NCLEX Practice Questions with rationales (with complete solution)

After receiving report at the start of the evening shift, which of the following clients should the nurse attend to first? (a) A 34-year-old man undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma with a potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L. (b) A 21-year-old woman with sickle cell anemia with pain of 6 on a scale of 1-10. (c) A 55-year-old woman with ovarian cancer waiting to be discharged. (d) A 72-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a pulse oximetry of 96% on room air. - Correct answer: (a) A 34-year-old man undergoing treatment for nonHodgkin lymphoma with a potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L. Rationale: Hyperkalemia is a potentially serious condition that, in a client undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, could indicate tumour lysis syndrome. Patient (b) should be attended to, but her condition is not as urgent. Patients (c) and (d) do not require immediate attention. A 34-year-old woman who developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome while undergoing treatment with carbamazepine (Tegretol) is being transferred in stable condition from the intensive care unit to the medical unit. There are 4 beds available. The nurse knows the best choice of roommates for this client is which of the following? (a) A 40-year-old man with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). (b) A 28-year-old woman diagnosed with diarrhea. (c) A 72-year-old man with fever of unknown origin. (d) A 68-year-old woman with atrial fibrillation . - Correct answer: (d) A 68-year-old woman with atrial fibrillation.