PNLE IV Nursing Practice

1. Following spinal injury, the nurse should encourage the client to drink fluids to avoid:
A. Urinary tract infection.
B. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
C. Dehydration.
D. Skin breakdown.

2. The client is transferred from the operating room to recovery room after an open-heart surgery. The nurse assigned is
taking the vital signs of the client. The nurse notified the physician when the temperature of the client rises to 38.8 ºC or
102 ºF because elevated temperatures:
A. May be a forerunner of hemorrhage.
B. Are related to diaphoresis and possible chilling.
C. May indicate cerebral edema.
D. Increase the cardiac output.

3. After radiation therapy for cancer of the prostate, the client experienced irritation in the bladder. Which of the following
sign of bladder irritability is correct?
A. Hematuria
B. Dysuria
C. Polyuria
D. Dribbling

4. A client is diagnosed with a brain tumor in the occipital lobe. Which of the following will the client most likely experience?
A. Visual hallucinations.
B. Receptive aphasia.
C. Hemiparesis.
D. Personality changes.

5. A client with Addison’s disease has a blood pressure of 65/60. The nurse understands that decreased blood pressure of
the client with Addison’s disease involves a disturbance in the production of:
A. Androgens
B. Glucocorticoids
C. Mineralocorticoids
D. Estrogen

6. The nurse is planning to teach the client about a spontaneous pneumothorax. The nurse would base the teaching on the
understanding that:
A. Inspired air will move from the lung into the pleural space.
B. There is greater negative pressure within the chest cavity.
C. The heart and great vessels shift to the affected side.
D. The other lung will collapse if not treated immediately.

7. During an assessment, the nurse recognizes that the client has an increased risk for developing cancer of the tongue.
Which of the following health history will be a concern?
A. Heavy consumption of alcohol.
B. Frequent gum chewing.
C. Nail biting.
D. Poor dental habits.

8. The client in the orthopedic unit asks the nurse the reason behind why compact bone is stronger than cancellous bone.
Which of the following is the correct response of the nurse?
A. Compact bone is stronger than cancellous bone because of its greater size.
B. Compact bone is stronger than cancellous bone because of its greater weight.
C. Compact bone is stronger than cancellous bone because of its greater volume.
D. Compact bone is stronger than cancellous bone because of its greater density.

9. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of the client. In reviewing the results of the RBC count, the nurse
understands that the higher the red blood cell count, the :
A. Greater the blood viscosity.
B. Higher the blood pH.
C. Less it contributes to immunity.
D. Lower the hematocrit.
 PNLE IV Nursing Practice
10. The physician advised the client with Hemiparesis to use a cane. The client asks the nurse why cane will be needed. The
nurse explains to the client that cane is advised specifically to:
A. Aid in controlling involuntary muscle movements.
B. Relieve pressure on weight-bearing joints.
C. Maintain balance and improve stability.
D. Prevent further injury to weakened muscles.

11. The nurse is conducting a discharge teaching regarding the prevention of further problems to a client who undergone
surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand. Which of the following instruction will the nurse includes?
A. Learn to type using your left hand only.
B. Avoid typing in a long period of time.
C. Avoid carrying heavy things using the right hand.
D. Do manual stretching exercise during breaks.

12. A female client is admitted because of recurrent urinary tract infections. The client asks the nurse why she is prone to
this disease. The nurse states that the client is most susceptible because of:
A. Continuity of the mucous membrane.
B. Inadequate fluid intake.
C. The length of the urethra.
D. Poor hygienic practices.

13. A 55-year-old client is admitted with chest pain that radiates to the neck, jaw and shoulders that occurs at rest, with
high body temperature, weak with generalized sweating and with decreased blood pressure. A myocardial infarction is
diagnosed. The nurse knows that the most accurate explanation for one of these presenting adaptations is:
A. Catecholamines released at the site of the infarction causes intermittent localized pain.
B. Parasympathetic reflexes from the infarcted myocardium causes diaphoresis.
C. Constriction of central and peripheral blood vessels causes a decrease in blood pressure.
D. Inflammation in the myocardium causes a rise in the systemic body temperature.

