Take our free NCLEX practice tests with answers and detailed explanations. Practice exam questions as often as you want to get ready for test day. Your best online Qbank resource for free!
Question A 45-year-old female presents to her primary care provider with a complaint of frequent heartburn and regurgitation of stomach contents into her throat. She reports that these symptoms occur after meals and when lying down. She has tried lifestyle modifications, including avoiding spicy foods and eating smaller meals, with limited relief. On physical examination, there are no remarkable findings. Her laboratory results are within normal limits. The patient’s primary care provider decides to initiate therapy. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial choice for treating the patient’s symptoms?
A) Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
B) Aspirin and oxygen
C) Erythromycin
D) Amoxicillin
E) Cholecystectomy
Explanation: The most appropriate initial choice for treating GERD symptoms in this patient is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI). PPIs are highly effective in reducing gastric acid production and are considered the first-line pharmacological therapy for GERD. They provide long-lasting relief from heartburn and regurgitation, making them a suitable option for patients with moderate to severe symptoms. Lifestyle modifications should be combined with medication when necessary. Gastrointestinal Questions
POP QUIZ NCLEX Question
@qbankproacademy 4000+ Free NCLEX QUESTIONS. Go to QBankProAcademy.com FREE Qbank questions for NCLEX RN, PN, HESI Exit, Med Surg, AANP, ANCC, and HesiA2. Practice questions, quizzes, and listen to the Free Podcast. In this video, we review a question on BLOOD TRANSFUSION in Nursing Care. At QbankproAcademy.com our mission is to provide free QBanks, videos, and the most up to date test prep information for nurses. If you find our website helpful, please tell other aspiring nurses, nursing students, and professors. Please link to our site from your blogs, videos, and college websites, or share us on your favorite social media sites. Thank you for your support! Free nursing NCLEX 60-DAY CHALLENGE https://qbankpro.thinkific.com/courses/qbankpro-academy nclex Nurses Nursing aanp #qbank ancc hesi #qbank
Question A 35-year-old female presents with acute diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps after consuming seafood at a local restaurant. Laboratory tests show metabolic acidosis and hypokalemia. What is the most likely causative organism?
A) Salmonella enterica
B) Vibrio cholerae
C) Giardia lamblia
D) Norovirus
Explanation: The clinical presentation of acute diarrhea, vomiting, muscle cramps, metabolic acidosis, and hypokalemia following consumption of seafood is indicative of Vibrio cholerae infection, commonly associated with cholera outbreaks due to contaminated seafood. Gastrointestinal Questions
Question A 40-year-old male presents with a persistent dry cough, chest tightness, and wheezing, especially at night. He has a history of allergies and a family history of asthma. Pulmonary function tests reveal reversible airflow obstruction. What is the most appropriate long-term treatment for this patient’s asthma?
A) Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs)
B) Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)
C) Leukotriene modifiers
D) Antihistamines
Explanation: The most appropriate long-term treatment for asthma, especially with persistent symptoms and reversible airflow obstruction, is inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). These medications help reduce airway inflammation and improve asthma control. Respiratory Questions
Question A 50-year-old female presents with red, itchy, and swollen skin on her forearm. She recently applied a new brand of lotion. Physical examination reveals a localized, erythematous, and edematous rash. What is the initial treatment for this localized allergic contact dermatitis?
A) Oral antihistamines
B) Intravenous (IV) corticosteroids
C) Topical corticosteroids
D) Antibiotics
Explanation: The initial treatment for localized allergic contact dermatitis, characterized by a localized rash, is the application of topical corticosteroids. These medications help reduce inflammation and relieve itching. Pharmacology Questions
Question A 35-year-old male with a known peanut allergy accidentally ingests a small amount of peanuts and develops hives, itching, and abdominal cramps. He does not have difficulty breathing or a drop in blood pressure. What is the appropriate initial treatment for his mild allergic reaction?
A) Epinephrine injection
B) Oral antihistamines
C) Intravenous (IV) corticosteroids
D) Inhaled bronchodilators
Explanation: For a mild allergic reaction without severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or a drop in blood pressure, the appropriate initial treatment is oral antihistamines to relieve symptoms like itching and hives. Epinephrine is reserved for severe reactions (anaphylaxis). Pharmacology Questions
Question A 28-year-old female presents with a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. She reports that these symptoms worsen during the pollen season and interfere with her daily life. What is the most appropriate first-line treatment for her allergic rhinitis?
A) Intravenous (IV) corticosteroids
B) Antipyretics
C) Antihistamines
D) Antibiotics
Explanation: The first-line treatment for allergic rhinitis, characterized by symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes triggered by allergens like pollen, is antihistamines. Antihistamines block the action of histamine, which is released during an allergic reaction and causes these symptoms. Pharmacology Questions
Question A 12-year-old male presents with itching, redness, and swelling of the skin on his arms after exposure to poison ivy. Physical examination reveals linear vesicular lesions. What is the recommended treatment for this patient’s contact dermatitis?
