NCLEX : Symptoms and Tests for Other Conditions
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX
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Example Questions
Example Question #961 : Nclex
Which of the following causes microcytic hypochromic anemia?
Thalassemia
Chronic lead exposure
All of these
Iron deficiency
All of these
All of these result in microcytic hypochromic anemia, which is a type of anemia characterized by small red blood cells called microcytes that contain lower concentrations of hemoglobin than healthy red blood cells.
Example Question #31 : Other Conditions
What is the most significant risk of hyperkalemia (elevated serum potassium)?
Sudden cardiac death
Respiratory depression
Weakness, tremors, and cramps
Rhabdomyolysis
Sudden cardiac death
Mild hyperkalemia may be asymptomatic, but a significant rise if potassium levels above normal can cause fatal heart arrhythmia, resulting in sudden cardiac death.
Weakness, tremors, and cramps are common symptoms of mild hypokalemia (depressed potassium levels), while respiratory depression and rhabdomyolysis can occur with severe cases of hypokalemia.
Example Question #1 : Symptoms And Tests For Other Conditions
Cranial nerves are important to assess to determine the neurological status of a patient in regards to possible deficits.
All the following cranial nerves should be assessed for proper eye movement and function, including vision except __________.
cranial nerve III
cranial nerve II
cranial nerve IV
cranial nerve VI
cranial nerve VIII
cranial nerve VIII
Cranial nerve VIII is the vestibulocochlear nerve responsible for hearing and balance. It does not control the eye.
Cranial nerve II is the optic nerve: control vision and acuity; cranial nerve III is the oculomotor nerve, which controls eye movement, pupil reflex, eyelid, and proprioception. Cranial nerve IV is the trochlear nerve, which controls extraocular eye movement as does cranial nerve VI, the abducens.
Example Question #161 : Conditions And Treatments
A 25-year-old male client presents to the emergency department complaining of severe headache, nausea, vomiting and nuchal rigidity. Nurse recognizes this patient may be experiencing some form of meningitis.
Which test is the most appropriate to determine if this patient is experiencing the bacterial form of meningitis?
Cerebral spinal fluid analysis to confirm elevated glucose levels
Blood culture positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae
Computerized tomography scan of the head to assess for increased intracranial pressure
Cerebral spinal fluid analysis showing elevated protein levels
X-ray of the spine
Cerebral spinal fluid analysis showing elevated protein levels
Cerebral spinal fluid analysis is the best test - elevated protein, decreased glucose levels, with high levels of PMN's (polymorphonuclear cells) are indicative of bacterial meningitis, which is a medical emergency. Blood culture is appropriate but will not yield quick results, computer tomography (CT) scan is also helpful but not priority.
Example Question #961 : Nclex
A patient is severely dehydrated and is being given IV normal saline at a rate of 160 cc per hour. Which of the following laboratory values would you expect to be abnormally elevated in this patient?
Creatinine
Glucose
White blood count
Mast cell count
Hemoglobin
Creatinine
In a dehydrated patient, the BUN and creatinine is often elevated. Creatinine is a marker of kidney function. Elevations in creatinine from baseline are considered kidney injury. Dehydration is decreased circulatory volume to the kidneys. This will result in an elevation of creatinine (and BUN) on laboratory testing. Rehydration therapy with IV fluids will often correct this abnormality.
Example Question #964 : Nclex
What is the medical term for the artificial mechanism by which fluid and toxic solutes are removed from circulation when the kidneys are unable to function?
CPAP
Bronchoscopy
BiPAP
Dialysis
Dialysis
Dialysis is an artificial mechanism used to filter the blood when the kidneys are unable to do so. The two major types are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Dialysis is usually considered in the treatment of chronic kidney disease and toxic overdoses. BiPAP and CPAP are used to help with respirations. Bronchoscopy is used to explore the lung space.
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