Nursing Question Bank

Sample

1. A client newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus is instructed by the physician to obtain glucagon for emergency home use. The client asks a home care nurse about the purpose of the medication. The nurse instructs the client that the purpose of the medication is to treat:

Glucagon is used for emergency home treatment of hypoglycemia from insulin overdose. Glucagon treats hypoglycemia.

Sample

2. A client presents to the emergency department with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and is in moderate distress. In planning care, which nursing action would be the first priority for this client?

For upper GI bleeding in moderate distress, the priority intervention is assessment of vital signs (to detect shock). Assess vital signs first.

Sample

3. A client with diabetes mellitus is self-administering NPH insulin from a vial that is kept at room temperature. The client asks a nurse about the length of time an unrefrigerated vial of insulin will maintain its potency. The appropriate response to the client is which of the following?

NPH insulin kept at room temperature should be used within about 1 month (after which it is discarded). Use within 1 month.

Sample

4. A nurse is caring for a client scheduled for a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. The preoperative teaching instructions should include which most important statement?

Before a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, the client is taught that toothbrushing will not be allowed for a period (to protect the surgical site under the lip). No toothbrushing after surgery.

Sample

5. A client arrives at the clinic complaining of fatigue, lack of energy, constipation, and depression. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed, and levothyroxine (Synthroid) is prescribed. A nurse instructs the client that the expected outcome of the medication is to:

For hypothyroidism, the goal of therapy is to achieve normal thyroid hormone levels (euthyroid state) with replacement. Achieve normal thyroid hormone levels.

Sample

6. A nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis and is monitoring the client for paralytic ileus. Which assessment data would alert the nurse to this occurrence?

In paralytic ileus, the client is unable to pass flatus (absent bowel motility). Inability to pass flatus indicates ileus.

Sample

7. A nurse is preparing to discontinue a client's nasogastric tube. The client is positioned properly, and the tube has been flushed with 15 mL of air to clear secretions. Before removing the tube, the nurse makes which statement to the client?

To discontinue a nasogastric tube, the nurse instructs the client to take a deep breath and hold it while the tube is withdrawn. Take and hold a deep breath.

Sample

8. A sexually active 20-year-old client has developed viral hepatitis. Which of the following statements, if made by the client, would indicate a need for further teaching?

For viral hepatitis, the statement 'I can never drink alcohol again' is overly absolute; alcohol should be avoided during recovery but the lifelong 'never' may be inaccurate. [REVIEW: keyed 'b' as the statement to address; alcohol is avoided especially during recovery, with long-term advice individualized.]

Sample

9. A nurse is caring for a client admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Which of the following laboratory results would the nurse expect to note if the client does have appendicitis?

Acute appendicitis causes leukocytosis with a shift to the left (increased immature neutrophils). Leukocytosis with a left shift is expected.

Sample

10. Nursing care of a client with a fractured hip should include the assessment of pedal pulses. If these pulses are not palpable, the initial nursing intervention is directed towards:

If pedal pulses are not palpable in a client with a fractured hip, the nurse assesses for signs of impaired peripheral circulation (compromised perfusion). Assess for signs of poor perfusion.