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NCLEX Essential Concepts

Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. Made in the hypothalamus and stored and secreted by the posterior pituitary b. Causes kidney to retain sodium and water






2. PH 7.35-7.45 2. pCO2 = 35 - 45 3. pO2 = 80 - 100 4. HCO3 = 22 - 26






3. Apply cold to prevent swelling - bleeding and relive pain






4. Decision maker b. Can do complex procedures c. Can give medications via all routes that nurses can give meds d. Is best person for teaching e. Coordinates care f. Performs admission assessments






5. Routine tasks b. Routine vital signs






6. Analgesic - antipyretic - anticoagulant - anti - inflammatory






7. Manifestations 1) Muscle weakness 2) Weak pulse and ECG changes b. Causes 1) Potassium depleting diuretics 2) Burns 3) Diarrhea - colitis 4) Vomiting c. Management: Potassium replacement -- DO Not give Digoxin






8. Obesity B. Aging - plus recovery C. Concomitant diseases 1. Cardiovascular a. Danger of congestive failure - avoid fluid overload b. Avoid prolonged immobilization as it may cause venous stasis c. Encourage change of position; avoid sudden exertion 2






9. Head up 45-60 degrees 2. Reduces venous return and reduces cardiac workload 3. Promotes thoracic expansion 4. Reduces tension on the suture line for persons who have had abdominal surgery 5. Promotes drainage


10. 85 - 115 mEq/l






11. Caused by a decrease in peripheral resistance - vasoconstriction






12. Lukewarm or tepid water b. Compresses on wrists - ankles - armpits - or groin to speed cooling c. Prevent shivering






13. Inadequate blood supply to the vital organs: the brain - heart and kidneys; inadequate circulating volume. Manifestations A. Pulse pressure decreases B. Blood pressure deceases C. Urine output decreases (ADH and Aldosterone) D. Pulse increases E. Res






14. Head lower than trunk and feet 2. Uses a. Shock - sometimes b. Prolapsed cord when mother not in hospital; Increases venous return






15. A generalized reaction to contaminated equipment or solutions a. Manifestations 1) Chills and fever 30-60 minutes after start of infusion 2) Flushing - sudden pulse increase 3) Backache - headache 4) Nausea - vomiting 5) Hypotension - vascular collap






16. Apply heat to improve circulation and healing






17. Anticoagulants predispose to hemorrhage; discontinue 1-2 weeks before surgery 2. Aminoglycosides (streptomycin - gentamicin) can cause neuromuscular blockade. Anesthesiologist must know. 3. Diuretics may cause electrolyte imbalances and respiratory d






18. Made in the adrenal cortex b. Causes kidney to retain sodium and water and get rid of potassium






19. A decrease in total blood volume such as hemorrhage - transfusions






20. Movement of fluid from lower to higher concentration. Across semipermeable membrane; high concentration of glucose






21. 135 - 145 mEq/l






22. Head and trunk flat with legs elevated 2. Preferred for shock 3. Increases venous return without putting pressure on the diaphragm






23. Can do sterile procedures b. Can give medications except IV meds






24. Immobilized patient at risk for orthostatic hypotension 2. After prolonged period of immobility - gradually sit patient up






25. Physiologic needs b. Safety and security c. Love and belonging d. Self esteem e. Self actualization 2. Keep them breathing; keep them safe


26. Dislodging of needle causes fluid to infiltrate tissues a. Manifestations 1) Edema - blanching - puffiness on under surface of arm 2) Discomfort 3) Slow drip rate 4) Cool to the touch 5) Necrosis and sloughing of tissue with certain drugs (Levophed)






27. Patient pushes button and receives IV analgesia 2. Device has preset dose and frequency limits 3. Nurse must instruct patient in use of device 4. Nurse must continue to assess patient for a. Pain b. Pain relief c. Side effects (vital signs) 5. Studie






28. Acts of both omission and commission. 2. Failure to provide care that a reasonably prudent heath care professional would provide in the given circumstances. 3. Failure to provide care that meets the accepted standards of care - or giving care that re






29. Patient is moved all at once so there is no twisting of spine B. One person moves the head and shoulders C. Second person moves the feet and legs at the same time D. Turning sheet may be helpful E. Place the bed in a high position to promote good bod






30. Head up 20 to 30 degrees 2. Reduces intracranial pressure; good for head injuries and craniotomies 3. Good for cervical neck surgery


31. Analgesics - antipyretic - anticoagulant - anti - inflammatory






32. Adjust to retirement C. Adjust to loss of friends - family D. View own death as appropriate outcome of life






33. On the person's back 2. Maintains alignment






34. Lasts more than 6 months B. Appears to serve no useful purpose C. May persist after injury heals D. No autonomic nervous system symptoms






35. Flush daily with saline or heparin to prevent clots from forming B. Change dressing three times per week C. Check for infection D. Discard 5-10 ml when drawing blood E. In multilumen catheters use ports for designated purpose F. Valsalva's maneuver w






36. Short duration B. Serves as a warning C. Subsides as healing occurs D. Autonomic nervous system symptoms frequently present






37. Cold vasoconstricts and controls bleeding and swelling 2. Local anesthetic effect 3. Intermittently applied 4. Sterile technique for open wound






38. Place the wheel chair on the patient's strong side B. Position the open part of the chair toward the foot of the bed. C. Have patient stand on strong foot and pivot - then sit in chair






39. PH 7.32 2. pCO2 30 3. HCO3 18 4. Causes: a. Diabetes b. Renal failure c. Diarrhea






40. Needle punctures dura and cerebral spinal fluid lost. 2. Patient at risk for spinal headache.






41. Partial thickness loss of skin involving epidermis and/or part of dermis






42. Extracellular volume excess 1. Causes a. Too many I.V. fluids too quickly b. Decreased kidney or heart function 2. Manifestations a. Cough - dyspnea - rales - tachypnea b. Increased blood pressure c. Increased CVP d. Neck vein distention e. Tachycard






43. Head at 90 degrees 2. Used for persons with COPD


44. Acts by blocking opiate receptors in the brain 2. Used to treat: a. Opiate induced respiratory depression b. Opiate overdose 3. Side effects: a. Withdrawal symptoms in addicted persons b. Return of pain 4. Drug is rapid acting; narcotic may last long






45. Rescue Alarm Contain Evacuate






46. Glaucoma and cataracts (lens becomes opaque) occur frequently 2. Presbyopia (farsightedness of aging) occurs in almost all persons as they age Difficulty seeing in dim light due to loss of light responsiveness Presbycussis: progressive hearing loss a






47. Fluid balance - acid - base - nerve conduction a. Causes 1) Increased perspiration 2) Drinking only tap water 3) GI losses: diarrhea - vomiting - suction 4) Diuretics b - Manifestations 1) Confusion 2) Hypotension 3) Oliguria 4) Muscle weakness 5) Co






48. On left side with lower arm behind the back 2. Good position for administering enema


49. PH 7.52 2. pCO2 52 3. HCO3 34 4. Cause: Vomiting; excessive diuresis






50. PH 7.52 2. pCO2 30 3. HCO3 20 4. Cause: hyperventilation; rebreathe CO2