KAPLAN NCLEX-RN TRAINER 7 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
|LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027..
*CORE DOMAINS*
Management of Care
Safety and Infection Control
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Psychosocial Integrity
Basic Care and Comfort
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Reduction of Risk Potential
Physiological Adaptation
*INTRODUCTION*
The purpose of this exam is to evaluate the clinical proficiency and readiness of nursing candidates for safe, entry-level practice. This
assessment covers essential skills and knowledge, ranging from foundational theory to complex clinical decision-making. Utilizing a robust
structure of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions, the exam tests the ability to apply nursing judgment in diverse healthcare
environments. Candidates must demonstrate competence in prioritizing care, managing pharmacological interventions, and adhering to
ethical and legal standards. The focus remains on real-world application, ensuring that practitioners can navigate high-stakes clinical
situations with the critical thinking required to promote optimal patient outcomes.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
A nurse is caring for a client with a history of heart failure who presents with crackles in the lungs and peripheral edema. Which
intervention should the nurse prioritize?
A. Monitor daily weights
B. Administer prescribed diuretics
,C. Assess serum potassium levels
D. Elevate the lower extremities
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Administering diuretics is the priority intervention to reduce fluid volume overload, which is the immediate threat to the
client's respiratory status.
A client is admitted with suspected bacterial meningitis. Which action should the nurse implement first?
A. Initiate droplet precautions
B. Prepare for a lumbar puncture
C. Administer intravenous antibiotics
D. Obtain a blood culture
🟢A
🔴 RATIONALE: Initiating droplet precautions is the priority to prevent the spread of infection to staff and other clients while diagnostic
procedures are arranged.
A nurse is planning care for a client experiencing a manic episode. Which activity is most appropriate?
A. Engaging in a group board game
B. Participating in a competitive sport
C. Organizing the unit library
D. Walking in the hallway with the nurse
🟢D
🔴 RATIONALE: Low-stimulation, repetitive physical activities are best for manic clients to help them burn energy without increasing
agitation.
A client reports a sudden onset of chest pain and shortness of breath. Which assessment finding requires immediate notification of the
healthcare provider?
A. Oxygen saturation of 92%
B. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths/min
C. Absent breath sounds on one side
D. Blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Absent breath sounds on one side suggest a tension pneumothorax or major airway obstruction, which is a life-threatening
emergency.
A nurse is educating a client about warfarin therapy. Which statement indicates the need for further teaching?
A. I will eat a consistent amount of green leafy vegetables
B. I will use a soft-bristled toothbrush
C. I will take aspirin if I develop a headache
D. I will report any unusual bruising to my provider
, 🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Aspirin increases the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin, so the client needs to be instructed to avoid NSAIDs without
provider approval.
A nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube. Which action is correct for checking tube placement?
A. Injecting 30 mL of air and listening for a whoosh
B. Testing the pH of the aspirated gastric contents
C. Visualizing the insertion depth mark
D. Checking for residual volume
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Testing the pH of gastric aspirate is an evidence-based method to confirm that the tube is in the stomach rather than the
lungs.
A nurse is caring for a client who is in the third stage of labor. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Assisting with the delivery of the placenta
B. Assessing the newborn’s APGAR score
C. Monitoring the fundus for firmness
D. Administering oxytocin
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: During the third stage of labor, the priority is the immediate transition and stabilization of the newborn, assessed via the
APGAR score.
A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is confused and diaphoretic. What is the nurse's first action?
A. Administer subcutaneous insulin
B. Check the blood glucose level
C. Provide 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates
D. Notify the healthcare provider
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: The nurse must confirm the suspicion of hypoglycemia by checking blood glucose levels before administering treatment
unless the client is unconscious and unable to swallow.
A nurse is delegating tasks to an assistive personnel (AP). Which task is appropriate for the AP?
A. Assessing a client’s wound healing
B. Measuring intake and output
C. Educating a client on medication side effects
D. Adjusting a continuous intravenous infusion
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Measuring intake and output is a routine task within the scope of practice for an assistive personnel.
