Philippine Nursing Licensure Exam (PNLE) Updated 2026 |
Comprehensive Nursing Board Exam Study Guide, Practice Exam
Questions and Answers, Exam Prep Test Bank, Medical-Surgical Nursing
Review, Community Health Nursing, Maternal and Child Care, Psychiatric
Nursing Concepts, Pharmacology Essentials, Nursing Leadership, and
Detailed Rationales for Licensure Success
Question 1: What is the preferred intramuscular injection site for an infant?
A. Deltoid B. Ventrogluteal C. Vastus lateralis D. Dorsogluteal
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Vastus lateralis
Rationale: The vastus lateralis is well-developed at birth and avoids major nerves and
blood vessels.
Question 2: What is the normal resting heart rate range for a healthy adult?
A. 40-60 beats/min B. 60-100 beats/min C. 100-120 beats/min D. 120-140 beats/min
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 60-100 beats/min
Rationale: The normal resting heart rate for a healthy adult is between 60 and 100 beats
per minute.
Question 3: What is the normal respiratory rate for a resting adult?
A. 8-12 breaths/min B. 12-20 breaths/min C. 20-28 breaths/min D. 28-36 breaths/min
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 12-20 breaths/min
Rationale: The normal respiratory rate for a healthy resting adult is 12 to 20 breaths per
minute.
Question 4: What is the normal core body temperature range for an adult in
Celsius?
A. 35.0-36.0°C B. 36.5-37.5°C C. 37.6-38.5°C D. 38.6-39.5°C
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 36.5-37.5°C
Rationale: Normal adult core body temperature typically ranges from 36.5°C to 37.5°C.
Question 5: What is the normal blood pressure reading for a healthy adult?
A. 90/60 mmHg B. 110/70 mmHg C. 120/80 mmHg D. 140/90 mmHg
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 120/80 mmHg
Rationale: A blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg is considered the standard normal reading
for adults.
Question 6: At what angle should an intramuscular injection be administered?
A. 15 degrees B. 45 degrees C. 60 degrees D. 90 degrees
,CORRECT ANSWER: D. 90 degrees
Rationale: Intramuscular injections are administered at a 90-degree angle to ensure the
medication reaches the muscle tissue.
Question 7: At what angle is a subcutaneous injection typically administered?
A. 15 degrees B. 45 degrees C. 60 degrees D. 90 degrees
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 45 degrees
Rationale: Subcutaneous injections are typically given at a 45-degree angle, or 90
degrees depending on needle length and tissue fold.
Question 8: At what angle should an intradermal injection be administered?
A. 5 to 15 degrees B. 30 to 40 degrees C. 45 to 60 degrees D. 90 degrees
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 5 to 15 degrees
Rationale: Intradermal injections are given at a shallow 5 to 15-degree angle to place
the medication just under the epidermis.
Question 9: What is the primary purpose of the Z-track method for intramuscular
injections?
A. To increase absorption rate B. To prevent leakage into subcutaneous tissue C. To
reduce pain during insertion D. To prevent hitting a blood vessel
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To prevent leakage into subcutaneous tissue
Rationale: The Z-track method seals the medication in the muscle and prevents it from
leaking into irritating subcutaneous tissues.
Question 10: Which position is best for a patient experiencing severe dyspnea?
A. Supine B. Prone C. Trendelenburg D. High Fowler's
CORRECT ANSWER: D. High Fowler's
Rationale: High Fowler's position promotes maximum lung expansion and eases the
work of breathing.
Question 11: Which position is most appropriate for a patient with orthopnea?
A. Supine B. Orthopneic C. Lateral D. Sims'
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Orthopneic
Rationale: The orthopneic position allows the patient to sit upright and lean forward
over a bed table, maximizing chest expansion.
Question 12: Which position is indicated for a patient experiencing shock?
A. High Fowler's B. Modified Trendelenburg C. Knee-chest D. Lithotomy
,CORRECT ANSWER: B. Modified Trendelenburg
Rationale: Modified Trendelenburg elevates the legs to promote venous return to the
heart and vital organs.
Question 13: What is the preferred position for a lumbar puncture?
A. Prone B. Supine C. Lateral recumbent D. High Fowler's
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Lateral recumbent
Rationale: The lateral recumbent position with knees drawn to the chest flexes the spine
and widens the intervertebral spaces.
Question 14: Which position is best for administering a cleansing enema?
A. Supine B. Prone C. Left lateral Sims' D. Right lateral
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Left lateral Sims'
Rationale: The left lateral Sims' position follows the natural anatomical curve of the
sigmoid colon for fluid flow.
Question 15: What is the recommended duration for routine hand hygiene with
soap and water?
A. 1 to 5 seconds B. 5 to 10 seconds C. 15 to 20 seconds D. 60 to 120 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 15 to 20 seconds
Rationale: Vigorous rubbing for at least 15 to 20 seconds is required to effectively
remove transient flora.
