NCLEX-RN: Health Promotion practice questions questions 101-125

Answer: B. Blood clotting

Topic: Vitamin K Function

Vitamin K is an essential fat-soluble cofactor required for the hepatic synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. Its primary physiological function is facilitating normal blood coagulation to prevent excessive bleeding.

Why the others are wrong

• A – Calcium and vitamin D primarily govern bone mineralization, while vitamin K plays only a secondary role.
• C – Erythropoiesis relies primarily on iron, vitamin B12, and folate rather than vitamin K.
• D – Vitamins C and E serve as the body's primary dietary antioxidants, not vitamin K.

Remember: Remember Vitamin K for "Koagulation" (blood clotting).

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: B. Use of a firm mattress

Topic: SIDS Risk Reduction

A firm mattress is a protective factor against sudden infant death syndrome rather than a risk factor. It prevents airway obstruction and suffocation, keeping the infant's airway clear while sleeping safely in a supine position.

Why the others are wrong

• A – Soft sleep surfaces elevate the risk of infant suffocation, entrapment, and overheating.
• C – Tobacco smoke exposure impairs respiratory control and significantly increases the risk of SIDS.
• D – Preterm birth and low birth weight are established biological risk factors for SIDS.

Remember: Firm, flat, and bare keeps baby's sleep safe from SIDS.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: C. Offer the option to see and hold the baby if desired

Topic: Perinatal Loss Support

Offering the parents the choice to see and hold the fetus validates the reality of the loss, facilitates healthy grieving, and provides closure, provided the nurse presents this option gently and without pressure.

Why the others are wrong

• A – Distraction with fitness classes ignores emotional needs and rushes the grieving process.
• B – Avoiding discussion suppresses grief, preventing the client from processing their emotions healthily.
• D – Encouraging a future pregnancy minimizes the current loss and dismisses the client's grief.

Remember: Validate perinatal loss by offering the choice to see and hold.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: A. Problem-focused coping

Topic: Coping Strategies

Problem-focused coping is defined as actively addressing the source of stress, which includes obtaining professional treatment or assistance directly related to the stressor.

Why the others are wrong

• B – Maladaptive coping uses harmful strategies, not constructive help.
• C – Avoidance coping involves ignoring or escaping the problem.
• D – Emotion-focused coping manages feelings, not the stressor itself.

Remember: Problem-focused = act on problem, get help

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: B. "Lochia should completely stop within a week after delivery."

Topic: Postpartum Lochia

Lochia typically progresses from rubra (bright red, 1–3 days) to serosa (pink‑brown, days 4–10) to alba (white, up to 6 weeks). It does not cease within a week, so statement D is false.

Why the others are wrong

• A – True: serosa lochia appears pink‑brown and persists roughly days 4–10.
• C – Accurate: rubra lochia is bright red and lasts about 1–3 days.
• D – Correct: foul odor signals infection and should be reported promptly.

Remember: Lochia can last up to six weeks, not just one week.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: B. Authoritative

Topic: Parenting Styles and Outcomes

The authoritative parenting style balances high responsiveness with high demandingness by setting clear, reasonable boundaries while remaining supportive and nurturing. This balanced approach fosters independence, academic success, and healthier behavioral choices in children.

Why the others are wrong

• A – This style features low responsiveness and low demandingness, reflecting neglect and a lack of support.
• C – This style features high demandingness but low responsiveness, relying on strict obedience without supportive dialogue.
• D – This style features high responsiveness but low demandingness, lacking the structure and boundaries children need.

Remember: Authoritive is supportive and demanding; authoritarian is a strict disciplinarian.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: D. Rapid, disorganized thoughts

Topic: Chronic Stress Symptoms

Chronic stress often manifests cognitively as racing, disorganized thoughts, making it difficult to focus or complete tasks; this symptom reflects the body's heightened arousal and impaired executive function.

Why the others are wrong

• A – Chronic stress usually causes fatigue, not increased energy.
• B – Stress typically impairs, not enhances, memory recall.
• C – Stress reduces, rather than improves, concentration.

Remember: Stress clouds thoughts, causing rapid, jumbled thinking.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: D. Threatened abortion

Topic: Spontaneous Abortion Types

A threatened abortion is characterized by vaginal bleeding and mild cramping early in pregnancy while the cervical os remains closed and no tissue is expelled. The pregnancy is at risk but may still proceed to a viable outcome.

Why the others are wrong

• A – Inevitable abortion is characterized by cervical dilation with or without rupture of membranes.
• B – Missed miscarriage involves fetal demise where nonviable tissue is retained without active bleeding.
• C – Complete abortion involves the expulsion of all products of conception, followed by cervical closure.

Remember: Bleeding with a closed cervix means the pregnancy is only threatened.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: C. Pork

Topic: Vitamin B1 Sources

Thiamine is abundant in pork, especially lean cuts; it provides the highest dietary thiamine per serving among common foods and supports carbohydrate metabolism and is essential for nerve function.

