Nursing Exam Prep

NCLEX-RN: Guidelines practice questions

5 questions. Try each one first, then open the answer.

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1Question

According to the 2026 Brazilian perioperative ventilation guideline, which setting best reduces postoperative pulmonary complications?

  1. Tidal volume 10 mL/kg predicted body weight
  2. Tidal volume 6-8 mL/kg predicted body weight
  3. FiO2 100% for the entire case
  4. PEEP 0 cm H2O throughout surgery
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B. Tidal volume 6-8 mL/kg predicted body weight

Topic: Consensus recommendations on perioperative mechanical ventil

Using a tidal volume of 6–8 mL/kg predicted body weight provides lung‑protective ventilation, limiting volutrauma and atelectasis, which the 2026 Brazilian guideline identifies as the most effective strategy to lower postoperative pulmonary complications.

Why the others are wrong

  • A – Tidal volume 10 mL/kg exceeds lung‑protective range, increasing volutrauma risk.
  • C – FiO2 100% promotes absorption atelectasis and oxidative injury.
  • D – Zero PEEP allows alveolar collapse, worsening oxygenation.

Remember: Low tidal volume = lung‑protective, fewer post‑op lung problems.

Written for the Medical Exam YouTube channel and answered blind by a second AI model before publication.

2Question

A nurse cares for a patient diagnosed with a peptic ulcer who has no history of NSAID use and tests negative for Helicobacter pylori. Which emerging etiology should the nurse recognize as an increasing cause of this condition?

  1. Non-H. pylori Helicobacter infection
  2. Chronic psychological stress
  3. Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  4. Excessive dietary spicy food intake
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A. Non-H. pylori Helicobacter infection

Topic: Peptic Ulcer Disease Etiology

In patients with peptic ulcer disease who are Helicobacter pylori-negative and do not use NSAIDs, non-H. pylori Helicobacter species (such as Helicobacter heilmannii) are increasingly recognized as a significant emerging cause of mucosal ulceration.

Why the others are wrong

  • B – Stress can exacerbate ulcer symptoms but does not directly cause peptic ulceration.
  • C – GERD causes esophageal mucosal damage, not gastric or duodenal peptic ulcers.
  • D – Spicy foods irritate existing ulcers but do not cause new ulcer formation.

Remember: No NSAIDs, no H. pylori? Think non-H. pylori Helicobacter species.

Written for the Medical Exam YouTube channel and answered blind by a second AI model before publication.

3Question

A nurse is teaching a client who received botulinum toxin type A injections for cervical dystonia. Which symptom should the nurse instruct the client to report immediately?

  1. Localized flu-like symptoms
  2. Moderate neck stiffness
  3. Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  4. Mild soreness at the injection site
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C. Difficulty swallowing or breathing

Topic: Botulinum Toxin Adverse Effects

Botulinum toxin can spread beyond the injection site, causing life-threatening systemic effects like dysphagia and dyspnea. These symptoms indicate respiratory compromise or aspiration risk and require immediate emergency evaluation.

Why the others are wrong

  • A – Flu-like symptoms are common, mild, and typically resolve without intervention.
  • B – Neck stiffness is a common, transient side effect that does not require emergency care.
  • D – Mild soreness at the injection site is an expected, self-limiting local reaction.

Remember: Botox: If they struggle to swallow or breathe, they need help immediately.

Written for the Medical Exam YouTube channel and answered blind by a second AI model before publication.

4Question

A female client with severe plaque psoriasis is prescribed oral acitretin. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to include in the teaching plan?

  1. Donate blood monthly to monitor blood counts.
  2. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
  3. Expect your skin to be resistant to sunburn.
  4. Avoid pregnancy during and for 3 years after therapy.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D. Avoid pregnancy during and for 3 years after therapy.

Topic: Acitretin Therapy Education

Acitretin is extremely teratogenic with a long half-life. Female clients of childbearing potential must use effective contraception and avoid pregnancy during therapy and for at least three years after discontinuing the medication to prevent severe birth defects.

Why the others are wrong

  • A – Blood donation is strictly prohibited during and for three years after therapy to protect pregnant recipients.
  • B – Acitretin should be taken with food to maximize absorption.
  • C – Acitretin increases photosensitivity, making the skin more susceptible to sunburn, not resistant.

Remember: Acitretin: Avoid pregnancy for three years after the last dose.

Written for the Medical Exam YouTube channel and answered blind by a second AI model before publication.

5Question

Which oral antiseptic concentration is now recommended as the reference for perioperative use in dentoalveolar surgery?

  1. Povidone‑iodine 10%
  2. Chlorhexidine 0.12-0.2%
  3. Cetylpyridinium chloride 0.05%
  4. Chlorhexidine 2%
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B. Chlorhexidine 0.12-0.2%

Topic: Perioperative Oral Antiseptic Selection

Chlorhexidine gluconate at a concentration of 0.12% to 0.2% is the established gold standard reference for perioperative oral antisepsis in dentoalveolar surgery. It effectively reduces bacterial load and prevents postoperative complications like alveolar osteitis.

Why the others are wrong

  • A – This concentration is used for skin preparation and is too strong for routine oral rinsing.
  • C – This is a weak, over-the-counter cosmetic rinse lacking the required perioperative efficacy.
  • D – This high concentration is used for root canals or skin prep, causing oral mucosal irritation.

Remember: Chlorhexidine 0.12% to 0.2% is the gold standard for oral surgery prep.

Written for the Medical Exam YouTube channel and answered blind by a second AI model before publication.

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