Nursing 354 Next Generation NCLEX
(NGN) Practice Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download
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1. A nurse is assessing a client who reports sudden shortness of breath and
chest discomfort. Which finding requires the nurse's immediate attention?
A. Respiratory rate of 22/min
B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
C. Heart rate of 96/min
D. Temperature of 37.2°C (99.0°F)
Answer: Oxygen saturation of 88%
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 88% indicates hypoxemia and requires
prompt assessment and intervention, particularly when accompanied by acute
shortness of breath.
2. A client with heart failure is receiving furosemide. Which laboratory value is
most important for the nurse to monitor?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
,C. Hemoglobin
D. Platelet count
Answer: Potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss.
Hypokalemia increases the risk of dysrhythmias and requires monitoring.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who is
experiencing diaphoresis, tremors, and confusion. What should the nurse
do first?
A. Administer regular insulin
B. Check the client's blood glucose level
C. Encourage the client to ambulate
D. Restrict oral fluids
Answer: Check the client's blood glucose level
Rationale: The client's symptoms are consistent with hypoglycemia. The nurse
should immediately verify the blood glucose level when possible and then
provide appropriate treatment.
4. A postoperative client suddenly develops dyspnea, tachycardia, and chest
pain. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Atelectasis
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Urinary retention
Answer: Pulmonary embolism
Rationale: Sudden dyspnea, tachycardia, and chest pain are classic warning signs
of pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening complication requiring
immediate intervention.
, 5. A nurse is teaching a client who has hypertension about lifestyle
modifications. Which statement indicates effective understanding?
A. "I should increase my sodium intake."
B. "I should stop exercising completely."
C. "I should follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetables."
D. "I should avoid taking my prescribed medications when I feel well."
Answer: I should follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Rationale: A diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and appropriate
sodium restriction can help lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk.
6. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is receiving oxygen.
Which oxygen-delivery method is generally most appropriate when a
precise low concentration of oxygen is needed?
A. Nonrebreather mask
B. Venturi mask
C. Simple face mask
D. Partial-rebreather mask
Answer: Venturi mask
Rationale: A Venturi mask delivers a controlled and precise oxygen
concentration, making it useful when careful oxygen titration is needed in clients
with chronic respiratory disease.
7. A nurse is caring for a client receiving a blood transfusion. The client
develops chills, fever, and back pain. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Increase the transfusion rate
B. Stop the transfusion
, C. Administer another unit of blood
D. Document the findings after the transfusion
Answer: Stop the transfusion
Rationale: Fever, chills, and back pain may indicate an acute transfusion
reaction. The nurse should stop the transfusion immediately and follow the
facility's transfusion-reaction protocol.
8. Which assessment finding is most concerning in a client with increased
intracranial pressure?
A. Mild headache
B. Restlessness
C. Decreasing level of consciousness
D. Increased appetite
Answer: Decreasing level of consciousness
Rationale: A declining level of consciousness is an important indicator of
worsening neurologic status and may signal increasing intracranial pressure.
9. A client is receiving morphine after surgery. Which finding requires
immediate intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 8/min
B. Pain rating of 5/10
C. Blood pressure of 128/76 mm Hg
D. Mild nausea
Answer: Respiratory rate of 8/min
Rationale: Opioids can cause respiratory depression. A respiratory rate of 8/min
indicates potentially serious opioid-induced respiratory depression and requires
immediate intervention.
(NGN) Practice Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download
1. A nurse is assessing a client who reports sudden shortness of breath and
chest discomfort. Which finding requires the nurse's immediate attention?
A. Respiratory rate of 22/min
B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
C. Heart rate of 96/min
D. Temperature of 37.2°C (99.0°F)
Answer: Oxygen saturation of 88%
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 88% indicates hypoxemia and requires
prompt assessment and intervention, particularly when accompanied by acute
shortness of breath.
2. A client with heart failure is receiving furosemide. Which laboratory value is
most important for the nurse to monitor?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
,C. Hemoglobin
D. Platelet count
Answer: Potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss.
Hypokalemia increases the risk of dysrhythmias and requires monitoring.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who is
experiencing diaphoresis, tremors, and confusion. What should the nurse
do first?
A. Administer regular insulin
B. Check the client's blood glucose level
C. Encourage the client to ambulate
D. Restrict oral fluids
Answer: Check the client's blood glucose level
Rationale: The client's symptoms are consistent with hypoglycemia. The nurse
should immediately verify the blood glucose level when possible and then
provide appropriate treatment.
4. A postoperative client suddenly develops dyspnea, tachycardia, and chest
pain. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Atelectasis
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Urinary retention
Answer: Pulmonary embolism
Rationale: Sudden dyspnea, tachycardia, and chest pain are classic warning signs
of pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening complication requiring
immediate intervention.
, 5. A nurse is teaching a client who has hypertension about lifestyle
modifications. Which statement indicates effective understanding?
A. "I should increase my sodium intake."
B. "I should stop exercising completely."
C. "I should follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetables."
D. "I should avoid taking my prescribed medications when I feel well."
Answer: I should follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Rationale: A diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and appropriate
sodium restriction can help lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk.
6. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is receiving oxygen.
Which oxygen-delivery method is generally most appropriate when a
precise low concentration of oxygen is needed?
A. Nonrebreather mask
B. Venturi mask
C. Simple face mask
D. Partial-rebreather mask
Answer: Venturi mask
Rationale: A Venturi mask delivers a controlled and precise oxygen
concentration, making it useful when careful oxygen titration is needed in clients
with chronic respiratory disease.
7. A nurse is caring for a client receiving a blood transfusion. The client
develops chills, fever, and back pain. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Increase the transfusion rate
B. Stop the transfusion
, C. Administer another unit of blood
D. Document the findings after the transfusion
Answer: Stop the transfusion
Rationale: Fever, chills, and back pain may indicate an acute transfusion
reaction. The nurse should stop the transfusion immediately and follow the
facility's transfusion-reaction protocol.
8. Which assessment finding is most concerning in a client with increased
intracranial pressure?
A. Mild headache
B. Restlessness
C. Decreasing level of consciousness
D. Increased appetite
Answer: Decreasing level of consciousness
Rationale: A declining level of consciousness is an important indicator of
worsening neurologic status and may signal increasing intracranial pressure.
9. A client is receiving morphine after surgery. Which finding requires
immediate intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 8/min
B. Pain rating of 5/10
C. Blood pressure of 128/76 mm Hg
D. Mild nausea
Answer: Respiratory rate of 8/min
Rationale: Opioids can cause respiratory depression. A respiratory rate of 8/min
indicates potentially serious opioid-induced respiratory depression and requires
immediate intervention.