Why the others are wrong

• A – Citrus fruits contain negligible thiamine; they are high in vitamin C and flavonoids.
• B – Eggs provide minimal thiamine; they are richer in protein, vitamin D, and choline.
• D – Leafy greens contain little thiamine; they are better sources of vitamin K and folate.

Remember: Pork = Power-packed Thiamine

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: A. Fluorine

Topic: Trace Minerals and Bone Health

Fluoride, the anion of fluorine, is incorporated into bone and tooth mineral as fluorapatite, which is more resistant to acid dissolution, thereby enhancing calcium retention and preventing demineralization.

Why the others are wrong

• B – Zinc supports immune function and wound healing, not calcium retention.
• C – Chromium enhances insulin action, unrelated to calcium storage.
• D – Selenium acts as an antioxidant; it does not affect bone calcium.

Remember: Fluoride = fluoride‑rich teeth stay calcium‑strong.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: C. Encouraging oral rehydration or administering IV fluids

Topic: Pediatric Diarrhea Management

The primary risk of diarrhea in children is dehydration. The most critical nursing intervention is maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance through oral rehydration therapy for mild-to-moderate dehydration, or intravenous fluids for severe cases.

Why the others are wrong

• A – Antidiarrheal medications are generally avoided in children due to potential toxicity and side effects.
• B – Restricting fluids worsens dehydration, which can be life-threatening in pediatric patients.
• D – Increasing fiber during acute diarrhea can worsen GI irritation and is not the priority.

Remember: Diarrhea in kids: Hydrate first, medicate last!

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: C. Oral stage

Topic: Freud Oral Stage

Freud described the oral stage as occurring from birth to about 18 months, where pleasure is centered on the mouth; feeding, sucking, and chewing are primary sources of gratification, matching the newborn’s behavior.

Why the others are wrong

• A – Anal stage involves bowel control and toilet training, not oral activities.
• B – Genital stage focuses on puberty sexual interests, not infant feeding behaviors.
• D – Latency stage is a calm period in middle childhood, unrelated to sucking.

Remember: Mouth‑focused pleasure = oral stage.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: D. Encouraging warm compress application and supportive bra use

Topic: Nonlactation Mastitis Care

For nonlactation mastitis, applying warm compresses promotes circulation and healing, while wearing a supportive bra minimizes breast movement and discomfort. These conservative measures effectively alleviate localized pain and inflammation.

Why the others are wrong

• A – A supportive bra is needed to limit movement and reduce breast pain.
• B – Mammograms screen for cancer and do not prevent mastitis recurrence.
• C – Caffeine can exacerbate breast tenderness and does not treat inflammation.

Remember: Warmth and support soothe mastitis discomfort.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: A. Liver

Topic: Folate Food Sources

Liver contains high levels of folate (vitamin B9), providing one of the richest dietary sources of this nutrient, far exceeding the modest amounts found in milk, eggs, or pork.

Why the others are wrong

• B – Milk contains very little folate.
• C – Eggs are not a significant folate source.
• D – Pork provides minimal folate compared with liver.

Remember: Liver = leafy folate powerhouse.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: D. Apologize and ask the family how to correctly pronounce the name

Topic: Cultural Sensitivity in Communication

Apologizing acknowledges the error, and asking the family how to correctly pronounce the name demonstrates cultural respect, supports therapeutic relationship, and ensures accurate communication, which is essential for patient‑centered care.

Why the others are wrong

• A – Ignoring the mistake dismisses cultural importance and damages trust.
• B – Explaining common differences minimizes the family's values and avoids accountability.
• C – Suggesting a nickname imposes the nurse’s preference over cultural identity.

Remember: Apologize, then ask: respect the name, respect the family.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: A. Monitoring for excessive bleeding

Topic: Ectopic Pregnancy Management

The greatest danger of an ectopic pregnancy is tubal rupture, which can cause life‑threatening intra‑abdominal hemorrhage; therefore vigilant monitoring for excessive bleeding is the primary nursing priority.

Why the others are wrong

• B – Infection risk is secondary to hemorrhage in acute ectopic pregnancy.
• C – Iron supplementation is unrelated to the acute management of ectopic pregnancy.
• D – Emotional support is important but not the immediate clinical priority.

Remember: Bleeding first, infection later, emotions later, iron last.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: D. The presence of adequate situational support and effective coping strategies

Topic: Crisis Coping Factors

Effective coping strategies combined with adequate situational support enable individuals to process stress, utilize resources, and restore balance, making these elements the primary determinants of crisis resolution and return to equilibrium.

Why the others are wrong

• A – Speed of medical interventions is not the main factor in personal coping.
• B – Ignoring the crisis does not promote resolution or adaptation.
• C – Advanced technology assists treatment but does not directly affect coping ability.

Remember: Support and coping skills drive crisis recovery.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: C. Providing cardiac rehabilitation after coronary artery bypass surgery

Topic: Prevention Levels

Cardiac rehabilitation after coronary artery bypass surgery is tertiary prevention because it intervenes after disease onset to restore function, prevent complications, and improve quality of life.

