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NCLEX Readiness Quiz: Are You Prepared?

Gauge your nursing knowledge before NCLEX

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art promoting an NCLEX Readiness Quiz.

Feeling nervous about the big exam? Joanna Weib encourages you to try this NCLEX readiness quiz to assess your nursing exam confidence with a targeted practice quiz format. Designed for student nurses seeking to identify weak spots and sharpen clinical decision-making, it can be freely modified in our intuitive editor to fit individual study plans. You can also enhance your preparation by exploring the Training Readiness Assessment Quiz or testing strategic planning with the Launch Readiness Quiz. Be sure to visit our quizzes hub for more free assessment tools.

Which of the following is a common side effect of morphine administration?
Tachycardia
Diarrhea
Hypertension
Sedation
Sedation is a common effect of morphine due to its central nervous system depressant actions. Hypertension and tachycardia are not typical, and diarrhea is incorrect since constipation is more common with opioids.
Which site is preferred for a subcutaneous injection?
Ventrogluteal muscle
Deltoid muscle
Dorsogluteal muscle
Abdomen
The abdomen provides consistent and rapid absorption for subcutaneous injections. Ventrogluteal, deltoid, and dorsogluteal sites are intended for intramuscular administration.
When should a patient take metformin to minimize gastrointestinal side effects?
At bedtime
With meals
On an empty stomach
First thing in the morning
Taking metformin with meals helps reduce gastrointestinal upset by slowing drug absorption. Empty stomach administration can increase side effects, and bedtime dosing does not provide the same benefit.
Which adverse effect is most commonly associated with ACE inhibitors?
Bradycardia
Persistent dry cough
Hyperglycemia
Constipation
A persistent dry cough results from increased bradykinin levels when using ACE inhibitors. Hyperglycemia, bradycardia, and constipation are not typical adverse effects of this class.
What is the peak action time for regular (short-acting) insulin?
6 to 8 hours
12 to 16 hours
0.5 to 1 hour
2 to 4 hours
Regular insulin typically peaks between 2 and 4 hours after administration, which guides meal planning and monitoring for hypoglycemia. The other time frames correspond to different insulin types.
Which medication is first-line for an acute asthma exacerbation?
Albuterol
Montelukast
Fluticasone
Ipratropium
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that provides rapid bronchodilation during acute asthma attacks. Fluticasone and montelukast are maintenance therapies, and ipratropium is secondary in acute management.
What is the therapeutic INR range for most indications of warfarin therapy?
1.0 to 2.0
2.5 to 4.0
3.0 to 4.0
2.0 to 3.0
An INR of 2.0 to 3.0 is the standard therapeutic target for most conditions like DVT prophylaxis and atrial fibrillation. Lower or higher ranges apply only in specific high-risk scenarios.
A patient on digoxin presents with nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances. What should the nurse do first?
Hold the dose and notify the provider
Increase the daily dosage
Continue current regimen
Administer digoxin immune Fab
Nausea, vomiting, and visual changes are signs of digoxin toxicity; the nurse should withhold the drug and contact the provider. Administering antidote or adjusting dose occurs after provider evaluation.
Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely in a patient taking furosemide?
Hyperkalemia
Hypercalcemia
Hypokalemia
Hypernatremia
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes increased renal excretion of potassium, leading to hypokalemia. It does not typically cause hyperkalemia or elevated calcium or sodium levels.
Which laboratory test is monitored to evaluate therapeutic heparin therapy?
Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
Platelet count
Prothrombin time (PT)
International normalized ratio (INR)
Heparin therapy is monitored using the aPTT to assess intrinsic coagulation pathways. PT/INR is used for warfarin monitoring, and platelet count checks for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
What is the primary mechanism of action of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)?
Activating lipoprotein lipase
Blocking LDL receptors
Increasing bile acid reabsorption
Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase enzyme
Statins lower cholesterol by competitively inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. They do not block LDL receptors or increase bile acid reabsorption directly.
A patient reports a penicillin allergy on the chart. What should the nurse do next?
Administer a test dose of penicillin
Cross out the allergy and proceed
Ask the patient to describe the nature of the allergic reaction
Substitute any antibiotic without checking
Clarifying the type and severity of the reported allergy helps determine safe alternatives. Test dosing and arbitrary substitution can pose significant risks.
At moderate infusion rates, what effect does dopamine have?
Decreases heart rate significantly
Constricts renal blood vessels
Only increases blood pressure
Increases cardiac output and renal perfusion
At moderate doses, dopamine stimulates beta-1 receptors, improving cardiac output and renal perfusion. High doses cause vasoconstriction, and it does not typically decrease heart rate.
Which food should a patient avoid while taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)?
Whole-grain bread
Aged cheese
Fresh fruit
Boiled eggs
Aged cheese contains high levels of tyramine, which can precipitate hypertensive crises in patients on MAOIs. Fresh fruits, bread, and eggs are generally safe.
Which serious hematologic adverse effect is associated with carbamazepine therapy?
Hyperglycemia
Uric acid elevation
Aplastic anemia
Photosensitivity
Carbamazepine can cause bone marrow suppression leading to aplastic anemia. It is less commonly associated with metabolic or photosensitivity reactions.
A patient on warfarin begins rifampin therapy. What adjustment is most likely needed?
Decrease the warfarin dose
Make no change
Discontinue rifampin
Increase the warfarin dose
