NCLEX Style
Sleep Stuff
NREM & REM
NCLEX Style Electrolytes
NCLEX Style Interventions
NCLEX Style Random
100

A 45-year-old patient reports difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep for the past month. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse provide to help improve the patient's sleep? (Select all that apply.)

A) Take a warm bath or shower before bedtime.
B) Use the bed only for sleep and intimacy.
C) Drink a glass of wine to relax before bed.
D) Avoid using electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime.
E) Go to bed only when feeling sleepy.

Correct Answers: A, B, D, E

Rationale:

  • A) Take a warm bath or shower before bedtime: A warm bath can help relax the body and prepare it for sleep.
  • B) Use the bed only for sleep and intimacy: This helps strengthen the association between the bed and sleep, promoting better sleep habits.
  • C) Drink a glass of wine to relax before bed: This is incorrect. Alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns and should be avoided as a sleep aid.
  • D) Avoid using electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
  • E) Go to bed only when feeling sleepy: This helps prevent lying awake in bed, which can increase anxiety about not sleeping.
100

Deep, sleep wave or restorative of sleep. Blood pressure drops, breathing is slowest, muscles are relaxed, and it is difficult to awaken. Growth hormone is released during this stage.

NREM 3

100

A nurse is caring for a patient with a serum sodium level of 155 mEq/L. Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to find in this patient? (Select all that apply.)

A) Thirst
B) Confusion
C) Muscle weakness
D) Bradycardia
E) Edema

Correct Answers: A, B, C

Rationale:

  • A) Thirst: Hypernatremia often triggers the body's thirst mechanism as a way to increase water intake and dilute the high sodium concentration.
  • B) Confusion: Elevated sodium levels can affect neurological function, leading to confusion, irritability, or even seizures in severe cases.
  • C) Muscle weakness: Hypernatremia can cause muscle weakness due to the imbalance of electrolytes affecting muscle function.
100

A nurse is planning care for a patient diagnosed with hypomagnesemia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the care plan? (Select all that apply.)

A) Administer oral magnesium supplements as prescribed.
B) Encourage increased intake of foods high in magnesium, such as nuts and green leafy vegetables.
C) Monitor the patient for signs of hypermagnesemia, such as decreased deep tendon reflexes.
D) Prepare to administer intravenous magnesium sulfate if the patient exhibits severe symptoms.
E) Restrict dietary calcium intake to prevent further complications.

Correct Answers: A, B, D

Rationale:

  • A) Administer oral magnesium supplements as prescribed: Oral supplements are often used to correct mild hypomagnesemia.
  • B) Encourage increased intake of foods high in magnesium, such as nuts and green leafy vegetables: Dietary modifications can help increase magnesium levels.
  • C) Monitor the patient for signs of hypermagnesemia, such as decreased deep tendon reflexes: While monitoring is important, this option is more relevant after magnesium replacement therapy to prevent overcorrection.
  • D) Prepare to administer intravenous magnesium sulfate if the patient exhibits severe symptoms: IV magnesium is used for severe hypomagnesemia or when oral supplementation is not feasible.
  • E) Restrict dietary calcium intake to prevent further complications: There is no need to restrict calcium intake specifically for hypomagnesemia; this option is not relevant to the condition.
100

A 55-year-old patient has been diagnosed with high LDL cholesterol levels. Which of the following dietary recommendations should the nurse include in the patient's teaching plan to help lower LDL cholesterol?

A) Increase intake of saturated fats.
B) Incorporate more soluble fiber into the diet.
C) Consume more trans fats.
D) Increase intake of red meat.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale:

  • B) Incorporate more soluble fiber into the diet: Soluble fiber can help lower LDL cholesterol by reducing its absorption in the bloodstream, making it an effective dietary change.
200

A 30-year-old patient is diagnosed with hypersomnia and reports feeling excessively sleepy during the day despite getting adequate sleep at night. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the care plan to help manage the patient's condition? (Select all that apply.)

