NCLEX Emergency Nursing Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• Which assessment data indicates a client with septic shock is responding to treatment?
• The disaster triage system classifies which client as Minimal category, Priority 3, and color green?
• In thyroid storm, which component is part of initial pharmacologic management?
• In suspected ectopic pregnancy with negative Rh status, what prophylactic measure should be taken?
• The toddler was brought to the emergency room after taking the mother's prenatal vitamins. Which intervention is most appropriate to perform first?
• The client diagnosed with septic shock has an elevated temperature, a BP of 110/70, and a high cardiac output with systemic vasodilation. Which phase of septic shock is the client experiencing?
• In the emergency department, what is the initial priority action for any patient with suspected poisoning?
• Which CVP value would most support a diagnosis of hypovolemia?
• Which statement explains why defibrillation should occur as early as possible during a cardiac arrest?
• A 23-year-old male was brought to the ED after attempting suicide by drinking motor oil. Which HCP order should be questioned?
• Which poisoning scenarios require decontamination or antidotes and how should decontamination be performed?
• In the emergency department, how should suspected pulmonary embolism be evaluated and anticoagulated?
• In a disaster scenario, which action would warrant immediate intervention by the nurse when a client is Priority 2, color yellow?
• Which type of chemical agent causes blistering on the skin?
• In the critical care unit, which client should be assigned to the most experienced nurse based on ABG data?
• Which statement indicates understanding about carbon monoxide poisoning?
• Which assessment data would indicate to the nurse the client is experiencing hypovolemic shock?
• For STEMI, what is the preferred reperfusion strategy and its time targets?
• What is the correct hand placement for chest compressions in an adult during CPR?
• Which role is described as the strength of the ED during shift transitions?
• Which action is a priority when caring for a patient with corrosive ingestion?
• Which statement about standard precautions is true?
• Which PPE level provides the highest level of protection against hazardous exposures?
• Which situation would require the charge nurse in a long-term care facility to obtain information from a material safety data sheet (MSDS)?
• A client in ventricular bigeminy requires a lidocaine drip at 4 mg/min. The infusion bag contains 2 g of lidocaine in 500 mL D5W. At what rate should the nurse set the infusion pump (mL/hour)?
• Which statement best describes the initial evaluation for sudden chest pain in a young patient?
• In this staffing scenario, which statement best reflects cross-training for ICU assignment?
• During a code, why is epinephrine given?
• Which telemetry patient is most at risk for sudden cardiac death?
• Which statement supports maintaining ED orientation while planning ICU cross-training?
• Which category of personal protective equipment (PPE) should the nurse wear when caring for clients with botulism?
• What are START triage color categories and nurse actions for each?
• How is status epilepticus defined and what is the ED treatment sequence?
• Chlorine gas exposure primarily affects which body system?
• Which statement about UAP actions during CPR is true?
• Which statement reflects standard ED therapy for acute asthma?
• In obstetric emergencies, how do placental abruption and placenta previa differ and how are they managed in the ED?
• What are the severe features of preeclampsia/eclampsia and ED treatment steps?
• Which activity is most important for hospital staff when planning disaster preparedness and implementing the hospital's emergency operations plan (EOP)?
• What is a core pediatric sepsis principle in the emergency department regarding antibiotics and fluids?
• Which action is appropriate for a UAP to perform during patient care in the ED?
• In a mass casualty incident, which principle best describes ED triage priorities?
• What is the ED management for heat stroke?
• In SBAR, which component provides the recommended actions for the receiving clinician?
• Which action demonstrates proper biosafety handling of a urine specimen in a healthcare setting?
• In the emergency department response to an implosion with multiple injuries, which action should the charge nurse implement first?
• What is the initial naloxone dosing for suspected opioid overdose and monitoring plan?
• Which option best supports safe cross-training for ICU without compromising ED operations?
• Which signs and symptoms would support an initial diagnosis of tularemia?
• In methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning, under what circumstances is dialysis indicated?
• Which nurse is described as the strength of the ED and should typically serve as the relief charge nurse?
• Which patient factor on the telemetry floor indicates the highest risk for sudden cardiac death based on the described scenario?
• Which patient in ED triage most strongly suggests meningitis and requires urgent antibiotics?
• How is hypoglycemia managed in adults and children presenting to the ED?
• The Trendelenburg position is typically used for patients with which type of shock?
• In pediatric dehydration with severe dehydration, what is the initial IV fluid administered for resuscitation?
• Which practice best aligns with safe cross-training in ED and ICU settings?
• The triage nurse receives a phone call in an outpatient clinic. Which client should be advised to come to the emergency clinic today?
• Which action by a UAP performing chest compressions warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
• Which statement about ESI 1 is correct, given the triage scale?
