REx-PN Final Review 2026–2027: 500 Questions, Answers &
Rationales
REx-PN Final 2026–2027|
Complete Test Prep Practice
Questions With Answers &
Detailed Rationales |clinical
Judgment &Safety |A+ Rated
1. A nurse is assessing a client who reports shortness of breath.
Which finding requires the most immediate attention?
A. Respiratory rate of 22/min
B. Oxygen saturation of 89%
C. Heart rate of 98/min
D. Temperature of 37.4°C
Answer: B. Oxygen saturation of 89%
An oxygen saturation of 89% indicates hypoxemia and requires
prompt assessment and intervention, particularly if it is below the
client's expected baseline.
2. Which action is most effective for preventing healthcare-
associated infections?
A. Wearing gloves for every client interaction
B. Performing hand hygiene at appropriate times
,C. Wearing a surgical mask during medication administration
D. Keeping client doors closed
Answer: B. Performing hand hygiene at appropriate times
Hand hygiene is the primary measure for reducing transmission of
microorganisms in healthcare settings.
3. A client is at risk for falls. Which intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Keep all four side rails raised
B. Place the call bell within reach
C. Encourage the client to walk independently
D. Keep the room dark at night
Answer: B. Place the call bell within reach
Easy access to the call bell allows the client to request assistance
before attempting to get out of bed.
4. Which finding should the nurse report immediately after
administering an opioid?
A. Respiratory rate of 8/min
B. Mild nausea
C. Dry mouth
D. Constipation
Answer: A. Respiratory rate of 8/min
Significant respiratory depression is a potentially life-threatening
opioid adverse effect and requires immediate intervention.
,5. A client is confused and repeatedly attempts to climb out of bed.
What should the nurse do first?
A. Apply wrist restraints
B. Administer a sedative
C. Determine the cause of the confusion
D. Raise all four side rails
Answer: C. Determine the cause of the confusion
Acute confusion may result from hypoxia, infection, medication
effects, metabolic abnormalities, pain, or other reversible causes. The
underlying cause should be assessed first.
6. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. Client requesting a blanket
B. Client with new-onset chest pressure
C. Client waiting for discharge instructions
D. Client reporting mild constipation
Answer: B. Client with new-onset chest pressure
New chest pressure may indicate acute coronary syndrome and takes
priority because it can be life-threatening.
7. A nurse is preparing to administer medication. Which
identification method is appropriate?
A. Ask the client to state their room number
B. Verify the client's name and another approved identifier
C. Identify the client by appearance
D. Ask another client to identify them
Answer: B. Verify the client's name and another approved identifier
, Using two approved identifiers helps prevent medication errors
caused by incorrect client identification.
8. A client suddenly becomes unresponsive. What should the nurse
do first?
A. Obtain a blood pressure
B. Check responsiveness and breathing
C. Document the event
D. Call the family
Answer: B. Check responsiveness and breathing
The initial assessment focuses on responsiveness and breathing so
that life-threatening deterioration can be recognized immediately.
9. Which position generally promotes lung expansion in a client
experiencing dyspnea?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. High Fowler's
D. Prone
Answer: C. High Fowler's
High Fowler's positioning facilitates diaphragmatic expansion and
can improve ventilation.
10. A client reports pain rated 8/10. What is the nurse's best initial
response?
A. "You don't appear to be in severe pain."
B. "Pain is expected with your condition."
Rationales
REx-PN Final 2026–2027|
Complete Test Prep Practice
Questions With Answers &
Detailed Rationales |clinical
Judgment &Safety |A+ Rated
1. A nurse is assessing a client who reports shortness of breath.
Which finding requires the most immediate attention?
A. Respiratory rate of 22/min
B. Oxygen saturation of 89%
C. Heart rate of 98/min
D. Temperature of 37.4°C
Answer: B. Oxygen saturation of 89%
An oxygen saturation of 89% indicates hypoxemia and requires
prompt assessment and intervention, particularly if it is below the
client's expected baseline.
2. Which action is most effective for preventing healthcare-
associated infections?
A. Wearing gloves for every client interaction
B. Performing hand hygiene at appropriate times
,C. Wearing a surgical mask during medication administration
D. Keeping client doors closed
Answer: B. Performing hand hygiene at appropriate times
Hand hygiene is the primary measure for reducing transmission of
microorganisms in healthcare settings.
3. A client is at risk for falls. Which intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Keep all four side rails raised
B. Place the call bell within reach
C. Encourage the client to walk independently
D. Keep the room dark at night
Answer: B. Place the call bell within reach
Easy access to the call bell allows the client to request assistance
before attempting to get out of bed.
4. Which finding should the nurse report immediately after
administering an opioid?
A. Respiratory rate of 8/min
B. Mild nausea
C. Dry mouth
D. Constipation
Answer: A. Respiratory rate of 8/min
Significant respiratory depression is a potentially life-threatening
opioid adverse effect and requires immediate intervention.
,5. A client is confused and repeatedly attempts to climb out of bed.
What should the nurse do first?
A. Apply wrist restraints
B. Administer a sedative
C. Determine the cause of the confusion
D. Raise all four side rails
Answer: C. Determine the cause of the confusion
Acute confusion may result from hypoxia, infection, medication
effects, metabolic abnormalities, pain, or other reversible causes. The
underlying cause should be assessed first.
6. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. Client requesting a blanket
B. Client with new-onset chest pressure
C. Client waiting for discharge instructions
D. Client reporting mild constipation
Answer: B. Client with new-onset chest pressure
New chest pressure may indicate acute coronary syndrome and takes
priority because it can be life-threatening.
7. A nurse is preparing to administer medication. Which
identification method is appropriate?
A. Ask the client to state their room number
B. Verify the client's name and another approved identifier
C. Identify the client by appearance
D. Ask another client to identify them
Answer: B. Verify the client's name and another approved identifier
, Using two approved identifiers helps prevent medication errors
caused by incorrect client identification.
8. A client suddenly becomes unresponsive. What should the nurse
do first?
A. Obtain a blood pressure
B. Check responsiveness and breathing
C. Document the event
D. Call the family
Answer: B. Check responsiveness and breathing
The initial assessment focuses on responsiveness and breathing so
that life-threatening deterioration can be recognized immediately.
9. Which position generally promotes lung expansion in a client
experiencing dyspnea?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. High Fowler's
D. Prone
Answer: C. High Fowler's
High Fowler's positioning facilitates diaphragmatic expansion and
can improve ventilation.
10. A client reports pain rated 8/10. What is the nurse's best initial
response?
A. "You don't appear to be in severe pain."
B. "Pain is expected with your condition."