A) Encourage the patient to take short, scheduled naps during the day.
B) Advise the patient to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.
C) Suggest the patient consume caffeinated beverages throughout the day.
D) Recommend engaging in regular physical activity.
E) Instruct the patient to avoid heavy meals before bedtime.

Correct Answers: A, B, D, E

Rationale:

  • A) Encourage the patient to take short, scheduled naps during the day: Short naps can help alleviate excessive daytime sleepiness without interfering with nighttime sleep.
  • B) Advise the patient to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends: A regular sleep schedule can help regulate the body's internal clock and improve sleep quality.
  • C) Suggest the patient consume caffeinated beverages throughout the day: This is incorrect. While caffeine can temporarily reduce sleepiness, excessive consumption can lead to dependency and disrupt nighttime sleep.
  • D) Recommend engaging in regular physical activity: Regular exercise can improve overall sleep quality and help manage symptoms of hypersomnia.
  • E) Instruct the patient to avoid heavy meals before bedtime: Heavy meals can disrupt sleep and should be avoided to promote better sleep quality.
200

Light sleep, transition from wakefulness to sleep.

NREM 1

200

A nurse is assessing a patient who has been diagnosed with hyponatremia. Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to find in this patient? (Select all that apply.)

A) Headache
B) Seizures
C) Hyperreflexia
D) Dry mucous membranes
E) Nausea and vomiting

Correct Answers: A, B, E

Rationale:

  • A) Headache: Hyponatremia can cause cerebral edema, leading to symptoms such as headache.
  • B) Seizures: Severe hyponatremia can lead to neurological symptoms, including seizures, due to swelling of brain cells.
  • C) Hyperreflexia: This is not typically associated with hyponatremia. Instead, hyponatremia may cause decreased reflexes or muscle cramps.
  • D) Dry mucous membranes: This is more commonly associated with dehydration or hypernatremia, not hyponatremia.
  • E) Nausea and vomiting: These are common symptoms of hyponatremia due to the effects on the gastrointestinal system and the brain.
200

A nurse is providing dietary education to a patient with hypermagnesemia. Which of the following foods should the nurse advise the patient to limit or avoid? (Select all that apply.)

A) Spinach
B) Almonds
C) Bananas
D) Chicken breast
E) Dark chocolate

Correct Answers: A, B, E

Rationale:

  • A) Spinach: Spinach is high in magnesium and should be limited in patients with hypermagnesemia.
  • B) Almonds: Nuts, including almonds, are rich in magnesium and should be restricted.
  • C) Bananas: While bananas contain some magnesium, they are not as high in magnesium as other foods listed and are not typically restricted.
  • D) Chicken breast: Chicken is low in magnesium and does not need to be restricted.
  • E) Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate is high in magnesium and should be limited in the diet of someone with hypermagnesemia.
200

A patient's recent lipid panel results are as follows: Total cholesterol: 240 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol: 160 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol: 35 mg/dL, and triglycerides: 150 mg/dL. Based on these results, which of the following is the primary concern for the nurse to address?

A) Low HDL cholesterol
B) High triglycerides
C) High total cholesterol
D) High LDL cholesterol

Correct Answer: D

Rationale:

  • D) High LDL cholesterol: An LDL level of 160 mg/dL is considered high and is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, making it the primary concern to address.
300

A 28-year-old patient with narcolepsy is being educated on lifestyle modifications to help manage their condition. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

A) "I will take short, scheduled naps during the day to help manage my sleepiness."
B) "I should avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening to improve my nighttime sleep."
C) "I can drive whenever I feel alert, as long as I have had a good night's sleep."
D) "I will try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends."

Correct Answer: C

Rationale:

  • A) "I will take short, scheduled naps during the day to help manage my sleepiness." This is a correct understanding. Scheduled naps can help manage excessive daytime sleepiness.
300

Onset of sleep, with slowed heart rate, breathing, and body temperature.

NREM 2

300

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a patient and notes a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse monitor for in this patient? (Select all that apply.)

