A nurse is teaching a parent about giving aspirin to children. Which statement by the parent indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I should avoid giving aspirin to my child during a viral illness."
B. "Aspirin can increase the risk of Reye syndrome in children."
C. "I can give aspirin to my child if they have the flu and a fever."
D. "I'll ask my child's provider before giving aspirin."
C. "I can give aspirin to my child if they have the flu and a fever."
Rationale: Aspirin should not be given to children with viral illnesses because of the risk of Reye syndrome.
A nurse receives report and begins morning rounds. She enters a client's room and finds the client sitting on the floor. The client is awake but is shaky, sweaty, and confused. A bedside blood glucose check reads 52 mg/dL.
Place the nurse's actions in the correct order.
A. Recheck the client's blood glucose after 15 minutes.
B. Give the client 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate.
C. Repeat 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate if the blood glucose remains below 70 mg/dL.
D. Once the blood glucose is above 70 mg/dL, provide a snack if the next meal is more than 1 hour away.
Answer:
Rationale: Treat low blood sugar first, recheck in 15 minutes, repeat if still low, then give a snack to help prevent it from dropping again.
A nurse is teaching a client about sitagliptin. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I should report severe abdominal pain to my provider."
B. "This medication can increase my risk of pancreatitis."
C. "If I develop severe abdominal pain, I should stop the medication and contact my provider."
D. "Severe abdominal pain is expected, so I don't need to report it."
✅ D. "Severe abdominal pain is expected, so I don't need to report it."
Rationale: Severe abdominal pain may be a sign of pancreatitis and should be reported immediately.
Match each generic drug to its correct brand name.
A. Humalog
B. Lantus
C. Tresiba
D. Humulin R
E. Humulin N
Answer:
1-A
2-D
3-E
4-B
5-C
A nurse is teaching a student about insulin. Which insulin has minimal or no peak and lasts about 24 hours?
A. Lispro
B. Regular
C. NPH
D. Glargine
✅ D. Glargine
Rationale: Glargine is a long-acting insulin with an onset of about 1 hour, minimal peak, and a duration of approximately 24 hours.
A nurse is caring for a client who has been newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which medications should the nurse expect the provider to prescribe? Select all that apply.
⬜ A. Metformin
⬜ B. Glipizide
⬜ C. Empagliflozin
⬜ D. Sitagliptin
⬜ E. Pioglitazone
⬜ F. Regular insulin
⬜ G. Semaglutide
⬜ H. Acarbose
✅ A. Metformin
✅ B. Glipizide
✅ C. Empagliflozin
✅ D. Sitagliptin
✅ E. Pioglitazone
✅ G. Semaglutide
✅ H. Acarbose
Rationale: These medications are used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Regular insulin is primarily used to treat Type 1 diabetes.
Match the generic name to the correct brand name.
A. Jardiance
B. Ozempic
C. Synthroid
D. Glucophage
E. Glucotrol
Answer:
1-D
2-E
3-A
4-B
5-C
A nurse is teaching a client about the adverse effects of acarbose. Which adverse effects should the nurse include? Select all that apply.
⬜ A. Bloating
⬜ B. Flatulence
⬜ C. Abdominal cramping
⬜ D. Bradycardia
⬜ E. Dry cough
⬜ F. Hypertension
⬜ G. Blurred vision
⬜ H. Urinary retention
✅ A. Bloating
✅ B. Flatulence
✅ C. Abdominal cramping
Rationale: Acarbose slows carbohydrate digestion, causing gas, bloating, and cramping.
That's the style I'll use going forward unless you ask for more detail. It should make your Jeopardy answers much easier to read and memorize.
A nurse is teaching a client how empagliflozin works. Which statement by the nurse is correct?
A. "It helps your pancreas make more insulin."
B. "It helps your muscles absorb more glucose."
C. "It causes your kidneys to remove extra glucose through your urine."
D. "It prevents your liver from making glucose."
✅ C. "It causes your kidneys to remove extra glucose through your urine."
Rationale: Empagliflozin lowers blood sugar by removing glucose through the urine.
A nurse is teaching a client how to prepare insulin before administration. Which statement by the client indicates correct understanding?
A. "I should shake the insulin bottle before every injection."
B. "I should roll the insulin gently between my palms before using it."
C. "I should stir the insulin with the syringe before drawing it up."
D. "I should shake the insulin until all the bubbles disappear."
✅ B. "I should roll the insulin gently between my palms before using it."
