Therapeutic Procedures Practice Test 2
Therapeutic Procedures NCLEX Practice Test
Therapeutic Procedures is a key topic within the NCLEX test plan, located under Physiological Integrity → Reduction of Risk Potential → Therapeutic Procedures. This section supports pre-, intra-, and post-procedure safety and expected outcomes. Each test contains 50 questions designed to mirror the difficulty and variety of the real exam.
This is the 2nd part of the Therapeutic Procedures 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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Therapeutic Procedures Practice Test 2
The nurse is monitoring a client following a lung resection. The hourly output from the chest tube was 300 mL. The nurse should give priority to?
- Turn the client to the left side.
- Milking the tube to ensure patency.
- Slowing the intravenous infusion
- Notifying the physician
Explanation: Answer reason: Chest tube drainage of 300 mL/hr post-lung resection is excessive and suggests hemorrhage; the priority is to notify the provider. Milking is not routine, turning position or slowing IV does not address possible bleeding.
Phototherapy is used in the treatment of what?
- Necrotising enterocolitis
- Polycythemia
- Neonatal Hypocalcemia
- Neonatal jaundice
Explanation: Answer reason: Phototherapy converts unconjugated bilirubin to water‑soluble isomers for excretion and is the standard treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice), not NEC, polycythemia, or hypocalcemia.
When caring for a term neonate who has been receiving phototherapy for 8 hours, the nurse notifies the pediatrician if which of these is noted?
- Bronze-colored skin
- Maculopapular chest rash
- Urine specific gravity is 1.018.
- Absent Moro reflex.
Explanation: Answer reason: Bronze discoloration (bronze baby syndrome) during phototherapy suggests conjugated hyperbilirubinemia/cholestasis and warrants notifying the provider and reassessing therapy. A transient maculopapular rash is common, urine specific gravity of 1.018 is not critical, and an absent Moro reflex is unrelated to phototherapy effects.
How much distance should be maintained from the bililight to the neonate, not less than?
- 25 cm
- 35 cm
- 15 cm
- 45 cm
Explanation: Answer reason: For conventional phototherapy, the light source should be kept about 45 cm from the neonate to provide effective irradiance while preventing overheating and skin/eye injury. Therefore, the minimum distance is 45 cm.
Which colour of light is used to treat neonatal jaundice?
- Red light
- Yellow light
- Orange light
- Blue light
Explanation: Answer reason: Phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia uses blue light (about 460–490 nm) to photoisomerize bilirubin into water-soluble forms for excretion.
What is the size of the resuscitation face mask for preterm infants?
- 0
- 00
- 1
- 2
Explanation: Answer reason: Preterm neonates require a smaller face mask; standard neonatal resuscitation equipment uses size 0 for preterm and size 1 for term infants to ensure an effective seal.
What room temperature should be maintained during the period of phototherapy?
- 30–32 °C
- 26-28°C
- 28-30°C
- 24-26°C
Explanation: Answer reason: During neonatal phototherapy the infant is largely undressed, increasing risk of cold stress; a warm ambient room temperature of 28–30°C is recommended to maintain thermoregulation.
Phototherapy is indicated for children with?
- Hyperbilirubinemia.
- Necrotizing enterocolitis.
- Hypoglycemia.
- Hemolytic disease.
Explanation: Answer reason: Phototherapy converts unconjugated bilirubin to water‑soluble isomers for excretion, so it is used to treat neonatal hyperbilirubinemia/jaundice. It is not indicated for NEC or hypoglycemia; hemolytic disease may cause jaundice, but the direct indication is hyperbilirubinemia.
During phototherapy, the nursing measures include all of the following except?
- Observation of hydration status
- Dressing the baby in clothes
- Maintenance of temperature
- Covering the eyes and genitalia.
Explanation: Answer reason: During neonatal phototherapy, maximize skin exposure; infant is usually undressed except for eye protection and genital covering, while hydration and temperature are monitored. Therefore dressing the baby is not an appropriate measure.