A) Muscle weakness
B) Bradycardia
C) Hypotension
D) Constipation
E) Tall, peaked T waves on ECG

Correct Answers: A, B, C, E

Rationale:

  • A) Muscle weakness: Hyperkalemia can cause muscle weakness due to its effects on neuromuscular function.
  • B) Bradycardia: Elevated potassium levels can affect cardiac conduction, leading to bradycardia and other arrhythmias.
  • C) Hypotension: Hyperkalemia can cause hypotension due to its effects on cardiac output and vascular resistance.
  • D) Constipation: This is not typically associated with hyperkalemia. Instead, hyperkalemia may cause diarrhea due to increased gastrointestinal motility.
  • E) Tall, peaked T waves on ECG: One of the hallmark signs of hyperkalemia on an ECG is tall, peaked T waves, which indicate changes in cardiac repolarization.
300

A nurse is caring for a patient with hypernatremia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the care plan? (Select all that apply.)

A) Administer hypotonic intravenous fluids as prescribed.
B) Encourage the patient to increase water intake if not contraindicated.
C) Monitor the patient's neurological status regularly.
D) Restrict sodium intake in the patient's diet.
E) Administer sodium bicarbonate to neutralize excess sodium.

Correct Answers: A, B, C, D

Rationale:

  • A) Administer hypotonic intravenous fluids as prescribed: Hypotonic fluids, such as 0.45% saline, can help lower sodium levels by diluting the blood.
  • B) Encourage the patient to increase water intake if not contraindicated: Increasing water intake can help dilute the sodium concentration in the blood.
  • C) Monitor the patient's neurological status regularly: Hypernatremia can affect neurological function, so regular monitoring is important.
  • D) Restrict sodium intake in the patient's diet: Reducing dietary sodium can help prevent further increases in blood sodium levels.
  • E) Administer sodium bicarbonate to neutralize excess sodium: This is incorrect; sodium bicarbonate is not used to treat hypernatremia and could potentially worsen the condition.
300

A patient's laboratory results show a serum albumin level of 2.8 g/dL. Which of the following conditions is most likely associated with this finding?

A) Dehydration
B) Liver disease
C) Hyperlipidemia
D) Hypertension

Correct Answer: B

Rationale:

  • B) Liver disease: The liver is responsible for producing albumin. A low serum albumin level (normal range is typically 3.5-5.0 g/dL) can indicate liver disease, as the liver may not be producing enough albumin.
400

A 45-year-old patient has been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is being educated on interventions to manage the condition. Which of the following interventions is most effective in reducing the symptoms of OSA?

A) Using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine during sleep.
B) Taking a sedative before bedtime to ensure uninterrupted sleep.
C) Sleeping in a supine position to maintain an open airway.
D) Increasing fluid intake before bedtime to stay hydrated.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale:

  • A) Using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine during sleep: This is the most effective intervention for reducing symptoms of OSA. CPAP helps keep the airway open by providing a constant stream of air pressure.
400

Stage where increased brain activity and dreaming occurs.

REM

400

A nurse is caring for a patient with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to find in this patient? (Select all that apply.)

A) Muscle cramps
B) Weak, irregular pulse
C) Hyperactive bowel sounds
D) Flattened T waves on ECG
E) Increased deep tendon reflexes

Correct Answers: A, B, D

Rationale:

  • A) Muscle cramps: Hypokalemia can cause muscle cramps and weakness due to its effects on muscle function.
  • B) Weak, irregular pulse: Low potassium levels can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, resulting in a weak and irregular pulse.
  • C) Hyperactive bowel sounds: This is not typically associated with hypokalemia. Instead, hypokalemia may cause decreased bowel motility, leading to constipation.
  • D) Flattened T waves on ECG: Hypokalemia can cause changes in the ECG, including flattened T waves, due to its effects on cardiac repolarization.
  • E) Increased deep tendon reflexes: Hypokalemia is more likely to cause decreased deep tendon reflexes due to muscle weakness.
400

A nurse is caring for a patient with hypokalemia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the care plan? (Select all that apply.)

A) Administer oral potassium supplements as prescribed.
B) Encourage the patient to consume foods high in potassium.
C) Monitor the patient's cardiac rhythm regularly.
D) Administer potassium intravenously as a rapid IV push.
E) Educate the patient about the signs and symptoms of hypokalemia.