Rifampin induces hepatic enzymes, accelerating warfarin metabolism and lowering its effect. Therefore, the warfarin dose typically must be increased while monitoring INR.
Which laboratory value should be monitored closely in a patient taking zidovudine?
Blood glucose
Blood urea nitrogen
Hemoglobin
Liver enzymes
Zidovudine can cause bone marrow suppression leading to anemia, so hemoglobin levels must be monitored. The other values are not primary indicators of its major toxicity.
A patient develops red man syndrome during vancomycin infusion. What is the nurse's best action?
Permanently stop vancomycin
Slow the infusion rate
Increase the infusion rate
Premedicate with diuretics
Slowing the vancomycin infusion reduces histamine release and alleviates red man syndrome. Permanent discontinuation or diuretic use is not indicated for this reaction.
In a patient treated for diabetic ketoacidosis, when blood glucose reaches around 200 mg/dL, what adjustment is needed?
Increase insulin infusion rate
Stop IV fluids
Add dextrose to the IV fluids
Discontinue all insulin
When glucose falls to about 200 mg/dL, adding dextrose prevents hypoglycemia while allowing continued insulin infusion to clear ketones. Stopping insulin or fluids would risk recurrence of ketosis.
When should a trough level be drawn for an aminoglycoside antibiotic?
30 minutes before the next dose
15 minutes after the next dose
One hour before the first dose
Immediately after the infusion ends
A trough level is measured just before the next dose, typically 30 minutes prior, to ensure safe drug concentrations. Levels drawn post-infusion assess peak concentrations, not troughs.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyze practice questions to pinpoint pharmacology knowledge gaps.
  2. Evaluate patient scenarios to strengthen critical thinking skills.
  3. Identify essential nursing concepts for NCLEX readiness.
  4. Apply clinical decision-making in simulated exam situations.
  5. Demonstrate mastery of nursing fundamentals through multiple-choice questions.
  6. Master time-management strategies for optimal test performance.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Master Pharmacology Mnemonics - Turn those intimidating drug names into fun catchphrases! By using mnemonics like SLUDGE for cholinergic effects (Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, GI upset, Emesis), you'll lock in key concepts with minimal effort. This approach makes memorization feel more like a game than a chore. 5 Techniques for Improving Critical Thinking in Nursing School
  2. 5 Techniques for Improving Critical Thinking in Nursing School
  3. Understand Drug Mechanisms - Get curious about how drugs truly work on a molecular level, instead of just memorizing names and doses. When you grasp the "why" behind each action, you'll be better equipped to predict side effects and tailor treatment plans. Deep learning beats surface-level memorization every time! 5 Techniques for Improving Critical Thinking in Nursing School
  4. 5 Techniques for Improving Critical Thinking in Nursing School
  5. Develop Critical Thinking Skills - Active learning through case studies and group discussions keeps your brain in high gear and ready for anything. By analyzing patient scenarios, you'll sharpen your clinical judgment and decision-making under pressure. Practice makes perfect - and more confident clinicians! Critical Thinking & Clinical Judgment Skills
  6. Critical Thinking & Clinical Judgment Skills
  7. Apply the Nursing Process - Follow the five-step roadmap - Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation - to structure your patient care. Each phase guides you to ask the right questions, set SMART goals, and adjust interventions effectively. It's your trusty compass through complex clinical puzzles! Critical Thinking & The Nursing Process
  8. Critical Thinking & The Nursing Process
  9. Practice Dosage Calculations - Precision is paramount when calculating medication doses, drip rates, and IV push volumes. Regularly tackle practice problems to build speed and confidence so you avoid errors under exam time constraints. A little daily math keeps patient safety at the forefront! Ultimate NCLEX® Pharmacology Cheat Sheet
  10. Ultimate NCLEX® Pharmacology Cheat Sheet
  11. Learn High-Alert Medications - Treat drugs like insulin and anticoagulants with extra caution - they pack potential for serious harm if mismanaged. Drill into their dosing protocols, monitoring parameters, and antidotes to prevent critical incidents. Mastering these high-stakes meds sets you apart as a safe and savvy nurse! Ultimate NCLEX® Pharmacology Cheat Sheet
  12. Ultimate NCLEX® Pharmacology Cheat Sheet
  13. Enhance Time Management - Beat the clock by practicing with timed quizzes and setting mini-deadlines for each study session. Break content into bite-sized chunks, and use Pomodoro sprints to boost focus and retention. Soon you'll tackle any exam section with ease and speed! Time Management for Nurses
  14. Time Management for Nurses
  15. Utilize Visual Aids - Transform dense information into colorful diagrams, flowcharts, and mind maps to activate your visual memory. Seeing pathways, drug classes, and nursing processes at a glance helps cement concepts faster than note-only reviews. It's study material you'll actually want to revisit! 5 Techniques for Improving Critical Thinking in Nursing School
  16. 5 Techniques for Improving Critical Thinking in Nursing School
  17. Engage in Regular Review Sessions - Repetition is your secret weapon - schedule weekly mini-reviews to reinforce old topics while layering new ones. Spaced retrieval practice stops forgetting curves in their tracks and builds long-term mastery. Make your study calendar your best friend! 5 Techniques for Improving Critical Thinking in Nursing School
  18. 5 Techniques for Improving Critical Thinking in Nursing School
  19. Stay Updated on NCLEX Changes - Keep one eye on the NCSBN website for the latest exam blueprint and content revisions. Adapting your study plan to reflect new question formats ensures you won't be caught off guard on test day. Staying informed means studying smarter, not harder! NCLEX Official Updates
  20. NCLEX Official Updates
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