Page 1 of 148
NCLEX TYPE QUESTIONS FOR EXAM WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS,RATIONALES AND WHY
THE OTHERS ARE NOT CORRECT NEWEST 2026
EXAM LATEST VERSION SOLVED 400+
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS VERIFIED 100 %
NCLEX Practice Test questions- Nursing
The client is receiving 5% dextrose and 0.45% sodium chloride intravenously
and is complaining of pain at the IV site. The nurse assesses the site and
notes erythema and edema. What is the appropriate action for the nurse to
take? Select all that apply.
1. Slow the infusion to a keep- open rate.
2. Discontinue the IV and apply a warm compress to the IV site.
3. Apply antibiotic ointment to the IV site.
4. Gently pull back on the IV catheter to attempt repositioning.
5. Relocate the IV site and document the event.
Answer 2,5
Why the Correct Options Are Right
• 2. Discontinue the IV and apply a warm compress to the IV site.
o Erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) indicate phlebitis or
infiltration [1].
o Leaving the catheter in place will worsen the inflammation and damage
the vein [1].
o A warm compress helps increase blood circulation, relieves pain, and
promotes healing [2, 3].
, Page 2 of 148
• 5. Relocate the IV site and document the event.
o The patient still needs their prescribed intravenous fluids, so a new IV
line must be started in a different vein [1, 2].
o Detailed documentation is required for patient safety, tracking
complications, and legal health records [2, 4].
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
• ❌ 1. Slow the infusion to a keep-open rate.
o Leaving the fluid running, even at a slow rate, continues to pump
irritating fluids into an already inflamed or compromised vein [1, 2]. The
IV must be stopped completely.
• ❌ 3. Apply antibiotic ointment to the IV site.
o Erythema and edema are signs of mechanical or chemical irritation
(phlebitis), not a surface skin infection [2, 3]. Antibiotic ointment will not
fix internal vein inflammation and is not standard practice for phlebitis.
• ❌ 4. Gently pull back on the IV catheter to attempt repositioning.
o You must never pull back or manipulate a catheter once it is advanced
into the vein. Doing so introduces bacteria from the unsterile skin into
the bloodstream and can damage the blood vessel.
The nurse is preparing to start a peripheral intravenous ( IV) line in a client.
The client's record indicates a latex allergy. What action should be taken by
the nurse?
1. Utilize a new tourniquet for this client.
2. Use a blood pressure cuff to distend the vein.
3. Avoid putting povidone iodine on the skin.
4. Initiate a latex- free alternative therapy.
Answer 2
Why the Correct Option Is Right
• 2. Use a blood pressure cuff to distend the vein.
o Standard elastic or rubber tourniquets used in hospitals commonly
contain latex.
o A blood pressure cuff can be inflated to just below the client's diastolic
blood pressure to serve as an excellent, safe alternative for trapping
venous blood and making the veins swell (distend)
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
• ❌ 1. Utilize a new tourniquet for this client.
o Even if a tourniquet is brand new, it will still trigger an allergic reaction if
it is manufactured with latex. [1, 2, 3]
• ❌ 3. Avoid putting povidone-iodine on the skin.
, Page 3 of 148
o Povidone-iodine is an antiseptic used for skin preparation. While it is a
common allergen, a latex allergy does not automatically mean the
patient is allergic to iodine. There is no clinical reason to avoid it based
only on a latex allergy. [1, 2]
• ❌ 4. Initiate a latex-free alternative therapy.
o "Alternative therapy" implies replacing the prescribed IV treatment with
something completely different (like oral medications). The nurse does
not have the authority to alter a provider's medical orders; they must
safely deliver the ordered IV therapy using latex-free equipmen
The nurse is inserting an intravenous ( IV) line into a cli-ent. After piercing the
skin and entering the vein, what manifestation should cause the nurse to
refrain from advancing the catheter?
1. Blood backflow into the IV catheter
2. Mild resistance with advancement
3. No reports of client discomfort
4. IV catheter was inserted bevel side up
Answer 2
Why the Correct Option Is Right
• 2. Mild resistance with advancement
o Feeling resistance means the catheter tip might be pushing against a
vein wall, a valve, or a stricture.
o Forcing the catheter forward against resistance can puncture or rupture
the vein wall, causing a painful hematoma or infiltration.
o If resistance is felt, the nurse should stop advancing, lower the angle
slightly, and flush the line or float it in with fluid to open the valve.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
• ❌ 1. Blood backflow into the IV catheter
o Blood backflow (or "flashback") is exactly what the nurse wants to see.
It is the visual confirmation that the needle has successfully entered the
vein lumen, indicating it is safe to advance.
• ❌ 3. No reports of client discomfort
o A lack of pain is a positive sign. IV insertion causes minor discomfort,
but a lack of severe pain or complaints means the nurse can safely
proceed with the procedure.
