NCLEX Exam Practice Question of the Week 07/20

Elsevier NCLEX Exam Review

Question: Which structural defect should a nurse suspect in a newborn with excessive salivation and drooling, accompanied by coughing and choking?

1. Cleft lip
2. Cleft palate
3. Pyloric stenosis
4. Tracheoesophageal fistula



Answer: 4

Rationale: Tracheoesophageal fistula is an opening connecting the trachea and the esophagus. Because of ineffective swallowing ability, saliva and secretions appear in the mouth and around the lips. Coughing and choking occur for the same reason, usually after attempting to eat. Cleft lip (1) and cleft palate (2) are structural defects in the upper lip and palate and may cause coughing and difficulty swallowing but not excessive salivation and drooling. Pyloric stenosis (3) manifests as projectile vomiting caused by a narrowing of the pylorus.

Cognitive Level: Application
Nursing Process: Assessment
NCLEX® Test Plan Category: Physiological Integrity

This week’s NCLEX exam practice question came from:
Manno: Mosby' s Review Cards for the NCLEX-RN® Examination, 3rd edition, Card 403; question 82

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