NCLEX-PN COMPREHENSIVE
PRACTICE EXAMINATION 100
CERTIFICATION-LEVEL PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED
RATIONALES
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
The NCLEX-PN Comprehensive Practice Examination is designed to prepare
Practical/Vocational Nursing candidates for success on the National Council Licensure
Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). This examination contains 100 certification-
level multiple-choice questions developed to reflect current nursing standards, safe patient
care practices, clinical judgment, and the scope of practice expected of entry-level practical
nurses.
Content areas covered throughout this examination include:
• Coordinated Care
• Safety and Infection Control
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychosocial Integrity
• Basic Care and Comfort
• Pharmacological Therapies
• Reduction of Risk Potential
• Physiological Adaptation
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Maternal-Newborn Nursing
• Pediatric Nursing
,• Mental Health Nursing
• Documentation and Reporting
• Delegation and Collaboration
• Ethical and Legal Nursing Practice
• Client Education
• Infection Prevention
• Medication Administration
• Clinical Decision-Making
• Professional Responsibilities
This examination is designed to simulate the rigor and structure of professional practical
nursing licensure testing while strengthening clinical judgment, prioritization, patient safety
awareness, and nursing knowledge required for successful NCLEX-PN performance.
, PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Question One
A practical nurse is caring for a client with diabetes mellitus who reports feeling shaky and
weak. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Check the client's blood glucose level
B. Encourage the client to exercise
C. Administer the scheduled insulin dose
D. Notify dietary services
Correct Answer: A. Check the client's blood glucose level
Rationale: Shakiness and weakness are common symptoms of hypoglycemia. The nurse
should first assess the client's blood glucose level to determine whether immediate
treatment is required. Assessment precedes intervention whenever possible. Prompt
recognition and treatment of hypoglycemia help prevent seizures, loss of consciousness,
and other serious complications.
Question Two
A practical nurse is caring for a postoperative client. Which assessment finding requires
immediate reporting to the registered nurse?
A. Pain rating of 4 on a 0-to-10 scale
B. Temperature of 98.8°F (37.1°C)
C. Oxygen saturation of 87%
D. Mild incisional discomfort
Correct Answer: C. Oxygen saturation of 87%
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 87% indicates inadequate oxygenation and potential
respiratory compromise. Airway and breathing concerns take priority because they can
quickly become life-threatening. The practical nurse should promptly report this finding
and implement appropriate interventions according to facility policy and scope of practice.
, Question Three
A practical nurse is reinforcing teaching about hand hygiene. Which statement by the client
indicates understanding?
A. "Hand hygiene is only needed after using the restroom."
B. "Gloves replace the need for handwashing."
C. "I should clean my hands before and after meals."
D. "Hand hygiene is only important in hospitals."
Correct Answer: C. "I should clean my hands before and after meals."
Rationale: Hand hygiene is a critical infection-prevention measure. Cleaning hands before
eating and after activities that may cause contamination helps reduce the spread of
infectious organisms. Proper hand hygiene protects both the individual and others from
preventable infections.
Question Four
A practical nurse is caring for a client receiving opioid pain medication. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute
B. Pain rating of 3 on a 0-to-10 scale
C. Mild nausea
D. Blood pressure of 124/78 mm Hg
Correct Answer: A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute
Rationale: Respiratory depression is the most serious adverse effect associated with opioid
medications. A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute indicates significant respiratory
compromise and requires immediate assessment and intervention. Early recognition can
prevent respiratory arrest and other life-threatening complications.
Question Five
PRACTICE EXAMINATION 100
CERTIFICATION-LEVEL PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED
RATIONALES
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
The NCLEX-PN Comprehensive Practice Examination is designed to prepare
Practical/Vocational Nursing candidates for success on the National Council Licensure
Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). This examination contains 100 certification-
level multiple-choice questions developed to reflect current nursing standards, safe patient
care practices, clinical judgment, and the scope of practice expected of entry-level practical
nurses.
Content areas covered throughout this examination include:
• Coordinated Care
• Safety and Infection Control
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychosocial Integrity
• Basic Care and Comfort
• Pharmacological Therapies
• Reduction of Risk Potential
• Physiological Adaptation
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Maternal-Newborn Nursing
• Pediatric Nursing
,• Mental Health Nursing
• Documentation and Reporting
• Delegation and Collaboration
• Ethical and Legal Nursing Practice
• Client Education
• Infection Prevention
• Medication Administration
• Clinical Decision-Making
• Professional Responsibilities
This examination is designed to simulate the rigor and structure of professional practical
nursing licensure testing while strengthening clinical judgment, prioritization, patient safety
awareness, and nursing knowledge required for successful NCLEX-PN performance.
, PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Question One
A practical nurse is caring for a client with diabetes mellitus who reports feeling shaky and
weak. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Check the client's blood glucose level
B. Encourage the client to exercise
C. Administer the scheduled insulin dose
D. Notify dietary services
Correct Answer: A. Check the client's blood glucose level
Rationale: Shakiness and weakness are common symptoms of hypoglycemia. The nurse
should first assess the client's blood glucose level to determine whether immediate
treatment is required. Assessment precedes intervention whenever possible. Prompt
recognition and treatment of hypoglycemia help prevent seizures, loss of consciousness,
and other serious complications.
Question Two
A practical nurse is caring for a postoperative client. Which assessment finding requires
immediate reporting to the registered nurse?
A. Pain rating of 4 on a 0-to-10 scale
B. Temperature of 98.8°F (37.1°C)
C. Oxygen saturation of 87%
D. Mild incisional discomfort
Correct Answer: C. Oxygen saturation of 87%
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 87% indicates inadequate oxygenation and potential
respiratory compromise. Airway and breathing concerns take priority because they can
quickly become life-threatening. The practical nurse should promptly report this finding
and implement appropriate interventions according to facility policy and scope of practice.
, Question Three
A practical nurse is reinforcing teaching about hand hygiene. Which statement by the client
indicates understanding?
A. "Hand hygiene is only needed after using the restroom."
B. "Gloves replace the need for handwashing."
C. "I should clean my hands before and after meals."
D. "Hand hygiene is only important in hospitals."
Correct Answer: C. "I should clean my hands before and after meals."
Rationale: Hand hygiene is a critical infection-prevention measure. Cleaning hands before
eating and after activities that may cause contamination helps reduce the spread of
infectious organisms. Proper hand hygiene protects both the individual and others from
preventable infections.
Question Four
A practical nurse is caring for a client receiving opioid pain medication. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute
B. Pain rating of 3 on a 0-to-10 scale
C. Mild nausea
D. Blood pressure of 124/78 mm Hg
Correct Answer: A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute
Rationale: Respiratory depression is the most serious adverse effect associated with opioid
medications. A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute indicates significant respiratory
compromise and requires immediate assessment and intervention. Early recognition can
prevent respiratory arrest and other life-threatening complications.
Question Five