Question 16: What is the first piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be
removed?
A. Gown B. Mask C. Goggles D. Gloves
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Gloves
Rationale: Gloves are the most contaminated and should be removed first to prevent
cross-contamination.
Question 17: Which type of mask is required for airborne precautions?
A. Surgical mask B. N95 respirator C. Face shield D. Cloth mask
CORRECT ANSWER: B. N95 respirator
Rationale: An N95 respirator filters out at least 95% of airborne particles, protecting
against diseases like tuberculosis.
Question 18: What is the minimum distance required for droplet precautions?
A. 1 foot B. 3 feet C. 6 feet D. 10 feet
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. 3 feet
Rationale: Droplet precautions require a mask when working within 3 feet of the patient,
as droplets do not travel far.
Question 19: Which scale is commonly used to assess a patient's risk for falls?
A. Braden Scale B. Morse Fall Scale C. Glasgow Coma Scale D. APGAR Score
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Morse Fall Scale
Rationale: The Morse Fall Scale is a standardized tool used to assess a patient's risk of
falling.
Question 20: What does the Braden Scale assess?
A. Pain level B. Pressure ulcer risk C. Fall risk D. Delirium risk
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Pressure ulcer risk
Rationale: The Braden Scale evaluates sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility,
nutrition, and friction/shear to predict pressure sore risk.
Question 21: What is the normal capillary refill time for an adult?
A. Less than 1 second B. Less than 3 seconds C. 4 to 5 seconds D. More than 6 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Less than 3 seconds
Rationale: A capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds indicates adequate peripheral
perfusion.
Question 22: What is the normal pH range for arterial blood gas (ABG)?
A. 7.15-7.25 B. 7.25-7.35 C. 7.35-7.45 D. 7.45-7.55
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 7.35-7.45
Rationale: The normal arterial blood pH is tightly regulated between 7.35 and 7.45.
Question 23: What is the normal range for arterial partial pressure of oxygen
(PaO2)?
A. 40-60 mmHg B. 60-80 mmHg C. 80-100 mmHg D. 100-120 mmHg
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 80-100 mmHg
Rationale: Normal PaO2 ranges from 80 to 100 mmHg, indicating adequate oxygenation
of arterial blood.
Question 24: What is the normal range for arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide
(PaCO2)?
A. 20-30 mmHg B. 35-45 mmHg C. 45-55 mmHg D. 55-65 mmHg
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 35-45 mmHg
Comprehensive Nursing Board Exam Study Guide, Practice Exam
Questions and Answers, Exam Prep Test Bank, Medical-Surgical Nursing
Review, Community Health Nursing, Maternal and Child Care, Psychiatric
Nursing Concepts, Pharmacology Essentials, Nursing Leadership, and
Detailed Rationales for Licensure Success
Question 1: What is the preferred intramuscular injection site for an infant?
A. Deltoid B. Ventrogluteal C. Vastus lateralis D. Dorsogluteal
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Vastus lateralis
Rationale: The vastus lateralis is well-developed at birth and avoids major nerves and
blood vessels.
Question 2: What is the normal resting heart rate range for a healthy adult?
A. 40-60 beats/min B. 60-100 beats/min C. 100-120 beats/min D. 120-140 beats/min
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 60-100 beats/min
Rationale: The normal resting heart rate for a healthy adult is between 60 and 100 beats
per minute.
Question 3: What is the normal respiratory rate for a resting adult?
A. 8-12 breaths/min B. 12-20 breaths/min C. 20-28 breaths/min D. 28-36 breaths/min
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 12-20 breaths/min
Rationale: The normal respiratory rate for a healthy resting adult is 12 to 20 breaths per
minute.
Question 4: What is the normal core body temperature range for an adult in
Celsius?
A. 35.0-36.0°C B. 36.5-37.5°C C. 37.6-38.5°C D. 38.6-39.5°C
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 36.5-37.5°C
Rationale: Normal adult core body temperature typically ranges from 36.5°C to 37.5°C.
Question 5: What is the normal blood pressure reading for a healthy adult?
A. 90/60 mmHg B. 110/70 mmHg C. 120/80 mmHg D. 140/90 mmHg
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 120/80 mmHg
Rationale: A blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg is considered the standard normal reading
for adults.
Question 6: At what angle should an intramuscular injection be administered?
A. 15 degrees B. 45 degrees C. 60 degrees D. 90 degrees
,CORRECT ANSWER: D. 90 degrees
Rationale: Intramuscular injections are administered at a 90-degree angle to ensure the
medication reaches the muscle tissue.
Question 7: At what angle is a subcutaneous injection typically administered?
A. 15 degrees B. 45 degrees C. 60 degrees D. 90 degrees
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 45 degrees
Rationale: Subcutaneous injections are typically given at a 45-degree angle, or 90
degrees depending on needle length and tissue fold.