Correct Answers: A, B, C, E

Rationale:

  • A) Administer oral potassium supplements as prescribed: Oral potassium supplements are commonly used to treat hypokalemia and should be administered as prescribed.
  • B) Encourage the patient to consume foods high in potassium: Foods such as bananas, oranges, spinach, and potatoes are high in potassium and can help increase levels.
  • C) Monitor the patient's cardiac rhythm regularly: Hypokalemia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, so regular monitoring of the cardiac rhythm is important.
  • D) Administer potassium intravenously as a rapid IV push: This is incorrect. Potassium should never be given as a rapid IV push due to the risk of cardiac arrest. It should be administered slowly and diluted in a controlled setting.
  • E) Educate the patient about the signs and symptoms of hypokalemia: Patient education is important for early recognition and management of hypokalemia.
400

A 70-year-old patient is admitted to the hospital with signs of malnutrition. The laboratory results reveal a serum albumin level of 2.5 g/dL. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate to address this finding?

A) Encourage a high-protein diet.
B) Restrict fluid intake.
C) Administer diuretics as prescribed.
D) Implement a low-sodium diet.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale:

  • A) Encourage a high-protein diet: A low serum albumin level (normal range is typically 3.5-5.0 g/dL) in the context of malnutrition suggests inadequate protein intake. Encouraging a high-protein diet can help increase albumin levels and improve nutritional status.
500

A nurse is assessing a patient who is suspected of having sleep apnea. Which of the following symptoms is most indicative of sleep apnea?

A) Difficulty falling asleep at night.
B) Loud snoring with periods of silence.
C) Frequent nighttime urination.
D) Vivid dreams and nightmares.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale:

  • A) Difficulty falling asleep at night: While insomnia can be associated with sleep apnea, it is not the most indicative symptom.
500

A patient in a sleep study is observed to have increased brain activity, rapid eye movements, and temporary muscle paralysis. These observations are characteristic of which stage of sleep?

A) NREM Stage 1
B) NREM Stage 2
C) NREM Stage 3
D) REM Sleep

Correct Answer: D

Rationale:

  • A) NREM Stage 1: This is the lightest stage of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, characterized by the transition from wakefulness to sleep, but not by rapid eye movements or muscle paralysis.
500

A nurse is assessing a patient with a serum magnesium level of 3.5 mEq/L. Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse monitor for in this patient? (Select all that apply.)

A) Hypotension
B) Bradycardia
C) Hyperreflexia
D) Respiratory depression
E) Lethargy

Correct Answers: A, B, D, E

Rationale:

  • A) Hypotension: Elevated magnesium levels can cause vasodilation, leading to hypotension.
  • B) Bradycardia: Hypermagnesemia can depress cardiac conduction, resulting in bradycardia.
  • C) Hyperreflexia: This is not typically associated with hypermagnesemia. Instead, hypermagnesemia often causes diminished or absent deep tendon reflexes.
  • D) Respiratory depression: High magnesium levels can depress the central nervous system, leading to respiratory depression.
  • E) Lethargy: Hypermagnesemia can cause central nervous system depression, resulting in lethargy and drowsiness.
500

A nurse is caring for a patient with hyponatremia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the care plan? (Select all that apply.)

A) Administer hypertonic saline as prescribed.
B) Encourage the patient to drink plenty of water.
C) Monitor the patient's neurological status regularly.
D) Restrict free water intake.
E) Implement seizure precautions if necessary.

Correct Answers: A, C, D, E

Rationale:

  • A) Administer hypertonic saline as prescribed: Hypertonic saline (e.g., 3% saline) may be used in severe cases of hyponatremia to increase sodium levels, but it must be administered carefully to avoid rapid correction.
  • B) Encourage the patient to drink plenty of water: This is incorrect. In cases of hyponatremia, especially if due to dilutional causes, water intake may need to be restricted.
  • C) Monitor the patient's neurological status regularly: Hyponatremia can lead to neurological changes, so regular monitoring is essential.
  • D) Restrict free water intake: Limiting free water intake can help prevent further dilution of sodium in the blood.
  • E) Implement seizure precautions if necessary: Severe hyponatremia can lead to seizures, so precautions may be necessary to ensure patient safety.
500

A 45-year-old patient with a history of type 2 diabetes presents for a routine follow-up. The patient's A1C level is reported as 6.5%. How should the nurse interpret this result?