Which of the following statements is correct regarding phototherapy?
- Wavelength of light used in phototherapy: 430–490 nm
- The distance between the light source and the baby is 30–45 cm.
- A Biliblanket is used in double-surface phototherapy.
- All of the above
Explanation: Answer reason: Phototherapy for neonatal jaundice uses blue light in the 430–490 nm range; the standard lamp-to-infant distance is about 30–45 cm; and a biliblanket provides undersurface light used along with overhead lights for double-surface phototherapy. Therefore all statements are correct.
Which of the following is not a manual mobilization technique used while performing chest physiotherapy?
- Coughing
- Clapping
- Percussion
- Vibration
Explanation: Answer reason: Clapping (percussion) and vibration are manual chest physiotherapy techniques performed by the caregiver, whereas coughing is a patient expiratory maneuver, not a manual mobilization technique.
The physician gives an order for a patient with cystic fibrosis to use a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device to help with airway clearance. As the nurse, which device will you order from the supply?
- Incentive spirometer
- BiPAP
- Peak flow meter
- Flutter valve
Explanation: Answer reason: A flutter valve is a handheld PEP device that provides oscillating positive expiratory pressure to mobilize secretions, commonly used in cystic fibrosis for airway clearance. The other devices do not provide PEP for airway clearance.
Size of endotracheal tubes used for newborns is?
- 2.5 mm - 3.5 mm
- 2.5 mm - 4 mm
- 2 mm - 4 mm
- 2.5 mm - 4.5 mm
Explanation: Answer reason: Neonates typically require small uncuffed ETTs: preterm about 2.5 mm ID and term 3.0–3.5 mm. Thus the correct range for newborns is 2.5–3.5 mm.
Airway clearance techniques are used to help move thick mucus out of the lungs of someone with cystic fibrosis. There are various ways to accomplish this. Which of these are airway clearance techniques used in cystic fibrosis?
- Autogenic drainage
- All of these.
- High-frequency chest wall oscillation
- Chest physiotherapy
Explanation: Answer reason: Autogenic drainage, high-frequency chest wall oscillation (vest), and chest physiotherapy/postural drainage are all recognized airway clearance techniques for cystic fibrosis; therefore the best choice is 'All of these.
All of the following are essential for an infant with jaundice who is under phototherapy except?
- Covering the genital area.
- Covering the eye
- Blood sampling every 6 hours for bilirubin testing.
- Breastfeed every two hours.
Explanation: Answer reason: Protection of the eyes and usually the genital area plus frequent breastfeeding are standard nursing measures during neonatal phototherapy. Routine bilirubin testing every 6 hours is not essential for all infants and would be excessive; monitoring is done periodically based on clinical need.
Is exchange blood transfusion required in a term baby with pathological jaundice when the bilirubin level is more than?
- 15 mg/dL
- 20 mg/dL
- 5 mg/dL
- 1.5 mg/dL
Explanation: Answer reason: In term neonates, exchange transfusion is indicated for severe hyperbilirubinemia (risk of kernicterus) commonly at total serum bilirubin >20 mg/dL; lower thresholds apply to preterm infants.
The most confirmatory sign of endotracheal intubation is?
- Chest rise
- Auscultation
- Spirometry
- Capnography
Explanation: Answer reason: Continuous waveform end-tidal CO2 detection (capnography) is the most reliable confirmation of correct endotracheal tube placement; chest rise and auscultation can be misleading, and spirometry is not used for confirmation.
A client with hemophilia has a nosebleed. Which nursing action is most appropriate to control the bleeding?
- Place the client in a sitting position with the head hyperextended.
- Pack the nares tightly with gauze to apply pressure to the source of the bleeding.
- Pinch the soft lower part of the nose for a minimum of 5 minutes.
- Apply ice packs to the forehead and the back of the neck.
