NCLEX-PN Practice Exam Questions With
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download
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1. A patient with hypertension is prescribed a low-sodium diet.
Which food should the nurse recommend?
A. Canned soup
B. Fresh vegetables
C. Processed cheese
D. Smoked meats
Answer: B
Rationale: Fresh vegetables are naturally low in sodium and are
appropriate for a low-sodium diet.
2. A nurse is caring for a client with hypoglycemia. What is the first
action?
A. Administer insulin
B. Give 15g fast-acting carbohydrates
C. Recheck blood pressure
D. Encourage exercise
Answer: B
Rationale: Immediate treatment of hypoglycemia is fast-acting
glucose such as juice or glucose tablets.
,3. Which sign indicates fluid volume overload?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Hypotension
C. Crackles in lungs
D. Flat neck veins
Answer: C
Rationale: Crackles indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs.
4. A patient is receiving morphine. What is the priority assessment?
A. Bowel sounds
B. Respiratory rate
C. Urine output
D. Skin temperature
Answer: B
Rationale: Opioids can cause respiratory depression, so breathing
is priority.
5. Which is a sign of infection?
A. Bradycardia
B. Increased WBC count
C. Hypothermia
D. Pale skin
Answer: B
Rationale: Elevated white blood cells indicate infection.
,6. A patient post-op should be turned every:
A. 1 hour
B. 2 hours
C. 4 hours
D. 6 hours
Answer: B
Rationale: Turning every 2 hours prevents pressure ulcers.
7. What is the normal adult heart rate?
A. 40–60 bpm
B. 60–100 bpm
C. 100–140 bpm
D. 120–160 bpm
Answer: B
Rationale: Normal adult pulse is 60–100 beats per minute.
8. A nurse is teaching hand hygiene. When should alcohol-based rub
NOT be used?
A. Before meals
B. After patient contact
C. When hands are visibly soiled
D. Before sterile procedure
Answer: C
Rationale: Soap and water are required when hands are visibly
dirty.
, 9. Which position is best for a patient with dyspnea?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. High Fowler’s
D. Prone
Answer: C
Rationale: High Fowler’s improves lung expansion.
10. A patient is receiving furosemide. Which lab should be
monitored?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Chloride
Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide can cause hypokalemia.
11. What is the first sign of shock?
A. Hypertension
B. Tachycardia
C. Bradycardia
D. Warm skin
Answer: B
Rationale: Tachycardia is an early compensatory response.
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download
1. A patient with hypertension is prescribed a low-sodium diet.
Which food should the nurse recommend?
A. Canned soup
B. Fresh vegetables
C. Processed cheese
D. Smoked meats
Answer: B
Rationale: Fresh vegetables are naturally low in sodium and are
appropriate for a low-sodium diet.
2. A nurse is caring for a client with hypoglycemia. What is the first
action?
A. Administer insulin
B. Give 15g fast-acting carbohydrates
C. Recheck blood pressure
D. Encourage exercise
Answer: B
Rationale: Immediate treatment of hypoglycemia is fast-acting
glucose such as juice or glucose tablets.
,3. Which sign indicates fluid volume overload?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Hypotension
C. Crackles in lungs
D. Flat neck veins
Answer: C
Rationale: Crackles indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs.
4. A patient is receiving morphine. What is the priority assessment?
A. Bowel sounds
B. Respiratory rate
C. Urine output
D. Skin temperature
Answer: B
Rationale: Opioids can cause respiratory depression, so breathing
is priority.
5. Which is a sign of infection?
A. Bradycardia
B. Increased WBC count
C. Hypothermia
D. Pale skin
Answer: B
Rationale: Elevated white blood cells indicate infection.
,6. A patient post-op should be turned every:
A. 1 hour
B. 2 hours
C. 4 hours
D. 6 hours
Answer: B
Rationale: Turning every 2 hours prevents pressure ulcers.
7. What is the normal adult heart rate?
A. 40–60 bpm
B. 60–100 bpm
C. 100–140 bpm
D. 120–160 bpm
Answer: B
Rationale: Normal adult pulse is 60–100 beats per minute.
8. A nurse is teaching hand hygiene. When should alcohol-based rub
NOT be used?
A. Before meals
B. After patient contact
C. When hands are visibly soiled
D. Before sterile procedure
Answer: C
Rationale: Soap and water are required when hands are visibly
dirty.
, 9. Which position is best for a patient with dyspnea?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. High Fowler’s
D. Prone
Answer: C
Rationale: High Fowler’s improves lung expansion.
10. A patient is receiving furosemide. Which lab should be
monitored?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Chloride
Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide can cause hypokalemia.
11. What is the first sign of shock?
A. Hypertension
B. Tachycardia
C. Bradycardia
D. Warm skin
Answer: B
Rationale: Tachycardia is an early compensatory response.
