NCLEX Practice Exam Quiz

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Questions: 10 | Attempts: 6,550 | Updated: Sep 6, 2024

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Ready to test your nursing skills before the big test day? Our NCLEX Practice Exam Quiz is just what you need! This quiz is designed to give you a real taste of what the NCLEX exam is like helping you to prepare in the best way possible. Our quiz covers all the important topics you’ve learned in nursing school, from patient care to medical ethics.

It is set up just like the actual NCLEX, with various types of questions that you will need to answer. This will help you get comfortable with the format and the types of questions Read moreyou might see on the exam. By taking this practice quiz, you will be able to identify which areas you know well and which ones might need a bit more study.

NCLEX Practice Exam Questions and Answers

1.

What is the first action a nurse should take when a patient has a sudden onset of chest pain?
- A.
  
  Administer aspirin
- B.
  
  Call for help
- C.
  
  Perform CPR
- D.
  
  Document the incident
Correct Answer
B. Call for help

Explanation
Calling for help is the first and most crucial step when a patient experiences a sudden onset of chest pain. This immediate action ensures that medical assistance and necessary interventions, such as the administration of emergency medications or preparations for advanced cardiac life support, are quickly mobilized. It prioritizes the patient’s safety and potential need for urgent medical procedures, which can be life-saving. Promptly alerting the healthcare team allows for a rapid response, which is critical in potentially life-threatening situations such as heart attacks, ensuring the patient receives the best possible care at the moment of crisis.

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2.

How should a nurse position a patient during a nasogastric tube insertion?
- A.
  
  Supine position
- B.
  
  Prone position
- C.
  
  Semi-Fowler's position
- D.
  
  Trendelenburg position
Correct Answer
C. Semi-Fowler's position

Explanation
Positioning a patient in the Semi-Fowler's position during nasogastric tube insertion is critical for several reasons. This position, where the patient is partially reclined with the head elevated about 30 to 45 degrees, reduces the risk of aspiration, which can occur if the tube misroutes into the lungs instead of the stomach. It also facilitates the passage of the tube through the esophagus into the stomach by aligning these structures more naturally compared to lying flat or being fully upright, making the procedure easier and more comfortable for the patient.

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3.

Which medication administration route provides the fastest absorption?
- A.
  
  Oral
- B.
  
  Intravenous
- C.
  
  Subcutaneous
- D.
  
  Intramuscular
Correct Answer
B. Intravenous

Explanation
The intravenous route provides the fastest absorption of medications into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and the first-pass metabolism by the liver. This method delivers the drug directly into the circulation, ensuring immediate therapeutic effects, which is essential in emergency situations or when rapid onset of action is required. This route is often used for critical medications, such as emergency drugs, pain relievers, or antibiotics, where delays in drug absorption can affect patient outcomes critically.

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4.

When educating a patient with diabetes, what is important to emphasize about foot care?
- A.
  
  Regular pedicures
- B.
  
  Daily inspection and proper footwear
- C.
  
  Keeping feet moist
- D.
  
  Walking barefoot daily
Correct Answer
B. Daily inspection and proper footwear

Explanation
Emphasizing daily inspection and proper footwear to a patient with diabetes is crucial because individuals with diabetes are at higher risk for foot injuries and infections due to decreased sensation caused by neuropathy. Regularly checking the feet can help in early detection of potential problems such as cuts, blisters, or signs of infection. Proper footwear is important to avoid injuries that might not be felt and to provide supportive, cushioning properties that reduce pressure points. This preventive advice helps manage long-term health risks and can prevent severe complications, including the need for amputation.

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5.

A nurse finds an unresponsive patient. What is the first step they should take?
- A.
  
  Check the patient's airway
- B.
  
  Call for a code
- C.
  
  Start chest compressions
- D.
  
  Run to get help
Correct Answer
A. Check the patient's airway

Explanation
Checking the patient's airway is the first step when finding an unresponsive patient. This initial assessment is vital to ensure that the airway is clear and not obstructed, as a blocked airway can prevent oxygen from reaching the lungs and the rest of the body, leading to critical hypoxia and potential cardiac arrest. Immediate evaluation and management of the airway take precedence over all other actions, including calling for help, as it is foundational in the chain of survival in emergency care.

