Preparing for the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) exam? Diagnostics is one of the areas our deck drills hardest: 40 of its 1019 flashcards focus on diagnostics, covering topics like NST, FHR, Creatinine Clearance. Try the sample questions below — every card is a real question-and-answer pair from the full deck.
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During a non-stress test (NST), the LPN notes a fetal heart rate (FHR) baseline of 145 bpm with two 15-bpm increases lasting 15 seconds within 20 minutes. How should the LPN interpret and document these findings?
Show answer →This is a **Reactive Non-Stress Test**, a normal and reassuring finding. In a term fetus, reactive means at least two accelerations of 15 bpm above baseline lasting 15 seconds (15x15) within a 20-minute window. **Rationale:** This indicates a well-oxygenated fetus with an intact central nervous system. **NCLEX Strategy:** NCSBN tests the 15x15 rule for term infants vs. 10x10 for preterm (<32 weeks). If the test is non-reactive after 40 minutes (considering fetal sleep cycles), further testing like a Biophysical Profile (BPP) is usually required.
The LPN observes a FHR pattern featuring a smooth, undulating wave-like pattern with a frequency of 3-5 cycles per minute. What does this sinusoidal pattern typically indicate?
Show answer →A **Sinusoidal Pattern** is a Category III (ominous) finding. It typically indicates **severe fetal anemia** or **severe fetal hypoxia**. **Specific Causes:** Rh isoimmunization, placental abruption, or fetal-maternal hemorrhage. **Intervention:** This is a medical emergency requiring immediate notification of the provider and usually an emergency C-section. **Distractor Alert:** Do not confuse this with pseudo-sinusoidal patterns which can be caused by maternal administration of opioids (e.g., Butorphanol/Stadol), which are temporary and less regular.
A post-operative patient receiving IV morphine has a respiratory rate of 8/min. Which ABG result is most consistent with this clinical picture?
Show answer →Expected ABG: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, HCO3 25 mEq/L (Respiratory Acidosis). Rationale: Opioids are respiratory depressants. Hypoventilation leads to CO2 retention (hypercapnia). High CO2 levels combine with water to form carbonic acid, dropping the pH. PN Action: If the PN observes a low respiratory rate and signs of sedation, the priority is to stimulate the patient, provide supplemental oxygen, and prepare the antagonist Naloxone if prescribed. NCSBN frequently tests the relationship between drug-induced respiratory depression and acid-base balance.
A client is receiving a continuous heparin infusion for a PE. The aPTT is 110 seconds (Control: 30s). What is the priority action?
Show answer →Action: Stop the infusion and notify the HCP. Rationale: Therapeutic aPTT is typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the control value (approx. 45-75s). An aPTT of 110s is critically high, increasing the risk of spontaneous hemorrhage. Antidote: Protamine Sulfate. NCLEX Tip: PN nurses must know therapeutic ranges. If the value is too high, stop the medication first to prevent further harm.
The PN is reinforcing instructions for a 24-hour urine collection for Creatinine Clearance. Which specific step is critical for the accuracy of this diagnostic test?
Show answer →The client must discard the first voided specimen of the 24-hour period, then collect every drop of urine for the next 24 hours. Rational: The test starts with an empty bladder. If a specimen is missed, the test must be restarted. The collection container should typically be kept on ice or refrigerated. This test measures the GFR and is the most accurate indicator of renal function. NCLEX-PN Tip: Discarding the first void is a must-know procedural step often tested in the Reduction of Risk Potential category.
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Try 30 free NCLEX-PN cards firstThe full NCLEX-PN deck contains 1019 flashcards, and 40 of them focus on diagnostics. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our NCLEX-PN deck dedicates 40 of 1019 cards (4%) to diagnostics — always cross-check the official NCSBN exam outline for the current blueprint weighting.
Yes — the samples on this page are free, and the NCLEX-PN preview page has 30 more free cards. Full access to all 1019 cards is a one-time $7.
Assessment
50 cards
Basics
90 cards
Management
170 cards
Pathology
420 cards
Pharmacology
109 cards
Procedures
110 cards
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