Diagnostic Tests Practice Test 9
Diagnostic Tests NCLEX Practice Test
Diagnostic Tests is a key topic within the NCLEX test plan, located under Physiological Integrity → Reduction of Risk Potential → Diagnostic Tests. This section prepares patients, explains procedures, and interprets findings for safe follow-up care. Each test contains 50 questions designed to mirror the difficulty and variety of the real exam.
This is the 9th part of the Diagnostic Tests series. To explore all practice tests under this topic, use the “Back to Main Topic” button at the end of the page.
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In the Diagnostic Tests Study Cards section, shared by real NCLEX candidates, you’ll find concise summaries and high-yield insights related to the most tested concepts. It’s a perfect space to reinforce challenging topics and sharpen your recall through quick, focused repetitions. Short, powerful, and repeatable!
Diagnostic Tests Practice Test 9
The nurse in primary health clinic is caring for a 68-year-old man. History reveals that the client has smoked one pack of cigarette per day for 45 years and drinks two beers per day. He is complaining of a non-productive cough, chest discomfort, and dyspnea. The nurse hears isolated wheezing in the right middle lobe. It would be most important for the nurse to do which of the following?
- CPK-MB
- Echocardiogram
- Chest X-ray
- Guthrie
Explanation: Answer reason: g., lung cancer) or other localized pulmonary pathology, which should be evaluated first with an initial chest imaging study. A chest radiograph is the standard first-line diagnostic test to assess for masses, atelectasis, pneumonia, or other structural changes and guides urgent referral for further imaging (e.g., CT) if abnormal. Cardiac tests like CPK-MB or echocardiogram do not directly address a localized unilateral wheeze pattern and respiratory symptoms without a clear cardiac presentation. New or changing respiratory symptoms in a high-risk smoker warrant prompt pulmonary evaluation to reduce risk of delayed diagnosis.
The nurse teaches a client scheduled for an I.V. pyelogram what to expect when the dye is injected. The nurse knows that the client has correctly understood what was taught when he states that he may experience which of the following sensations when the dye is injected?
- A metallic taste.
- Flushing of the face.
- Cold chills.
- Chest pain.
Explanation: Answer reason: Iodinated contrast used in an IV pyelogram commonly causes a brief sensation of warmth and flushing shortly after injection due to vasodilation and the hyperosmolar effect of the dye. This is an expected, transient response that patients should be taught to anticipate so it is not mistaken for an emergency. In contrast, chest pain is not an expected benign sensation and could signal a serious adverse reaction or cardiopulmonary problem requiring immediate evaluation. Cold chills are less characteristic of routine contrast injection teaching than warmth/flushing.
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