Rationale: Insulin should not be shaken because shaking can create bubbles and may damage the insulin. Instead, roll the vial gently between your palms to mix it when appropriate, such as with NPH insulin.
A nurse is teaching a client how to take levothyroxine. Which statement by the client indicates correct understanding?
A. "I will take my medication with breakfast every morning."
B. "I will take my medication 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast with a full glass of water."
C. "I will take my medication after dinner each evening."
D. "I will take my medication with milk to prevent stomach upset."
Answer:
✅ B. "I will take my medication 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast with a full glass of water."
Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, with water only. Food, calcium, iron, and milk can decrease the medication's absorption.
A nurse is teaching a client about empagliflozin. Which side effect should the nurse emphasize is most common?
A. Bradycardia
B. Yeast infection
C. Constipation
D. Dry cough
✅ B. Yeast infection
Rationale: Empagliflozin causes sugar to be excreted in the urine, increasing the risk of yeast infections.
A nurse is teaching a client who takes metformin and is scheduled for a CT scan with iodinated contrast dye. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I should tell my provider that I take metformin before the procedure."
B. "I should stop taking metformin for 48 hours after receiving contrast dye."
C. "My kidney function should be checked before I restart metformin."
D. "I can continue taking metformin immediately after the contrast procedure."
✅ D. "I can continue taking metformin immediately after the contrast procedure."
Rationale: Metformin should be held for 48 hours after contrast dye and restarted only after kidney function is normal.
A nurse is reviewing insulin medications with a nursing student. Which insulin is long-acting?
A. Lispro
B. Regular
C. NPH
D. Glargine
✅ D. Glargine
Rationale: Glargine is a long-acting insulin with little to no peak and lasts about 24 hours.
A nurse enters a client's room and finds the client unconscious, diaphoretic, and unresponsive. A bedside blood glucose check reads 38 mg/dL. The client is unable to swallow.
Place the nurse's actions in the correct order.
A. Recheck the client's blood glucose after 15 minutes.
B. Administer glucagon (or IV dextrose if IV access is available).
C. Once the client is awake and able to swallow, provide a snack or meal.
D. Call for assistance and assess the client's airway and breathing.
Rationale: An unconscious client cannot safely swallow. Treat with glucagon or IV dextrose first, then recheck the blood glucose and give food once the client is awake.
A nurse is reviewing insulin medications with a nursing student. Which insulin is classified as intermediate-acting?
A. Lispro
B. NPH
C. Glargine
D. Degludec
✅ B. NPH
Rationale: NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin that has a peak and lasts about 16 to 24 hours.
A nurse is teaching a client about methimazole. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I should report a fever or sore throat to my provider."
B. "This medication helps decrease thyroid hormone production."
C. "If I develop a sore throat, I'll wait a few days to see if it gets better."
D. "I should take this medication as prescribed."
C. "If I develop a sore throat, I'll wait a few days to see if it gets better."
Rationale: A sore throat or fever may be a sign of agranulocytosis and should be reported immediately.
The nurse is reviewing insulin types with a nursing student. Which of the following statements are correct? Select all that apply.
⬜ A. Lispro has an onset of about 10 minutes.
⬜ B. Regular insulin has a peak of 2.5 to 5 hours.
⬜ C. NPH insulin has an onset of about 4 hours.
⬜ D. Glargine has minimal peak and lasts about 24 hours.
⬜ E. Degludec is an ultra-long-acting insulin that lasts more than 24 hours.
⬜ F. Regular insulin has an onset of 10 minutes.
⬜ G. Lispro has a duration of 16 to 24 hours.
⬜ H. NPH insulin has a duration of 5 to 10 hours.
✅ Correct Answers: A, B, C, D, E
A nurse is teaching a client about Cushing's syndrome. Which statement by the client indicates correct understanding of this disorder?
A. "My body does not make enough cortisol."
B. "My body has too much cortisol, which can cause high blood sugar, weight gain, and high blood pressure."
C. "My thyroid gland is making too much thyroid hormone."
D. "My pancreas is not making enough insulin."
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Cushing's syndrome is a condition in which the body has too much cortisol (the stress hormone). High cortisol causes:
A nurse is reviewing a client's medications before the client undergoes a CT scan with iodinated contrast dye. The client takes metformin daily. What action should the nurse expect?
A. Administer metformin immediately before the procedure.
B. Continue metformin as prescribed.
C. Hold metformin for 48 hours after the contrast procedure and verify kidney function before restarting.
D. Increase the metformin dose after the procedure.
Answer:
✅ C. Hold metformin for 48 hours after the contrast procedure and verify kidney function before restarting.