Explanation: Answer reason: Gentle, continuous pressure to the lower nasal cartilage helps tamponade the bleeding vessel without causing trauma. In hemophilia, invasive measures like packing should be avoided unless prescribed.
What is "Trotter's method of management of epistaxis"?
- Pinching the nose for 5–10 minutes.
- Patient was made to sit, leaning a little forward over a basin to spit up any blood and breathe quietly through the mouth.
- Cauterisation of a bleeding vessel with silver nitrate.
- Anterior nasal packing.
Explanation: Answer reason: Trotter’s method emphasizes a forward-leaning position with quiet breathing to minimize swallowing blood and to observe bleeding sites, a conservative management for epistaxis.
Goal of phototherapy in a newborn is to?
- Decrease serum unconjugated bilirubin level
- Prevent hypothermia
- Promote respiratory stability
- Decrease serum conjugated bilirubin level
Explanation: Answer reason: Phototherapy converts unconjugated bilirubin into water‑soluble photoisomers (e.g., lumirubin) that can be excreted, thereby lowering serum unconjugated bilirubin. It does not target conjugated bilirubin, and hypothermia or respiratory stability are not the primary goals.
A newborn presents with jaundice within 1st 24 hours. His mother's blood group is O+ ve. Next line of management is?
- Wait for serum bilirubin level before stating treatment
- Phototherapy
- Exchange transfusion
- Stop breast feeding
Explanation: Answer reason: Jaundice within the first 24 hours is pathologic, often due to hemolysis such as ABO incompatibility (mother O+). Begin treatment immediately with phototherapy to prevent bilirubin encephalopathy; do not wait for results. Exchange transfusion is reserved for severe levels or failure of phototherapy.
In phototherapy unit what is the importance of aluminium foil around the unit?
- To provide privacy to the child
- To reflect the light, back on to the baby
- To avoid exposure to other lights in the unit
- All of the above
Explanation: Answer reason: Aluminium foil is used to reflect light back onto the infant, increasing irradiance and effectiveness of phototherapy. Privacy or blocking other lights are not the primary purposes.
A client is diagnosed with bladder cancer, and a cystectomy and an ileal conduit are scheduled. What should the nurse plan to do preoperatively?
- Limit fluid intake for twenty-four hours.
- Teach range-of-motion and Kegel exercises.
- Explain the procedure for irrigating the ileal conduit.
- Administer cleansing enemas and laxatives as ordered.
Explanation: Answer reason: For an ileal conduit, a segment of ileum will be used; preoperative bowel preparation with enemas and cathartics reduces intestinal contents and bacterial load, lowering postoperative infection risk. Fluids should not be restricted, Kegels are irrelevant, and routine conduit irrigation is not taught preoperatively.
The nurse is assessing a client 24 hours following a cholecystectomy. The nurse notes that the T-tube has drained 750 mL of green-brown drainage since the surgery. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
- Clamp the T-tube.
- Irrigate the T-tube.
- Document the findings.
- Notify the health care provider
Explanation: Answer reason: Bile-colored drainage of approximately 500–1000 mL in the first 24 hours from a T-tube after cholecystectomy is expected. No intervention is required other than documenting the output. Clamping or irrigating requires a provider order; notifying the provider is unnecessary for expected findings.
The nurse is caring for a client following a gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II procedure). Which post operative prescription should the nurse question and verify?
- Leg exercises
- Early ambulation
- Irrigating the nasogastric tube
- Coughing and deep-breathing exercises
Explanation: Answer reason: After gastric surgery the NG tube should not be irrigated or repositioned unless specifically directed by the surgeon because it can disrupt the anastomosis. Leg exercises, early ambulation, and coughing/deep breathing are appropriate to prevent postoperative complications.
The low-pressure alarm sounds on a ventilator. The nurse assesses the client and then attempts to determine the cause of the alarm. If unsuccessful in determining the cause of the alarm, the nurse should take what initial action?
