NCLEX Practice Exam 3

Question 1

A patient is scheduled for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan for suspected lung cancer. Which of the following is a contraindication to the study for this patient?

Accepted Answer

The patient has a pacemaker

Answer

A pacemaker is an absolute contraindication for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan due to the powerful magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses used during the procedure. These forces can interfere with the pacemaker's function, cause it to malfunction, or even dislodge it, posing a significant safety risk to the patient. Patients with pacemakers require alternative imaging methods.

Question 2

A nurse caring for several patients on the cardiac unit is told that one is scheduled for implantation of an automatic internal cardioverter-defibrillator. Which of the following patients is most likely to have this procedure?

Accepted Answer

A patient with a history of ventricular tachycardia and syncopal episodes.

Answer

An automatic internal cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) is implanted in patients at high risk for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF). A patient with a history of ventricular tachycardia and syncopal episodes indicates a significant risk of sudden cardiac death, making them an ideal candidate for an AICD to detect and terminate these dangerous rhythms.

Question 3

A nurse in the emergency department is observing a 4-year-old child for signs of increased intracranial pressure after a fall from a bicycle, resulting in head trauma. Which of the following signs or symptoms would be cause for concern?

Accepted Answer

Repeated vomiting

Answer

Repeated vomiting in a child after head trauma is a significant and concerning sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). This symptom indicates that the brain may be swelling or bleeding, putting pressure on vital structures. While other signs exist, repeated vomiting warrants immediate medical attention to prevent further neurological damage.

Question 4

An adolescent brings a physician’s note to school stating that he is not to participate in sports due to a diagnosis of Osgood-Schlatter disease. Which of the following statements about the disease is correct?

Accepted Answer

The student experiences pain in the inferior aspect of the knee.

Answer

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common cause of knee pain in growing adolescents, particularly those involved in sports. It is characterized by inflammation of the patellar ligament at its insertion point on the tibial tuberosity, which is located just below the kneecap (inferior aspect of the knee). The pain is typically exacerbated by activity and relieved by rest.

Question 5

A patient is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. A nurse checking the patient’s lab results would expect which of the following changes in laboratory findings?

Accepted Answer

Elevated serum calcium.

Answer

Primary hyperparathyroidism is characterized by the excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which plays a crucial role in calcium regulation. Elevated PTH levels lead to increased calcium reabsorption from bones, increased calcium absorption in the intestines, and increased renal reabsorption of calcium. Consequently, the most expected laboratory finding is elevated serum calcium (hypercalcemia).

NCLEX Practice Test

NCLEX Practice Test

NCLEX Practice Exam 3