Medical-Surgical Nursing: Autoimmune Disorders Practice Questions
Test yourself on Autoimmune Disorders with 12 original NCLEX-RN practice questions. Pick an answer to see instant feedback and a full explanation.
Free original practice questions for study purposes. Open Exam Prep is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the makers of NCLEX-RN.
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Answer the questions below — you get instant feedback and a full explanation for each.
1. A client with systemic lupus erythematosus reports new facial swelling and foamy urine. Which concern should the nurse recognize as most urgent?
Explanation. Facial swelling and foamy urine may suggest protein loss or kidney involvement in lupus. These findings should be reported promptly because renal complications can progress and require timely assessment.
2. The nurse is teaching a client with rheumatoid arthritis about joint protection. Which statement shows correct understanding?
Explanation. Joint protection includes using larger, stronger joints, avoiding prolonged strain on small joints, pacing activities, and using assistive devices when helpful. Complete immobility can increase stiffness and loss of function.
3. A client taking hydroxychloroquine for an autoimmune condition asks what follow-up is important. Which response is best?
Explanation. Hydroxychloroquine is commonly associated with the need for vision monitoring because retinal toxicity is a known risk. Clients should keep recommended eye exams and report visual changes promptly.
4. A client with myasthenia gravis reports increasing difficulty swallowing and shortness of breath. What is the nurse's priority action?
Explanation. Difficulty swallowing with shortness of breath in myasthenia gravis can signal respiratory muscle weakness or crisis. Airway and breathing assessment with rapid escalation is the priority.
5. The nurse is planning care for a client with multiple sclerosis who reports fatigue that worsens in hot weather. Which intervention is most appropriate?
Explanation. Fatigue in multiple sclerosis is commonly managed with energy conservation, rest periods, cooling strategies, and avoiding overheating. Exercising to exhaustion or restricting fluids can worsen symptoms or safety risk.
6. A client with scleroderma has Raynaud-type color changes in the fingers. Which teaching point is most appropriate?
Explanation. Raynaud-type symptoms can be triggered by cold and vasoconstriction. Warming, avoiding nicotine, protecting the skin, and reporting ulcers or nonhealing wounds support safer self-care.
7. The nurse is reviewing infection-prevention teaching for a client taking a biologic medication for an autoimmune disorder. Which statement requires follow-up?
Explanation. Some biologic medications can increase infection risk, including reactivation of latent infections such as tuberculosis depending on the drug class. Screening and reporting infection symptoms are important.
8. A client with Graves disease reports palpitations, tremor, heat intolerance, and unintentional weight loss. Which assessment is most relevant to report?
Explanation. Graves disease can cause hyperthyroid symptoms, including tachycardia and dysrhythmias. Heart rate, rhythm, temperature, weight change, and neurologic symptoms are clinically relevant assessment data.
9. A client with Hashimoto thyroiditis asks why symptoms are being monitored over time. Which explanation is most accurate?
Explanation. Hashimoto thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disorder that can progress to hypothyroidism. Monitoring symptoms and thyroid labs helps guide treatment decisions by the healthcare provider.
10. The nurse is caring for a client with Guillain-Barre syndrome who has ascending weakness. Which finding needs immediate attention?
Explanation. Guillain-Barre syndrome can progress to respiratory muscle weakness. Declining vital capacity, weak cough, shortness of breath, or bulbar symptoms require urgent escalation and close respiratory monitoring.
11. A client with an autoimmune flare is prescribed a short course of prednisone. Which teaching point is most appropriate?
Explanation. Prednisone should be taken as prescribed. Depending on dose and duration, stopping abruptly may be unsafe, and clients should follow the taper or instructions provided by the care team.
12. A client with celiac disease asks which food choice best follows the usual gluten-free plan. Which option should the nurse identify?
Explanation. Celiac disease requires avoiding gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. Plain rice, unbreaded protein, and vegetables are commonly gluten-free when prepared without cross-contact or gluten-containing sauces.
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FAQ
What autoimmune disorders are high yield for NCLEX med-surg?
Common NCLEX-style topics include lupus kidney involvement, rheumatoid arthritis joint protection, myasthenia gravis crisis, multiple sclerosis fatigue and heat sensitivity, Guillain-Barre respiratory monitoring, autoimmune thyroid disease, celiac disease, and medication safety for steroids, biologics, and hydroxychloroquine.
How should I prioritize autoimmune disorder questions?
Use ABCs and safety first. Breathing changes in myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barre, possible lupus nephritis signs, infection symptoms during immunosuppression, and medication toxicity cues usually outrank routine teaching.
Are these autoimmune disorder questions clinical advice?
No. These are original study practice questions for exam preparation only. Real patient care decisions require licensed healthcare professionals and local protocols.