NCLEX-RN Exam - Topic 4 Question 3 Discussion

Actual exam question for NCLEX's NCLEX-RN exam

Question #: 3
Topic #: 4

The nurse who is caring for a client with pneumonia assesses that the client has become increasingly irritable and restless. The nurse realizes that this is a result of:

AProlonged bed rest

BThe client's maintaining a semi-Fowler position

CCerebral hypoxia

DIV fluids of 2.5--3 liters in 24 hours

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: C

(A) Maintaining bed rest helps to decrease the O2 needs of the tissues, which decreases dyspnea and workload on the respiratory system. (B) The semi-Fowler or high-Fowler position is necessary to aid in lessening pressure on the diaphragm from the abdominal organs, which facilitates comfort and easier breathing patterns. (C) Cerebral hypoxia causes the client with pneumonia to be increasingly irritable and restless and results from the client not obtaining enough O2 to meet metabolic needs. (D) Proper hydration facilitates liquefaction of mucus trapped in the bronchioles and alveoli and enhances expectoration. Unless contraindicated, a reasonable amount of IV fluids to be administered is at least 2.5--3 liters in a 24-hour period.

by Jamey at Jun 10, 2025, 10:07 AM

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Cecilia

2 months ago

Wait, could it also be the IV fluids? Seems a bit much.

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Ashley

2 months ago

I agree, hypoxia makes sense here.

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Latanya

3 months ago

Prolonged bed rest can lead to irritability too, though.

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Amie

3 months ago

Semi-Fowler position shouldn't cause that, right?

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Jaclyn

3 months ago

Definitely cerebral hypoxia. Irritability can be a sign.

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Kerry

3 months ago

I thought IV fluids could cause some issues, but I don't recall them being directly linked to irritability. I lean towards cerebral hypoxia as the cause.

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Josphine

4 months ago

I practiced a question similar to this where irritability was linked to oxygen deprivation. I think C might be the right answer here.

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Letha

4 months ago

I'm not entirely sure, but I think prolonged bed rest can lead to restlessness too. It might be a factor, but I feel like hypoxia is more likely.

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Jerilyn

4 months ago

I remember studying that irritability can be a sign of cerebral hypoxia, especially in respiratory conditions like pneumonia.

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Odelia

4 months ago

I'm not entirely sure about this one. The options seem plausible, and I don't want to rush into an answer. I'll review the question again and try to eliminate the less likely options before making my final selection.

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Sage

4 months ago

Based on the information provided, I believe the correct answer is C - cerebral hypoxia. Pneumonia can lead to decreased oxygen levels, which can cause the client to become irritable and restless. I'll go with that option.

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Trina

5 months ago

Hmm, I'm a bit unsure here. Could it also be related to the client's position or the IV fluids? I'll need to think this through carefully before selecting an answer.

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Carma

5 months ago

This one seems straightforward - the client's irritability and restlessness are likely due to cerebral hypoxia, which can occur with pneumonia. I'll select option C.

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