14. Following an amputation of a lower limb to a male client, the nurse provides an instruction on how to prevent a hip
flexion contracture. The nurse should instruct the client to:.
A. Perform quadriceps muscle setting exercises twice a day.
B. Sit in a chair for 30 minutes three times a day.
C. Lie on the abdomen 30 minutes every four hours.
D. Turn from side to side every 2 hours.

15. The physician scheduled the client with rheumatoid arthritis for the injection of hydrocortisone into the knee joint. The
client asks the nurse why there is a need for this injection. The nurse explains that the most important reason for doing this
is to:
A. Lubricate the joint.
B. Prevent ankylosis of the joint.
C. Reduce inflammation.
D. Provide physiotherapy.

16. The nurse is assigned to care for a 57-year-old female client who had a cataract surgery an hour ago. The nurse should:
A. Advise the client to refrain from vigorous brushing of teeth and hair.
B. Instruct the client to avoid driving for 2 weeks.
C. Encourage eye exercises to strengthen the ocular musculature.
D. Teach the client coughing and deep-breathing techniques.

17. A client with AIDS develops bacterial pneumonia is admitted in the emergency department. The client’s arterial blood
gases is drawn and the result is PaO2 80mmHg. then arterial blood gases are drawn again and the level is reduced from 80
mmHg to 65 mmHg. The nurse should;
A. Have arterial blood gases performed again to check for accuracy.
B. Increase the oxygen flow rate.
C. Notify the physician.
D. Decrease the tension of oxygen in the plasma.
18. An 18-year-old college student is brought to the emergency department due to serious motor vehicle accident. Right
above-knee-amputation is done. Upon awakening from surgery the client tells the nurse, “What happened to me? I cannot
remember anything?” Which of the following would be the appropriate initial nursing response?
A. “You sound concerned; You’ll probably remember more as you wake up.”
B. “Tell me what you think happened.”
C. “You were in a car accident this morning.”
D. “An amputation of your right leg was necessary because of an accident.”
 PNLE IV Nursing Practice
19. A 38-year-old client with severe hypertension is hospitalized. The physician prescribed a Captopril (Capoten) and
Alprazolam (Xanax) for treatment. The client tells the nurse that there is something wrong with the medication and nursing
care. The nurse recognizes this behavior is probably a manifestation of the client’s:
A. Reaction to hypertensive medications.
B. Denial of illness.
C. Response to cerebral anoxia.
D. Fear of the health problem.

20. Before discharge, the nurse scheduled the client who had a colostomy for colorectal cancer for discharge instruction
about resuming activities. The nurse should plan to help the client understands that:
A. After surgery, changes in activities must be made to accommodate for the physiologic changes caused by the
operation.
B. Most sports activities, except for swimming, can be resumed based on the client’s overall physical condition.
C. With counseling and medical guidance, a near normal lifestyle, including complete sexual function is possible.
D. Activities of daily living should be resumed as quickly as possible to avoid depression and further dependency.

21. A client is scheduled for bariatric surgery. Preoperative teaching is done. Which of the following statement would alert
the nurse that further teaching to the client is necessary?
A. “I will be limiting my intake to 600 to 800 calories a day once I start eating again.”
B. “I’m going to have a figure like a model in about a year.”
C. “I need to eat more high-protein foods.”
D. “I will be going to be out of bed and sitting in a chair the first day after surgery.”.

22. The client who had transverse colostomy asks the nurse about the possible effect of the surgery on future sexual
relationship. What would be the best nursing response?
A. The surgery will temporarily decrease the client’s sexual impulses.
B. Sexual relationships must be curtailed for several weeks.
C. The partner should be told about the surgery before any sexual activity.
D. The client will be able to resume normal sexual relationships.