A nurse is caring for a client with an external fixation device. Which action is the priority?
|LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027..
*CORE DOMAINS*
Management of Care
Safety and Infection Control
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Psychosocial Integrity
Basic Care and Comfort
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Reduction of Risk Potential
Physiological Adaptation
*INTRODUCTION*
The purpose of this exam is to evaluate the clinical proficiency and readiness of nursing candidates for safe, entry-level practice. This
assessment covers essential skills and knowledge, ranging from foundational theory to complex clinical decision-making. Utilizing a robust
structure of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions, the exam tests the ability to apply nursing judgment in diverse healthcare
environments. Candidates must demonstrate competence in prioritizing care, managing pharmacological interventions, and adhering to
ethical and legal standards. The focus remains on real-world application, ensuring that practitioners can navigate high-stakes clinical
situations with the critical thinking required to promote optimal patient outcomes.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
A nurse is caring for a client with a history of heart failure who presents with crackles in the lungs and peripheral edema. Which
intervention should the nurse prioritize?
A. Monitor daily weights
B. Administer prescribed diuretics
,C. Assess serum potassium levels
D. Elevate the lower extremities
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Administering diuretics is the priority intervention to reduce fluid volume overload, which is the immediate threat to the
client's respiratory status.
A client is admitted with suspected bacterial meningitis. Which action should the nurse implement first?
A. Initiate droplet precautions
B. Prepare for a lumbar puncture
C. Administer intravenous antibiotics
D. Obtain a blood culture
🟢A
🔴 RATIONALE: Initiating droplet precautions is the priority to prevent the spread of infection to staff and other clients while diagnostic
procedures are arranged.
A nurse is planning care for a client experiencing a manic episode. Which activity is most appropriate?
A. Engaging in a group board game
B. Participating in a competitive sport
C. Organizing the unit library
D. Walking in the hallway with the nurse
🟢D
🔴 RATIONALE: Low-stimulation, repetitive physical activities are best for manic clients to help them burn energy without increasing
agitation.
A client reports a sudden onset of chest pain and shortness of breath. Which assessment finding requires immediate notification of the
healthcare provider?
A. Oxygen saturation of 92%
B. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths/min
C. Absent breath sounds on one side
D. Blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Absent breath sounds on one side suggest a tension pneumothorax or major airway obstruction, which is a life-threatening
emergency.
A nurse is educating a client about warfarin therapy. Which statement indicates the need for further teaching?
A. I will eat a consistent amount of green leafy vegetables
B. I will use a soft-bristled toothbrush
C. I will take aspirin if I develop a headache
D. I will report any unusual bruising to my provider
, 🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Aspirin increases the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin, so the client needs to be instructed to avoid NSAIDs without
provider approval.
A nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube. Which action is correct for checking tube placement?
A. Injecting 30 mL of air and listening for a whoosh
B. Testing the pH of the aspirated gastric contents
C. Visualizing the insertion depth mark
D. Checking for residual volume
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Testing the pH of gastric aspirate is an evidence-based method to confirm that the tube is in the stomach rather than the
lungs.
A nurse is caring for a client who is in the third stage of labor. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Assisting with the delivery of the placenta
B. Assessing the newborn’s APGAR score
C. Monitoring the fundus for firmness
D. Administering oxytocin
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: During the third stage of labor, the priority is the immediate transition and stabilization of the newborn, assessed via the
APGAR score.
A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is confused and diaphoretic. What is the nurse's first action?
A. Administer subcutaneous insulin
B. Check the blood glucose level
C. Provide 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates
D. Notify the healthcare provider
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: The nurse must confirm the suspicion of hypoglycemia by checking blood glucose levels before administering treatment
unless the client is unconscious and unable to swallow.
A nurse is delegating tasks to an assistive personnel (AP). Which task is appropriate for the AP?
A. Assessing a client’s wound healing
B. Measuring intake and output
C. Educating a client on medication side effects
D. Adjusting a continuous intravenous infusion
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Measuring intake and output is a routine task within the scope of practice for an assistive personnel.
A nurse is caring for a client with an external fixation device. Which action is the priority?
