Philippine Nursing Licensure Exam (PNLE) Updated 2026 |
Comprehensive Board Exam Study Guide, Practice Exam Questions and
Answers, Exam Prep Test Bank, Medical-Surgical Nursing Review,
Maternal and Child Health Nursing, Community Health Nursing,
Psychiatric Nursing Concepts, Pharmacology Essentials, Nursing
Leadership and Management, and Detailed Rationales for Licensure
Success
Question 1: What is the single most effective method for preventing healthcare-
associated infections?
A. Wearing sterile gloves B. Performing proper hand hygiene C. Administering
prophylactic antibiotics D. Isolating all admitted patients
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Performing proper hand hygiene
Rationale: Proper hand hygiene is universally recognized as the most critical and
effective intervention to prevent the transmission of microorganisms and cross-
contamination in healthcare settings.
Question 2: Which vital sign change should a nurse report immediately in a
postoperative client?
A. Temperature of 37.2°C B. Pulse rate of 88 beats per minute C. Blood pressure drop
from 130/80 to 90/50 mmHg D. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Blood pressure drop from 130/80 to 90/50 mmHg
Rationale: A significant and sudden drop in blood pressure indicates potential
hypovolemic or cardiogenic shock, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Question 3: What is the correct anatomical site for administering a dorsogluteal
intramuscular injection?
A. The ventrogluteal area B. The outer quadrant of the buttocks C. The anterolateral
aspect of the thigh D. The deltoid muscle of the upper arm
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The outer quadrant of the buttocks
Rationale: The dorsogluteal site is located in the outer quadrant of the buttocks, though
the ventrogluteal site is now preferred due to a lower risk of sciatic nerve injury.
Question 4: A client with congestive heart failure is prescribed a fluid restriction.
What is the most appropriate nursing action?
A. Encourage the client to drink only when thirsty B. Provide frequent oral care to relieve
dry mouth C. Restrict all intravenous fluids but allow oral fluids D. Encourage the client
to eat foods high in water content
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Provide frequent oral care to relieve dry mouth
,Rationale: Fluid restriction can cause severe thirst and dry mouth; frequent oral care
helps maintain comfort without violating the fluid restriction limit.
Question 5: Which position is most appropriate for a client experiencing severe
dyspnea?
A. Supine position B. Trendelenburg position C. High Fowler’s position D. Prone position
CORRECT ANSWER: C. High Fowler’s position
Rationale: High Fowler’s position promotes maximum chest expansion and facilitates
easier breathing by allowing the diaphragm to descend fully.
Question 6: When performing a bed bath, what is the correct sequence for washing
the body?
A. From dirty areas to clean areas B. From the lower extremities to the face C. From
clean areas to dirty areas D. From the back to the front
CORRECT ANSWER: C. From clean areas to dirty areas
Rationale: Washing from clean to dirty areas prevents the transfer of microorganisms
from more contaminated regions to cleaner ones, reducing infection risk.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of applying cold therapy to an acute
sprain?
A. To increase blood flow to the area B. To promote muscle relaxation C. To reduce
swelling and pain D. To prevent joint stiffness
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To reduce swelling and pain
Rationale: Cold therapy causes vasoconstriction, which decreases blood flow to the
area, thereby reducing edema, inflammation, and pain in acute injuries.
Question 8: Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a client with
dysphagia?
A. Encourage the client to drink through a straw B. Provide thin liquids to make
swallowing easier C. Position the client upright during meals D. Instruct the client to tilt
their head back when swallowing
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Position the client upright during meals
Rationale: Sitting upright at a 90-degree angle during meals utilizes gravity to help food
pass into the stomach and prevents aspiration.
Question 9: A client is prescribed a low-sodium diet. Which food choice indicates a
correct understanding of the diet?