23. A 75-year-old male client tells the nurse that his wife has osteoporosis and asks what chances he had of getting also
osteoporosis like his wife. Which of the following is the correct response of the nurse?
A. “This is only a problem for women.”
B. “You are not at risk because of your small frame.”
C. “You might think about having a bone density test,”
D. “Exercise is a good way to prevent this problem.”

24. An older adult client with acute pain is admitted in the hospital. The nurse understands that in managing acute pain of
the client during the first 24 hours, the nurse should ensure that:
A. Ordered PRN analgesics are administered on a scheduled basis.
B. Patient controlled analgesia is avoided in this population.
C. Pain medication is ordered via the intramuscular route.
D. An order for meperidine (Demerol) is secured for pain relief.

25. A nurse is caring to an older adult with presbycusis. In formulating nursing care plan for this client, the nurse should
expect that hearing loss of the client that is caused by aging to have:
A. Overgrowth of the epithelial auditory lining.
B. Copious, moist cerumen.
C. Difficulty hearing women’s voices.
D. Tears in the tympanic membrane.

26. The nurse is reviewing the client’s chart about the ordered medication. The nurse must observe for signs of
hyperkalemia when administering:
A. Furosemide (Lasix)
B. Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)
C. Metolazone (Zaroxolyn)
D. Spironolactone (Aldactone)

27. The physician prescribed Albuterol (Proventil) to the client with severe asthma. After the administration of the
medication the nurse should monitor the client for:
A. Palpitation
B. Visual disturbance
C. Decreased pulse rate
D. Lethargy
 PNLE IV Nursing Practice
28. A client is receiving diltiazem (Cardizem). What should the nurse include in a teaching plan aimed at reducing the side
effects of this medication?
A. Take the drug with an antacid.
B. Lie down after meals.
C. Avoid dairy products in diet.
D. Change positions slowly.

29. A client is receiving simvastatin (Zocor). The nurse is aware that this medication is effective when there is decrease in:
A. The triglycerides
B. The INR
C. Chest pain
D. Blood pressure

30. A client is taking nitroglycerine tablets, the nurse should teach the client the importance of:
A. Increasing the number of tablets if dizziness or hypertension occurs.
B. Limiting the number of tablets to 4 per day.
C. Making certain the medication is stored in a dark container.
D. Discontinuing the medication if a headache develops.

31. The physician prescribes Ibuprofen (Motrin) and hydroxychloroquine sulfate (Plaquenil) for a 58-year-old male client
with arthritis. The nurse provides information about toxicity of the hydroxychloroquine. The nurse can determine if the
information is clearly understood if the client states:
A. “I will contact the physician immediately if I develop blurred vision.”
B. “I will contact the physician immediately if I develop urinary retention.”
C. “I will contact the physician immediately if I develop swallowing difficulty.”
D. “I will contact the physician immediately if I develop feelings of irritability.”

32. The client with an acute myocardial infarction is hospitalized for almost one week. The client experiences nausea and
loss of appetite. The nurse caring for the client recognizes that these symptoms may indicate the:
A. Adverse effects of spironolactone (Aldactone)
B. Adverse effects of digoxin (Lanoxin)
C. Therapeutic effects of propranolol (Indiral)
D. Therapeutic effects of furosemide (Lasix)

33. A client with a partial occlusion of the left common carotid artery is scheduled for discharge. The client is still receiving
Coumadin. The nurse provided a discharge instruction to the client regarding adverse effects of Coumadin. The nurse should
tell the client to consult with the physician if:
A. Swelling of the ankles increases.
B. Blood appears in the urine.
C. Increased transient Ischemic attacks occur.
D. The ability to concentrate diminishes.

34. Levodopa is ordered for a client with Parkinson’s disease. Before starting the medication, the nurse should know that:
A. Levodopa is inadequately absorbed if given with meals.
B. Levodopa may cause the side effects of orthostatic hypotension.
C. Levodopa must be monitored by weekly laboratory tests.
D. Levodopa causes an initial euphoria followed by depression.

