30 common multiple‐choice RN exam questions along with their answers. These sample
questions cover a variety of topics—from infection control and pharmacology to patient safety
and nursing interventions—to help you prepare for nursing licensure exams.
1. Infection Control
Which of the following is the most effective method to prevent the spread of infection in a
healthcare setting?
A) Wearing gloves
B) Sterilizing equipment
C) Hand hygiene
D) Using face masks
Answer: C) Hand hygiene
2. IV Therapy Complications
A patient receiving IV therapy exhibits redness, swelling, and tenderness at the insertion site.
Which complication is most likely?
A) Infiltration
B) Extravasation
C) Phlebitis
D) Air embolism
Answer: C) Phlebitis
3. Vital Signs – Temperature
What is the normal range for an adult’s oral body temperature?
A) 97°F to 99°F
B) 95°F to 97°F
C) 98°F to 100°F
D) 99°F to 101°F
Answer: A) 97°F to 99°F
4. Cardiac Assessment
In a patient with congestive heart failure, which finding is most concerning?
A) Elevated blood pressure
B) Peripheral edema
C) Crackles in the lungs
D) Tachycardia
Answer: C) Crackles in the lungs
, 5. Renal Function
Which laboratory value most strongly indicates renal impairment?
A) Elevated creatinine
B) Low potassium
C) High sodium
D) Low blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Answer: A) Elevated creatinine
6. Pharmacology – Antihypertensives
Which medication is a beta-blocker used in the management of hypertension?
A) Lisinopril
B) Metoprolol
C) Amlodipine
D) Furosemide
Answer: B) Metoprolol
7. Pain Assessment
For an adult patient experiencing acute pain, which pain assessment tool is most appropriate?
A) Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
B) Apgar Score
C) Glasgow Coma Scale
D) Braden Scale
Answer: A) Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
8. Nursing Process
In the nursing process, which step involves setting goals and determining interventions?
A) Assessment
B) Diagnosis
C) Planning
D) Evaluation
Answer: C) Planning
9. Postoperative Care
After surgery, which intervention is the top priority for a post‐operative patient?
A) Administering pain medication
B) Checking vital signs
questions cover a variety of topics—from infection control and pharmacology to patient safety
and nursing interventions—to help you prepare for nursing licensure exams.
1. Infection Control
Which of the following is the most effective method to prevent the spread of infection in a
healthcare setting?
A) Wearing gloves
B) Sterilizing equipment
C) Hand hygiene
D) Using face masks
Answer: C) Hand hygiene
2. IV Therapy Complications
A patient receiving IV therapy exhibits redness, swelling, and tenderness at the insertion site.
Which complication is most likely?
A) Infiltration
B) Extravasation
C) Phlebitis
D) Air embolism
Answer: C) Phlebitis
3. Vital Signs – Temperature
What is the normal range for an adult’s oral body temperature?
A) 97°F to 99°F
B) 95°F to 97°F
C) 98°F to 100°F
D) 99°F to 101°F
Answer: A) 97°F to 99°F
4. Cardiac Assessment
In a patient with congestive heart failure, which finding is most concerning?
A) Elevated blood pressure
B) Peripheral edema
C) Crackles in the lungs
D) Tachycardia
Answer: C) Crackles in the lungs
, 5. Renal Function
Which laboratory value most strongly indicates renal impairment?
A) Elevated creatinine
B) Low potassium
C) High sodium
D) Low blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Answer: A) Elevated creatinine
6. Pharmacology – Antihypertensives
Which medication is a beta-blocker used in the management of hypertension?
A) Lisinopril
B) Metoprolol
C) Amlodipine
D) Furosemide
Answer: B) Metoprolol
7. Pain Assessment
For an adult patient experiencing acute pain, which pain assessment tool is most appropriate?
A) Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
B) Apgar Score
C) Glasgow Coma Scale
D) Braden Scale
Answer: A) Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
8. Nursing Process
In the nursing process, which step involves setting goals and determining interventions?
A) Assessment
B) Diagnosis
C) Planning
D) Evaluation
Answer: C) Planning
9. Postoperative Care
After surgery, which intervention is the top priority for a post‐operative patient?
A) Administering pain medication
B) Checking vital signs
