- | P a g e
Comprehensive NCLEX Study Guide:
Pharmacology, Lab Values, and Patient Care Correct and Verified Answers Graded A
Question 1: What compensatory mechanism is seen in metabolic acidosis? Correct
Answer: Kussmaul respirations.
Question 2: What are common signs and symptoms of acid-base imbalances? Correct
Answer: Tachycardia, bradycardia, tachypnea, bradypnea, hypertension, hypotension, diarrhea, anorexia, seizures, coma.Question 3: What does it indicate if the pH is decreased? Correct Answer: Acidosis Question 4: What does it indicate if the pH is elevated? Correct Answer: Alkalosis Question 5: What are the normal ABG values for bicarb? Correct Answer: 22 - 26 Question 6: What are the normal ABG values for pH? Correct Answer: 7.35 - 7.45 Question 7: What is the rule of the B's in acid-base balance? Correct Answer: If pH and bicarb are in the same direction, it's a metabolic issue; if not, it's a respiratory issue.Question 8: What should you do immediately after listening to a lecture? Correct Answer: Try to answer your questions without looking at notes, then check answers against the study guide.Question 9: What is active recall? Correct Answer: The process of testing oneself to enhance memory retention, often more effective than rereading material multiple times.Question 10: What is the purpose of spaced repetition in studying? Correct Answer: To space revision and review concepts at specific intervals, allowing the brain to forget some information, making recall more effective.
- | P a g e
Question 11: What triggers high pressure ventilator alarms? Correct Answer: High resistance to airflow due to obstructions like kinked tubes, water in tubing, or mucus in the airway.Question 12: What triggers low pressure ventilator alarms? Correct Answer: Low resistance to airflow usually from disconnections.Question 13: What is alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS)? Correct Answer: A condition that begins 24 hours after stopping drinking, which can lead to delirium tremens in severe cases.Question 14: What are the signs of delirium tremens? Correct Answer: Life-threatening symptoms including seizures and danger to self/others.Question 15: What dietary restrictions are recommended for patients with AWS? Correct
Answer: Regular diet or NPO/clear liquids to prevent aspiration.
Question 16: What is the difference between overdose and withdrawal symptoms?
Correct Answer: Overdose symptoms involve excessive effects (e.g., everything goes up for uppers), while withdrawal symptoms involve diminished effects (e.g., everything goes down for downers).Question 17: What is the priority when dealing with upper overdose? Correct Answer: Seizure prevention.Question 18: What is the priority when dealing with downer overdose? Correct Answer: Respiratory depression management.Question 19: What indicates drug intoxication in newborns? Correct Answer: Symptoms present at birth (< 24>
- | P a g e
Question 21: What is the significance of vitamin B1 in alcohol withdrawal? Correct Answer: It prevents Wernicke's encephalopathy, a common complication in alcoholics.Question 22: What is the recommended nursing care for AWS? Correct Answer: Administer prescribed antihypertensives and vitamin B1.Question 23: What is the role of practice questions in NCLEX preparation? Correct
Answer: They help reinforce knowledge and identify areas needing improvement.
Question 24: What is the importance of taking breaks during study sessions? Correct
Answer: To give your brain a rest and improve overall retention and focus.
Question 25: What is the relationship between respiratory rate and ventilation status?Correct Answer: SaO2 is more important than respiratory rate for determining ventilation status.Question 26: What is the expected outcome for a patient with prolonged vomiting?
Correct Answer: Metabolic alkalosis due to loss of gastric acid.
Question 27: What should be monitored in patients with under ventilation? Correct Answer: SaO2 levels, as they may be poor despite a normal/high respiratory rate.Question 28: What does it mean if a patient is difficult to arouse? Correct Answer: It indicates a potential medical emergency, as the patient may be in a state of decreased consciousness.Question 29: What is borborygmi? Correct Answer: It refers to the rumbling or gurgling sounds made by the movement of fluid and gas in the intestines.Question 30: What happens during withdrawal from a downer? Correct Answer: Symptoms include increased activity and elevated heart rate.Question 31: What are calcium channel blockers (CCBs) known for? Correct Answer: CCBs are negative inotropes, chronotropes, and dromotropes, meaning they decrease heart strength, slow the heart rate, and reduce conductivity.
- | P a g e
Question 32: What should you check before administering a CCB? Correct Answer: Check the blood pressure; hold if SBP is less than 100 mmHg.Question 33: List two therapeutic effects of CCBs. Correct Answer: They act as antihypertensives and antianginals.Question 34: What are common side effects of CCBs? Correct Answer: Headache, hypotension, and bradycardia.Question 35: What does a QRS depolarization indicate? Correct Answer: It indicates a ventricular issue.Question 36: What does a P wave depolarization indicate? Correct Answer: It indicates an atrial issue.Question 37: What is the treatment for atrial fibrillation? Correct Answer: Epinephrine and atropine may be used.Question 38: What does ABCDs stand for in emergency treatment? Correct Answer: Adenosine, β-blockers, CCBs, Digoxin.Question 39: What is the treatment for ventricular fibrillation? Correct Answer: Defibrillation and lidocaine.Question 40: What is the primary concern for a patient with a chest tube for hemothorax?
Correct Answer: The primary concern is if the chest tube is not draining.
Question 41: Where should an apical chest tube be placed? Correct Answer: High up to remove air.Question 42: Where should a basilar chest tube be placed? Correct Answer: Low down to remove blood.Question 43: What should you do if the chest tube comes out? Correct Answer: Cover the hole with a gloved hand and apply a sterile dressing taped on three sides.