35. In making a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis Edrophonium HCI (Tensilon) is used. The nurse knows that this drug will
cause a temporary increase in:
A. Muscle strength
B. Symptoms
C. Blood pressure
D. Consciousness

36. The nurse can determine the effectiveness of carbamazepine (Tegretol) in the management of trigeminal neuralgia by
monitoring the client’s:
A. Seizure activity
B. Liver function
C. Cardiac output
D. Pain relief
 PNLE IV Nursing Practice
37. Administration of potassium iodide solution is ordered to the client who will undergo a subtotal thyroidectomy. The
nurse understands that this medication is given to:
A. Ablate the cells of the thyroid gland that produce T4.
B. Decrease the total basal metabolic rate.
C. Decrease the size and vascularity of the thyroid.
D. Maintain function of the parathyroid gland.

38. A client with Addison’s disease is scheduled for discharge. Before the discharge, the physician prescribes hydrocortisone
and fludrocortisone. The nurse expects the hydrocortisone to:
A. Increase amounts of angiotensin II to raise the client’s blood pressure.
B. Control excessive loss of potassium salts.
C. Prevent hypoglycemia and permit the client to respond to stress.
D. Decrease cardiac dysrhythmias and dyspnea.

39. A client with diabetes insipidus is taking Desmopressin acetate (DDAVP). To determine if the drug is effective, the nurse
should monitor the client’s:
A. Arterial blood pH
B. Pulse rate
C. Serum glucose
D. Intake and output

40. A client with recurrent urinary tract infections is to be discharged. The client will be taking nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) 50
mg po every evening at home. The nurse provides discharge instructions to the client. Which of the following instructions
will be correct?
A. Strain urine for crystals and stones
B. Increase fluid intake.
C. Stop the drug if the urinary output increases
D. Maintain the exact time schedule for drug taking.

41. A client with cancer of the lung is receiving chemotherapy. The physician orders antibiotic therapy for the client. The
nurse understands that chemotherapy destroys rapidly growing leukocytes in the:
A. Bone marrow
B. Liver
C. Lymph nodes
D. Blood

42. The physician reduced the client’s Dexamethasone (Decadron) dosage gradually and to continue a lower maintenance
dosage. The client asks the nurse about the change of dosage. The nurse explains to the client that the purpose of gradual
dosage reduction is to allow:
A. Return of cortisone production by the adrenal glands.
B. Production of antibodies by the immune system
C. Building of glycogen and protein stores in liver and muscle
D. Time to observe for return of increases intracranial pressure

43. The nurse is assigned to care for a client with diarrhea. Excessive fluid loss is expected. The nurse is aware that fluid
deficit can most accurately be assessed by:
A. The presence of dry skin
B. A change in body weight
C. An altered general appearance
D. A decrease in blood pressure

44. Which of the following is the most important electrolyte of intracellular fluid?
A. Potassium
B. Sodium
C. Chloride
D. Calcium

45. Which of the following client has a high risk for developing hyperkalemia?
A. Crohn’s disease
B. End-Stage renal disease
C. Cushing’s syndrome
D. Chronic heart failure
 PNLE IV Nursing Practice
46. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory result of the client. The client’s serum potassium level is 5.8 mEq/L. Which of the
following is the initial nursing action?
A. Call the cardiac arrest team to alert them
B. Call the laboratory and repeat the test
C. Take the client’s vital signs and notify the physician
D. Obtain an ECG strip and have lidocaine available

47. Potassium chloride, 20 mEq, is ordered and to be added in the IV solution of a client in a diabetic ketoacidosis. The
primary reason for administering this drug is:
A. Replacement of excessive losses
B. Treatment of hyperpnea
C. Prevention of flaccid paralysis
D. Treatment of cardiac dysrhythmias

48. A female client is brought to the emergency unit. The client is complaining of abdominal cramps. On assessment, client
is experiencing anorexia and weight is reduced. The physician’s diagnosis is colitis. Which of the following symptoms of fluid
and electrolyte imbalance should the nurse report immediately?
A. Skin rash, diarrhea, and diplopia
B. Development of tetaniy with muscles spasms
C. Extreme muscle weakness and tachycardia
D. Nausea, vomiting, and leg and stomach cramps.