Rationale: Metformin should be withheld when iodinated contrast is administered because contrast can temporarily impair kidney function, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis. Kidney function should be reassessed before metformin is restarted.
NCLEX Memory Tip: "Contrast? Pause the Metformin for 48."
A nurse is teaching a client about methimazole. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I should tell my provider if I become pregnant."
B. "This medication is safe to take during pregnancy."
C. "I should take this medication as prescribed."
D. "I should report a fever or sore throat to my provider."
B. "This medication is safe to take during pregnancy."
Rationale: Methimazole is contraindicated during pregnancy because it can harm the fetus.
A nurse is reviewing insulin medications with a nursing student. Which insulin is classified as short-acting?
A. Lispro
B. NPH
C. Regular
D. Glargine
✅ C. Regular
Rationale: Regular insulin is a short-acting insulin with an onset of about 30 minutes.
A nurse is teaching a client how to store insulin at home. Which statement by the client indicates correct understanding?
A. "I should shake my insulin well before each injection."
B. "I can keep using my opened insulin for 90 days."
C. "I should discard my opened insulin after 30 days."
D. "If the insulin looks cloudy, I should shake it to mix it."
✅ C. "I should discard my opened insulin after 30 days."
Rationale: Opened insulin should generally be discarded after 30 days (unless the manufacturer's instructions state otherwise). Insulin should not be shaken.
A nurse is teaching a client about clopidogrel (Plavix). Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I should report unusual bruising or bleeding to my provider."
B. "This medication helps prevent blood clots."
C. "I can stop taking this medication once I feel better."
D. "I should use a soft toothbrush while taking this medication."
C. "I can stop taking this medication once I feel better."
Rationale: Clopidogrel should not be stopped without the provider's approval because it helps prevent blood clots.
Double Jeopardy if you Know the Brand name to the correct Answer
A nurse is reviewing insulin medications with a nursing student. Which insulin is classified as ultra-long acting?
A. Glargine
B. Regular
C. Degludec
D. NPH
✅ C. Degludec
Rationale: Degludec is an ultra-long-acting insulin that lasts more than 24 hours.
A nurse is caring for a client taking empagliflozin. Which assessments are important? Select all that apply.
⬜ A. Monitor kidney function.
⬜ B. Monitor for urinary tract infections.
⬜ C. Monitor for ketoacidosis.
⬜ D. Monitor hearing.
⬜ E. Monitor visual acuity.
⬜ F. Monitor bowel sounds.
✅ A. Monitor kidney function.
✅ B. Monitor for urinary tract infections.
✅ C. Monitor for ketoacidosis.
Rationale: Monitor kidney function, UTIs, and ketoacidosis while taking empagliflozin.
A nurse is teaching a client about empagliflozin. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I'll drink plenty of water."
B. "I'll keep my genital area clean and dry."
C. "I'll report symptoms of a urinary tract infection."
D. "If I get a yeast infection, I should ignore it because it's expected."
✅ D. "If I get a yeast infection, I should ignore it because it's expected."
Rationale: A yeast infection should be reported so it can be treated.
A nurse is assessing a client with diabetes. Which finding should the nurse recognize as a classic sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A. Fruity-smelling breath
B. Warm, flushed skin
C. Bradycardia
D. Pinpoint pupils
A. Fruity-smelling breath
Rationale: Fruity-smelling breath is a classic sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
A nurse is teaching a client about levothyroxine. Which statement best describes how this medication works?
A. It decreases thyroid hormone production.
B. It replaces thyroid hormone in the body.
C. It stimulates the pancreas to release insulin.
D. It increases calcium absorption.
B. It replaces thyroid hormone in the body.
Rationale: Levothyroxine replaces the thyroid hormone the body is missing.
A nurse is teaching a client about prednisone. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I should avoid people who are sick while taking this medication."
B. "I should report signs of infection, such as fever or sore throat."
C. "Prednisone can increase my risk of infection."
D. "Since I'm taking prednisone, I don't need to worry about getting infections."
✅ D. "Since I'm taking prednisone, I don't need to worry about getting infections."
Rationale: Prednisone suppresses the immune system, increasing the risk of infection.
A nurse is teaching a client about fludrocortisone. Which statement best describes how this medication works?
A. It lowers blood glucose levels.
B. It helps the body keep sodium and water.
C. It suppresses the immune system.
D. It removes excess fluid through the kidneys.
B. It helps the body keep sodium and water.
Rationale: Fludrocortisone helps the body retain salt (sodium) and water.
