NCLEX-PN Practice Exam Review and Study Guide | Safe and Effective
Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial
Integrity, Physiological Integrity, Pharmacology, Prioritization and
Delegation, SATA Questions, and Detailed Rationales | Updated 2026
NCLEX-PN Test Prep
,Question 1: Which of the following vital signs would indicate that a patient may be
experiencing shock?
• A) Temperature of 98.6°F (37°C)
• B) Heart rate of 120 beats per minute
• C) Blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg
• D) Respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute
Correct Option: B) Heart rate of 120 beats per minute
Rationale:
A heart rate over 100 beats per minute can indicate tachycardia, which is a
compensatory mechanism in response to low blood volume or inadequate perfusion,
commonly seen in shock. The other options reflect normal or benign conditions.
Question 2: What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with a suspected
pulmonary embolism?
• A) Monitor vital signs every 4 hours
• B) Administer oxygen
• C) Position the patient supine
• D) Perform chest physiotherapy
Correct Option: B) Administer oxygen
Rationale:
Administering oxygen is a critical intervention for patients with pulmonary embolism as
it ensures adequate oxygenation and helps alleviate hypoxemia. Monitoring vital signs,
positioning, and chest physiotherapy are not priority interventions in this acute
situation.
Question 3: A client in labor is being monitored for fetal heart rate patterns. What is
considered a reassuring fetal heart rate pattern?
• A) Variable decelerations
• B) Fetal heart rate of 110-160 beats per minute
• C) Late decelerations
• D) Fetal heart rate less than 110 beats per minute
Correct Option: B) Fetal heart rate of 110-160 beats per minute
, Rationale:
A fetal heart rate of 110-160 beats per minute is considered a normal, reassuring range
indicating adequate fetal well-being. Variable and late decelerations are concerning
signs that may indicate fetal distress and should be monitored closely.
Question 4: What is the main purpose of administering erythropoietin (Epoetin alfa)
to a patient with chronic kidney disease?
• A) To improve kidney function
• B) To increase hemoglobin levels
• C) To prevent kidney failure
• D) To decrease blood pressure
Correct Option: B) To increase hemoglobin levels
Rationale:
Erythropoietin stimulates the production of red blood cells, thus increasing hemoglobin
levels in patients with chronic kidney disease who often suffer from anemia due to
decreased erythropoietin production. It does not improve kidney function or prevent
kidney failure.
Question 5: A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client after a
cholecystectomy. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further
teaching?
• A) "I can go back to my normal diet immediately."
• B) "I should avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks."
• C) "I will contact my doctor if I notice any signs of infection."
• D) "I might experience some abdominal discomfort."
Correct Option: A) "I can go back to my normal diet immediately."
Rationale:
Patients typically need to follow a specific diet post-cholecystectomy, often
transitioning slowly to a regular diet. It’s important they understand that fatty foods may
need to be limited initially. Statements B, C, and D reflect appropriate post-operative
care understanding.
Question 6: In which of the following patients is it most important to assess for
signs of dehydration?
• A) A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial
Integrity, Physiological Integrity, Pharmacology, Prioritization and
Delegation, SATA Questions, and Detailed Rationales | Updated 2026
NCLEX-PN Test Prep
,Question 1: Which of the following vital signs would indicate that a patient may be
experiencing shock?
• A) Temperature of 98.6°F (37°C)
• B) Heart rate of 120 beats per minute
• C) Blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg
• D) Respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute
Correct Option: B) Heart rate of 120 beats per minute
Rationale:
A heart rate over 100 beats per minute can indicate tachycardia, which is a
compensatory mechanism in response to low blood volume or inadequate perfusion,
commonly seen in shock. The other options reflect normal or benign conditions.
Question 2: What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with a suspected
pulmonary embolism?
• A) Monitor vital signs every 4 hours
• B) Administer oxygen
• C) Position the patient supine
• D) Perform chest physiotherapy
Correct Option: B) Administer oxygen
Rationale:
Administering oxygen is a critical intervention for patients with pulmonary embolism as
it ensures adequate oxygenation and helps alleviate hypoxemia. Monitoring vital signs,
positioning, and chest physiotherapy are not priority interventions in this acute
situation.
Question 3: A client in labor is being monitored for fetal heart rate patterns. What is
considered a reassuring fetal heart rate pattern?
• A) Variable decelerations
• B) Fetal heart rate of 110-160 beats per minute
• C) Late decelerations
• D) Fetal heart rate less than 110 beats per minute
Correct Option: B) Fetal heart rate of 110-160 beats per minute
, Rationale:
A fetal heart rate of 110-160 beats per minute is considered a normal, reassuring range
indicating adequate fetal well-being. Variable and late decelerations are concerning
signs that may indicate fetal distress and should be monitored closely.
Question 4: What is the main purpose of administering erythropoietin (Epoetin alfa)
to a patient with chronic kidney disease?
• A) To improve kidney function
• B) To increase hemoglobin levels
• C) To prevent kidney failure
• D) To decrease blood pressure
Correct Option: B) To increase hemoglobin levels
Rationale:
Erythropoietin stimulates the production of red blood cells, thus increasing hemoglobin
levels in patients with chronic kidney disease who often suffer from anemia due to
decreased erythropoietin production. It does not improve kidney function or prevent
kidney failure.
Question 5: A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client after a
cholecystectomy. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further
teaching?
• A) "I can go back to my normal diet immediately."
• B) "I should avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks."
• C) "I will contact my doctor if I notice any signs of infection."
• D) "I might experience some abdominal discomfort."
Correct Option: A) "I can go back to my normal diet immediately."
Rationale:
Patients typically need to follow a specific diet post-cholecystectomy, often
transitioning slowly to a regular diet. It’s important they understand that fatty foods may
need to be limited initially. Statements B, C, and D reflect appropriate post-operative
care understanding.
Question 6: In which of the following patients is it most important to assess for
signs of dehydration?
• A) A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
