2026 RN test 3 NCLEX questions complete with
A+ Graded Answers Latest Updated 2026
A nurse enters a patient's room and examines the patient's intravenous (IV) fluids and cardiac
monitor. When asked, "who are you?", which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. "I'm just the IV therapist checking your IV."
b. "I've been transferred to this division and will be caring for you."
c. "I'm sorry, my name is John Smith and I am your nurse."
d. "I am John Smith, your nurse, and I'll be caring for you until 11 PM."
d. The nurse should identify themselves, ensure the patient knows what will be happening, and
the duration of their relationship.
A public health nurse is leaving the home of a young mother who has an infant with special
needs. The neighbor states, "How is she doing, since the baby's father is no help?" What is the
nurse's best response?
a. "New mothers need support."
b. "The lack of a father is difficult."
c. "How are you today?"
d. "It is a very sad situation."
a. The nurse must maintain confidentiality when providing care. The statement "New mothers
need support" is a general statement that all new parents need help. The statement is not
judgmental of the family's roles. "How are you today?" is dismissive of the neighbor's question.
A toddler with vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration is being seen at an acute care center. During
the admission interview, what question will the nurse ask the parents to elicit the most useful
information?
a. "Watching your child vomiting and in discomfort must have been scary."
b. "This started yesterday, correct?"
c. "Has this child has had anything to drink?"
d. Could you tell me the color and approximate amount of the vomiting?
d. Using a clarifying question or comment allows the nurse to gain an understanding of the
parents' observations, avoiding misunderstandings that could lead to an inappropriate nursing
diagnosis. A reflective question technique involves repeating what the person has said or
describes the person's feelings. Assertive questions are direct, demonstrating the ability to
stand up for self or others, using open and honest communication. Open-ended questions
encourage free verbalization and expression of what the parents believe to be true.
,A nurse enters the room of a patient with cancer. The patient is crying and states, "I feel so
alone." How will the nurse best communicate a therapeutic response?
a. The nurse stands at the patient's bedside and states, "I understand how you feel. My mother
said the same thing when she was ill."
b. The nurse places a hand on the patient's arm and states, "You feel so alone."
c. The nurse stands in the patient's room and asks, "Why do you feel so alone? Your wife has
been here every day."
d. The nurse holds the patient's hand and asks, "Tell me what feeling so alone is like for you?"
d. The use of touch conveys acceptance, and the implementation of an open-ended question
allows the patient time to verbalize freely.
A primary nurse is preparing a discharge plan for a patient who has been hospitalized following
a double mastectomy. Which statement is most appropriate for the nurse to use in the
termination phase of the therapeutic relationship?
a. "Let's review the progress you've made in meeting your goals."
b. "I'd like to review your medication schedule with you."
c. "I need to document today's teaching session in the electronic health record."
d. "Should we include your family in today's session?"
a. The termination phase occurs when the conclusion of the initial agreement is acknowledged.
Discharge planning correlates with the termination phase of a therapeutic relationship and the
progress toward the patient's goals are reviewed.
A nursing student is nervous and concerned about working at a clinical facility. Which action
would best decrease anxiety and help ensure successful delivery of patient care?
a. Determining the established goals of the institution
b. Ensuring that verbal and nonverbal communication is congruent
c. Engaging in self-talk to plan the day and decrease fear
d. Speaking with fellow colleagues about how they feel
c. By engaging in positive self-talk, or intrapersonal communication, the nursing student can
plan the day, decrease fear and anxiety, and enhance clinical performance.
The charge nurse overhears an AP yelling loudly to a patient who is hard of hearing, while
transferring them from the bed to a chair. Upon entering the room, which response by the
charge nurse is most appropriate?
a. "Please speak more quietly so you don't disturb the other patients."
b. "Let me help you with your transfer technique."
c. "When you are finished, be sure to apologize for shouting."
d. "When your patient is safe and comfortable, meet me at the desk."
,d. The charge nurse should direct the AP to see to the patient's safety, then address any
concerns privately. The nurse then can discuss appropriate use of therapeutic communication.
A nurse says to their nurse manager, "I need the day off, and you didn't give it to me!" The
manager replies, "I wasn't aware you needed the day off, and it isn't possible since staffing is
inadequate." How could the nurse best modify the communication for a more positive
interaction?
a. "I placed a request to have 8th of August off for a doctor's appointment, but I'm scheduled to
work."
b. "Could I make an appointment to discuss my schedule with you? I requested the 8th of
August off for a doctor's appointment."
c. "I will need to call in on the 8th of August because I have a doctor's appointment."
d. "Since you didn't give me the 8th of August off, will I need to find someone to work for me?"
b. Effective communication involves sending clear, nonthreatening, and respectful information
to the receiver. The nurse identifies the subject of the meeting and determines a mutually
agreed upon time.
During a nursing staff meeting to discuss delayed documentation, the nurses unanimously agree
that they will ensure all vital signs are reported and charted within 15 minutes following
assessments. This decision is consistent with which characteristics of effective communication?
