NCLEX Reduction of Risk Potential
practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026/2027 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV potassium
chloride. Which action is most important to reduce the
risk of injury?
A. Administer the medication IV push
B. Dilute the medication before administration
C. Monitor intake and output
D. Encourage oral fluids
Answer: B
Rationale: Potassium chloride must always be diluted
and administered slowly to prevent fatal cardiac
dysrhythmias. IV push administration is unsafe.
2. A client with a chest tube has continuous bubbling
in the water-seal chamber. What should the nurse
do first?
A. Clamp the chest tube
B. Notify the provider
, C. Check for an air leak
D. Increase suction
Answer: C
Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal
chamber indicates an air leak, which should be
assessed before other actions are taken.
3. The nurse is preparing to administer insulin. Which
action reduces the risk of medication error?
A. Using a tuberculin syringe
B. Verifying the dose with another nurse
C. Administering insulin with meals
D. Rotating injection sites
Answer: B
Rationale: Independent double-checks for high-alert
medications like insulin reduce the risk of serious
medication errors.
4. A postoperative client reports calf pain and
swelling. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Apply warm compresses
B. Massage the area
, C. Encourage ambulation
D. Notify the provider
Answer: D
Rationale: Calf pain and swelling suggest deep vein
thrombosis, which requires immediate provider
notification to prevent pulmonary embolism.
5. The nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric
tube. Which action reduces aspiration risk?
A. Placing the client supine
B. Checking tube placement before feeding
C. Flushing the tube after medications
D. Administering feedings rapidly
Answer: B
Rationale: Verifying tube placement before feedings
prevents aspiration of formula into the lungs.
6. A nurse is assessing a client receiving blood
transfusion. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Temperature increase of 1°F
B. Mild itching
, C. Back pain and chills
D. Anxiety
Answer: C
Rationale: Back pain and chills are signs of an acute
hemolytic transfusion reaction, which is life-
threatening.
7. The nurse is preparing a client for MRI. Which
assessment is most critical?
A. Allergies
B. Renal function
C. Presence of metal implants
D. NPO status
Answer: C
Rationale: Metal implants can move or heat during
MRI, causing severe injury.
8. A nurse notices an IV site is cool, swollen, and pale.
What complication is suspected?
A. Phlebitis
B. Infiltration
C. Infection
D. Hematoma
practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026/2027 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV potassium
chloride. Which action is most important to reduce the
risk of injury?
A. Administer the medication IV push
B. Dilute the medication before administration
C. Monitor intake and output
D. Encourage oral fluids
Answer: B
Rationale: Potassium chloride must always be diluted
and administered slowly to prevent fatal cardiac
dysrhythmias. IV push administration is unsafe.
2. A client with a chest tube has continuous bubbling
in the water-seal chamber. What should the nurse
do first?
A. Clamp the chest tube
B. Notify the provider
, C. Check for an air leak
D. Increase suction
Answer: C
Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal
chamber indicates an air leak, which should be
assessed before other actions are taken.
3. The nurse is preparing to administer insulin. Which
action reduces the risk of medication error?
A. Using a tuberculin syringe
B. Verifying the dose with another nurse
C. Administering insulin with meals
D. Rotating injection sites
Answer: B
Rationale: Independent double-checks for high-alert
medications like insulin reduce the risk of serious
medication errors.
4. A postoperative client reports calf pain and
swelling. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Apply warm compresses
B. Massage the area
, C. Encourage ambulation
D. Notify the provider
Answer: D
Rationale: Calf pain and swelling suggest deep vein
thrombosis, which requires immediate provider
notification to prevent pulmonary embolism.
5. The nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric
tube. Which action reduces aspiration risk?
A. Placing the client supine
B. Checking tube placement before feeding
C. Flushing the tube after medications
D. Administering feedings rapidly
Answer: B
Rationale: Verifying tube placement before feedings
prevents aspiration of formula into the lungs.
6. A nurse is assessing a client receiving blood
transfusion. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Temperature increase of 1°F
B. Mild itching
, C. Back pain and chills
D. Anxiety
Answer: C
Rationale: Back pain and chills are signs of an acute
hemolytic transfusion reaction, which is life-
threatening.
7. The nurse is preparing a client for MRI. Which
assessment is most critical?
A. Allergies
B. Renal function
C. Presence of metal implants
D. NPO status
Answer: C
Rationale: Metal implants can move or heat during
MRI, causing severe injury.
8. A nurse notices an IV site is cool, swollen, and pale.
What complication is suspected?
A. Phlebitis
B. Infiltration
C. Infection
D. Hematoma
