Nursing Exam Prep

NCLEX-RN: Health Promotion practice questions questions 176-185

185 questions, page 8 of 8. Try each one first, then open the answer.

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176Question

A nurse is providing discharge education to a client who has experienced a pregnancy loss. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further teaching?

  1. "I should try to move on quickly and not dwell on the loss."
  2. "I may experience hormonal changes that affect my emotions."
  3. "I should watch for signs of infection, like fever or foul-smelling discharge."
  4. "I will need emotional support, and it’s okay to grieve in my own way."
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A. "I should try to move on quickly and not dwell on the loss."

Topic: Pregnancy Loss Discharge Education

Grief after pregnancy loss is a unique, non-linear process with no set timeline. Encouraging a client to suppress emotions or 'move on quickly' is maladaptive and indicates a need for further education on healthy coping strategies.

Why the others are wrong

  • B – Recognizing that postpartum hormonal shifts impact emotional well-being is accurate and requires no intervention.
  • C – Watching for fever and foul-smelling discharge shows correct understanding of post-loss infection risks.
  • D – Acknowledging the need for individualized grief support indicates a healthy understanding of emotional recovery.

Remember: Grief has no timeline; suppressive coping hinders healing.

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.

177Question

In Kohlberg’s post-conventional stage, moral reasoning is based on:

  1. Fear of punishment and reward-seeking
  2. The expectations of authority figures
  3. Maintaining interpersonal relationships
  4. Universal ethical principles and abstract reasoning
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D. Universal ethical principles and abstract reasoning

Topic: Kohlberg Moral Development

In Kohlberg’s post‑conventional stage, individuals base moral decisions on self‑chosen ethical principles that transcend laws, using abstract, principled reasoning. They evaluate right and wrong by universal concepts such as justice and human rights, rather than external rewards or authority.

Why the others are wrong

  • A – It reflects pre‑conventional reasoning focused on avoiding punishment and gaining rewards.
  • B – It represents conventional stage, where behavior follows authority and societal rules.
  • C – It describes conventional reasoning, which centers on social approval and relationships.

Remember: Post‑conventional: universal principles, not rules or rewards.

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.

178Question

What is an effective stress management technique that helps manage the body’s response to stressors?

  1. Minimizing physical exercise
  2. Increasing caffeine intake
  3. Maintaining a healthy social support network
  4. Increased energy levels
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C. Maintaining a healthy social support network

Topic: Stress Management Techniques

A strong social support network provides emotional reassurance, perspective, and practical help, which moderates the physiological stress response and promotes coping, making it an evidence‑based stress management technique.

Why the others are wrong

  • A – Exercise reduces stress; minimizing it worsens stress response.
  • B – Caffeine can heighten anxiety and physiological stress markers.
  • D – Increased energy is a result, not a management technique.

Remember: Friends buffer stress like a safety net.

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.

179Question

Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of severe croup?

  1. Diarrhea
  2. Stridor
  3. Sneezing
  4. Runny nose
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B. Stridor

Topic: Severe Croup Symptoms

Croup is an upper airway infection characterized by swelling of the larynx and trachea. Stridor, a high-pitched inspiratory sound, is a hallmark sign of severe croup, indicating significant airway obstruction requiring immediate medical evaluation.

Why the others are wrong

  • A – Diarrhea is a gastrointestinal symptom and is not associated with croup.
  • C – Sneezing is a mild upper respiratory symptom, not indicative of severe croup or airway obstruction.
  • D – A runny nose is a common prodromal symptom of mild croup, not severe airway compromise.

Remember: Croup causes a barking cough and stridor as the airway narrows.

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.

180Question

Which of the following is an example of how the physical environment as a social determinant can affect health outcomes?

  1. Lack of social support leading to mental health issues.
  2. Limited health literacy leading to medication non-adherence.
  3. High-quality education leading to better job opportunities.
  4. Poor air quality contributing to respiratory diseases.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D. Poor air quality contributing to respiratory diseases.

Topic: Physical Environment Determinants

Poor air quality is a physical‑environment determinant that directly increases risk for asthma, COPD, and other respiratory illnesses, illustrating how the built and natural surroundings can influence health outcomes.

Why the others are wrong

  • A – Social support pertains to interpersonal relationships, not the physical environment.
  • B – Health literacy is an individual, not environmental, factor.
  • C – Education is a socioeconomic, not physical, determinant.

Remember: Dirty air = sick lungs.

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.

181Question

A twelve year old client was diagnosed with pharyngitis caused by Group A beta hemolytic streptococcus and was prescribed an antibiotic. Which statement describes when the client can return to school?

