NACE EXAM 2026| Actual Exam
Questions and Correct Answers
A nurse is caring for a client who has not voided for several hours. When percussing the
client's bladder to assess for distention, the nurse should expect to hear which of these
sounds?
• Tympany
• Hyperresonance
• Dullness
• Resonance
Correct answer: Dullness
A distended bladder filled with fluid produces a dull percussion note over the suprapubic area.
Tympany is heard over air-filled structures, resonance over normal lung tissue, and
hyperresonance over hyperinflated lungs.
A nurse is preparing to change a client's sterile dressing. Which actions by the nurse, if
observed, would contaminate the sterile field?
• The nurse opens the sterile dressing tray without touching the inner surface of the
wrapper
• The nurse removes the indicator tape from a package of sterile 4x4's and opens the first
flap with a motion away from the nurse's body
• The nurse spills sterile saline on the sterile field
• The nurse handles the inside of the sterile gown when putting it on
Correct answer: The nurse spills sterile saline on the sterile field
Moisture that soaks through a sterile field creates a pathway for microorganisms, contaminating
the field. The other actions maintain sterility.
A nurse removes an indwelling urethral (Foley) catheter from a client. Six hours later, the
nurse notes that the client has not voided. Which of these actions should the nurse take?
• Apply pressure to the client's suprapubic area
• Obtain an order to recatheterize the client
, • Run the tap water while the client is on the toilet
• Tell the client to call whenever there is the urge to void
Correct answer: Run the tap water while the client is on the toilet
The sound of running water is a non-invasive stimulus that often helps initiate voiding after
catheter removal.
A client who is jaundiced reports itching. To relieve the itching, which of these measures
would be most helpful?
• Having the client wear clothing made from synthetic fibers
• Giving the client sponge baths with tepid water several times a day
• Rubbing the client's skin with diluted alcohol
• Exposing the client to the direct rays of the sun
Correct answer: Giving the client sponge baths with tepid water several times a day
Tepid sponge baths help soothe pruritus associated with jaundice without drying the skin further.
A nurse is assigned to care for a client who has pulmonary tuberculosis and is coughing.
Which of these protective devices should the nurse put on before entering the client's room
to give an oral medication?
• Mask
• Gloves
• Gown
• Eye shield
Correct answer: Mask
Airborne precautions for tuberculosis require a particulate respirator (N95) or appropriate mask
to protect against inhalation of droplet nuclei.
A nurse is instructing a client on how to limit saturated fat intake and increase intake of
foods high in polyunsaturated fat. Which of these fats is highest in polyunsaturated fatty
acids?
• Corn oil
• Vegetable shortening
• Olive oil
• Butter
,Correct answer: Corn oil
Corn oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Olive oil is primarily monounsaturated, while
shortening and butter are high in saturated fat.
A nurse obtains a tympanic electronic thermometer reading of 97°F (36.1°C) on a client
who is flushed and warm to touch. Which of these actions should the nurse take next?
• Return the electronic unit and connect it to the source to recharge the batteries
• Report the reading to the nurse-in-charge
• Recheck the temperature with another thermometer
• Recheck the temperature in a half-hour
Correct answer: Recheck the temperature with another thermometer
An inconsistent reading with clinical signs warrants immediate verification with a different
thermometer before reporting or acting further.
A nurse who is caring for a client with a nursing diagnosis of impaired physical mobility
repositions the client every two hours. Which of these steps of the nursing process does the
nurse demonstrate?
• Planning
• Assessing
• Analyzing
• Implementing
Correct answer: Implementing
Carrying out a planned intervention (repositioning) is the implementation phase of the nursing
process.
Before nurses obtain information about a client's sexual health status as part of the
admission assessment, it would be most important for nurses to assess their own
• interviewing techniques
• gender role identity
• knowledge of sexual reproduction
• personal attitudes about sexuality
Correct answer: personal attitudes about sexuality
Self-awareness of personal attitudes prevents bias and promotes non-judgmental assessment of
sexual health.
, A nurse is caring for a client whose laboratory reports indicate hypernatremia. Which of
these measures should be included in this client's plan of care?
• Inserting an indwelling catheter
• Increasing fluid intake
• Elevating the lower extremities
• Monitoring respiratory rate
Correct answer: Increasing fluid intake
Hypernatremia is treated by restoring free water, usually by increasing oral or intravenous fluid
intake.
A nurse is teaching a client how to maintain a low-fat diet when dining out in restaurants.
During the interview, the client gazes out the window without comment or question. The
nurse should take which of these actions?
• Say nothing more until the client makes a verbal response
• Use visual aids to get the client's attention
• Say, "You don't seem very interested in this discussion"
• Ask, "Why are you behaving in this hostile manner?"
Correct answer: Say nothing more until the client makes a verbal response
Allowing silence gives the client time to process information and respond without pressure.
A nurse prepares to teach a client how to self-administer injections. The nurse has planned
to teach the client about the medication during this session. The client says repeatedly,
"You mean I have to stick myself with a needle?" Which of these responses would be most
supportive of the learning process?
• I see that you're upset, but let's start by discussing what the drug can do for you
• Many people have this same concern, but it won't be as hard as you expect
• You're bothered by the thought of injecting yourself
• I wonder if you're reacting to the feelings that people have about illegal drug use
Correct answer: You're bothered by the thought of injecting yourself
Reflecting the client’s feeling acknowledges the concern and opens the door for further
discussion and teaching.
A client has an order for psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid (Metamucil) 1 packet po qd.
Which of these actions is essential when a nurse is preparing to administer this medication?