• ❌ 4. IV catheter was inserted bevel side up
o Inserting the needle bevel side up is the correct, standard medical
technique. It allows the sharpest part of the needle to pierce the skin
cleanly and smoothly, so this would not be a reason to stop.
The nurse is inserting a peripheral intravenous ( IV) line. Place the following
steps in order to perform this procedure correctly.
, Page 4 of 148
1. Apply a tourniquet above insertion site.
2. Insert catheter at 5- 15 degree angle through skin.
3. Select a vein and cleanse the skin.
4. Attach tubing primed with IV solution.
5. Gather the appropriate equipment.
Answer 5,3,1,2,4
Breakdown of the Chronological Steps
• 5. Gather the appropriate equipment.
o Why: Prior to approaching the client, the nurse must ensure all supplies
(catheter, extension set, tourniquet, antiseptic, tape, and primed
solution) are ready to maintain an efficient and sterile workflow. [1, 2]
• 3. Select a vein and cleanse the skin.
o Why: The nurse inspects and palpates the extremity to locate an
optimal, healthy vein. Cleanse the skin using an approved antiseptic
solution (such as chlorhexidine or alcohol) to lower the risk of bringing
surface bacteria into the bloodstream. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
• 1. Apply a tourniquet above insertion site.
o Why: Tightening the tourniquet temporary stalls venous return, which
causes the selected vein to engorge and expand. This makes
venipuncture significantly easier and more precise. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
• 2. Insert catheter at 5–15 degree angle through skin.
o Why: Holding the needle bevel-up, the nurse punctures the skin and
enters the target vein at a shallow angle to minimize the risk of piercing
completely through the back wall of the blood vessel. [1, 2, 3]
• 4. Attach tubing primed with IV solution.
o Why: Once the plastic catheter is successfully threaded into the lumen
of the vein and the needle stylet is removed, the nurse connects the
pre-primed IV tubing or extension loop to establish continuous fluid
therapy.
The nurse would perform which action when washing hands as part of medical
asepsis before caring for a client in an outpatient clinic? Select all that apply.
1. Wash hands with the hands held higher than the elbows.
2. Adjust temperature of water to the hottest possible.
3. Scrub hands and nails with a scrub brush for 5 minutes. 4. Use a clean
paper towel to turn water off.
5. Rub vigorously using firm circular motions.
Answer 4,5
Why the Correct Options Are Right
• 4. Use a clean paper towel to turn water off.
NCLEX TYPE QUESTIONS FOR EXAM WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS,RATIONALES AND WHY
THE OTHERS ARE NOT CORRECT NEWEST 2026
EXAM LATEST VERSION SOLVED 400+
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS VERIFIED 100 %
NCLEX Practice Test questions- Nursing
The client is receiving 5% dextrose and 0.45% sodium chloride intravenously
and is complaining of pain at the IV site. The nurse assesses the site and
notes erythema and edema. What is the appropriate action for the nurse to
take? Select all that apply.
1. Slow the infusion to a keep- open rate.
2. Discontinue the IV and apply a warm compress to the IV site.
3. Apply antibiotic ointment to the IV site.
4. Gently pull back on the IV catheter to attempt repositioning.
5. Relocate the IV site and document the event.
Answer 2,5
Why the Correct Options Are Right
• 2. Discontinue the IV and apply a warm compress to the IV site.
o Erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) indicate phlebitis or
infiltration [1].
o Leaving the catheter in place will worsen the inflammation and damage
the vein [1].
o A warm compress helps increase blood circulation, relieves pain, and
promotes healing [2, 3].
, Page 2 of 148
• 5. Relocate the IV site and document the event.
o The patient still needs their prescribed intravenous fluids, so a new IV
line must be started in a different vein [1, 2].
o Detailed documentation is required for patient safety, tracking
complications, and legal health records [2, 4].
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
• ❌ 1. Slow the infusion to a keep-open rate.
o Leaving the fluid running, even at a slow rate, continues to pump
irritating fluids into an already inflamed or compromised vein [1, 2]. The
IV must be stopped completely.
• ❌ 3. Apply antibiotic ointment to the IV site.
o Erythema and edema are signs of mechanical or chemical irritation
(phlebitis), not a surface skin infection [2, 3]. Antibiotic ointment will not
fix internal vein inflammation and is not standard practice for phlebitis.
• ❌ 4. Gently pull back on the IV catheter to attempt repositioning.
o You must never pull back or manipulate a catheter once it is advanced
into the vein. Doing so introduces bacteria from the unsterile skin into
the bloodstream and can damage the blood vessel.
The nurse is preparing to start a peripheral intravenous ( IV) line in a client.
The client's record indicates a latex allergy. What action should be taken by
the nurse?
