TEXAS NCLEX-PN LICENSING EXAM —
PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
AND RATIONALES
1. A practical nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia.
Which finding requires the most immediate attention?
A. Temperature of 38.1°C (100.6°F)
B. Productive cough with yellow sputum
C. Respiratory rate of 30/min with oxygen saturation of 88%
D. Fatigue after ambulation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tachypnea and oxygen saturation of 88% indicate
impaired oxygenation and require immediate intervention.
2. A client receiving oxygen through a nasal cannula reports
dryness of the nasal passages. Which intervention is
appropriate?
A. Apply petroleum jelly inside the nostrils
,B. Use a water-soluble lubricant
C. Increase the oxygen flow rate
D. Remove the oxygen every hour
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Water-soluble lubricants can relieve dryness.
Petroleum-based products should not be used around oxygen
because they are combustible.
3. Which position is generally most appropriate for a client
experiencing dyspnea?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. High-Fowler's
D. Sims'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: High-Fowler's promotes maximum lung expansion
and can improve ventilation.
,4. A client with diabetes is awake, alert, and experiencing
shakiness and diaphoresis. What should the practical nurse do
first?
A. Administer regular insulin
B. Give a rapid-acting carbohydrate
C. Encourage exercise
D. Restrict oral fluids
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Shakiness and diaphoresis are common
manifestations of hypoglycemia. An alert client should receive
a rapidly absorbed carbohydrate.
5. Which finding is most consistent with hyperglycemia?
A. Diaphoresis
B. Tremors
C. Polyuria and polydipsia
D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: C
, Rationale: Increased urination and thirst are classic
manifestations of elevated blood glucose.
6. A client taking furosemide should be monitored closely for
which electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypermagnesemia
D. Hypernatremia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can increase
potassium excretion, causing hypokalemia.
7. Which food is a good source of potassium?
A. White rice
B. Banana
C. Butter
D. Hard candy
Correct Answer: B
PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
AND RATIONALES
1. A practical nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia.
Which finding requires the most immediate attention?
A. Temperature of 38.1°C (100.6°F)
B. Productive cough with yellow sputum
C. Respiratory rate of 30/min with oxygen saturation of 88%
D. Fatigue after ambulation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tachypnea and oxygen saturation of 88% indicate
impaired oxygenation and require immediate intervention.
2. A client receiving oxygen through a nasal cannula reports
dryness of the nasal passages. Which intervention is
appropriate?
A. Apply petroleum jelly inside the nostrils
,B. Use a water-soluble lubricant
C. Increase the oxygen flow rate
D. Remove the oxygen every hour
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Water-soluble lubricants can relieve dryness.
Petroleum-based products should not be used around oxygen
because they are combustible.
3. Which position is generally most appropriate for a client
experiencing dyspnea?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. High-Fowler's
D. Sims'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: High-Fowler's promotes maximum lung expansion
and can improve ventilation.
,4. A client with diabetes is awake, alert, and experiencing
shakiness and diaphoresis. What should the practical nurse do
first?
A. Administer regular insulin
B. Give a rapid-acting carbohydrate
C. Encourage exercise
D. Restrict oral fluids
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Shakiness and diaphoresis are common
manifestations of hypoglycemia. An alert client should receive
a rapidly absorbed carbohydrate.
5. Which finding is most consistent with hyperglycemia?
A. Diaphoresis
B. Tremors
C. Polyuria and polydipsia
D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: C
, Rationale: Increased urination and thirst are classic
manifestations of elevated blood glucose.
6. A client taking furosemide should be monitored closely for
which electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypermagnesemia
D. Hypernatremia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can increase
potassium excretion, causing hypokalemia.
7. Which food is a good source of potassium?
A. White rice
B. Banana
C. Butter
D. Hard candy
Correct Answer: B
