2026 PROCTORED EXAM
The nurse is assessing a client with dark skin who is in Respiratory Distress. Which
client response should the nurse evaluate to determine cyanosis in this particular
client?
A. Cyanosis in a client with dark skin is seen in the sclera
B. Abnormal skin color changes in a client with dark skin cannot be determined
C. The lips and mucus membranes of a client with dark skin are dusky in color
D. Blanching the soles of the feet in a client with dark skin reveals cyanosis -
correct answer C. The lips and mucus membranes of a client with dark skin are
dusky in color
Which technique should the PN use to most accurately assess a client's baseline BP
during a routine health exam?
A. Measure the pressure in each arm while the client sits with both arms supported at
heart level
B. Calculate avg BP using readings obtained in both arms
C. Obtain BP first with client lying supine and then when standing
D. Take additional measurements for readings with a 10 mm Hg difference -
correct answer A. Measure the pressure in each arm while the client sits with
both arms supported at heart level
A client with gastroenteritis, nausea, and vomiting is currently on Nothing by mouth
(NPO) status. The healthcare provider prescribes oral intake to be advanced as
tolerated. Which fluid should the practical nurse offer first?
A. Tea
B. Broth
C. Water
D. Soda - correct answer C. Water
,An older client who is admitted to the hospital with dehydration and electrolyte
imbalance is confused and incontinent of urine. Which action provides the best
strategy for the practical nurse (PN) to implement for the client's incontinence?
A. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter
B. Apply absorbent incontinence pads
C. Restrict fluids after the evening meal
D. Establish a 2-hour voiding schedule - correct answer D. Establish a 2-hour
voiding schedule
Which intervention should the practical nurse (PN) implement to reduce the incidence
of urinary tract infections in a client with an indwelling catheter?
A. Irrigate cath with sterile distilled water
B. Dilute an antiseptic solution in the perineal wash
C. Cleanse perineal area with soap and water BID and PRN
D. Apply an antibiotic ointment around urinary meatus BID - correct answer
C. Cleanse perineal area with soap and water BID and PRN
A male client is upset with the healthcare provider's recommendation that he should
consent to an above-knee amputation. He tells the practical nurse (PN), if they want to
cut off my leg, they should just shoot me instead. How should the PN respond?
A. Ask the client how the surgery might effect his lifestyle
B. Offer to stay with the client wile he makes his decision
C. Express sympathy that there is no other choice possible
D. Explain how many others function well with a prosthesis - correct answer
A. Ask the client how the surgery might effect his lifestyle
A client with cancer who has been taking opioid analgesics for two years now requires
increased doses to obtain pain relief. he client expresses fear about becoming addicted
to these drugs. What information should the practical nurse (PN) provide?
A. Opioid use with cancer does not cause addiction
B. Addiction is easily reversed if it occurs during pain management
C. Prescribed opiates for cancer pain relief improves quality of life
D. Opiate dosages can be tapered is a client fears addiction - correct answer
C. Prescribed opiates for cancer pain relief improves quality of life
, Which intervention should the practical nurse (PN) implement to help a client cope
effectively with chronic pain?
A. Administer around the clock opiate drugs
B. Give scheduled doses of benzodiazapines
C. Recommend avoiding painful activities
D. Encourage using relaxation techniques - correct answer D. Encourage
using relaxation techniques
A young woman, who is the primary caregiver for her mother who has Alzheimer's
disease, tells the practical nurse (PN), "Sometimes I hate my mother for living this
long and my Dad for dying and not caring for her." What response should the PN
offer?
A. What you do to cope with these feelings?
B. Have you told your family how you feel?
C. It's normal feel these emotions when you are stressed.
D. Don't worry, at least you can talk about your angry. - correct answer A.
What you do to cope with these feelings?
A male Native American client with tuberculosis is visiting a health care clinic for
follow up treatment. During the interview, the practical nurse (PN) notices that the
client keeps his eyes on the floor and does not make eye contact. How should the PN
interpret this client's behavior?
A. He is uncomfortable with violation of his personal space
B. The client is depressed and concerned about his diagnosis
C. His culture finds sustained eye contact rude and disrespectful
D. The client is reluctant to speak without a tribal shaman there - correct
answer C. His culture finds sustained eye contact rude and disrespectful
The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client who is admitted with influenza and
vomiting for 3 days. The client's skin turgor is poor and oral mucous membranes are
dry. Which finding is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to report to the
charge nurse?
A. Weight loss of 4lbs in the last 3 days
B. Hypotension and tachycardia
C. Nausea and anorexia