1. Utilize a new tourniquet for this client.
2. Use a blood pressure cuff to distend the vein.
3. Avoid putting povidone iodine on the skin.
4. Initiate a latex- free alternative therapy.
Answer 2
Why the Correct Option Is Right
• 2. Use a blood pressure cuff to distend the vein.
o Standard elastic or rubber tourniquets used in hospitals commonly
contain latex.
o A blood pressure cuff can be inflated to just below the client's diastolic
blood pressure to serve as an excellent, safe alternative for trapping
venous blood and making the veins swell (distend)
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
• ❌ 1. Utilize a new tourniquet for this client.
o Even if a tourniquet is brand new, it will still trigger an allergic reaction if
it is manufactured with latex. [1, 2, 3]
• ❌ 3. Avoid putting povidone-iodine on the skin.
, Page 3 of 148
o Povidone-iodine is an antiseptic used for skin preparation. While it is a
common allergen, a latex allergy does not automatically mean the
patient is allergic to iodine. There is no clinical reason to avoid it based
only on a latex allergy. [1, 2]
• ❌ 4. Initiate a latex-free alternative therapy.
o "Alternative therapy" implies replacing the prescribed IV treatment with
something completely different (like oral medications). The nurse does
not have the authority to alter a provider's medical orders; they must
safely deliver the ordered IV therapy using latex-free equipmen
The nurse is inserting an intravenous ( IV) line into a cli-ent. After piercing the
skin and entering the vein, what manifestation should cause the nurse to
refrain from advancing the catheter?
1. Blood backflow into the IV catheter
2. Mild resistance with advancement
3. No reports of client discomfort
4. IV catheter was inserted bevel side up
Answer 2
Why the Correct Option Is Right
• 2. Mild resistance with advancement
o Feeling resistance means the catheter tip might be pushing against a
vein wall, a valve, or a stricture.
o Forcing the catheter forward against resistance can puncture or rupture
the vein wall, causing a painful hematoma or infiltration.
o If resistance is felt, the nurse should stop advancing, lower the angle
slightly, and flush the line or float it in with fluid to open the valve.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
• ❌ 1. Blood backflow into the IV catheter
o Blood backflow (or "flashback") is exactly what the nurse wants to see.
It is the visual confirmation that the needle has successfully entered the
vein lumen, indicating it is safe to advance.
• ❌ 3. No reports of client discomfort
o A lack of pain is a positive sign. IV insertion causes minor discomfort,
but a lack of severe pain or complaints means the nurse can safely
proceed with the procedure.
• ❌ 4. IV catheter was inserted bevel side up
o Inserting the needle bevel side up is the correct, standard medical
technique. It allows the sharpest part of the needle to pierce the skin
cleanly and smoothly, so this would not be a reason to stop.
The nurse is inserting a peripheral intravenous ( IV) line. Place the following
steps in order to perform this procedure correctly.
, Page 4 of 148
1. Apply a tourniquet above insertion site.
2. Insert catheter at 5- 15 degree angle through skin.
3. Select a vein and cleanse the skin.
4. Attach tubing primed with IV solution.
5. Gather the appropriate equipment.
Answer 5,3,1,2,4
Breakdown of the Chronological Steps
• 5. Gather the appropriate equipment.
o Why: Prior to approaching the client, the nurse must ensure all supplies
(catheter, extension set, tourniquet, antiseptic, tape, and primed
solution) are ready to maintain an efficient and sterile workflow. [1, 2]
• 3. Select a vein and cleanse the skin.
o Why: The nurse inspects and palpates the extremity to locate an
optimal, healthy vein. Cleanse the skin using an approved antiseptic
solution (such as chlorhexidine or alcohol) to lower the risk of bringing
surface bacteria into the bloodstream. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
• 1. Apply a tourniquet above insertion site.
o Why: Tightening the tourniquet temporary stalls venous return, which
causes the selected vein to engorge and expand. This makes
venipuncture significantly easier and more precise. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
• 2. Insert catheter at 5–15 degree angle through skin.
o Why: Holding the needle bevel-up, the nurse punctures the skin and
enters the target vein at a shallow angle to minimize the risk of piercing
completely through the back wall of the blood vessel. [1, 2, 3]
• 4. Attach tubing primed with IV solution.
o Why: Once the plastic catheter is successfully threaded into the lumen
of the vein and the needle stylet is removed, the nurse connects the
pre-primed IV tubing or extension loop to establish continuous fluid
therapy.
The nurse would perform which action when washing hands as part of medical
asepsis before caring for a client in an outpatient clinic? Select all that apply.
1. Wash hands with the hands held higher than the elbows.
2. Adjust temperature of water to the hottest possible.
3. Scrub hands and nails with a scrub brush for 5 minutes. 4. Use a clean
paper towel to turn water off.
5. Rub vigorously using firm circular motions.
Answer 4,5
Why the Correct Options Are Right
• 4. Use a clean paper towel to turn water off.
