UWORLD NCLEX-RN COMPREHENSIVE
PRACTICE TEST 2 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which prescription should
the nurse implement first?
A. Administer IV calcium gluconate
B. Prepare the client for emergent hemodialysis
C. Administer oral sodium polystyrene sulfonate
D. Initiate a continuous infusion of insulin and dextrose
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In severe hyperkalemia with potential EKG changes, calcium
gluconate is administered first to stabilize the myocardium and prevent life-threatening
arrhythmias, even though it does not lower the potassium level itself.
2. Which client should the charge nurse assign to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?
A. A client with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes requiring initial teaching
B. A client being admitted from the emergency department with suspected bacterial
meningitis
,C. A client in active labor with a history of placenta previa
D. A client who is 2 days postoperative following a hip replacement and requires a dressing
change
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: LPNs can perform standard procedures like dressing changes
for stable clients. Initial teaching, assessment of unstable clients, and admissions must be
handled by an RN.
3. A client is prescribed lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which statement by the client
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water every day.
B. I will limit my caffeine intake to help me sleep better.
C. I will stop taking my ibuprofen for my arthritis pain.
D. I need to make sure I have enough salt in my diet.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: While caffeine reduction is generally healthy, the key lithium
teaching involves maintaining consistent sodium and fluid intake. Ibuprofen (NSAIDs)
should be avoided as they increase lithium levels. Option D is less critical than
understanding the sodium/water balance, but if the question implies a ‘need for further
teaching’ regarding lithium safety, caffeine can actually decrease lithium levels, but it is not
, the primary concern compared to NSAID use or sodium restriction. In NCLEX, NSAID
avoidance is a high-priority teaching point.
4. The nurse observes continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a client’s chest tube
drainage system. What is the priority action?
A. Document the finding as a normal occurrence
B. Check the system for an air leak starting at the insertion site
C. Increase the suction pressure on the wall regulator
D. Clamp the chest tube immediately to prevent a tension pneumothorax
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air
leak. The nurse should troubleshoot the system by checking the site and the tubing
connections. Intermittent bubbling is normal during expiration or coughing in a client with
a pneumothorax.
5. A 10-month-old infant is brought to the clinic for a well-child checkup. Which finding
should the nurse report to the provider?
A. The infant is unable to stand alone
B. The infant uses a pincer grasp to pick up small objects
C. The infant can sit unsupported
D. The infant’s weight has doubled since birth
PRACTICE TEST 2 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which prescription should
the nurse implement first?
A. Administer IV calcium gluconate
B. Prepare the client for emergent hemodialysis
C. Administer oral sodium polystyrene sulfonate
D. Initiate a continuous infusion of insulin and dextrose
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In severe hyperkalemia with potential EKG changes, calcium
gluconate is administered first to stabilize the myocardium and prevent life-threatening
arrhythmias, even though it does not lower the potassium level itself.
2. Which client should the charge nurse assign to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?
A. A client with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes requiring initial teaching
B. A client being admitted from the emergency department with suspected bacterial
meningitis
,C. A client in active labor with a history of placenta previa
D. A client who is 2 days postoperative following a hip replacement and requires a dressing
change
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: LPNs can perform standard procedures like dressing changes
for stable clients. Initial teaching, assessment of unstable clients, and admissions must be
handled by an RN.
3. A client is prescribed lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which statement by the client
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water every day.
B. I will limit my caffeine intake to help me sleep better.
C. I will stop taking my ibuprofen for my arthritis pain.
D. I need to make sure I have enough salt in my diet.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: While caffeine reduction is generally healthy, the key lithium
teaching involves maintaining consistent sodium and fluid intake. Ibuprofen (NSAIDs)
should be avoided as they increase lithium levels. Option D is less critical than
understanding the sodium/water balance, but if the question implies a ‘need for further
teaching’ regarding lithium safety, caffeine can actually decrease lithium levels, but it is not
, the primary concern compared to NSAID use or sodium restriction. In NCLEX, NSAID
avoidance is a high-priority teaching point.
4. The nurse observes continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a client’s chest tube
drainage system. What is the priority action?
A. Document the finding as a normal occurrence
B. Check the system for an air leak starting at the insertion site
C. Increase the suction pressure on the wall regulator
D. Clamp the chest tube immediately to prevent a tension pneumothorax
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air
leak. The nurse should troubleshoot the system by checking the site and the tubing
connections. Intermittent bubbling is normal during expiration or coughing in a client with
a pneumothorax.
5. A 10-month-old infant is brought to the clinic for a well-child checkup. Which finding
should the nurse report to the provider?
A. The infant is unable to stand alone
B. The infant uses a pincer grasp to pick up small objects
C. The infant can sit unsupported
D. The infant’s weight has doubled since birth