A nurse is assessing a client with hyperthyroidism. Which findings should the nurse expect? Select all that apply.
⬜ A. Weight loss
⬜ B. Heat intolerance
⬜ C. Tachycardia
⬜ D. Anxiety
⬜ E. Bradycardia
⬜ F. Cold intolerance
⬜ G. Weight gain
⬜ H. Fatigue
✅ A. Weight loss
✅ B. Heat intolerance
✅ C. Tachycardia
✅ D. Anxiety
Rationale: Hyperthyroidism speeds up the body's metabolism, causing weight loss, heat intolerance, a fast heart rate, and anxiety.
A nurse has received report on four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client with a blood glucose of 560 mg/dL, fruity-smelling breath, Kussmaul respirations, and increasing confusion.
B. A client taking prednisone who has a temperature of 102.4°F (39.1°C) and a sore throat.
C. A client taking levothyroxine with a heart rate of 122 beats/min and palpitations.
D. A client taking empagliflozin who reports burning with urination and urinary frequency.
A client with a blood glucose of 560 mg/dL, fruity-smelling breath, Kussmaul respirations, and increasing confusion.
Rationale: Fruity breath, Kussmaul respirations, and confusion are signs of a life-threatening diabetic emergency.
A nurse is teaching a client with diabetes about keeping a glucagon emergency kit at home. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the purpose of glucagon?
A. "Glucagon is used to lower my blood sugar."
B. "Glucagon helps raise my blood sugar if it becomes too low."
C. "Glucagon is used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis."
D. "Glucagon replaces my daily insulin injections."
B. "Glucagon helps raise my blood sugar if it becomes too low."
Rationale: Glucagon raises blood glucose during severe hypoglycemia.
A nurse is teaching a client about metformin. Which statement best describes how metformin works?
A. It stimulates the pancreas to release insulin.
B. It helps the kidneys remove glucose through the urine.
C. It decreases glucose production by the liver and improves insulin sensitivity.
D. It slows the digestion of carbohydrates in the intestines.
✅ C. It decreases glucose production by the liver and improves insulin sensitivity.
Rationale: Metformin lowers glucose made by the liver and helps the body use insulin better.
A nurse is caring for a client who has been newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which medication should the nurse expect the provider to prescribe?
A. Metformin
B. Glipizide
C. Regular insulin
D. Pioglitazone
✅ C. Regular insulin
Rationale: Clients with Type 1 diabetes require insulin because their pancreas does not produce insulin.
A nurse is teaching a client about metformin. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "This medication is used to treat Type 2 diabetes."
B. "I should take this medication with meals."
C. "This medication can be used by itself to treat my Type 1 diabetes."
D. "I should report signs of lactic acidosis to my provider."
C. "This medication can be used by itself to treat my Type 1 diabetes."
Rationale: Metformin is used to treat Type 2 diabetes, not Type 1 diabetes.
A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse recognize as most likely having diabetes insipidus?
A. A client with a blood glucose of 420 mg/dL who reports blurred vision and increased hunger.
B. A client who reports excessive thirst, frequent urination of large amounts of dilute urine, and a normal blood glucose level.
C. A client with a history of Type 2 diabetes who reports numbness in both feet.
D. A client who becomes shaky and diaphoretic after taking insulin without eating.
B. A client who reports excessive thirst, frequent urination of large amounts of dilute urine, and a normal blood glucose level.
Rationale: Diabetes insipidus causes excessive dilute urine and extreme thirst, but blood glucose remains normal.
A nurse is teaching a client about prednisone. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will take prednisone with meals to help prevent stomach upset."
B. "I will take prednisone with a snack if I can't eat a full meal."
C. "I will take prednisone on an empty stomach every morning."
D. "I will follow my provider's instructions when taking prednisone."
C. "I will take prednisone on an empty stomach every morning."
Rationale: Prednisone should be taken with food to help prevent stomach upset.
A nurse is teaching a client about fludrocortisone. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I should tell my provider if I have a fungal infection."
B. "I should report swelling or rapid weight gain."
C. "It is safe to take fludrocortisone if I have a systemic fungal infection."
D. "I should monitor my blood pressure while taking this medication."
C. "It is safe to take fludrocortisone if I have a systemic fungal infection."
Rationale: Fludrocortisone is contraindicated in clients with systemic fungal infections.
A nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed desmopressin. Which assessments should the nurse monitor? Select all that apply.