49. The client is to receive an IV piggyback medication. When preparing the medication the nurse should be aware that it is
very important to:
A. Use strict sterile technique
B. Use exactly 100mL of fluid to mix the medication
C. Change the needle just before adding the medication
D. Rotate the bag after adding the medication

50. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory result of the client. An arterial blood gas report indicates the client’s pH is 7.20,
PCO2 35 mmHg and HCO3 is 19 mEq/L. The results are consistent with:
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
 PNLE IV Nursing Practice
Answers and Rationales

1. A. Clients in the early stage of spinal cord damage experience an atonic bladder, which is characterized by the absence
of muscle tone, an enlarged capacity, no feeling of discomfort with distention, and overflow with a large residual. This
leads to urinary stasis and infection. High fluid intake limits urinary stasis and infection by diluting the urine and
increasing urinary output.
2. D. The temperature of 102 ºF (38.8ºC) or greater lead to an increased metabolism and cardiac workload.
3. B. Dysuria, nocturia, and urgency are all signs an irritable bladder after radiation therapy.
4. A. The occipital lobe is involve with visual interpretation.
5. C. Mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone cause the kidneys to retain sodium ions. With sodium, water is also retained,
elevating blood pressure. Absence of this hormone thus causes hypotension.
6. B. As a person with a tear in the lung inhales, air moves through that opening into the intrapleural and causes partial or
complete collapse of the lungs.
7. A. Heavy alcohol ingestion predisposes an individual to the development of oral cancer.
8. D. The greater the density of compact bone makes it stronger than the cancellous bone. Compact bone forms from
cancellous bone by the addition of concentric rings of bones substances to the marrow spaces of cancellous bone. The
large marrow spaces are reduced to haversian canals.
9. A. Viscosity, a measure of a fluid’s internal resistance to flow, is increased as the number of red cells suspended in
plasma.
10. C. Hemiparesis creates instability. Using a cane provides a wider base of support and, therefore greater stability.
11. D. Manual stretching exercises will assist in keeping the muscles and tendons supple and pliable, reducing the
traumatic consequences of repetitive activity.
12. C. The length of the urethra is shorter in females than in males; therefore microorganisms have a shorter distance to
travel to reach the bladder. The proximity of the meatus to the anus in females also increases this incidence.
13. D. Temperature may increase within the first 24 hours and persist as long as a week.
14. C. The hips are in extension when the client is prone; this keeps the hips from flexing.
15. C. Steroids have an anti-inflammatory effect that can reduce arthritic pannus formation.
16. A. Activities such as rigorous brushing of hair and teeth cause increased intraocular pressure and may lead to
hemorrhage in the anterior chamber.
17. C. This decrease in PaO2 indicates respiratory failure; it warrants immediate medical evaluation.
18. C. This is truthful and provides basic information that may prompt recollection of what happened; it is a starting point.
19. D. Clients adapting to illness frequently feel afraid and helpless and strike out at health team members as a way of
maintaining control or denying their fear.
20. C. There are few physical restraints on activity postoperatively, but the client may have emotional problems resulting
from the body image changes.
21. B. Clients need to be prepared emotionally for the body image changes that occur after bariatric surgery. Clients
generally experience excessive abdominal skin folds after weight stabilizes, which may require a panniculectomy. Body
image disturbance often occurs in response to incorrectly estimating one’s size; it is not uncommon for the client to
still feel fat no matter how much weight is lost.
22. D. Surgery on the bowel has no direct anatomic or physiologic effect on sexual performance. However, the nurse
should encourage verbalization.
23. C. Osteoporosis is not restricted to women; it is a potential major health problem of all older adults; estimates indicate