• In suspected ectopic pregnancy, which ED steps are essential for stabilization and diagnosis?
• When a male patient with cardiac arrest has a distraught spouse, which intervention is most appropriate?
• Which intervention should be implemented first as clients arrive at the ED after an explosion in a chemical manufacturing plant?
• Which action during a code is considered outside the core five team roles, requiring separate attention from the supervisor?
• What is the maximum recommended total fluid bolus in initial pediatric resuscitation?
• How should suspected child abuse be addressed in the ED?
• What is a likely consequence of assigning the orienting ED nurse to the ICU for the shift?
• Which ED management is common to both diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state?
• Nitroglycerin is contraindicated in ACS when the patient has which condition?
• How should SBAR be used for ED handoffs and what are its four components?
• Which action is not appropriate for a patient with septic shock?
• According to NATO triage, which situation would be considered priority 4, color black?
• Which reason best explains why a float nurse (one who has worked in both ED and ICU) is preferred for ICU coverage?
• In burn resuscitation, which crystalloid is preferred for Parkland formula?
• What is the primary goal of the ED nurse when caring for a client who has ingested a poison?
• The nurse is preparing to administer dopamine, a beta and alpha agonist, to a client in cardiogenic shock. What intervention should the nurse implement?
• What is the normal Central Venous Pressure (CVP) range?
• Which sign indicates improvement in a patient with head trauma who initially presented with decerebrate posturing?
• In the ICU, a female client overdosed on Ambien CR. Which intervention is priority?
• An advance directive exists for health care. Which situation would require consulting the surrogate decision-maker?
• Which statement about capnography is most accurate in verifying endotracheal tube placement?
• Which statement about the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) triage levels is correct?
• What components comprise the Surviving Sepsis Campaign bundle to initiate within the first hour?
• Which laboratory data would warrant immediate intervention when administering edetate calcium disodium (calcium EDTA) for lead poisoning?
• When using urine output as a perfusion marker in shock, what targets are typical?
• Which intervention should the nurse implement first when five students present with severe abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea?
• In pediatric dehydration, what is the recommended volume of oral rehydration solution (ORS) for mild to moderate dehydration, and over what time period should it be given?
• How can elderly patients present atypically with sepsis and how should ED management be adjusted?
• Why should the orienting nurse remain in the ED rather than be assigned to the ICU for the shift?
• The nurse and a UAP are working in an ED. Which nursing task should the nurse delegate to the UAP?
• What signs indicate septic shock in a child and what is the recommended initial fluid resuscitation?
• In sepsis management, when should vasopressors be started after fluid resuscitation?
• Which priority intervention should the ED department implement after a chlorine chemical plant disaster?
• A patient who overdosed on narcotic cough syrup receives naloxone. What is the priority intervention?
• For lead poisoning, under what circumstance should calcium disodium EDTA therapy be withheld?
• The client in hypovolemic shock is receiving dextran, a non-blood colloid. Which assessment data would warrant immediate intervention by the nurse?
• What are key steps and electrolyte considerations in initial DKA management?
• How do you differentiate epidural hematoma from subdural hematoma clinically and diagnostically?
• In carbon monoxide poisoning, which statement about pulse oximetry and treatment is true?
• When selecting ICU coverage, which nurse has the strongest potential to support both units immediately?
• How does ATLS framework structure care in trauma and what are the primary survey steps?
• Which data would the nurse expect to assess in a client diagnosed with neurogenic shock?
• In septic shock, which statement best describes the antibiotic approach?
• Which statement accurately describes ED management for acute asthma regarding magnesium sulfate?
• Which endocrine emergencies present with altered mental status and how are they managed?
• In NATO triage, which pairing is correct for prioritizing injuries?
• Which statement best differentiates diabetic ketoacidosis from hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state and describes ED management?
• What is the primary responsibility of the supervising nurse during a code?
• How does ED management differ for pediatric versus adult respiratory distress in terms of airway support and dosing?
• Gastric lavage should not be attempted with ingestion of which type of substance?
• In a unresponsive patient who is not breathing after two rescue breaths, what should be done next?
• What is the FAST exam and its limitations in the trauma patient?
• The nurse is preparing to administer morphine sulfate 2 mg IV push to a client with chest pain. Which sequence of actions best demonstrates correct nursing practice?
• Which statement indicates one of the students needs more teaching concerning information about biological warfare?
• A client has ingested a corrosive solution containing lye. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
• In the ED management of acute asthma, IV magnesium sulfate is indicated under which condition?
• Which type of precaution should the infection control nurse implement on a unit with seven clients exposed to anthrax?
• In the ED management of DKA/HHS, which electrolyte requires close monitoring and correction as insulin therapy begins?
• The employee health nurse encounters employees who smell bitter almonds. Which intervention should be implemented?