- Administer oxygen
- Check the client’s vital signs
- Ventilate the client manually
- Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Explanation: Answer reason: A low-pressure alarm usually indicates disconnection or leak. If the cause cannot be identified immediately, the priority is to ensure oxygenation and ventilation by manually ventilating the client with a resuscitation bag; then troubleshoot the ventilator. Checking vitals or starting CPR are not first actions unless arrest occurs.
An oxygen delivery system is prescribed for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to deliver a precise oxygen concentration. Which oxygen delivery system would the nurse prepare for the client?
- Face tent
- Venturi mask
- Aerosol mask
- Tracheostomy collar
Explanation: Answer reason: The Venturi mask delivers a precise, controlled FiO2 via entrainment ports, making it the preferred device for clients with COPD. Face tent, aerosol mask, and tracheostomy collar provide less predictable oxygen concentrations.
The nurse is discussing the techniques of chest physiotherapy and postural drainage (respiratory treatments) to a client having expectoration problems because of chronic thick, tenacious mucus production in the lower airway. The nurse explains that after the client is positioned for postural drainage the nurse will perform which action to help loosen secretions?
- Palpation and clubbing
- Percussion and vibration
- Hyperoxygenation and suctioning
- Administer a bronchodilator and monitor peak flow
Explanation: Answer reason: In postural drainage, once positioned the nurse uses chest percussion and vibration to loosen and mobilize secretions for expectoration. The other options are not part of chest physiotherapy steps.
The nurse is evaluating the condition of a client after pericardiocentesis performed to treat cardiac tamponade. Which observation would indicate that the procedure was effective?
- Muffled heart sounds
- A rise in blood pressure
- Jugular venous distention
- Client expressions of dyspnea
Explanation: Answer reason: Effective drainage of tamponade should reverse hypotension; blood pressure rises while signs of tamponade (muffled heart sounds, JVD, dyspnea) improve.
The nurse has completed discharge instructions for a client with application of a halo device. Which statement indicates that the client needs further clarification of the instructions?
- I will use a straw for drinking.
- I will drive only during the daytime.
- I will be careful because the device alters balance.
- I will wash the skin daily under the lamb's wool liner of the vest.
Explanation: Answer reason: Clients with a halo device should not drive at all; the device limits range of motion and may impair reaction time. The other statements reflect appropriate precautions and skin care.
Which of the following best explains the ileal conduit surgical procedure?
- The procedure involves creating an opening in the bladder that allows urine to drain into an external pouch.
- The procedure will divert urine into the sigmoid section of the colon, where it will be evacuated through the rectum along with stool.
- The procedure is temporary and will be fully reversed when the urinary system is free of cancer.
- The procedure uses a segment of the ileum to divert urine flow from the ureters to a stoma opening on the abdominal wall.
Explanation: Answer reason: An ileal conduit uses a segment of ileum as a conduit for urine from the ureters to a stoma on the abdominal wall. A describes a bladder opening, B describes ureterosigmoidostomy, and C is incorrect because an ileal conduit is typically permanent.
High levels of PEEP can cause which of the following to occur?
- Increased venous return
- Decreased cardiac output
- Decreased oxygen saturation
- Increased work of breathing
Explanation: Answer reason: High PEEP raises intrathoracic pressure, which reduces venous return (preload) and thereby decreases cardiac output.
Which position is BEST for a patient undergoing thoracentesis?
- Supine
- Prone
- Sitting, leaning forward on a table
- Trendelenburg
Explanation: Answer reason: For thoracentesis, the client should sit upright and lean forward with arms supported to widen intercostal spaces and allow access to the pleural space. Supine, prone, and Trendelenburg hinder the procedure and increase risk.
What is the purpose of humidification in tracheostomy care?
- To cool the air
- To prevent dehydration of airway tissues
- To increase airflow
- To reduce infection
Explanation: Answer reason: A tracheostomy bypasses the upper airway, which normally warms and humidifies air. Added humidification prevents drying of mucosa and secretions, reducing plugs.