Select all that apply.
a. Group decision making
b. Group leadership
c. Group power
d. Group identity
e. Group patterns of interaction
f. Group cohesiveness
a, d, e, f. Solving problems involves group decision making; ascertaining the task is important
and agreeing to complete the task on time is characteristic of group identity. Group patterns of
interaction involve honest communication and member support; cohesiveness occurs when
members generally trust each other, have a high commitment to the group, and a high degree
of cooperation. Group leadership occurs when groups use effective styles of leadership to meet
goals; with group power, sources of power are recognized and appropriately used to accomplish
group outcomes.
A nurse notices a patient is walking to the bathroom with a stooped gait, facial grimacing, and
grunting sounds. Based on these nonverbal cues, what action will the nurse take next?
a. Assess for pain and the need for analgesia.
b. Ask the patient if they feel anxious.
, c. Offer to sit with the patient and listen to their feelings.
d. Suggest the patient increase their fluid intake to prevent constipation.
a. A patient who presents with nonverbal communication of a stooped gait, facial grimacing,
and grunting sounds is most likely communicating pain. The nurse should clarify this nonverbal
behavior.
A nursing student is preparing to administer morning care to a patient. What question by the
student is most important to ask?
a. "Would you prefer a bath or a shower?"
b. "May I help you with a bed bath now or later this morning?"
c. "I will be giving you your bath. Do you use soap or shower gel?"
d. "I prefer a shower in the evening. When would you like your bath?"
b. The nurse should ask permission to assist the patient with a bath. This allows for patient
preferences and consent for care that involves entering the patient's personal space.
A nurse enters a patient's room and finds them vomiting bright red blood. After taking vital
signs, the nurse communicates the event to the health care provider using the SBAR format.
Which information will the nurse include in the "A" portion of the SBAR communication?
Exhibit: Electronic health record (EHR)
Past medical history
Vital Signs
Peptic ulcer
T 98.8°F, P 111, RR 20, BP 98/50
Bleeding disorder
Pulse oximetry 96%
a. Admitted with peptic ulcer and bleeding disorder
b. Found vomiting in bathroom
c. Anti-ulcer medication recommendation
d. Vital signs, oxygen saturation, bright red emesis
d. The SBAR method is used to improve hand-off communication. SBAR, which stands for
Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendations, provides a clear, structured, and
easy to use framework. Vital signs, oxygen saturation, and the presence of emesis and its color
are assessments.
The nurse preceptor and a new graduate nurse on the surgical unit are performing preoperative
assessments on a group of patients. What statement by the graduate nurse requires the
preceptor to intervene?
a. "I am sure everything will be fine; you have nothing to worry about."
A+ Graded Answers Latest Updated 2026
A nurse enters a patient's room and examines the patient's intravenous (IV) fluids and cardiac
monitor. When asked, "who are you?", which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. "I'm just the IV therapist checking your IV."
b. "I've been transferred to this division and will be caring for you."
c. "I'm sorry, my name is John Smith and I am your nurse."
d. "I am John Smith, your nurse, and I'll be caring for you until 11 PM."
d. The nurse should identify themselves, ensure the patient knows what will be happening, and
the duration of their relationship.
A public health nurse is leaving the home of a young mother who has an infant with special
needs. The neighbor states, "How is she doing, since the baby's father is no help?" What is the
nurse's best response?
a. "New mothers need support."
b. "The lack of a father is difficult."
c. "How are you today?"
d. "It is a very sad situation."
a. The nurse must maintain confidentiality when providing care. The statement "New mothers
need support" is a general statement that all new parents need help. The statement is not
judgmental of the family's roles. "How are you today?" is dismissive of the neighbor's question.
A toddler with vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration is being seen at an acute care center. During
the admission interview, what question will the nurse ask the parents to elicit the most useful
information?
a. "Watching your child vomiting and in discomfort must have been scary."
b. "This started yesterday, correct?"
c. "Has this child has had anything to drink?"
d. Could you tell me the color and approximate amount of the vomiting?
d. Using a clarifying question or comment allows the nurse to gain an understanding of the
parents' observations, avoiding misunderstandings that could lead to an inappropriate nursing
diagnosis. A reflective question technique involves repeating what the person has said or
describes the person's feelings. Assertive questions are direct, demonstrating the ability to
stand up for self or others, using open and honest communication. Open-ended questions
encourage free verbalization and expression of what the parents believe to be true.
,A nurse enters the room of a patient with cancer. The patient is crying and states, "I feel so
alone." How will the nurse best communicate a therapeutic response?
a. The nurse stands at the patient's bedside and states, "I understand how you feel. My mother
said the same thing when she was ill."
b. The nurse places a hand on the patient's arm and states, "You feel so alone."
c. The nurse stands in the patient's room and asks, "Why do you feel so alone? Your wife has
been here every day."
d. The nurse holds the patient's hand and asks, "Tell me what feeling so alone is like for you?"
d. The use of touch conveys acceptance, and the implementation of an open-ended question
allows the patient time to verbalize freely.