A) Intravenous (IV) corticosteroids
B) Topical corticosteroids
C) Leukotriene modifiers
D) Antihistamines
Explanation: The recommended treatment for contact dermatitis caused by poison ivy or similar irritants is topical corticosteroids. These medications help reduce inflammation and relieve itching. Pediatric Questions
Question A 55-year-old male presents with sudden-onset shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing after exposure to a known allergen, his pet cat. He has a history of allergic asthma. What is the initial treatment of choice for this patient’s acute asthma exacerbation?
A) Leukotriene modifiers
B) Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)
C) Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs)
D) Intravenous (IV) corticosteroids
Explanation: The initial treatment of choice for an acute asthma exacerbation with symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing is the use of short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) to relieve bronchoconstriction and improve airflow. Respiratory Questions
Question A 45-year-old female presents with red, swollen, and itchy eyes. She reports that these symptoms worsen when she is exposed to dust and pollen. What is the appropriate treatment for her allergic conjunctivitis?
A) Intravenous (IV) corticosteroids
B) Antipyretics
C) Topical antihistamines
D) Oral antibiotics
Explanation: The appropriate treatment for allergic conjunctivitis, characterized by red, swollen, and itchy eyes triggered by allergens, is topical antihistamines in the form of eye drops. These medications help relieve the ocular symptoms associated with allergies. Pharmacology Questions
Question A 60-year-old male presents with flushing, hives, and swelling of the face and lips after consuming shellfish at a restaurant. He also experiences difficulty breathing and a drop in blood pressure. What is the immediate treatment of choice for this patient’s severe allergic reaction?
A) Intravenous (IV) corticosteroids
B) Oral antihistamines
C) Epinephrine injection
D) Inhaled bronchodilators
Explanation: The immediate treatment of choice for a severe allergic reaction characterized by symptoms like flushing, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and a drop in blood pressure is an epinephrine injection. Epinephrine is life-saving in cases of anaphylaxis. Pharmacology Questions
Question A 30-year-old female presents with a sore throat, fever, and swollen tonsils with white exudates. A rapid streptococcal antigen test comes back positive. What is the recommended treatment for this patient’s upper respiratory infection?
A) Antipyretics
B) Antiviral medications
C) Antibiotics
D) Corticosteroids
Explanation: The recommended treatment for a confirmed streptococcal throat infection is antibiotics, usually penicillin or amoxicillin, to eradicate the bacteria and prevent complications like rheumatic fever.
Question A 25-year-old male presents with a runny nose, cough, and low-grade fever. Physical examination reveals bilateral rhinorrhea and clear nasal discharge. What is the most likely cause of his symptoms, and what treatment should be considered?
A) Influenza; oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
B) Bacterial sinusitis; amoxicillin
C) Viral upper respiratory infection (URI); supportive care
D) Streptococcal pharyngitis; penicillin
Explanation: The patient’s symptoms of a runny nose, cough, clear nasal discharge, and low-grade fever are indicative of a viral upper respiratory infection (URI). Treatment typically involves supportive care, including rest, hydration, and symptom relief with antipyretics or decongestants. Respiratory Questions
Question A 35-year-old female with a history of asthma presents with a sudden-onset cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. She reports exposure to cold air and a recent upper respiratory infection. What is the initial treatment of choice for her acute exacerbation of asthma?
A) Antiviral medications
B) Antibiotics
C) Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs)
D) Oral corticosteroids
Explanation: The initial treatment of choice for an acute exacerbation of asthma with symptoms like cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath is the use of short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) to relieve bronchoconstriction and improve airflow. Respiratory Questions
Question A 70-year-old male undergoes colon resection surgery. On postoperative day 4, he experiences abdominal distension, absent bowel sounds, and vomiting. Abdominal X-ray reveals multiple air-fluid levels in the dilated small intestine. What is the likely diagnosis, and what intervention is required?
A) Surgical site infection; wound debridement
B) Atelectasis; incentive spirometry
C) Ileus; conservative management with bowel rest
D) Urinary tract infection; antibiotic therapy
Explanation: The clinical presentation of abdominal distension, absent bowel sounds, vomiting, and multiple air-fluid levels on abdominal X-ray is indicative of an ileus. In most cases, ileus can be managed conservatively with bowel rest, hydration, and symptom relief without the need for surgical intervention. Gastrointestinal Questions
Question A 30-year-old female with type 1 diabetes mellitus presents to the emergency department with symptoms of extreme thirst, frequent urination, fruity breath odor, and confusion. Laboratory tests reveal blood glucose levels of 450 mg/dL, arterial pH of 7.20, and positive urine ketones. What is the likely diagnosis, and what is the initial treatment?
A) Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS); insulin infusion
B) Diabetic nephropathy; angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
C) Diabetic retinopathy; laser photocoagulation
D) Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA); insulin and intravenous (IV) fluids
Explanation: The clinical presentation of extreme thirst, frequent urination, fruity breath odor, confusion, elevated blood glucose, acidic pH, and positive urine ketones is indicative of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The initial treatment of choice is insulin and intravenous (IV) fluids to correct hyperglycemia and dehydration. Endocrine Questions
Question A 40-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus presents with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Physical examination reveals tenderness in the epigastric region. Laboratory tests show elevated serum lipase levels. What is the likely diagnosis, and what additional diagnostic test may be needed?
A) Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA); arterial blood gas analysis
B) Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS); serum creatinine
C) Diabetic gastroparesis; upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy
D) Acute pancreatitis; abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan
Explanation: The clinical presentation of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, epigastric tenderness, and elevated serum lipase levels is suggestive of acute pancreatitis. The likely diagnosis is acute pancreatitis, and an abdominal CT scan may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity. Endocrine Questions
Question A 25-year-old female with type 1 diabetes presents with vomiting, abdominal pain, and deep, labored breathing. Laboratory tests reveal high blood glucose levels, low bicarbonate levels, and positive serum ketones. What is the most appropriate treatment for this patient’s condition?
A) Intravenous (IV) insulin
B) Oral hypoglycemic agents
C) Oral rehydration solution
D) High-dose oral steroids
Explanation: The clinical presentation of vomiting, abdominal pain, deep, labored breathing, high blood glucose levels, low bicarbonate levels, and positive serum ketones is indicative of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The most appropriate treatment is intravenous (IV) insulin to rapidly lower blood glucose levels and correct acidosis. Endocrine Questions
Question A 50-year-old male with type 2 diabetes presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss. Laboratory tests show hyperglycemia, elevated hemoglobin A1c, and positive anti-islet cell antibodies. What is the most likely diagnosis, and what additional test may be useful?
A) Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA); arterial blood gas analysis
B) Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA); C-peptide level
C) Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS); serum creatinine
D) Diabetic gastroparesis; upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy
Explanation: The clinical presentation of polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, hyperglycemia, elevated hemoglobin A1c, and positive anti-islet cell antibodies is suggestive of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), a subtype of diabetes. An additional useful test is measuring the C-peptide level, which can help distinguish LADA from other forms of diabetes. Endocrine Questions
Question A 28-year-old female presents with deep, labored breathing, confusion, and a fruity odor to her breath. Arterial blood gas analysis shows a pH of 7.20, PCO2 of 40 mmHg, and HCO3- of 12 mEq/L. What acid-base imbalance is likely present, and what intervention is required?
A) Respiratory acidosis; oxygen therapy
B) Respiratory alkalosis; anxiety management
C) Metabolic acidosis; insulin and intravenous (IV) fluids
D) Metabolic alkalosis; potassium supplementation
Explanation: The arterial blood gas results of a pH of 7.20, PCO2 of 40 mmHg, and HCO3- of 12 mEq/L indicate metabolic acidosis with likely diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The appropriate intervention includes insulin and intravenous (IV) fluids to manage hyperglycemia and acidosis. Endocrine Questions, Acidosis-Alkalosis Questions
Question A 42-year-old male presents with rapid, shallow breathing, tingling in his extremities, and muscle twitching. Arterial blood gas analysis reveals a pH of 7.52, PCO2 of 28 mmHg, and HCO3- of 22 mEq/L. What acid-base imbalance is likely present, and what is the probable cause?
A) Respiratory acidosis; opioid overdose
B) Respiratory alkalosis; anxiety and hyperventilation
C) Metabolic acidosis; renal failure and decreased bicarbonate production
D) Metabolic alkalosis; excessive antacid consumption
Explanation: The arterial blood gas results of a pH of 7.52, PCO2 of 28 mmHg, and HCO3- of 22 mEq/L indicate respiratory alkalosis, which can result from hyperventilation due to anxiety or other causes. Acidosis, Alkalosis Questions
Question A 50-year-old female with chronic kidney disease presents with fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Arterial blood gas analysis shows a pH of 7.34, PCO2 of 30 mmHg, and HCO3- of 16 mEq/L. What acid-base imbalance is likely present, and what is the probable cause?
A) Respiratory acidosis; chronic lung disease
B) Respiratory alkalosis; anxiety and hyperventilation
C) Metabolic acidosis; renal failure and impaired bicarbonate excretion
D) Metabolic alkalosis; excessive vomiting
Explanation: The arterial blood gas results of a pH of 7.34, PCO2 of 30 mmHg, and HCO3- of 16 mEq/L indicate metabolic acidosis, which can occur in patients with renal failure due to impaired bicarbonate excretion. Acidosis-Alkalosis Questions, Renal Questions
Question A 60-year-old male with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with severe dyspnea, use of accessory muscles, and fatigue. Arterial blood gas analysis shows a pH of 7.28, PCO2 of 60 mmHg, and HCO3- of 30 mEq/L. What acid-base imbalance is likely present, and what is the probable cause?
A) Respiratory acidosis; COPD exacerbation and hypoventilation
B) Respiratory alkalosis; anxiety and hyperventilation
C) Metabolic acidosis; renal failure and decreased bicarbonate production
D) Metabolic alkalosis; excessive antacid consumption
Explanation: The arterial blood gas results of a pH of 7.28, PCO2 of 60 mmHg, and HCO3- of 30 mEq/L indicate respiratory acidosis, which can occur during a COPD exacerbation when there is hypoventilation and impaired gas exchange. Respiratory Questions, Acidosis-Alkalosis Questions