A. Canned soup B. Fresh bananas C. Processed cheese D. Bacon
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Fresh bananas
,Rationale: Fresh fruits like bananas are naturally low in sodium, whereas canned soups,
processed cheeses, and cured meats are typically very high in sodium.
Question 10: What is the most appropriate nursing action when a client refuses a
prescribed medication?
A. Administer the medication anyway to ensure compliance B. Mix the medication in the
client’s food without their knowledge C. Document the refusal and notify the physician
D. Inform the client that they will be discharged if they refuse
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Document the refusal and notify the physician
Rationale: Clients have the right to refuse treatment; the nurse must respect this right,
document the refusal, and inform the healthcare provider for further instructions.
Question 11: Which pulse site is most appropriate to assess in an unconscious
client?
A. Radial pulse B. Brachial pulse C. Carotid pulse D. Dorsalis pedis pulse
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Carotid pulse
Rationale: The carotid pulse is the most central and accessible pulse site, making it the
most reliable for assessing circulation in an unconscious or cardiac arrest client.
Question 12: When administering eye drops, where should the nurse instill the
medication?
A. Directly onto the cornea B. Into the lower conjunctival sac C. At the inner canthus of
the eye D. Onto the upper eyelid
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Into the lower conjunctival sac
Rationale: Instilling drops into the lower conjunctival sac prevents direct trauma to the
sensitive cornea and allows the medication to be absorbed properly.
Question 13: What is the primary goal of using a wet-to-dry dressing for a wound?
A. To keep the wound moist B. To provide thermal insulation C. To mechanically debride
necrotic tissue D. To prevent bacterial infection
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To mechanically debride necrotic tissue
Rationale: As a wet-to-dry dressing dries, it adheres to necrotic tissue and debris; when
removed, it mechanically pulls away the dead tissue, acting as a debriding agent.
Question 14: Which finding requires immediate intervention in a client receiving
intravenous potassium?
A. Urine output of 40 mL/hr B. Infusion rate of 10 mEq/hr C. Urine output of 15 mL/hr D.
Potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Urine output of 15 mL/hr
, Rationale: Potassium is excreted by the kidneys; oliguria (low urine output) increases
the risk of hyperkalemia, so the infusion must be stopped and the physician notified.
Question 15: What is the correct technique for removing a gown from a client with
an intravenous line in the right arm?
A. Remove the gown from the right arm first B. Remove the gown from the left arm first,
then thread the IV bag and tubing through the right sleeve C. Cut the gown off to avoid
disrupting the IV line D. Disconnect the IV line before removing the gown
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Remove the gown from the left arm first, then thread the IV
bag and tubing through the right sleeve
Rationale: Removing the gown from the unaffected side first minimizes discomfort and
prevents accidental dislodgement of the IV catheter in the affected arm.
Question 16: Which action demonstrates proper use of a cane when walking?
A. Moving the cane and the affected leg forward simultaneously B. Keeping the cane on
the stronger side of the body C. Placing the cane 15 inches in front of the feet at all
times D. Leaning heavily on the cane for support
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Moving the cane and the affected leg forward
simultaneously
Rationale: The cane provides a wider base of support; moving it simultaneously with the
weaker leg ensures stability and proper weight distribution during the gait cycle.
Question 17: A client with a nasogastric tube connected to low continuous suction
complains of nausea. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer an antiemetic medication B. Irrigate the nasogastric tube with normal
saline C. Reposition the client to the left lateral side D. Increase the suction pressure
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Irrigate the nasogastric tube with normal saline
Rationale: Nausea in a client with an NG tube often indicates tube obstruction;
irrigating the tube restores patency and allows for gastric decompression, relieving the
nausea.
Question 18: What is the most appropriate method for measuring the temperature
of a 2-month-old infant?
A. Oral thermometer B. Rectal thermometer C. Axillary thermometer D. Temporal artery
thermometer
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Rectal thermometer
Rationale: Rectal temperature measurement provides the most accurate core body
temperature reading for infants and young children who cannot safely hold an oral
thermometer.
