The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is a
standardized exam designed to assess the knowledge and skills of nursing graduates seeking
licensure as registered nurses in the United States. Here is a brief review of the NCLEX-RN
Exam:
- The primary purpose of the NCLEX-RN is to ensure that entry-level nurses possess the
minimum level of competency necessary to provide safe and effective nursing care.
- The exam is computerized and adaptive, meaning the difficulty of the Questions adjusts based
on the test taker's performance. It can consist of a minimum of 75 Questions and a maximum of
265 Questions.
- The content of the exam is organized into four major client needs categories: Safe and
Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, and
Physiological Integrity. Each category is further divided into subcategories.
- The exam includes various Question formats, such as multiple-choice, multiple-response, fill-
in-the-blank, and hot spot items. The majority of Questions are multiple-choice.
- Test takers often engage in extensive preparation, including reviewing nursing textbooks,
taking practice exams, and using NCLEX review materials. Many also participate in review
courses to reinforce their knowledge.
- The NCLEX-RN focuses on assessing the ability of test takers to think critically and make
sound nursing judgments in real-life situations. It goes beyond mere memorization of facts.
1. Question
Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance
In the context of an ongoing tuberculosis (TB) outbreak, the nurse working in a community
health clinic is triaging clients for potential TB exposure and infection. Considering the risk
factors and symptoms, which of these clients should the nurse prioritize for TB screening?
A. The 16-year-old female presenting with a mild cough and fatigue.
B. The 33-year-old daycare worker with a persistent cough and recent travel history.
C. The 43-year-old man with a history of homelessness and alcohol use disorder, coughing up
blood.
D. The 54-year-old businessman with a cough and recent unexplained weight loss.
, E. The 27-year-old gym instructor who has night sweats and a history of working in a
correctional facility.
F. The 50-year-old woman with a chronic cough who has been receiving immunosuppressive
therapy.
Correct Answer: C. The 43-year-old man with a history of homelessness and alcohol use
disorder, coughing up blood.
Tuberculosis (TB) is more prevalent in populations with certain risk factors that include
homelessness, substance abuse, and compromised immune systems, among others. A homeless
individual with a history of alcoholism would likely have a higher risk of exposure and possibly
a weakened immune system, making it more difficult to fight infections.
2. Question
Category: Reduction of Risk Potential
A 42-year-old patient with no significant medical history presents to the clinic with a recent
positive Mantoux tuberculin skin test. The patient reports a productive cough and night sweats
that have persisted for the past three weeks. The nurse understands that a chest X-ray has been
ordered. The nurse considers that this diagnostic test is most crucial for which of the following
reasons?
A. To confirm the presence of active pulmonary tuberculosis.
B. To determine if there is a need for a repeat Mantoux test due to potential false-positive
results.
C. To assess the size and spread of any lesions within the lung tissue.
D. To differentiate between a primary TB infection or a reactivation of a latent TB infection.
Correct Answer: C. To determine the extent of lesions
If the lesions are large enough, the chest X-ray will show their presence in the lungs.
3. Question
Category: Physiological Adaptation
, The nurse is attending to a 35-year-old patient presenting to the emergency department with
difficulty breathing, audible inspiratory and expiratory wheezes, and a significant reduction in
peak expiratory flow rate. The patient has a known history of asthma and is currently
experiencing an exacerbation. Which of the following medication classes should the nurse
anticipate administering first to address the patient’s immediate needs?
A. Beta-adrenergic blockers
B. Bronchodilators
C. Inhaled steroids
D. Oral steroids
E. Anticholinergics
Correct Answer: B. Bronchodilators
In the case of acute asthma, characterized by wheezing and a decreased forced expiratory
volume, the immediate treatment goal is to open the airways and relieve constriction.
Bronchodilators, such as short-acting beta-agonists, are the first line of treatment as they act
quickly to dilate the bronchi and bronchioles, reducing resistance in the respiratory airway and
increasing airflow to the lungs.
4. Question
Category: Physiological Adaptation
A nurse is assessing a 56-year-old patient who presents with a persistent cough producing
copious thick sputum, noticeable swelling in the lower extremities, and blue-tinged nail beds.
The patient has a detailed smoking history of consuming one to two packs of cigarettes daily for
40 years. Considering the patient’s history and current symptoms, which of the following
conditions does the patient most likely have?
A. Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)