A client is being discharged after lithotripsy for removal of a kidney stone. Which statement by the client indicates understanding of the nurse’s instructions?
- I'll need to strain my urine the first thing in the morning.
- I will need to save all urine for the next 2 days and take it to the laboratory to be examined and strained.
- I will be careful to strain all the urine and save the stone.
- I won't need to strain my urine now that the procedure is complete.
Explanation: Answer reason: Post-lithotripsy, clients should strain all urine to collect and save stone fragments for analysis; they do not need to save all urine or stop straining.
The nurse is preparing a client for cervical uterine radiation implant insertion. Which will be included in the teaching plan?
- TV or telephone use will not be allowed while the implant is in place.
- A Foley catheter is usually inserted.
- A high-fiber diet is recommended.
- Excretions will be considered radioactive.
Explanation: Answer reason: For intracavitary radiation (sealed source), a Foley catheter is inserted to prevent bladder distention and minimize implant displacement. TV/phone are allowed, a low-residue (not high-fiber) diet is used to reduce bowel movements, and excretions are not radioactive with sealed implants.
A pneumonectomy is performed on a client with lung cancer. Which of the following would probably be omitted from the client's plan of care?
- Closed chest drainage
- Pain-control measures
- Supplemental oxygen
- Coughing and deep-breathing exercises
Explanation: Answer reason: After a pneumonectomy there is no lung to re-expand, so chest tubes/closed chest drainage are typically not used. Pain control, supplemental oxygen, and coughing/deep-breathing remain part of care.
A nurse is assisting the physician with chest tube removal. To remove the chest tube, the client is instructed to?
- Take a deep breath, exhale, and bear down
- Hold the breath for 2 minutes and exhale slowly
- Exhale upon actual removal of the tube
- Continually breathe deeply in and out during removal
Explanation: Answer reason: During chest tube removal the client performs a Valsalva maneuver (deep breath, exhale, and bear down) to increase intrathoracic pressure and prevent air entry into the pleural space.
A client with epilepsy has a vagal nerve stimulator in place. Which would indicate that the device is working properly?
- The client's voice changes when the stimulator is operating.
- Hiccups occur with each stimulation.
- The client can feel vibrations in the area of the vagal nerve stimulator when operational.
- The client's radial pulse obliterates when the stimulator is activated.
Explanation: Answer reason: Vagal nerve stimulation commonly causes transient hoarseness/voice change during stimulation, indicating device activity. Hiccups, local vibrations, or loss of radial pulse are not expected signs and could indicate problems.
Which intervention should a nurse include in the care of a client in the immediate post-cardiac catheterization period?
- Monitor vital signs every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours
- Assess the insertion site
- Maintain the client in a prone position
- Keep the client NPO for 2 hours
Explanation: Answer reason: After cardiac catheterization, the priority is to assess the vascular access site for bleeding or hematoma to prevent hemorrhage. The stated VS frequency (every 30 min) is not immediate phase care (should be more frequent initially). Prone positioning is incorrect; clients are kept supine with the affected leg straight. NPO is not required postprocedure.
What is the nursing priority when caring for a patient who has received a temporary pacemaker following third-degree AV block?
- Encourage ambulation as ordered
- Check the integrity of the pacing wires
- Offer a low-sodium diet as ordered
- Schedule a follow-up echocardiogram as ordered
Explanation: Answer reason: With a temporary pacemaker after third-degree AV block, the immediate priority is ensuring effective pacing. Verifying the integrity and securement of pacing wires prevents loss of capture and life-threatening bradyarrhythmias.
A client returns to the unit after placement of a split-thickness autograft to a burn on the right arm; which intervention does the nurse give the highest immediate priority?
- Managing pain at the recipient site.
- Immobilizing the graft.
- Minimizing light exposure.
- Observing for signs of graft failure.
Explanation: Answer reason: Immediately after a skin autograft, the priority is to immobilize the grafted area to prevent shearing and bleeding so the graft can adhere, reducing risk of graft failure. Pain management and monitoring are important but not the highest immediate priority; light exposure is not critical.