A) The patient's diabetes is well-controlled.
B) The patient is at risk for hypoglycemia.
C) The patient is at risk for developing diabetes complications.
D) The patient does not have diabetes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale:

  • C) The patient is at risk for developing diabetes complications: An A1C of 6.5% indicates that the patient is at risk for diabetes-related complications if blood glucose levels are not managed effectively.
600

A 30-year-old nurse who works rotating night shifts reports difficulty sleeping during the day and excessive sleepiness during night shifts. The nurse is likely experiencing a circadian rhythm sleep disorder. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate to help manage this condition?

A) Taking melatonin supplements before bedtime during the day.
B) Drinking caffeinated beverages throughout the night shift.
C) Exercising vigorously before attempting to sleep during the day.
D) Keeping the bedroom brightly lit during daytime sleep.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale:

  • A) Taking melatonin supplements before bedtime during the day: This is an appropriate intervention. Melatonin can help regulate the sleep-wake cycle and improve sleep quality for those with circadian rhythm disruptions.
600

During a sleep study, a patient is observed to have sleep spindles and K-complexes on their EEG. These findings are characteristic of which stage of sleep?

A) NREM Stage 1
B) NREM Stage 2
C) NREM Stage 3
D) REM Sleep

Correct Answer: B

Rationale:

  • B) NREM Stage 2: This stage is characterized by the presence of sleep spindles and K-complexes on an EEG, making it the correct answer.
600

A nurse is caring for a patient with a serum magnesium level of 1.2 mEq/L. Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to find in this patient? (Select all that apply.)

A) Muscle tremors
B) Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
C) Confusion
D) Hypertension
E) Prolonged QT interval on ECG

Correct Answers: A, B, C, E

Rationale:

  • A) Muscle tremors: Hypomagnesemia can cause neuromuscular irritability, leading to muscle tremors and cramps.
  • B) Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes: Low magnesium levels can increase neuromuscular excitability, resulting in hyperactive reflexes.
  • C) Confusion: Hypomagnesemia can affect the central nervous system, leading to confusion and disorientation.
  • D) Hypertension: While not as common, hypomagnesemia can sometimes be associated with hypertension due to increased vascular resistance, but it is not a primary symptom.
  • E) Prolonged QT interval on ECG: Hypomagnesemia can cause changes in cardiac conduction, including a prolonged QT interval, which increases the risk of arrhythmias.
600

A nurse is providing dietary education to a patient with hyperkalemia. Which of the following foods should the patient be advised to avoid? (Select all that apply.)

A) Bananas
B) Spinach
C) White rice
D) Oranges
E) Potatoes

Correct Answers: A, B, D, E

Rationale:

  • A) Bananas: Bananas are high in potassium and should be avoided or limited in patients with hyperkalemia.
  • B) Spinach: Spinach is another food high in potassium and should be restricted.
  • C) White rice: White rice is low in potassium and is generally safe for patients with hyperkalemia.
  • D) Oranges: Oranges and orange juice are high in potassium and should be avoided.
  • E) Potatoes: Potatoes are high in potassium and should be limited in the diet of someone with hyperkalemia.
600

A 60-year-old patient admitted to the ward for observation due to a large body surface area (BSA) burn. The laboratory results show a serum albumin level of 5.5 g/dL. Which of the following conditions is most likely associated with this finding?

A) Chronic liver disease
B) Dehydration secondary to burn
C) Malnutrition
D) Nephrotic syndrome

Correct Answer: B

Rationale:

  • B) Dehydration: Dehydration can lead to hemoconcentration, resulting in artificially elevated albumin levels because of reduced plasma volume.
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