⬜ A. Intake and output
⬜ B. Daily weight
⬜ C. Serum sodium level
⬜ D. Blood pressure
⬜ E. Blood glucose level
⬜ F. Signs of water intoxication
⬜ G. Lung sounds
⬜ H. Deep tendon reflexes
✅ A. Intake and output
✅ B. Daily weight
✅ C. Serum sodium level
✅ F. Signs of water intoxication
Rationale: Monitor fluid balance, sodium levels, and signs of water intoxication while taking desmopressin.
A nurse is caring for a client who recently started levothyroxine. Which finding should the nurse report to the provider first?
A. Heart rate of 122 beats/min
B. Mild weight loss of 2 lb
C. Increased energy level
D. Warm, dry skin
A. Heart rate of 122 beats/min
Rationale: Tachycardia may indicate too much levothyroxine and should be reported immediately.
A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for four clients. Which finding is most consistent with diabetes mellitus rather than diabetes insipidus?
A. Excessive thirst with large amounts of dilute urine.
B. Elevated blood glucose level of 360 mg/dL.
C. Frequent urination with a low urine specific gravity.
D. Increased urine output despite normal blood glucose.
B. Elevated blood glucose level of 360 mg/dL.
Rationale: Diabetes mellitus causes high blood glucose. Diabetes insipidus affects water balance, not blood glucose.
I think the second question is the sneakiest because students have to recognize that both diseases cause polyuria and polydipsia, but only diabetes mellitus has elevated blood glucose. That's a classic NCLEX distinction
A nurse is teaching a client who has been prescribed desmopressin. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I should report a sudden headache or confusion."
B. "I should follow my provider's instructions about fluid intake."
C. "This medication helps my body hold on to water."
D. "I should drink as much water as possible while taking this medication."
D. "I should drink as much water as possible while taking this medication."
Rationale: Too much water while taking desmopressin can cause water intoxication and hyponatremia.
A nurse is assessing a client with hypothyroidism. Which findings should the nurse expect? Select all that apply.
⬜ A. Fatigue
⬜ B. Weight gain
⬜ C. Cold intolerance
⬜ D. Bradycardia
⬜ E. Heat intolerance
⬜ F. Tachycardia
⬜ G. Weight loss
⬜ H. Anxiety
✅ A. Fatigue
✅ B. Weight gain
✅ C. Cold intolerance
✅ D. Bradycardia
Rationale: Hypothyroidism slows the body's metabolism, causing fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and a slow heart rate.
A nurse is teaching a client about pioglitazone. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I should report swelling in my legs to my provider."
B. "I can take this medication if I have heart failure."
C. "I should monitor for rapid weight gain."
D. "I should take this medication as prescribed."
✅ B. "I can take this medication if I have heart failure."
Rationale: Pioglitazone is contraindicated in heart failure because it can cause fluid retention and worsen the condition.
A nurse is caring for a client taking pioglitazone. Which finding should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Mild headache
B. Swelling in the legs and a 5-lb weight gain in one week
C. Blood glucose of 140 mg/dL
D. Increased appetite
B. Swelling in the legs and a 5-lb weight gain in one week
Rationale: Pioglitazone can worsen heart failure by causing fluid retention.
A nurse is reviewing a client's blood glucose results. Which statement best describes postprandial hyperglycemia?
A. High blood sugar that occurs after eating a meal.
B. Low blood sugar that occurs before breakfast.
C. High blood sugar that occurs after exercising.
D. Low blood sugar that occurs while sleeping.
✅ Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Postprandial hyperglycemia means high blood sugar after eating a meal.
After eating, blood glucose rises. In people with diabetes, it may rise too high because there is not enough insulin or the body cannot use insulin effectively.
A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about the differences between type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which statement by a student indicates correct understanding?
A. Clients with type 1 diabetes produce decreased insulin, while clients with type 2 diabetes produce no insulin.
B. Clients with type 1 diabetes produce no insulin because the pancreas is destroyed, while clients with type 2 diabetes usually still produce insulin but not enough or the body does not use it effectively.
C. Clients with type 1 diabetes have insulin resistance, while clients with type 2 diabetes have autoimmune destruction of the pancreas.
D. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes result from complete destruction of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Type 1 Diabetes = No insulin production. The immune system destroys the pancreatic beta cells, so the body cannot make insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes = Decreased insulin production and insulin resistance. The pancreas usually still makes insulin, especially early in the disease, but the body does not respond to it well and insulin production may decrease over time.
A nurse is caring for a client who is taking warfarin. The client develops severe bleeding. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering as the antidote?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Vitamin K
C. Naloxone
D. Acetylcysteine
B. Vitamin K
Rationale: Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin.