NCLEX-PN – PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
CORE DOMAINS
Safe and Effective Care Environment
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Psychosocial Integrity
Physiological Integrity
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Reduction of Risk Potential
Physiological Adaptation
Coordinated Care and Legal Responsibilities
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive assessment is designed to prepare candidates for the National
Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. The exam evaluates the
essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required for safe and effective nursing
practice at the entry level. This document utilizes a mix of foundational theory and
complex scenario-based questions to mirror the adaptive nature of the actual
,licensure exam. Candidates are assessed on their ability to apply clinical judgment,
prioritize patient needs, and adhere to ethical and legal standards in diverse
healthcare settings. The structure emphasizes critical thinking and real-world
decision-making to ensure professional readiness and patient safety.
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours postoperative following an
abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to
the provider immediately?
A. Serosanguineous drainage on the dressing
B. Complaint of pain at a 6 on a 1-10 scale
C. Absence of bowel sounds in all quadrants
🟢 D. A heart rate of 118 beats per minute
🔴 RATIONALE: Tachycardia is an early sign of potential complications such as
hemorrhage, shock, or infection, and requires immediate investigation.
Serosanguineous drainage and absent bowel sounds are expected findings shortly
after abdominal surgery.
2. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is assigned to care for a group of clients.
Which client should the nurse see first?
,🟢 A. A client with heart failure who is reporting shortness of breath and has pink,
frothy sputum
B. A client with a hip fracture who is scheduled for physical therapy in 30 minutes
C. A client with type 2 diabetes who has a fasting blood glucose of 140 mg/dL
D. A client who is requesting a PRN medication for chronic back pain
🔴 RATIONALE: Pink, frothy sputum and dyspnea are classic signs of pulmonary
edema, which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention.
3. Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates the ethical principle of
autonomy?
A. Ensuring the client receives their medication on time
B. Maintaining the client’s confidentiality during a shift report
🟢 C. Supporting a client’s decision to refuse a scheduled chemotherapy treatment
D. Providing the same quality of care to all clients regardless of their background
🔴 RATIONALE: Autonomy refers to the right of the client to make their own
decisions regarding their healthcare, including the right to refuse treatment.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an infant. Which
site is the most appropriate for this age group?
, A. Deltoid
B. Dorsogluteal
🟢 C. Vastus lateralis
D. Ventrogluteal
🔴 RATIONALE: The vastus lateralis muscle is the preferred site for IM injections in
infants because it is the most developed muscle mass in that age group.
5. A client is diagnosed with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). Which infection control
precaution must the nurse implement?
🟢 A. Contact precautions
B. Droplet precautions
C. Airborne precautions
D. Protective environment
🔴 RATIONALE: C. diff is transmitted via direct or indirect contact with contaminated
surfaces or feces; therefore, contact precautions (gloves and gown) are required.
6. A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who has a history of seizures.
Which of the following items is a priority to have at the bedside?
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
CORE DOMAINS
Safe and Effective Care Environment
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Psychosocial Integrity
Physiological Integrity
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Reduction of Risk Potential
Physiological Adaptation
Coordinated Care and Legal Responsibilities
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive assessment is designed to prepare candidates for the National
Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. The exam evaluates the
essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required for safe and effective nursing
practice at the entry level. This document utilizes a mix of foundational theory and
complex scenario-based questions to mirror the adaptive nature of the actual
,licensure exam. Candidates are assessed on their ability to apply clinical judgment,
prioritize patient needs, and adhere to ethical and legal standards in diverse
healthcare settings. The structure emphasizes critical thinking and real-world
decision-making to ensure professional readiness and patient safety.
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours postoperative following an
abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to
the provider immediately?
A. Serosanguineous drainage on the dressing
B. Complaint of pain at a 6 on a 1-10 scale
C. Absence of bowel sounds in all quadrants
🟢 D. A heart rate of 118 beats per minute
🔴 RATIONALE: Tachycardia is an early sign of potential complications such as
hemorrhage, shock, or infection, and requires immediate investigation.
Serosanguineous drainage and absent bowel sounds are expected findings shortly
after abdominal surgery.
2. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is assigned to care for a group of clients.
Which client should the nurse see first?
,🟢 A. A client with heart failure who is reporting shortness of breath and has pink,
frothy sputum
B. A client with a hip fracture who is scheduled for physical therapy in 30 minutes
C. A client with type 2 diabetes who has a fasting blood glucose of 140 mg/dL
D. A client who is requesting a PRN medication for chronic back pain
🔴 RATIONALE: Pink, frothy sputum and dyspnea are classic signs of pulmonary
edema, which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention.
3. Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates the ethical principle of
autonomy?
A. Ensuring the client receives their medication on time
B. Maintaining the client’s confidentiality during a shift report
🟢 C. Supporting a client’s decision to refuse a scheduled chemotherapy treatment
D. Providing the same quality of care to all clients regardless of their background
🔴 RATIONALE: Autonomy refers to the right of the client to make their own
decisions regarding their healthcare, including the right to refuse treatment.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an infant. Which
site is the most appropriate for this age group?
, A. Deltoid
B. Dorsogluteal
🟢 C. Vastus lateralis
D. Ventrogluteal
🔴 RATIONALE: The vastus lateralis muscle is the preferred site for IM injections in
infants because it is the most developed muscle mass in that age group.
5. A client is diagnosed with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). Which infection control
precaution must the nurse implement?
🟢 A. Contact precautions
B. Droplet precautions
C. Airborne precautions
D. Protective environment
🔴 RATIONALE: C. diff is transmitted via direct or indirect contact with contaminated
surfaces or feces; therefore, contact precautions (gloves and gown) are required.
6. A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who has a history of seizures.
Which of the following items is a priority to have at the bedside?