Question 8: At what angle should an intradermal injection be administered?
A. 5 to 15 degrees B. 30 to 40 degrees C. 45 to 60 degrees D. 90 degrees
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 5 to 15 degrees
Rationale: Intradermal injections are given at a shallow 5 to 15-degree angle to place
the medication just under the epidermis.
Question 9: What is the primary purpose of the Z-track method for intramuscular
injections?
A. To increase absorption rate B. To prevent leakage into subcutaneous tissue C. To
reduce pain during insertion D. To prevent hitting a blood vessel
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To prevent leakage into subcutaneous tissue
Rationale: The Z-track method seals the medication in the muscle and prevents it from
leaking into irritating subcutaneous tissues.
Question 10: Which position is best for a patient experiencing severe dyspnea?
A. Supine B. Prone C. Trendelenburg D. High Fowler's
CORRECT ANSWER: D. High Fowler's
Rationale: High Fowler's position promotes maximum lung expansion and eases the
work of breathing.
Question 11: Which position is most appropriate for a patient with orthopnea?
A. Supine B. Orthopneic C. Lateral D. Sims'
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Orthopneic
Rationale: The orthopneic position allows the patient to sit upright and lean forward
over a bed table, maximizing chest expansion.
Question 12: Which position is indicated for a patient experiencing shock?
A. High Fowler's B. Modified Trendelenburg C. Knee-chest D. Lithotomy
,CORRECT ANSWER: B. Modified Trendelenburg
Rationale: Modified Trendelenburg elevates the legs to promote venous return to the
heart and vital organs.
Question 13: What is the preferred position for a lumbar puncture?
A. Prone B. Supine C. Lateral recumbent D. High Fowler's
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Lateral recumbent
Rationale: The lateral recumbent position with knees drawn to the chest flexes the spine
and widens the intervertebral spaces.
Question 14: Which position is best for administering a cleansing enema?
A. Supine B. Prone C. Left lateral Sims' D. Right lateral
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Left lateral Sims'
Rationale: The left lateral Sims' position follows the natural anatomical curve of the
sigmoid colon for fluid flow.
Question 15: What is the recommended duration for routine hand hygiene with
soap and water?
A. 1 to 5 seconds B. 5 to 10 seconds C. 15 to 20 seconds D. 60 to 120 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 15 to 20 seconds
Rationale: Vigorous rubbing for at least 15 to 20 seconds is required to effectively
remove transient flora.
Question 16: What is the first piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be
removed?
A. Gown B. Mask C. Goggles D. Gloves
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Gloves
Rationale: Gloves are the most contaminated and should be removed first to prevent
cross-contamination.
Question 17: Which type of mask is required for airborne precautions?
A. Surgical mask B. N95 respirator C. Face shield D. Cloth mask
CORRECT ANSWER: B. N95 respirator
Rationale: An N95 respirator filters out at least 95% of airborne particles, protecting
against diseases like tuberculosis.
Question 18: What is the minimum distance required for droplet precautions?
A. 1 foot B. 3 feet C. 6 feet D. 10 feet
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. 3 feet
Rationale: Droplet precautions require a mask when working within 3 feet of the patient,
as droplets do not travel far.
Question 19: Which scale is commonly used to assess a patient's risk for falls?
A. Braden Scale B. Morse Fall Scale C. Glasgow Coma Scale D. APGAR Score
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Morse Fall Scale
Rationale: The Morse Fall Scale is a standardized tool used to assess a patient's risk of
falling.
Question 20: What does the Braden Scale assess?
A. Pain level B. Pressure ulcer risk C. Fall risk D. Delirium risk
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Pressure ulcer risk
Rationale: The Braden Scale evaluates sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility,
nutrition, and friction/shear to predict pressure sore risk.
Question 21: What is the normal capillary refill time for an adult?
A. Less than 1 second B. Less than 3 seconds C. 4 to 5 seconds D. More than 6 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Less than 3 seconds
Rationale: A capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds indicates adequate peripheral
perfusion.
Question 22: What is the normal pH range for arterial blood gas (ABG)?
A. 7.15-7.25 B. 7.25-7.35 C. 7.35-7.45 D. 7.45-7.55
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 7.35-7.45
Rationale: The normal arterial blood pH is tightly regulated between 7.35 and 7.45.
Question 23: What is the normal range for arterial partial pressure of oxygen
(PaO2)?
A. 40-60 mmHg B. 60-80 mmHg C. 80-100 mmHg D. 100-120 mmHg
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 80-100 mmHg
Rationale: Normal PaO2 ranges from 80 to 100 mmHg, indicating adequate oxygenation
of arterial blood.
Question 24: What is the normal range for arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide
(PaCO2)?
A. 20-30 mmHg B. 35-45 mmHg C. 45-55 mmHg D. 55-65 mmHg
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 35-45 mmHg