A primary nurse is preparing a discharge plan for a patient who has been hospitalized following
a double mastectomy. Which statement is most appropriate for the nurse to use in the
termination phase of the therapeutic relationship?
a. "Let's review the progress you've made in meeting your goals."
b. "I'd like to review your medication schedule with you."
c. "I need to document today's teaching session in the electronic health record."
d. "Should we include your family in today's session?"
a. The termination phase occurs when the conclusion of the initial agreement is acknowledged.
Discharge planning correlates with the termination phase of a therapeutic relationship and the
progress toward the patient's goals are reviewed.
A nursing student is nervous and concerned about working at a clinical facility. Which action
would best decrease anxiety and help ensure successful delivery of patient care?
a. Determining the established goals of the institution
b. Ensuring that verbal and nonverbal communication is congruent
c. Engaging in self-talk to plan the day and decrease fear
d. Speaking with fellow colleagues about how they feel
c. By engaging in positive self-talk, or intrapersonal communication, the nursing student can
plan the day, decrease fear and anxiety, and enhance clinical performance.
The charge nurse overhears an AP yelling loudly to a patient who is hard of hearing, while
transferring them from the bed to a chair. Upon entering the room, which response by the
charge nurse is most appropriate?
a. "Please speak more quietly so you don't disturb the other patients."
b. "Let me help you with your transfer technique."
c. "When you are finished, be sure to apologize for shouting."
d. "When your patient is safe and comfortable, meet me at the desk."
,d. The charge nurse should direct the AP to see to the patient's safety, then address any
concerns privately. The nurse then can discuss appropriate use of therapeutic communication.
A nurse says to their nurse manager, "I need the day off, and you didn't give it to me!" The
manager replies, "I wasn't aware you needed the day off, and it isn't possible since staffing is
inadequate." How could the nurse best modify the communication for a more positive
interaction?
a. "I placed a request to have 8th of August off for a doctor's appointment, but I'm scheduled to
work."
b. "Could I make an appointment to discuss my schedule with you? I requested the 8th of
August off for a doctor's appointment."
c. "I will need to call in on the 8th of August because I have a doctor's appointment."
d. "Since you didn't give me the 8th of August off, will I need to find someone to work for me?"
b. Effective communication involves sending clear, nonthreatening, and respectful information
to the receiver. The nurse identifies the subject of the meeting and determines a mutually
agreed upon time.
During a nursing staff meeting to discuss delayed documentation, the nurses unanimously agree
that they will ensure all vital signs are reported and charted within 15 minutes following
assessments. This decision is consistent with which characteristics of effective communication?
Select all that apply.
a. Group decision making
b. Group leadership
c. Group power
d. Group identity
e. Group patterns of interaction
f. Group cohesiveness
a, d, e, f. Solving problems involves group decision making; ascertaining the task is important
and agreeing to complete the task on time is characteristic of group identity. Group patterns of
interaction involve honest communication and member support; cohesiveness occurs when
members generally trust each other, have a high commitment to the group, and a high degree
of cooperation. Group leadership occurs when groups use effective styles of leadership to meet
goals; with group power, sources of power are recognized and appropriately used to accomplish
group outcomes.
A nurse notices a patient is walking to the bathroom with a stooped gait, facial grimacing, and
grunting sounds. Based on these nonverbal cues, what action will the nurse take next?
a. Assess for pain and the need for analgesia.
b. Ask the patient if they feel anxious.
, c. Offer to sit with the patient and listen to their feelings.
d. Suggest the patient increase their fluid intake to prevent constipation.
a. A patient who presents with nonverbal communication of a stooped gait, facial grimacing,
and grunting sounds is most likely communicating pain. The nurse should clarify this nonverbal
behavior.
A nursing student is preparing to administer morning care to a patient. What question by the
student is most important to ask?
a. "Would you prefer a bath or a shower?"
b. "May I help you with a bed bath now or later this morning?"
c. "I will be giving you your bath. Do you use soap or shower gel?"
d. "I prefer a shower in the evening. When would you like your bath?"
b. The nurse should ask permission to assist the patient with a bath. This allows for patient
preferences and consent for care that involves entering the patient's personal space.
A nurse enters a patient's room and finds them vomiting bright red blood. After taking vital
signs, the nurse communicates the event to the health care provider using the SBAR format.
Which information will the nurse include in the "A" portion of the SBAR communication?
Exhibit: Electronic health record (EHR)
Past medical history
Vital Signs
Peptic ulcer
T 98.8°F, P 111, RR 20, BP 98/50
Bleeding disorder
Pulse oximetry 96%
a. Admitted with peptic ulcer and bleeding disorder
b. Found vomiting in bathroom
c. Anti-ulcer medication recommendation
d. Vital signs, oxygen saturation, bright red emesis
d. The SBAR method is used to improve hand-off communication. SBAR, which stands for
Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendations, provides a clear, structured, and
easy to use framework. Vital signs, oxygen saturation, and the presence of emesis and its color
are assessments.
The nurse preceptor and a new graduate nurse on the surgical unit are performing preoperative
assessments on a group of patients. What statement by the graduate nurse requires the
preceptor to intervene?
a. "I am sure everything will be fine; you have nothing to worry about."