During peritoneal dialysis, if the nurse observes that the flow of dialysate stops before all the solution has drained out, what should the nurse do?
- Have the client sit in a chair.
- Turn the client from side to side.
- Reposition the peritoneal catheter.
- Have the client walk.
Explanation: Answer reason: Poor dialysate outflow is commonly due to catheter tip occlusion by the omentum or malposition. The first nursing action is to reposition the client (turn side to side) to reestablish flow; do not manipulate the catheter, and walking or sitting are not first-line.
Which statement by the parents of a 2-week-old infant with clubfoot indicates a need for further teaching regarding this disorder?
- Treatment needs to be started as soon as possible.
- I realize my infant will require follow-up care until fully grown.
- I need to bring my infant back to the clinic in 1 month for a new cast.
- I need to come to the clinic every week with my infant for the casting.
Explanation: Answer reason: Clubfoot is treated with early serial casting (Ponseti method) with casts changed about weekly. Saying a new cast is needed in 1 month reflects incorrect understanding.
What discharge teaching should the nurse provide to a client with a fractured right ankle in a short leg cast to prevent complications?
- Trim the rough edges of the cast after it is dry
- Weight bearing on the right leg is allowed once the cast feels dry
- Expect burning and tingling sensations under the cast for 3 to 4 days
- Keep the right ankle elevated above the heart level with pillows for several hours
Explanation: Answer reason: Elevation above heart level reduces edema and pain and helps prevent complications such as impaired circulation or compartment syndrome. Weight bearing requires a provider order; burning/tingling are warning signs to report; trimming a cast is not advised by clients.
What is the best management option for a 24-year-old woman at 6 weeks gestation with a 3-cm unruptured ectopic pregnancy, BhCG 16,000 mIU/mL, and no fetal cardiac motion?
- Methotrexate 30 mg/m2 intramuscularly
- Methotrexate 50 mg intramuscularly
- Culdocentesis
- Laparoscopic salpingostomy
- Repeat BhCG in 48 hours
Explanation: Answer reason: With BhCG 16,000 mIU/mL, medical therapy with methotrexate has a high failure rate; stable, unruptured ectopic pregnancy is best managed surgically. Laparoscopic salpingostomy is the preferred option. The methotrexate options list incorrect dosing (30 mg/m2 or flat 50 mg).
What is the next appropriate nursing action when a client's chest tube has dislodged and is lying on the floor?
- Obtain a pair of sterile gloves.
- Contact the charge nurse for help.
- Cover the insertion site with a sterile dressing.
- Submerge the dislodged tube into sterile water.
Explanation: Answer reason: A chest tube that has come out of the chest requires immediately covering the insertion site with a sterile (preferably occlusive, taped on 3 sides) dressing to prevent air entry and tension pneumothorax. Submerging the tube in water applies when the tube is disconnected from the drainage system but still in the client.
In planning care for a client who has had a posterior fossa (infratentorial) craniotomy, which positioning action is contraindicated?
- Keeping the client flat on one side or the other
- Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees
- Logrolling or turning as a unit when turning
- Keeping the neck in a neutral position
Explanation: Answer reason: After posterior fossa (infratentorial) craniotomy the client is kept flat or side-lying with the neck neutral and turned as a unit to prevent increased ICP and protect the surgical site. Elevating the HOB to 30 degrees is avoided in the immediate postoperative period.
During hyperbaric oxygen therapy for a client diagnosed with both a wound infection and osteomyelitis, which priority intervention should the nurse implement?
- Maintaining an intravenous access
- Ensuring that oxygen is being delivered
- Administering sedation to prevent claustrophobia
- Providing emotional support to the client’s family
Explanation: Answer reason: ABCs priority: during hyperbaric oxygen therapy the critical nursing action is to verify effective oxygen delivery; sedation and IV access are secondary, and family support is non-urgent.
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