Why the others are wrong

• A – Vaccination aims to stop disease before it occurs, which is primary prevention.
• B – Diet education seeks to prevent disease onset, a primary prevention activity.
• D – Blood pressure screening detects disease early, fitting secondary prevention.

Remember: Rehab after surgery = tertiary prevention.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: C. Encourage the parent to leave quickly and calmly after saying goodbye

Topic: Hospitalized Toddler Separation Anxiety

Saying a clear goodbye and departing promptly and calmly prevents lingering distress and establishes trust. Sneaking out damages security, while drawn-out goodbyes heighten the toddler's anxiety during the protest phase of separation.

Why the others are wrong

• A – Play is the toddler's primary coping mechanism and helps normalize the hospital experience.
• B – Overwhelming the child with multiple unfamiliar faces simultaneously increases stranger anxiety.
• D – Familiar comfort objects provide vital emotional security and reduce anxiety in unfamiliar settings.

Remember: Say goodbye with a calm embrace, then leave without a drawn-out chase.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: B. The ability to use one’s body or parts of the body to solve problems or perform skills.

Topic: Multiple Intelligences Theory

Bodily‑kinesthetic intelligence involves using the body to solve problems, coordinate movements, and express ideas through physical activity, such as athletes, dancers, or surgeons, demonstrating precise control and awareness of bodily sensations.

Why the others are wrong

• A – Defines linguistic intelligence, unrelated to body use.
• C – Describes logical‑mathematical intelligence, not bodily‑kinesthetic.
• D – Refers to intrapersonal intelligence, not physical movement.

Remember: Body as tool: think athletes, dancers, surgeons.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: A. Administer antibiotics immediately

Topic: Meningococcal Meningitis Management

Meningococcal meningitis is a medical emergency with rapid progression. Immediate administration of empirical intravenous antibiotics is the priority intervention to reduce mortality and morbidity, and must not be delayed for diagnostic results.

Why the others are wrong

• B – Lumbar puncture is diagnostic; antibiotics must not be delayed if the procedure is postponed.
• C – Supportive therapies for shock do not treat the underlying life-threatening bacterial infection.
• D – Delaying antibiotic therapy significantly increases the risk of permanent neurological damage and death.

Remember: In bacterial meningitis, suspect and inject antibiotics without delay.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: C. Obtain two blood samples from two different anatomic sites before starting antibiotics

Topic: Neonatal Sepsis Blood Cultures

Blood cultures must be obtained prior to initiating antimicrobial therapy to identify the pathogen accurately and prevent false-negative results. Sampling from two distinct anatomic sites helps differentiate true bacteremia from skin flora contamination.

Why the others are wrong

• A – Antibiotics administered before cultures suppress bacterial growth, leading to false-negative results.
• B – Drawing from existing lines risks contamination, and antibiotics will have suppressed pathogen growth.
• D – Collecting after starting antibiotics reduces yield, and a single site increases contamination ambiguity.

Remember: Cultures before cures: draw two sites before starting antibiotics.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: B. Feelings of fear, anxiety, and regression

Topic: Child Hospitalization Emotions

Children commonly experience fear, anxiety, and developmental regression when hospitalized because the unfamiliar environment, loss of routine, and separation from caregivers threaten their sense of security.

Why the others are wrong

• A – Interactions with staff seldom enhance social skills during illness.
• C – Hospitalization rarely promotes independence; fear dominates.
• D – Hospital stays usually reduce, not improve, perceived control.

Remember: Kids fear hospitals, often regress emotionally.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: D. Assess blood glucose levels every 2-4 hours

Topic: Neonatal Hypoglycemia In SGA

Infants with intrauterine growth restriction have limited subcutaneous fat and depleted hepatic glycogen stores, placing them at high risk for acute hypoglycemia. Frequent blood glucose monitoring prevents neurologic injury and takes precedence over non-emergent interventions.

Why the others are wrong

• A – Parental education on swaddling provides comfort and thermoregulation but is not the highest physiological priority.
• B – Skin-to-skin contact supports bonding and thermoregulation, but identifying acute hypoglycemia takes immediate priority.
• C – Daily weights evaluate overall nutritional trajectory but do not detect life-threatening, acute metabolic changes.

Remember: SGA babies lack glycogen stores; check glucose before it drops.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.

Answer: A. Pulmonary edema

Topic: Postpartum Pulmonary Edema

Pulmonary edema is likely because the client’s pre‑existing heart failure predisposes to fluid accumulation; postpartum volume shifts and increased cardiac demand produce tachycardia, dyspnea, and bibasilar crackles characteristic of pulmonary congestion.

Why the others are wrong

• B – PE causes sudden dyspnea and pleuritic pain, typically without bibasilar crackles.
• C – Hemorrhage presents with excessive vaginal bleeding and hypotension, not respiratory crackles.
• D – DVT manifests as unilateral leg swelling and pain, not acute lung crackles.

Remember: Heart failure + postpartum fluid shift = pulmonary edema.

Question adapted from Nursing Health Promotion, by Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); K. Ernstmeyer and E. Christman, editors (WisTech Open), licensed CC BY 4.0; wording and option order may differ from the book. The explanation is ours, checked against the book's answer.