ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 | 180 Questions
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Part I: Foundations of Practical Nursing — Safety, Fundamentals & Basic Care
Q1: A practical nurse is caring for a client with a history of falls. Which action by the PN is the priority to
maintain client safety?
A. Place the call light within the client's reach and instruct them to call before getting up
B. Apply a soft restraint to keep the client in bed
C. Keep the bed in the lowest position with side rails up and call light within reach [CORRECT]
D. Ask the family to stay with the client at all times
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The best PN action here is to keep the bed in the lowest position with side rails up and the
call light within reach because this directly reduces fall risk while maintaining client autonomy and
dignity. Restraints are a last resort, and family presence isn't a reliable safety strategy.
Q2: A PN is preparing to administer an oral medication to a client. Which step is essential before giving
the medication?
A. Ask the client if they have any allergies to the medication
B. Check the client's identification band and compare it to the medication administration record (MAR)
[CORRECT]
C. Crush the medication and mix it with applesauce
D. Have the UAP verify the medication with the PN
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This choice is correct because the PN's role is to follow the five rights of medication
administration, and verifying client identity against the MAR is a non-negotiable safety step before any
medication is given.
,Q3: A client is on contact precautions for a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) wound
infection. The PN is preparing to enter the room. Which PPE is required?
A. Gown and gloves [CORRECT]
B. N95 respirator and goggles
C. Surgical mask and face shield
D. Gloves only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The best PN action here is to wear a gown and gloves because contact precautions require
barrier protection against direct contact with the client or contaminated surfaces. An N95 and goggles
are for airborne or splash precautions, not standard contact isolation.
Q4: A PN is caring for a client with a new colostomy. The client asks, "Will I ever be able to swim again?"
Which response by the PN is most appropriate?
A. "You should avoid swimming permanently to prevent infection."
B. "Let's talk about that with the wound care nurse; she can give you specific guidance on swimming
with a colostomy." [CORRECT]
C. "Yes, you can swim right away as long as you feel up to it."
D. "Swimming is not recommended for anyone with a colostomy."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This choice is correct because the PN's role is to provide accurate information within scope
while recognizing that lifestyle questions about ostomy care are best addressed by the wound care team
or RN, ensuring the client gets thorough, personalized teaching.
Q5: A PN is calculating an oral medication dose. The provider orders 500 mg of a medication, and the
tablets available are 250 mg each. How many tablets should the PN administer?
A. 1 tablet
B. 2 tablets [CORRECT]
C. 3 tablets
D. 0.5 tablet
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The best PN action here is to give 2 tablets because 500 mg divided by 250 mg per tablet
equals 2 tablets. As a PN, we always double-check our math and verify the calculation with another
nurse when required by facility policy.
,Q6: A client with diabetes tells the PN, "I feel shaky and sweaty, and my heart is racing." The client's
blood glucose is 58 mg/dL. What is the PN's first action?
A. Administer 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate [CORRECT]
B. Call the provider immediately
C. Recheck the blood glucose in 15 minutes
D. Give the client their scheduled insulin dose
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: This choice is correct because a blood glucose of 58 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia, and the
PN's priority is to treat it immediately with fast-acting carbohydrate per protocol. Rechecking or calling
the provider delays essential treatment.
Q7: A PN is assigned four clients. Which task is appropriate for the PN to delegate to a UAP?
A. Assessing a postoperative client's incision for signs of infection
B. Measuring and recording a client's intake and output [CORRECT]
C. Administering a scheduled oral medication
D. Teaching a client about wound care at discharge
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The best PN action here is to delegate intake and output measurement to the UAP because
this is a routine, non-invasive task that does not require nursing judgment. Assessment, medication
administration, and client teaching are outside the UAP scope and must be performed by licensed
personnel.
Q8: A client has an indwelling urinary catheter. The PN notices the drainage bag is positioned on the bed
above the level of the client's bladder. What should the PN do?
A. Lower the drainage bag below the level of the bladder and ensure the tubing is not kinked [CORRECT]
B. Empty the drainage bag immediately
C. Remove the catheter and notify the RN
D. Document the finding and continue monitoring
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: This choice is correct because keeping the drainage bag above the bladder creates a reflux
risk and can cause infection. The PN's role is to correct the positioning right away and check for kinks to
maintain proper drainage.
, Q9: A PN is reviewing a client's vital signs: BP 142/88, HR 96, RR 18, Temp 98.6°F, SpO2 94% on room air.
Which vital sign should the PN report to the RN?
A. Blood pressure of 142/88
B. Heart rate of 96
C. Respiratory rate of 18
D. Oxygen saturation of 94% on room air [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The best PN action here is to report the SpO2 of 94% because oxygen saturation below 95%
on room air may indicate respiratory compromise that requires further assessment by the RN. The other
values, while slightly elevated, are not immediately concerning in most clinical contexts.
Q10: A client is receiving heparin subcutaneously. The PN notes a small bruise at the previous injection
site. What is the PN's best action?
A. Hold the next dose and notify the provider
B. Apply ice to the bruise and rotate the injection site for the next dose [CORRECT]
C. Massage the bruise to promote absorption
D. Document the finding and give the next dose at the same site
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This choice is correct because a small bruise at a heparin injection site is common and
expected; the PN should rotate sites and use ice if needed. Massaging or reusing the same site increases
bleeding risk, and holding the dose is unnecessary for a minor bruise.
Q11: A PN is caring for a client on bed rest. Which intervention best prevents pressure injury
development?
A. Reposition the client every 2 hours and keep the skin clean and dry [CORRECT]
B. Apply a heating pad to bony prominences to increase circulation
C. Massage reddened areas vigorously to stimulate blood flow
D. Keep the client in one position to avoid disturbing rest
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The best PN action here is to reposition the client every 2 hours and maintain skin hygiene
because regular turning and moisture management are the foundation of pressure injury prevention.
Massaging reddened areas or using heat can damage fragile tissue.