COMPREHENSIVE NCLEX-RN PRACTICE EXAM
1. Question
During a community health assessment at a local school’s parent-teacher
conference, the nurse encounters several parents and caregivers. Based on their
shared histories and lifestyles, the nurse determines the risk factors for
hypertension among them. Which of the following individuals is at
the HIGHEST risk for developing hypertension?
A. A 45-year-old African-American attorney with a family history of hypertension,
who has a sedentary lifestyle, consumes a diet high in sodium, and recently had a
significant weight gain.
B. A 60-year-old Asian-American shop owner with a BMI of 28, who has well-
managed type 2 diabetes, takes medications for high cholesterol, and engages in
regular physical activity.
C. A 40-year-old Caucasian nurse who is a vegetarian, has a healthy BMI, is a non-
smoker but reports high levels of work-related stress and consumes excessive
amounts of caffeine.
D. A 55-year-old Hispanic teacher who smokes occasionally, has a healthy BMI,
participates in a moderate-intensity exercise program, and recently started taking
oral contraceptives.
E. A 50-year-old Middle Eastern engineer with a BMI of 26, who has a family
history of cardiovascular diseases, does not engage in any form of exercise, and
has recently been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
F. A 52-year-old Native American artist with a family history of kidney disease,
who smokes a pack of cigarettes daily, drinks alcohol excessively, and reports
infrequent physical activity.
G. A 43-year-old European baker who has a BMI of 30, often deals with job-
related stress, consumes a diet rich in pastries and sweets, and has a sedentary
lifestyle due to long work hours.
, 2
Correct Answer: A. A 45-year-old African-American attorney with a family
history of hypertension, who has a sedentary lifestyle and consumes a diet high
in sodium.
African-American adults have a higher prevalence of hypertension compared to
other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. This individual also has a
family history of hypertension, a sedentary lifestyle, and a diet high in sodium,
which are all risk factors for hypertension. Therefore, this individual is at the
greatest risk for developing hypertension among the given choices.
• Option B. 60-year-old Asian-American shop owner: Although age is a risk
factor for hypertension, this individual has well-managed type 2 diabetes
and engages in regular physical activity. Their BMI of 28 suggests being
overweight, but the combination of other factors makes this individual’s risk
lower than the African-American attorney.
• Option C. 40-year-old Caucasian nurse: While this individual reports high
levels of work-related stress, which can be a risk factor for hypertension,
they have a healthy BMI, are a vegetarian, and a non-smoker. These factors
help offset their risk, making them less likely to develop hypertension
compared to the African-American attorney.
• Option D. 55-year-old Hispanic teacher: Although this individual smokes
occasionally, which is a risk factor for hypertension, they have a healthy BMI
and participate in a moderate-intensity exercise program. These factors
help reduce their risk, making them less likely to develop hypertension
compared to the African-American attorney.
2. Question
A 15-year-old female with a history of depression is brought to the emergency
department.
Nurse’s Notes:
1115: A 15-year-old female with a history of depression and recent relationship
troubles with her close friends is brought to the emergency department by her
concerned parents after they found an empty bottle of maximum-strength
, 3
acetaminophen in her room. Upon questioning, the patient tearfully admits to
ingesting 15 tablets of the medication 45 minutes ago. She is visibly anxious and
frequently looks at the marks on her wrists, which seem to be superficial
scratches.
Vital signs as of 1115:
• Blood pressure: 120/70
• Heart rate: 88 bpm
• Respiratory rate: 18 bpm
• Oxygen saturation: 98% on room air
As the nurse prepares to address the situation, several orders from the primary
care provider come in. Which of the following orders should the nurse prioritize
and carry out first?
A. Perform gastric lavage
B. Administer acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) orally
C. Start an IV with Dextrose 5% and 0.33% normal saline
D. Have the patient drink activated charcoal mixed with water
E. Conduct a psychiatric evaluation.
F. Apply wrist restraints to prevent further self-harm.
Correct Answer: B. Administer acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) orally
Although gastric lavage can help remove any remaining acetaminophen from the
stomach, it is not the priority intervention in this situation. Administering the
antidote, acetylcysteine (Mucomyst), should be the primary focus to counteract
the toxic effects of acetaminophen on the liver. Acetylcysteine is the antidote for
acetaminophen toxicity and should be administered as soon as possible to
maximize its effectiveness in preventing liver damage.
3. Question