Comprehensive Board Exam Study Guide, Practice Exam Questions and
Answers, Exam Prep Test Bank, Medical-Surgical Nursing Review,
Maternal and Child Health Nursing, Community Health Nursing,
Psychiatric Nursing Concepts, Pharmacology Essentials, Nursing
Leadership and Management, and Detailed Rationales for Licensure
Success
Question 1: What is the single most effective method for preventing healthcare-
associated infections?
A. Wearing sterile gloves B. Performing proper hand hygiene C. Administering
prophylactic antibiotics D. Isolating all admitted patients
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Performing proper hand hygiene
Rationale: Proper hand hygiene is universally recognized as the most critical and
effective intervention to prevent the transmission of microorganisms and cross-
contamination in healthcare settings.
Question 2: Which vital sign change should a nurse report immediately in a
postoperative client?
A. Temperature of 37.2°C B. Pulse rate of 88 beats per minute C. Blood pressure drop
from 130/80 to 90/50 mmHg D. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Blood pressure drop from 130/80 to 90/50 mmHg
Rationale: A significant and sudden drop in blood pressure indicates potential
hypovolemic or cardiogenic shock, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Question 3: What is the correct anatomical site for administering a dorsogluteal
intramuscular injection?
A. The ventrogluteal area B. The outer quadrant of the buttocks C. The anterolateral
aspect of the thigh D. The deltoid muscle of the upper arm
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The outer quadrant of the buttocks
Rationale: The dorsogluteal site is located in the outer quadrant of the buttocks, though
the ventrogluteal site is now preferred due to a lower risk of sciatic nerve injury.
Question 4: A client with congestive heart failure is prescribed a fluid restriction.
What is the most appropriate nursing action?
A. Encourage the client to drink only when thirsty B. Provide frequent oral care to relieve
dry mouth C. Restrict all intravenous fluids but allow oral fluids D. Encourage the client
to eat foods high in water content
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Provide frequent oral care to relieve dry mouth
,Rationale: Fluid restriction can cause severe thirst and dry mouth; frequent oral care
helps maintain comfort without violating the fluid restriction limit.
Question 5: Which position is most appropriate for a client experiencing severe
dyspnea?
A. Supine position B. Trendelenburg position C. High Fowler’s position D. Prone position
CORRECT ANSWER: C. High Fowler’s position
Rationale: High Fowler’s position promotes maximum chest expansion and facilitates
easier breathing by allowing the diaphragm to descend fully.
Question 6: When performing a bed bath, what is the correct sequence for washing
the body?
A. From dirty areas to clean areas B. From the lower extremities to the face C. From
clean areas to dirty areas D. From the back to the front
CORRECT ANSWER: C. From clean areas to dirty areas
Rationale: Washing from clean to dirty areas prevents the transfer of microorganisms
from more contaminated regions to cleaner ones, reducing infection risk.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of applying cold therapy to an acute
sprain?
A. To increase blood flow to the area B. To promote muscle relaxation C. To reduce
swelling and pain D. To prevent joint stiffness
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To reduce swelling and pain
Rationale: Cold therapy causes vasoconstriction, which decreases blood flow to the
area, thereby reducing edema, inflammation, and pain in acute injuries.
Question 8: Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a client with
dysphagia?
A. Encourage the client to drink through a straw B. Provide thin liquids to make
swallowing easier C. Position the client upright during meals D. Instruct the client to tilt
their head back when swallowing
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Position the client upright during meals
Rationale: Sitting upright at a 90-degree angle during meals utilizes gravity to help food
pass into the stomach and prevents aspiration.
Question 9: A client is prescribed a low-sodium diet. Which food choice indicates a
correct understanding of the diet?
A. Canned soup B. Fresh bananas C. Processed cheese D. Bacon
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Fresh bananas
,Rationale: Fresh fruits like bananas are naturally low in sodium, whereas canned soups,
processed cheeses, and cured meats are typically very high in sodium.
