygen first
and then reassess the patient's respiratory status before implementing other
interventions.
QUESTION 6:
A nurse is assessing a patient who is withdrawing from alcohol. Which finding
would indicate the onset of delirium tremens?
A) Nausea and vomiting
B) Tremors and diaphoresis
C) Hallucinations and severe agitation
D) Headache and fatigue
, CORRECT OPTION: C) Hallucinations and severe agitation
RATIONALE Delirium tremens is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal characterized
by hallucinations, severe agitation, confusion, tachycardia, hypertension, and
fever. This medical emergency typically occurs 48-72 hours after the last drink and
requires immediate medical intervention with benzodiazepines and supportive
care.
QUESTION 7:
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient with a new diagnosis of heart
failure. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A) Weigh yourself daily at the same time each morning
B) Limit sodium intake to 5 grams per day
C) Exercise vigorously for 30 minutes daily
D) Drink at least 3 liters of fluid daily
CORRECT OPTION: A) Weigh yourself daily at the same time each morning
RATIONALE Daily weight monitoring is essential for early detection of fluid
retention in heart failure patients. A weight gain of 2-3 pounds in one day or 5
pounds in one week should be reported to the healthcare provider as it may
indicate worsening fluid overload.
QUESTION 8:
A nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing acute chest pain. The
healthcare provider orders morphine sulfate 4 mg IV. Which of the following is the
primary reason for administering morphine to this patient?
A) To reduce anxiety
B) To decrease myocardial oxygen demand
C) To relieve pain
D) To lower blood pressure