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6.

Which diet is most appropriate for a patient with celiac disease?
- A.
  
  Gluten-free
- B.
  
  High-protein
- C.
  
  Low-fat
- D.
  
  High-carbohydrate
Correct Answer
A. Gluten-free

Explanation
A gluten-free diet is essential for patients with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye, triggers an immune response that damages the intestinal lining, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, and malnutrition. Following a strict gluten-free diet helps manage these symptoms and promotes intestinal healing, which is crucial for the absorption of nutrients and overall health maintenance in affected individuals.

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7.

A nurse is caring for a patient with hypertension. What lifestyle change is often recommended?
- A.
  
  Increasing sodium intake
- B.
  
  Regular physical activity
- C.
  
  Reducing fluid intake
- D.
  
  Starting a high-fat diet
Correct Answer
B. Regular pHysical activity

Explanation
Regular physical activity is often recommended for patients with hypertension as a key lifestyle modification. Physical activity helps lower blood pressure by improving heart and blood vessel health. It enhances the efficiency of the cardiovascular system, reducing arterial stiffness and improving blood flow. These changes can significantly decrease the workload on the heart and the pressure exerted on arterial walls, thus lowering blood pressure. This non-pharmacological approach is a cornerstone of hypertension management and plays a vital role in overall cardiovascular risk reduction.

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8.

What is a common side effect of chemotherapy?
- A.
  
  Hair growth
- B.
  
  Weight gain
- C.
  
  Nausea and vomiting
- D.
  
  Decreased heart rate
Correct Answer
C. Nausea and vomiting

Explanation
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy due to its impact on rapidly dividing cells, including those in the gastrointestinal tract. Chemotherapy can trigger the release of serotonin, which stimulates the vomiting center in the brain, leading to these gastrointestinal symptoms. Managing these side effects is crucial as they can significantly impact the patient's quality of life and their ability to continue receiving treatment. Antiemetics are typically prescribed to help control these symptoms, highlighting the importance of supportive care in cancer treatment regimens.

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9.

How often should a nurse perform hand hygiene during a shift?
- A.
  
  Only at the beginning
- B.
  
  Before and after patient contact
- C.
  
  After breaks only
- D.
  
  Once every hour
Correct Answer
B. Before and after patient contact

Explanation
Performing hand hygiene before and after patient contact is crucial in preventing the spread of infections within healthcare settings. Hand hygiene is a fundamental practice that removes potential pathogens that could be transferred during patient interactions. By adhering to this protocol, healthcare workers significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination among patients, particularly in environments where individuals are at elevated risk of infection due to weakened immune systems or invasive procedures. This practice is a core standard in infection control protocols across all healthcare facilities.

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10.

Which symptom is an early sign of hypokalemia?
- A.
  
  Muscle weakness
- B.
  
  High blood pressure
- C.
  
  Increased heart rate
- D.
  
  Skin discoloration
Correct Answer
A. Muscle weakness

Explanation
Muscle weakness is an early sign of hypokalemia, where there is a low level of potassium in the bloodstream. Potassium is essential for normal cell function, including the activities of muscle and nerve cells. A deficiency in potassium affects the electrical potentials necessary for muscle contractions and can lead to symptoms ranging from mild weakness to severe muscle paralysis. Recognizing this early sign is critical in preventing further complications, including those affecting the respiratory muscles and cardiovascular stability.

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Current Version
Sep 06, 2024

Quiz Edited by
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Jul 07, 2017

Quiz Created by
Santepro

NCLEX Practice Exam Quiz

NCLEX Practice Exam Questions and Answers

What is the first action a nurse should take when a patient has a sudden onset of chest pain?

How should a nurse position a patient during a nasogastric tube insertion?

Which medication administration route provides the fastest absorption?

When educating a patient with diabetes, what is important to emphasize about foot care?

A nurse finds an unresponsive patient. What is the first step they should take?

Which diet is most appropriate for a patient with celiac disease?

A nurse is caring for a patient with hypertension. What lifestyle change is often recommended?

What is a common side effect of chemotherapy?

How often should a nurse perform hand hygiene during a shift?

Which symptom is an early sign of hypokalemia?