NCLEX-PN COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE WITH RATIONALES
2026
1. An LPN is assisting with a client who has a nasogastric (NG) tube to low
intermittent suction. The client reports nausea and abdominal distension. What
should the LPN do first?
A. Irrigate the NG tube with 30 mL water
B. Notify the RN immediately
C. Check NG tube placement and patency
D. Reposition the client to the right side
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Nausea and distension often indicate tube blockage or displacement.
Checking placement and patency is the first action before notifying the RN.
2. A client with diabetes mellitus has a blood glucose of 60 mg/dL and is alert.
What should the LPN administer first?
A. 4 oz of orange juice
B. Glucagon 1 mg IM
C. 50% dextrose IV push
D. 8 oz of diet soda
Correct answer: A
Rationale: For an alert client with hypoglycemia, oral fast‑acting carbohydrate (15 g) is
first‑line. Glucagon and IV dextrose are for unconscious patients.
, 3. An LPN is caring for a client post‑operative day 2. Which finding should be
reported to the RN immediately?
A. Temperature 99.1°F (37.3°C)
B. Heart rate 88 beats/min
C. Incision site with purulent drainage
D. Pain rated 3 on a 0‑10 scale
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Purulent drainage indicates infection, which requires prompt evaluation and
treatment. Other findings are within normal limits.
4. A client with hypertension is prescribed lisinopril. Which side effect should the
LPN teach the client to report?
A. Dry cough
B. Frequent urination
C. Weight gain
D. Blurred vision
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Persistent dry cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors that may
require medication change. It should be reported.
2026
1. An LPN is assisting with a client who has a nasogastric (NG) tube to low
intermittent suction. The client reports nausea and abdominal distension. What
should the LPN do first?
A. Irrigate the NG tube with 30 mL water
B. Notify the RN immediately
C. Check NG tube placement and patency
D. Reposition the client to the right side
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Nausea and distension often indicate tube blockage or displacement.
Checking placement and patency is the first action before notifying the RN.
2. A client with diabetes mellitus has a blood glucose of 60 mg/dL and is alert.
What should the LPN administer first?
A. 4 oz of orange juice
B. Glucagon 1 mg IM
C. 50% dextrose IV push
D. 8 oz of diet soda
Correct answer: A
Rationale: For an alert client with hypoglycemia, oral fast‑acting carbohydrate (15 g) is
first‑line. Glucagon and IV dextrose are for unconscious patients.
, 3. An LPN is caring for a client post‑operative day 2. Which finding should be
reported to the RN immediately?
A. Temperature 99.1°F (37.3°C)
B. Heart rate 88 beats/min
C. Incision site with purulent drainage
D. Pain rated 3 on a 0‑10 scale
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Purulent drainage indicates infection, which requires prompt evaluation and
treatment. Other findings are within normal limits.
4. A client with hypertension is prescribed lisinopril. Which side effect should the
LPN teach the client to report?
A. Dry cough
B. Frequent urination
C. Weight gain
D. Blurred vision
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Persistent dry cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors that may
require medication change. It should be reported.
