Virginia Registered Nurse Licensure
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant Download
Pdf
1. A 24-year-old patient with type 1 diabetes presents with confusion,
fruity breath odor, and rapid breathing. Which of the following is the
priority nursing intervention?
A. Administer subcutaneous insulin
B. Encourage oral fluids
C. Assess blood glucose and initiate IV fluids
D. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula
Rationale: The patient shows signs of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a
medical emergency. The priority is to assess blood glucose and start IV
fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
2. A nurse is caring for a client receiving a continuous infusion of heparin.
The aPTT is 95 seconds (therapeutic range 60–80 seconds). What
should the nurse do?
A. Increase the heparin infusion rate
B. Hold the infusion and notify the provider
C. Continue the infusion at the same rate
D. Administer protamine sulfate immediately
,Rationale: An aPTT above the therapeutic range increases the risk of
bleeding. The nurse should hold the infusion and notify the provider for
dosage adjustment.
3. Which of the following actions is most important when administering
a blood transfusion?
A. Administer over 4 hours
B. Infuse with 0.9% saline
C. Verify patient and blood product with another licensed nurse
D. Warm blood to body temperature
Rationale: Verification of patient identity and blood product by two
licensed personnel is essential to prevent transfusion reactions.
4. A nurse is teaching a patient about medications to manage
hypertension. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. "I will stop taking the medication when my blood pressure is
normal."
B. "I can double the dose if I miss one."
C. "I should take the medication daily as prescribed."
D. "I will take the medication only when I feel symptoms."
Rationale: Hypertension management requires consistent daily dosing to
maintain blood pressure control and prevent complications.
5. A nurse is planning care for a patient with chronic heart failure who
reports shortness of breath. Which position is most appropriate?
A. Supine
B. High Fowler’s position
C. Trendelenburg
D. Side-lying
Rationale: High Fowler’s position promotes lung expansion and eases
breathing for patients experiencing dyspnea associated with heart failure.
6. Which of the following laboratory values indicates a patient is at risk
for infection?
, A. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
B. White blood cell count 3,000/mm³
C. Platelet count 200,000/mm³
D. Sodium 140 mEq/L
Rationale: A WBC count below the normal range suggests leukopenia,
increasing susceptibility to infection.
7. A nurse is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection. Which
site is preferred for a 0.5 mL insulin dose?
A. Vastus lateralis
B. Deltoid
C. Abdomen
D. Dorsogluteal
Rationale: The abdomen is preferred for insulin injections due to consistent
absorption and minimal risk of injury.
8. A patient reports severe pain at the surgical site. Which action is the
nurse’s priority?
A. Document the pain assessment
B. Encourage deep breathing and coughing
C. Assess pain level and administer prescribed analgesic
D. Apply cold compress
Rationale: Pain management is a priority for patient comfort and recovery.
Assessing pain and administering prescribed medication addresses this
need promptly.
9. Which intervention is appropriate for a patient experiencing
hypovolemic shock?
A. Administer oral fluids
B. Encourage rest
C. Initiate IV fluid resuscitation
D. Apply warm blankets only
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant Download
1. A 24-year-old patient with type 1 diabetes presents with confusion,
fruity breath odor, and rapid breathing. Which of the following is the
priority nursing intervention?
A. Administer subcutaneous insulin
B. Encourage oral fluids
C. Assess blood glucose and initiate IV fluids
D. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula
Rationale: The patient shows signs of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a
medical emergency. The priority is to assess blood glucose and start IV
fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
2. A nurse is caring for a client receiving a continuous infusion of heparin.
The aPTT is 95 seconds (therapeutic range 60–80 seconds). What
should the nurse do?
A. Increase the heparin infusion rate
B. Hold the infusion and notify the provider
C. Continue the infusion at the same rate
D. Administer protamine sulfate immediately
,Rationale: An aPTT above the therapeutic range increases the risk of
bleeding. The nurse should hold the infusion and notify the provider for
dosage adjustment.
3. Which of the following actions is most important when administering
a blood transfusion?
A. Administer over 4 hours
B. Infuse with 0.9% saline
C. Verify patient and blood product with another licensed nurse
D. Warm blood to body temperature
Rationale: Verification of patient identity and blood product by two
licensed personnel is essential to prevent transfusion reactions.
4. A nurse is teaching a patient about medications to manage
hypertension. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. "I will stop taking the medication when my blood pressure is
normal."
B. "I can double the dose if I miss one."
C. "I should take the medication daily as prescribed."
D. "I will take the medication only when I feel symptoms."
Rationale: Hypertension management requires consistent daily dosing to
maintain blood pressure control and prevent complications.
5. A nurse is planning care for a patient with chronic heart failure who
reports shortness of breath. Which position is most appropriate?
A. Supine
B. High Fowler’s position
C. Trendelenburg
D. Side-lying
Rationale: High Fowler’s position promotes lung expansion and eases
breathing for patients experiencing dyspnea associated with heart failure.
6. Which of the following laboratory values indicates a patient is at risk
for infection?
, A. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
B. White blood cell count 3,000/mm³
C. Platelet count 200,000/mm³
D. Sodium 140 mEq/L
Rationale: A WBC count below the normal range suggests leukopenia,
increasing susceptibility to infection.
7. A nurse is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection. Which
site is preferred for a 0.5 mL insulin dose?
A. Vastus lateralis
B. Deltoid
C. Abdomen
D. Dorsogluteal
Rationale: The abdomen is preferred for insulin injections due to consistent
absorption and minimal risk of injury.
8. A patient reports severe pain at the surgical site. Which action is the
nurse’s priority?
A. Document the pain assessment
B. Encourage deep breathing and coughing
C. Assess pain level and administer prescribed analgesic
D. Apply cold compress
Rationale: Pain management is a priority for patient comfort and recovery.
Assessing pain and administering prescribed medication addresses this
need promptly.
9. Which intervention is appropriate for a patient experiencing
hypovolemic shock?
A. Administer oral fluids
B. Encourage rest
C. Initiate IV fluid resuscitation
D. Apply warm blankets only
