NCLEX NURSING SCHOOL SURVIVAL
KIT – COMPLETE THRIVE & SURVIVE
STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is in the compensatory stage of shock. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Cold, clammy skin
C. Decreased urinary output
D. Increased heart rate
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In the compensatory stage of shock, the body activates the
sympathetic nervous system, leading to an increased heart rate and vasoconstriction to
maintain cardiac output and blood pressure. Metabolic acidosis and cold, clammy skin
occur in the progressive stage.
,2. A client with a history of T6 spinal cord injury reports a severe headache and nasal
congestion. The nurse notes the client is bradycardic and extremely hypertensive. What is the
priority action?
A. Place the client in a high-Fowler’s position
B. Administer an antihypertensive medication
C. Catheterize the client to empty the bladder
D. Assess for a fecal impaction
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The client is exhibiting signs of autonomic dysreflexia. The
immediate priority is to sit the client up (high-Fowler’s) to help lower blood pressure
through orthostatic changes before addressing the cause (usually bladder distension or
bowel impaction).
3. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a serum potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L.
Which rhythm change on the ECG is most indicative of this condition?
A. Prominent U waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Tall, peaked T waves
D. Prolonged PR interval
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) typically causes tall,
peaked T waves. Prominent U waves are associated with hypokalemia.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer Digoxin to a client. Which of the following laboratory
values should the nurse check prior to administration to prevent toxicity?
A. Potassium
B. Sodium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity because
potassium and digoxin compete for binding sites on the sodium-potassium ATPase pump.
5. Which of the following findings is a classic sign of Pyloric Stenosis in an infant?
A. Currant jelly stools
B. Bile-stained vomitus
C. Steatorrhea
D. Projectile vomiting
Answer: D
KIT – COMPLETE THRIVE & SURVIVE
STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is in the compensatory stage of shock. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Cold, clammy skin
C. Decreased urinary output
D. Increased heart rate
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In the compensatory stage of shock, the body activates the
sympathetic nervous system, leading to an increased heart rate and vasoconstriction to
maintain cardiac output and blood pressure. Metabolic acidosis and cold, clammy skin
occur in the progressive stage.
,2. A client with a history of T6 spinal cord injury reports a severe headache and nasal
congestion. The nurse notes the client is bradycardic and extremely hypertensive. What is the
priority action?
A. Place the client in a high-Fowler’s position
B. Administer an antihypertensive medication
C. Catheterize the client to empty the bladder
D. Assess for a fecal impaction
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The client is exhibiting signs of autonomic dysreflexia. The
immediate priority is to sit the client up (high-Fowler’s) to help lower blood pressure
through orthostatic changes before addressing the cause (usually bladder distension or
bowel impaction).
3. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a serum potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L.
Which rhythm change on the ECG is most indicative of this condition?
A. Prominent U waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Tall, peaked T waves
D. Prolonged PR interval
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) typically causes tall,
peaked T waves. Prominent U waves are associated with hypokalemia.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer Digoxin to a client. Which of the following laboratory
values should the nurse check prior to administration to prevent toxicity?
A. Potassium
B. Sodium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity because
potassium and digoxin compete for binding sites on the sodium-potassium ATPase pump.
5. Which of the following findings is a classic sign of Pyloric Stenosis in an infant?
A. Currant jelly stools
B. Bile-stained vomitus
C. Steatorrhea
D. Projectile vomiting
Answer: D