  1. She may return in one week if she is feeling better.
  2. She may return as soon as she no longer has a fever
  3. She may return when her course of antibiotics are completed.
  4. She may return after being on antibiotics for 24 hours.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D. She may return after being on antibiotics for 24 hours.

Topic: Strep Pharyngitis School Return

Clients with Group A streptococcal pharyngitis are no longer considered contagious and may safely return to school once they have received a full 24 hours of antibiotic therapy and are afebrile.

Why the others are wrong

  • A – Waiting one week is unnecessary and leads to avoidable school absenteeism.
  • B – Fever resolution alone does not reduce infectivity without concurrent antibiotic therapy.
  • C – Completing the entire antibiotic course before returning is unnecessary.

Remember: Strep school return: 24 hours of antibiotics and fever-free.

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.

182Question

An eight-year-old child presents to the emergency department with suspected epiglottitis. Which of the following is the priority to include in the client’s plan of care?

  1. Ensure the client has a patent airway.
  2. Send the client to radiology for a lateral neck X-ray.
  3. Ensure the client has IV access.
  4. Explain the disease to the client’s caregivers.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A. Ensure the client has a patent airway.

Topic: Epiglottitis Airway Management

Epiglottitis is a life-threatening emergency that can cause rapid, complete airway obstruction. Maintaining a patent airway is the absolute priority, and any invasive procedures that could agitate the child and trigger laryngospasm must be delayed.

Why the others are wrong

  • B – Transporting the child to radiology is unsafe; imaging must be done portably at the bedside.
  • C – IV insertion can agitate the child, potentially triggering complete airway obstruction from laryngospasm.
  • D – Caregiver education is important but secondary to stabilizing the child's life-threatening airway compromise.

Remember: Epiglottitis: Airway first, keep them calm.

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.

183Question

A nurse is counseling a parent about their preschool-aged child who often asks, “Why?” and wants to help with household tasks. The nurse explains that encouraging the child’s curiosity and independence supports which stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development?

  1. Trust vs. mistrust
  2. Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
  3. Identity vs. role confusion
  4. Initiative vs. guilt
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D. Initiative vs. guilt

Topic: Erikson Initiative Stage

At ages 3‑5, children naturally explore, ask “why,” and want to help; Erikson’s Initiative vs. Guilt stage describes this drive toward purposeful activity, so encouraging curiosity and independence fosters a healthy sense of initiative.

Why the others are wrong

  • A – Infancy stage about caregiver reliability, not curiosity.
  • B – Toddler stage focused on self‑control, not purposeful initiative.
  • C – Adolescent stage dealing with identity, unrelated to preschool behavior.

Remember: Preschool curiosity signals Erikson’s Initiative 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.

184Question

Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate for a pediatric client with an upper respiratory tract infection?

  1. Initiate antibiotic therapy.
  2. Administer antiviral medications.
  3. Administer saline nasal spray.
  4. Encourage physical activity.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C. Administer saline nasal spray.

Topic: Pediatric URI Management

Pediatric upper respiratory infections are primarily viral, requiring supportive care rather than medications. Administering saline nasal sprays safely thins mucus and relieves congestion, promoting comfort and easier breathing in young children.

Why the others are wrong

  • A – Antibiotics are ineffective against viral pathogens and promote bacterial resistance.
  • B – Antivirals are not indicated for routine, uncomplicated pediatric viral upper respiratory infections.
  • D – Rest is encouraged over physical activity to conserve energy and promote healing.

Remember: For pediatric URIs, saline spray clears the way.

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.

185Question

What is the most important nursing action when caring for a child with bronchiolitis?

  1. Providing humidified oxygen and monitoring respiratory status
  2. Encouraging physical activity to maintain muscle strength
  3. Administering antibiotics to prevent infection
  4. Limiting fluids to reduce the risk of aspiration
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A. Providing humidified oxygen and monitoring respiratory status

Topic: Bronchiolitis Nursing Care

Bronchiolitis is a viral lower respiratory tract infection primarily managed with supportive care. Maintaining adequate oxygenation via humidified oxygen and closely monitoring for respiratory distress are the highest priorities to ensure airway patency and gas exchange.

Why the others are wrong

  • B – Rest is encouraged to minimize oxygen consumption; physical activity can worsen respiratory distress.
  • C – Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections like bronchiolitis and are not routinely indicated.
  • D – Hydration is essential to thin secretions; fluids should be encouraged, not limited.

Remember: Bronchiolitis is viral: focus on oxygen, hydration, and rest.

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.

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