NCLEX-RN Practice Exam Questions With
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download
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1. A patient with heart failure reports sudden shortness of breath.
What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Obtain a chest X-ray
B. Place the patient in high Fowler’s position
C. Administer furosemide
D. Assess oxygen saturation
Answer: B
Rationale: Elevating the head of bed improves lung expansion
immediately, which is the priority in respiratory distress.
2. Which finding is most concerning in a patient receiving heparin?
A. Bruising at IV site
B. Hematuria
C. Mild headache
D. Elevated blood pressure
Answer: B
Rationale: Hematuria indicates possible internal bleeding, a serious
adverse effect of heparin.
,3. A postoperative patient is at risk for atelectasis. What is the best
nursing intervention?
A. Encourage coughing and deep breathing
B. Restrict fluids
C. Maintain supine position
D. Administer oxygen continuously
Answer: A
Rationale: Deep breathing and coughing help expand alveoli and
prevent collapse.
4. Which lab value requires immediate intervention?
A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
B. Potassium 6.2 mEq/L
C. Calcium 9 mg/dL
D. Chloride 100 mEq/L
Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac
dysrhythmias.
5. A patient is experiencing anaphylaxis. What medication is priority?
A. Diphenhydramine
B. Albuterol
C. Epinephrine
D. Prednisone
,Answer: C
Rationale: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.
6. Which sign indicates increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Bradycardia
B. Tachypnea
C. Hypotension
D. Dilated pupils that react briskly
Answer: A
Rationale: Bradycardia is part of Cushing’s triad indicating increased ICP.
7. What is the priority nursing action for a patient with active seizure?
A. Restrain the patient
B. Place tongue blade in mouth
C. Turn patient to side
D. Administer oral medication
Answer: C
Rationale: Side-lying position prevents aspiration and maintains airway.
8. Which medication requires the nurse to monitor INR?
A. Heparin
B. Warfarin
C. Aspirin
D. Clopidogrel
, Answer: B
Rationale: Warfarin therapy is monitored using INR.
9. A diabetic patient shows confusion, sweating, and tremors. What is
the priority action?
A. Administer insulin
B. Give 15g fast-acting carbohydrate
C. Check ketones
D. Restrict oral intake
Answer: B
Rationale: Symptoms indicate hypoglycemia requiring immediate
glucose.
10. Which isolation precaution is required for tuberculosis?
A. Contact
B. Droplet
C. Airborne
D. Standard only
Answer: C
Rationale: TB spreads via airborne particles.
11. A patient reports chest pain radiating to the left arm. First action?
A. Obtain ECG
B. Administer morphine
C. Call provider
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download
1. A patient with heart failure reports sudden shortness of breath.
What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Obtain a chest X-ray
B. Place the patient in high Fowler’s position
C. Administer furosemide
D. Assess oxygen saturation
Answer: B
Rationale: Elevating the head of bed improves lung expansion
immediately, which is the priority in respiratory distress.
2. Which finding is most concerning in a patient receiving heparin?
A. Bruising at IV site
B. Hematuria
C. Mild headache
D. Elevated blood pressure
Answer: B
Rationale: Hematuria indicates possible internal bleeding, a serious
adverse effect of heparin.
,3. A postoperative patient is at risk for atelectasis. What is the best
nursing intervention?
A. Encourage coughing and deep breathing
B. Restrict fluids
C. Maintain supine position
D. Administer oxygen continuously
Answer: A
Rationale: Deep breathing and coughing help expand alveoli and
prevent collapse.
4. Which lab value requires immediate intervention?
A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
B. Potassium 6.2 mEq/L
C. Calcium 9 mg/dL
D. Chloride 100 mEq/L
Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac
dysrhythmias.
5. A patient is experiencing anaphylaxis. What medication is priority?
A. Diphenhydramine
B. Albuterol
C. Epinephrine
D. Prednisone
,Answer: C
Rationale: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.
6. Which sign indicates increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Bradycardia
B. Tachypnea
C. Hypotension
D. Dilated pupils that react briskly
Answer: A
Rationale: Bradycardia is part of Cushing’s triad indicating increased ICP.
7. What is the priority nursing action for a patient with active seizure?
A. Restrain the patient
B. Place tongue blade in mouth
C. Turn patient to side
D. Administer oral medication
Answer: C
Rationale: Side-lying position prevents aspiration and maintains airway.
8. Which medication requires the nurse to monitor INR?
A. Heparin
B. Warfarin
C. Aspirin
D. Clopidogrel
, Answer: B
Rationale: Warfarin therapy is monitored using INR.
9. A diabetic patient shows confusion, sweating, and tremors. What is
the priority action?
A. Administer insulin
B. Give 15g fast-acting carbohydrate
C. Check ketones
D. Restrict oral intake
Answer: B
Rationale: Symptoms indicate hypoglycemia requiring immediate
glucose.
10. Which isolation precaution is required for tuberculosis?
A. Contact
B. Droplet
C. Airborne
D. Standard only
Answer: C
Rationale: TB spreads via airborne particles.
11. A patient reports chest pain radiating to the left arm. First action?
A. Obtain ECG
B. Administer morphine
C. Call provider