• In burn resuscitation, what is a primary goal to monitor during fluid administration?
• In disaster or mass casualty incidents, what are the roles of the ED nurse within Hospital Incident Command System (HICS)?
• Which nurse typically leads ED operations as the relief charge during a shift?
• The nurse is triaging clients in the ED. Which client can wait to be seen by the ED staff?
• In triage, which client would be categorized as an Expectant category, Priority 4, and color black?
• During gastric lavage, which patient position helps minimize aspiration of gastric contents?
• A potential chemical spill has occurred on the medical floor. Which intervention should the charge nurse implement first?
• According to the scenario, which nurse would provide the most help to the ICU for the shift?
• What is the management approach for a simple pneumothorax in trauma?
• Which statement best reflects an appropriate approach to pain management for ED patients while ensuring safety?
• Which scenario best illustrates prioritizing ICU coverage without compromising ED operations?
• In neonatal resuscitation, what are the initial steps after birth and the key scoring used?
• Which action by a UAP caring for a group of clients warrants immediate nurse intervention?
• What is the minimum hourly urine output that indicates adequate renal perfusion in shock management?
• In anaphylaxis, what is the first-line treatment and typical epinephrine dosing?
• Which nurse should be given a chance to orient to the ICU before taking a client load?
• Which set of roles should the code team be accountable for in an emergency?
• In ACS MONA therapy, under which condition is nitroglycerin contraindicated?
• Oral penicillin is the treatment for exposure to which biological agent?
• What personal protective equipment should the charge nurse use when responding to a code on a surgical unit?
• The charge nurse is making assignments in the medical department and has one RN, one recent graduate nurse, two LPNs, and a UAP. Which client should be assigned to the graduate nurse who has just completed orientation?
• In pulmonary edema, what is the initial emergency department management and pharmacotherapy?
• What is the rationale for early empiric antibiotics in suspected septic shock and how are choices made?
• For a patient who overdosed on sustained-release medication, which intervention best explains the use of Go-Lytely?
• When is activated charcoal indicated in poisoning and what are contraindications?
• What signs indicate increased intracranial pressure and what ED interventions help prevent herniation?
• Which intervention should the nurse implement for clients exposed to liquid nerve agent sarin?
• A patient 1 day post abdominal surgery presents with hypotension (BP 88/60), tachycardia, diaphoresis, pale skin, and cold, clammy skin. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
• Which statement best describes the primary survey in trauma care?
• In burn resuscitation using the Parkland formula, how is fluid volume calculated and administered within the first 24 hours?
• How should pain be assessed and treated in the ED to balance analgesia with safety?
• A client diagnosed with septicemia is admitted to the emergency department. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
• What radiation safety considerations are essential when imaging a pregnant patient?
• In traumatic pneumothorax, when is needle decompression indicated and what is the subsequent step?
• The nurse caring for a client with sepsis documents a diagnosis of 'alteration in comfort related to chills and hyperpyrexia.' Which independent intervention should be included in the plan of care?
• As the medication nurse in a code, what action is most important to perform first?
• What are the MONA components for ACS management and key contraindications?
• Which situation would require the emergency department manager to schedule a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) session?
• What is the correct approach to suspected cervical spine injuries in the ED?
• What is the initial ED management for suspected meningitis, including isolation and empiric antibiotics?
• Which signs point to carbon monoxide poisoning and what is the ED treatment protocol?
• Why is removing the client’s clothes the first step in decontamination for chemical exposure?
• Which statement indicates the family understands information discussed concerning anthrax exposure?
• When assigning a nurse to cover the ICU for the day, which nurse is best suited to help the ICU team?
• Sodium nitrite is used to treat exposure to which chemical hazard?
• Which action demonstrates best practice for disaster drills readiness?
• The ED nurse is caring for a client with a head injury and decerebrate posturing in response to painful stimuli. Which data would indicate the client’s condition is improving?
• What limitations does FAST have in trauma assessment?
• The nurse and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are caring for clients in the ED. Which task would be most appropriate to delegate to the UAP?
• The triage nurse is assessing in the emergency department. Which client should be assessed first?
• In burn injuries, when is airway protection indicated and what is the ED approach?
• Which statement describes the trauma secondary survey and its timing?
• Which positioning is preferred for gastric lavage in a comatose patient to minimize aspiration?
• In the ED ABCDE assessment, which is the correct priority sequence?
• What is the purpose of the NIH Stroke Scale and how should ED nurses use it?
• While providing first aid for a poisonous snakebite on the right lower leg, which action should the nurse implement first?
• In rapid sequence intubation, which safety steps ensure correct tube placement and patient safety?
• Which statement best explains the definition of sudden cardiac death?
• In adrenal crisis, what is the initial pharmacologic treatment in the ED?