NCLEX-Style Test Bank
Chapter 2: Critical Thinking and the
Nursing Process
Unit 1: Medical-Surgical Nursing Settings
Based on: Medical-Surgical Nursing – Concepts and Practice
5th Edition by Holly K. Stromberg
✔ 50 Original NCLEX-Style Questions
✔ Detailed Rationales for Every Answer
✔ Based on 2025 NCLEX-PN® Test Plan
✔ Ideal for ATI, HESI, and Nursing School Prep
Released: 2025
, NCLEX Test Bank – Chapter 2: Critical Thinking and the
Nursing Process (Unit 1) | 50 Questions + Rationales |
Stromberg 3rd & 5th Edition (2025)
1. A patient with multiple chronic conditions is admitted to the medical-surgical unit.
Which action best demonstrates the LPN/LVN using critical thinking?
A. Following the physician’s orders without question
B. Administering all prescribed medications at once to save time
C. Reviewing the care plan and prioritizing interventions based on patient condition
D. Delegating all assessment tasks to the nursing assistant
Answer: C
Rationale: Critical thinking involves prioritizing care based on patient needs, safety, and
clinical judgment — not simply following orders without analysis.
2. In which step of the nursing process is the LPN/LVN primarily responsible for data
collection?
A. Planning
B. Implementation
C. Evaluation
D. Assessment
Answer: D
Rationale: The LPN/LVN plays a key role in the assessment phase by collecting objective
and subjective data, which are shared with the RN for full analysis.
3. A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient. Which finding should be reported
immediately to the RN as part of clinical judgment?
A. Temperature of 98.9°F
B. Surgical dressing slightly damp
C. Sudden drop in blood pressure from 128/82 to 88/52 mm Hg
D. Patient states, “I’m hungry.”
Answer: C
Rationale: A significant drop in blood pressure postoperatively may indicate
hemorrhage or shock and requires immediate escalation.
4. During interdisciplinary rounds, which action by the LPN/LVN best supports
collaborative care?
A. Silently taking notes and avoiding eye contact
2
, NCLEX Test Bank – Chapter 2: Critical Thinking and the
Nursing Process (Unit 1) | 50 Questions + Rationales |
Stromberg 3rd & 5th Edition (2025)
B. Offering patient observations relevant to the care plan
C. Questioning the physician’s medication orders
D. Refusing to attend rounds due to time constraints
Answer: B
Rationale: Collaboration involves sharing observations that may impact patient
outcomes, within the LPN/LVN's scope of practice.
5. The LPN/LVN notes a new onset of confusion in an elderly patient. What is the most
appropriate first action?
A. Restrain the patient for safety
B. Administer pain medication
C. Notify the RN and document findings
D. Increase fluid intake without an order
Answer: C
Rationale: Reporting abnormal findings to the RN is part of the LPN/LVN’s role in
contributing to clinical decision-making.
6. A nurse is preparing to teach a new LPN/LVN about the nursing process. Which
statement best describes the “evaluation” step?
A. Identifying the patient’s problems
B. Implementing physician orders
C. Determining whether goals were met
D. Assigning tasks to assistive personnel
Answer: C
Rationale: Evaluation is the final step of the nursing process and involves determining
whether interventions met the patient’s goals.
7. A patient states, “I don't think that medicine is helping me.” What critical-thinking
response should the nurse prioritize?
A. “Just keep taking it as ordered.”
B. “That’s not your decision to make.”
C. “Can you tell me more about how you’re feeling?”
D. “I’ll stop it immediately.”
3
Chapter 2: Critical Thinking and the
Nursing Process
Unit 1: Medical-Surgical Nursing Settings
Based on: Medical-Surgical Nursing – Concepts and Practice
5th Edition by Holly K. Stromberg
✔ 50 Original NCLEX-Style Questions
✔ Detailed Rationales for Every Answer
✔ Based on 2025 NCLEX-PN® Test Plan
✔ Ideal for ATI, HESI, and Nursing School Prep
Released: 2025
, NCLEX Test Bank – Chapter 2: Critical Thinking and the
Nursing Process (Unit 1) | 50 Questions + Rationales |
Stromberg 3rd & 5th Edition (2025)
1. A patient with multiple chronic conditions is admitted to the medical-surgical unit.
Which action best demonstrates the LPN/LVN using critical thinking?
A. Following the physician’s orders without question
B. Administering all prescribed medications at once to save time
C. Reviewing the care plan and prioritizing interventions based on patient condition
D. Delegating all assessment tasks to the nursing assistant
Answer: C
Rationale: Critical thinking involves prioritizing care based on patient needs, safety, and
clinical judgment — not simply following orders without analysis.
2. In which step of the nursing process is the LPN/LVN primarily responsible for data
collection?
A. Planning
B. Implementation
C. Evaluation
D. Assessment
Answer: D
Rationale: The LPN/LVN plays a key role in the assessment phase by collecting objective
and subjective data, which are shared with the RN for full analysis.
3. A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient. Which finding should be reported
immediately to the RN as part of clinical judgment?
A. Temperature of 98.9°F
B. Surgical dressing slightly damp
C. Sudden drop in blood pressure from 128/82 to 88/52 mm Hg
D. Patient states, “I’m hungry.”
Answer: C
Rationale: A significant drop in blood pressure postoperatively may indicate
hemorrhage or shock and requires immediate escalation.
4. During interdisciplinary rounds, which action by the LPN/LVN best supports
collaborative care?
A. Silently taking notes and avoiding eye contact
2
, NCLEX Test Bank – Chapter 2: Critical Thinking and the
Nursing Process (Unit 1) | 50 Questions + Rationales |
Stromberg 3rd & 5th Edition (2025)
B. Offering patient observations relevant to the care plan
C. Questioning the physician’s medication orders
D. Refusing to attend rounds due to time constraints
Answer: B
Rationale: Collaboration involves sharing observations that may impact patient
outcomes, within the LPN/LVN's scope of practice.
5. The LPN/LVN notes a new onset of confusion in an elderly patient. What is the most
appropriate first action?
A. Restrain the patient for safety
B. Administer pain medication
C. Notify the RN and document findings
D. Increase fluid intake without an order
Answer: C
Rationale: Reporting abnormal findings to the RN is part of the LPN/LVN’s role in
contributing to clinical decision-making.
6. A nurse is preparing to teach a new LPN/LVN about the nursing process. Which
statement best describes the “evaluation” step?
A. Identifying the patient’s problems
B. Implementing physician orders
C. Determining whether goals were met
D. Assigning tasks to assistive personnel
Answer: C
Rationale: Evaluation is the final step of the nursing process and involves determining
whether interventions met the patient’s goals.
7. A patient states, “I don't think that medicine is helping me.” What critical-thinking
response should the nurse prioritize?
A. “Just keep taking it as ordered.”
B. “That’s not your decision to make.”
C. “Can you tell me more about how you’re feeling?”
D. “I’ll stop it immediately.”
3