Question 10: What is the most appropriate nursing action when a client refuses a
prescribed medication?
A. Administer the medication anyway to ensure compliance B. Mix the medication in the
client’s food without their knowledge C. Document the refusal and notify the physician
D. Inform the client that they will be discharged if they refuse
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Document the refusal and notify the physician
Rationale: Clients have the right to refuse treatment; the nurse must respect this right,
document the refusal, and inform the healthcare provider for further instructions.
Question 11: Which pulse site is most appropriate to assess in an unconscious
client?
A. Radial pulse B. Brachial pulse C. Carotid pulse D. Dorsalis pedis pulse
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Carotid pulse
Rationale: The carotid pulse is the most central and accessible pulse site, making it the
most reliable for assessing circulation in an unconscious or cardiac arrest client.
Question 12: When administering eye drops, where should the nurse instill the
medication?
A. Directly onto the cornea B. Into the lower conjunctival sac C. At the inner canthus of
the eye D. Onto the upper eyelid
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Into the lower conjunctival sac
Rationale: Instilling drops into the lower conjunctival sac prevents direct trauma to the
sensitive cornea and allows the medication to be absorbed properly.
Question 13: What is the primary goal of using a wet-to-dry dressing for a wound?
A. To keep the wound moist B. To provide thermal insulation C. To mechanically debride
necrotic tissue D. To prevent bacterial infection
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To mechanically debride necrotic tissue
Rationale: As a wet-to-dry dressing dries, it adheres to necrotic tissue and debris; when
removed, it mechanically pulls away the dead tissue, acting as a debriding agent.
Question 14: Which finding requires immediate intervention in a client receiving
intravenous potassium?
A. Urine output of 40 mL/hr B. Infusion rate of 10 mEq/hr C. Urine output of 15 mL/hr D.
Potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Urine output of 15 mL/hr
, Rationale: Potassium is excreted by the kidneys; oliguria (low urine output) increases
the risk of hyperkalemia, so the infusion must be stopped and the physician notified.
Question 15: What is the correct technique for removing a gown from a client with
an intravenous line in the right arm?
A. Remove the gown from the right arm first B. Remove the gown from the left arm first,
then thread the IV bag and tubing through the right sleeve C. Cut the gown off to avoid
disrupting the IV line D. Disconnect the IV line before removing the gown
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Remove the gown from the left arm first, then thread the IV
bag and tubing through the right sleeve
Rationale: Removing the gown from the unaffected side first minimizes discomfort and
prevents accidental dislodgement of the IV catheter in the affected arm.
Question 16: Which action demonstrates proper use of a cane when walking?
A. Moving the cane and the affected leg forward simultaneously B. Keeping the cane on
the stronger side of the body C. Placing the cane 15 inches in front of the feet at all
times D. Leaning heavily on the cane for support
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Moving the cane and the affected leg forward
simultaneously
Rationale: The cane provides a wider base of support; moving it simultaneously with the
weaker leg ensures stability and proper weight distribution during the gait cycle.
Question 17: A client with a nasogastric tube connected to low continuous suction
complains of nausea. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer an antiemetic medication B. Irrigate the nasogastric tube with normal
saline C. Reposition the client to the left lateral side D. Increase the suction pressure
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Irrigate the nasogastric tube with normal saline
Rationale: Nausea in a client with an NG tube often indicates tube obstruction;
irrigating the tube restores patency and allows for gastric decompression, relieving the
nausea.
Question 18: What is the most appropriate method for measuring the temperature
of a 2-month-old infant?
A. Oral thermometer B. Rectal thermometer C. Axillary thermometer D. Temporal artery
thermometer
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Rectal thermometer
Rationale: Rectal temperature measurement provides the most accurate core body
temperature reading for infants and young children who cannot safely hold an oral
thermometer.
