National Council Licensure Examination

National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who reports shortness of

breath. Which action should the nurse take first?

• Administer prescribed diuretic.
• Measure urine output.
• Place the client in a high Fowler’s position.
• Notify the healthcare provider.

Rationale: High Fowler’s position improves ventilation and decreases

venous return, easing breathing before medications take effect.

• Which finding in a postoperative client requires immediate

intervention? 1 / 4

• Pain at the incision site rated 6/10.
• Temperature of 100.2°F (37.9°C).
• Saturation of the surgical dressing with blood.
• Nausea and vomiting.

Rationale: Excessive bleeding suggests hemorrhage, a life-threatening

complication.

• A nurse teaches a diabetic client about insulin administration. Which

statement indicates understanding?

• “I will shake the NPH insulin before drawing it up.”
• “I can mix glargine with regular insulin.”
• “I will draw up regular insulin before NPH when mixing.”
• “I can store opened insulin in the freezer.”

Rationale: Regular insulin is drawn first to prevent contamination with

NPH insulin.

• Which dietary selection is appropriate for a client with chronic kidney

disease?

• Orange juice, sausage, toast.
• Baked potato with cheese, milk.
• Rice, green beans, apple juice.
• Peanut butter sandwich with banana. 2 / 4

Rationale: Low potassium and low protein foods help prevent worsening

renal impairment.

• The nurse is assessing a client with pneumonia. Which finding is

expected?

• Bradycardia.
• Crackles in lung bases.
• Dry cough.
• Decreased respiratory rate.

Rationale: Crackles indicate fluid in alveoli, typical in pneumonia.

• A client with type 1 diabetes has blood glucose of 45 mg/dL. The nurse

should first:

• Administer insulin.
• Notify the healthcare provider.
• Give 4 oz of orange juice.
• Recheck blood glucose in 30 minutes.

Rationale: A fast-acting carbohydrate corrects hypoglycemia immediately.

• A nurse cares for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

(COPD). Which oxygen delivery method is appropriate?

• Non-rebreather mask. 3 / 4

• Nasal cannula at 2 L/min.
• Venturi mask at 100%.
• Simple face mask at 10 L/min.

Rationale: Low-flow oxygen prevents CO₂ retention and respiratory

depression.

• A nurse teaches a client about warfarin. Which food should be limited?
• Apples.
• Spinach.
• Chicken.
• Rice.

Rationale: Vitamin K-rich foods like spinach decrease warfarin

effectiveness.

• A client receiving digoxin has a pulse of 48 bpm. What should the nurse

do?

• Give the medication.
• Hold the medication and notify the provider.
• Administer oxygen.
• Document and continue care.

Rationale: Bradycardia is a sign of digoxin toxicity; the dose should be

held.

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