NU 185
EXAM 1
3
NCLEX Style Questions w/ Rationales
Medical-Surgical Nursing II
Galen College of Nursing
This Document Description:
This document contains NCLEX-style Exam
questions tailored to the NU 185 course at
Galen College of Nursing
It covers core topics assessed in the course
and reflects the actual exam format and question style.
Each question is followed by a correct answer and rationale
to support exam preparation.
,A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with Parkinson's
disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse
report to the healthcare provider immediately?
A. Pill-rolling tremor in the right hand
B. Cogwheel rigidity in both upper extremities
C. Shuffling gait with a stooped posture
D. Episodes of freezing while ambulating, increasing in
frequency
Correct Answer: D
✅ Rationale: Freezing episodes that increase in frequency may
indicate worsening mobility and higher fall risk. This change
requires prompt intervention to ensure safety.
Which clinical manifestation is most characteristic of
Parkinson's disease?
A. Muscle flaccidity
B. Hyperactive reflexes
C. Pill-rolling tremor
D. Sudden onset of muscle weakness
Correct Answer: C
✅ Rationale: A resting "pill-rolling" tremor is a hallmark
symptom of Parkinson's disease, particularly affecting the hands.
The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client
newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Which
statement by the client indicates a need for further
teaching?
A. "I should exercise to maintain mobility."
B. "I may notice my handwriting becoming smaller."
C. "I will avoid walking alone due to the risk of freezing."
D. "These symptoms should go away after a few weeks of
medication."
, Correct Answer: D
✅ Rationale: Parkinson's disease is chronic and progressive.
Medications can help control symptoms but will not cure the
disease or make symptoms disappear completely.
A nurse is caring for a client with Parkinson's disease who
reports feelings of hopelessness and has a flat affect.
Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Encourage increased physical activity.
B. Assess for suicidal ideation.
C. Educate the client on disease progression.
D. Refer the client to a support group.
Correct Answer: B
✅ Rationale: Flat affect and hopelessness can be signs of
depression. The nurse must first assess for suicidal ideation,
which is a safety concern.
The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease are primarily
caused by:
A. Overproduction of dopamine in the brain
B. Degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the
substantia nigra
C. Inflammation of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves
D. Decreased production of acetylcholine in the cerebral
cortex
Correct Answer: B
✅ Rationale: Parkinson's disease is caused by the progressive
degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia
nigra, leading to the motor symptoms seen in the condition.
A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client with
Parkinson's disease who experiences bradykinesia. Which
of the following interventions should be included?
EXAM 1
3
NCLEX Style Questions w/ Rationales
Medical-Surgical Nursing II
Galen College of Nursing
This Document Description:
This document contains NCLEX-style Exam
questions tailored to the NU 185 course at
Galen College of Nursing
It covers core topics assessed in the course
and reflects the actual exam format and question style.
Each question is followed by a correct answer and rationale
to support exam preparation.
,A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with Parkinson's
disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse
report to the healthcare provider immediately?
A. Pill-rolling tremor in the right hand
B. Cogwheel rigidity in both upper extremities
C. Shuffling gait with a stooped posture
D. Episodes of freezing while ambulating, increasing in
frequency
Correct Answer: D
✅ Rationale: Freezing episodes that increase in frequency may
indicate worsening mobility and higher fall risk. This change
requires prompt intervention to ensure safety.
Which clinical manifestation is most characteristic of
Parkinson's disease?
A. Muscle flaccidity
B. Hyperactive reflexes
C. Pill-rolling tremor
D. Sudden onset of muscle weakness
Correct Answer: C
✅ Rationale: A resting "pill-rolling" tremor is a hallmark
symptom of Parkinson's disease, particularly affecting the hands.
The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client
newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Which
statement by the client indicates a need for further
teaching?
A. "I should exercise to maintain mobility."
B. "I may notice my handwriting becoming smaller."
C. "I will avoid walking alone due to the risk of freezing."
D. "These symptoms should go away after a few weeks of
medication."
, Correct Answer: D
✅ Rationale: Parkinson's disease is chronic and progressive.
Medications can help control symptoms but will not cure the
disease or make symptoms disappear completely.
A nurse is caring for a client with Parkinson's disease who
reports feelings of hopelessness and has a flat affect.
Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Encourage increased physical activity.
B. Assess for suicidal ideation.
C. Educate the client on disease progression.
D. Refer the client to a support group.
Correct Answer: B
✅ Rationale: Flat affect and hopelessness can be signs of
depression. The nurse must first assess for suicidal ideation,
which is a safety concern.
The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease are primarily
caused by:
A. Overproduction of dopamine in the brain
B. Degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the
substantia nigra
C. Inflammation of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves
D. Decreased production of acetylcholine in the cerebral
cortex
Correct Answer: B
✅ Rationale: Parkinson's disease is caused by the progressive
degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia
nigra, leading to the motor symptoms seen in the condition.
A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client with
Parkinson's disease who experiences bradykinesia. Which
of the following interventions should be included?