that half of all women have at least one osteoporitic fracture and the risk in men is estimated between 13% and 25%; a
bone mineral density measurement assesses the mass of bone per unit volume or how tightly the bone is packed.
24. A. Around-the-clock administration of analgesics is recommended for acute pain in the older adult population; this
help to maintain a therapeutic blood level of pain medication.
25. C. Generally, female voices have a higher pitch than male voices; older adults with presbycusis (hearing loss caused by
the aging process) have more difficulty hearing higher-pitched sounds.
26. D. Aldactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic; hyperkalemia is an adverse effect.
27. A. Albuterol’s sympathomimetic effect causes cardiac stimulation that may cause tachycardia and palpitation.
28. D. Changing positions slowly will help prevent the side effect of orthostatic hypotension.
29. A. Therapeutic effects of simvastatin include decreased serum triglyceries, LDL and cholesterol.
30. C. Nitroglycerine is sensitive to light and moisture ad must be stored in a dark, airtight container.
31. A. Visual disturbance are a sign of toxicity because retinopathy can occur with this drug.
32. B. Toxic levels of Lanoxin stimulate the medullary chemoreceptor trigger zone, resulting in nausea and subsequent
anorexia.
33. B. Warfarin derivatives cause an increase in the prothrombin time and INR, leading to an increased risk for bleeding.
Any abnormal or excessive bleeding must be reported, because it may indicate toxic levels of the drug.
34. B. Levodopa is the metabolic precursor of dopamine. It reduces sympathetic outflow by limiting vasoconstriction,
which may result in orthostatic hypotension.
35. A. Tensilon, an anticholinesterase drug, causes temporary relief of symptoms of myasthenia gravis in client who have
the disease and is therefore an effective diagnostic aid.
36. D. Carbamazepine ( Tegretol) is administered to control pain by reducing the transmission of nerve impulses in clients
with trigeminal neuralgia.
 PNLE IV Nursing Practice
37. C. Potassium iodide, which aids in decreasing the vascularity of the thyroid gland, decreases the risk for hemorrhage.
38. C. Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid that has anti-inflammatory action and aids in metabolism of carbohydrate, fat,
and protein, causing elevation of blood glucose. Thus it enables the body to adapt to stress.
39. D. DDAVP replaces the ADH, facilitating reabsorption of water and consequent return of normal urine output and
thirst.
40. B. To prevent crystal formation, the client should have sufficient intake to produce 1000 to 1500 mL of urine daily
while taking this drug.
41. A. Prolonged chemotherapy may slow the production of leukocytes in bone marrow, thus suppressing the activity of
the immune system. Antibiotics may be required to help counter infections that the body can no longer handle easily.
42. A. Any hormone normally produced by the body must be withdrawn slowly to allow the appropriate organ to adjust
and resume production.
43. B. Dehydration is most readily and accurately measured by serial assessment of body weight; 1 L of fluid weighs 2.2
pounds.
44. A. The concentration of potassium is greater inside the cell and is important in establishing a membrane potential, a
critical factor in the cell’s ability to function.
45. B. The kidneys normally eliminate potassium from the body; hyperkalemia may necessitate dialysis.
46. C. Vital signs monitor cardiorespiratory status; hyperkalemia causes serious cardiac dysrhythmias.
47. A. Once treatment with insulin for diabetic ketoacidosis is begun, potassium ions reenter the cell, causing
hypokalemia; therefore potassium, along with the replacement fluid, is generally supplied.
48. C. Potassium, the major intracellular cation, functions with sodium and calcium to regulate neuromuscular activity and
contraction of muscle fibers, particularly the heart muscle. In hypokalemia these symptoms develop.
49. A. Because IV solutions enter the body’s internal environment, all solutions and medications utilizing this route must
be sterile to prevent the introduction of microbes.
50. A. A low pH and bicarbonate level are consistent with metabolic acidosis.