Questions and Correct Answers
A nurse is caring for a client who has not voided for several hours. When percussing the
client's bladder to assess for distention, the nurse should expect to hear which of these
sounds?
• Tympany
• Hyperresonance
• Dullness
• Resonance
Correct answer: Dullness
A distended bladder filled with fluid produces a dull percussion note over the suprapubic area.
Tympany is heard over air-filled structures, resonance over normal lung tissue, and
hyperresonance over hyperinflated lungs.
A nurse is preparing to change a client's sterile dressing. Which actions by the nurse, if
observed, would contaminate the sterile field?
• The nurse opens the sterile dressing tray without touching the inner surface of the
wrapper
• The nurse removes the indicator tape from a package of sterile 4x4's and opens the first
flap with a motion away from the nurse's body
• The nurse spills sterile saline on the sterile field
• The nurse handles the inside of the sterile gown when putting it on
Correct answer: The nurse spills sterile saline on the sterile field
Moisture that soaks through a sterile field creates a pathway for microorganisms, contaminating
the field. The other actions maintain sterility.
A nurse removes an indwelling urethral (Foley) catheter from a client. Six hours later, the
nurse notes that the client has not voided. Which of these actions should the nurse take?
• Apply pressure to the client's suprapubic area
• Obtain an order to recatheterize the client
, • Run the tap water while the client is on the toilet
• Tell the client to call whenever there is the urge to void
Correct answer: Run the tap water while the client is on the toilet
The sound of running water is a non-invasive stimulus that often helps initiate voiding after
catheter removal.
A client who is jaundiced reports itching. To relieve the itching, which of these measures
would be most helpful?
• Having the client wear clothing made from synthetic fibers
• Giving the client sponge baths with tepid water several times a day
• Rubbing the client's skin with diluted alcohol
• Exposing the client to the direct rays of the sun
Correct answer: Giving the client sponge baths with tepid water several times a day
Tepid sponge baths help soothe pruritus associated with jaundice without drying the skin further.
A nurse is assigned to care for a client who has pulmonary tuberculosis and is coughing.
Which of these protective devices should the nurse put on before entering the client's room
to give an oral medication?
• Mask
• Gloves
• Gown
• Eye shield
Correct answer: Mask
Airborne precautions for tuberculosis require a particulate respirator (N95) or appropriate mask
to protect against inhalation of droplet nuclei.
A nurse is instructing a client on how to limit saturated fat intake and increase intake of
foods high in polyunsaturated fat. Which of these fats is highest in polyunsaturated fatty
acids?
• Corn oil
• Vegetable shortening
• Olive oil
• Butter
,Correct answer: Corn oil
Corn oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Olive oil is primarily monounsaturated, while
shortening and butter are high in saturated fat.
A nurse obtains a tympanic electronic thermometer reading of 97°F (36.1°C) on a client
who is flushed and warm to touch. Which of these actions should the nurse take next?
• Return the electronic unit and connect it to the source to recharge the batteries
• Report the reading to the nurse-in-charge
• Recheck the temperature with another thermometer
• Recheck the temperature in a half-hour
Correct answer: Recheck the temperature with another thermometer
An inconsistent reading with clinical signs warrants immediate verification with a different
thermometer before reporting or acting further.
A nurse who is caring for a client with a nursing diagnosis of impaired physical mobility
repositions the client every two hours. Which of these steps of the nursing process does the
nurse demonstrate?
• Planning
• Assessing
• Analyzing
• Implementing
Correct answer: Implementing
Carrying out a planned intervention (repositioning) is the implementation phase of the nursing
process.
Before nurses obtain information about a client's sexual health status as part of the
admission assessment, it would be most important for nurses to assess their own
• interviewing techniques
• gender role identity
• knowledge of sexual reproduction
• personal attitudes about sexuality
Correct answer: personal attitudes about sexuality
Self-awareness of personal attitudes prevents bias and promotes non-judgmental assessment of
sexual health.
, A nurse is caring for a client whose laboratory reports indicate hypernatremia. Which of
these measures should be included in this client's plan of care?
• Inserting an indwelling catheter
• Increasing fluid intake
• Elevating the lower extremities
• Monitoring respiratory rate
Correct answer: Increasing fluid intake
Hypernatremia is treated by restoring free water, usually by increasing oral or intravenous fluid
intake.
A nurse is teaching a client how to maintain a low-fat diet when dining out in restaurants.
During the interview, the client gazes out the window without comment or question. The
nurse should take which of these actions?
• Say nothing more until the client makes a verbal response
• Use visual aids to get the client's attention
• Say, "You don't seem very interested in this discussion"
• Ask, "Why are you behaving in this hostile manner?"
Correct answer: Say nothing more until the client makes a verbal response
Allowing silence gives the client time to process information and respond without pressure.
A nurse prepares to teach a client how to self-administer injections. The nurse has planned
to teach the client about the medication during this session. The client says repeatedly,
"You mean I have to stick myself with a needle?" Which of these responses would be most
supportive of the learning process?
• I see that you're upset, but let's start by discussing what the drug can do for you
• Many people have this same concern, but it won't be as hard as you expect
• You're bothered by the thought of injecting yourself
• I wonder if you're reacting to the feelings that people have about illegal drug use
Correct answer: You're bothered by the thought of injecting yourself
Reflecting the client’s feeling acknowledges the concern and opens the door for further
discussion and teaching.
A client has an order for psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid (Metamucil) 1 packet po qd.
Which of these actions is essential when a nurse is preparing to administer this medication?
