NCLEX NCLEX-RN Exam
National Council Licensure Examination - NCLEX-RN (Page 11 )

Updated On: 12-Jan-2026

A 9-month-old infant is being examined in the general pediatric clinic for a routine well-child checkup. His immunizations are up to date, and his mother reports that he has had no significant illnesses or injuries. Which of the following signs would lead the nurse to believe that he has had a cerebral injury?

  1. Hyperextension of the neck with evidence of pain on flexion
  2. Holding the head to one side and pointing the chin toward the other side
  3. Holding the head erect and in the midline when in a vertical position
  4. Significant head lag when raised to a sitting position

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

(A) This position is indicative of a possible meningeal irritation or infection such as meningitis. (B) This position is seen most frequently in infants who have had an injury to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. (C) Most infants aged 4 months and older are able to maintain this position. (D) Infants older than 6 months of age should not have significant head lag. This is a sign of cerebral injury and should be referred for further evaluation.



A postoperative TURP client is ordered continuous bladder irrigations. Later in the evening on the first postoperative day, he complains of increasing suprapubic pain. When assessing the client, the nurse notes diminished flow of bloody urine and several large blood clots in the drainage tubing. Which one of the following should be the initial nursing intervention?

  1. Call the physician about the problem.
  2. Irrigate the Foley catheter.
  3. Change the Foley catheter.
  4. Administer a prescribed narcotic analgesic.

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

(A) The physician should be notified as problems arise, but in this case, the nurse can attempt to irrigate the Foley catheter first and call the physician if irrigation is unsuccessful. Notifying the physician of problems is a subsequent nursing intervention. (B) This answer is correct. Assessing catheter patency and irrigating as prescribed are the initial priorities to maintain continuous bladder irrigation. Manual irrigation will dislodge blood clots that have blocked the catheter and prevent problems of bladder distention, pain, and possibly fresh bleeding. (C) The Foley catheter would not be changed as an initial nursing intervention, but irrigation of the catheter should be done as ordered to dislodge clots that interfere with patency. (D) Even though the client complains of increasing suprapubic pain, administration of a prescribed narcotic analgesic is not the initial priority. The effect of the medication may mask the symptoms of a distended bladder and lead to more serious complications.



A client is in active labor and has been admitted to the labor and delivery unit. The RN has just done a sterile vaginal exam and determines that the client is dilated 5 cm, effaced 85%, and the fetus's head is at 0 station. She asks if she could have a lumbar epidural now. The epidural is started, and the anesthetic agent used is bupivacaine (Marcaine). After the client has received her lumbar epidural, it is important for the RN to monitor her for which of the following side effects:

  1. Hypertension
  2. Hypotension
  3. Hypoglycemia
  4. Hyperglycemia

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

(A) The medication bupivacaine will cause vasodilation in the vascular system, and this does not result in elevation of the ma-ternal blood pressure. (B) The medication bupivacaine will cause vasodilation in the vascular system, and this will result in lowering the maternal blood pressure. (C) Bupivacaine does not interfere with the functioning of the endocrine system. (D) Bupivacaine does not interfere with the functioning of the endocrine system.
Topic 4, Questions Set D



A 19-year-old client has sustained a C-7 fracture, which resulted in his spinal cord being partially transected. By 2 weeks' postinjury, his neck has been surgically stabilized, and he has been transferred from the intensive care unit. A potential life-threatening complication the nurse monitors the client for is:

  1. Autonomic dysreflexia
  2. Bradycardia
  3. Central cord syndrome
  4. Spinal shock

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

(A) Autonomic dysreflexia is the exaggerated sympathetic nervous system response to various stimuli in the anesthetized area. Sympathetic stimulation results in severe, uncontrolled hypertension, which may result in myocardial infarction or cerebral hemorrhage. (B) Bradycardia occurs as a result of sympathetic blockade in the immediate postinjury period. After spinal shock recedes, cardiovascular stability returns, but the client will be bradycardiac for life. (C) Central cord syndrome is a specific type of spinal cord injury that occurs as a result of either hyperextension injuries or disrupted blood flow to the spinal cord. (D) Spinal shock occurs in the immediate postinjury phase and usually resolves in approximately 72 hours.



A client presents to the psychiatric unit crying hysterically. She is diagnosed with severe anxiety disorder. The first nursing action is to:

  1. Demand that she relax
  2. Ask what is the problem
  3. Stand or sit next to her
  4. Give her something to do

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

(A) This nursing action is too controlling and authoritative. It could increase the client's anxiety level. (B) In her anxiety state, the client cannot rationally identify a problem. (C) This nursing action conveys a message of caring and security. (D) Giving the client a task would increase her anxiety. This would be a late nursing action.



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