Master the CPNRE 2026: 110+ Free Practice
Questions with Detailed Answers
Description:
Get fully prepared for the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination with our extensive
collection of 110+ updated practice questions and answers for 2026. Each question includes
in-depth explanations based on current best practices and CNO standards, covering essential
topics like medication safety, prioritization, legal/ethical decisions, and client care across the
lifespan. Build the confidence and knowledge you need to pass on your first attempt.
Download your free ultimate study guide now and start your journey to nursing success today!
, CPNRE Practice Questions 2026: 110+ Prep Questions & Answers
1. The nurse is administering heparin via the subcutaneous route. Which intervention should the
nurse implement?
a. Prepare the medication using a 25-gauge, ½ inch needle
b. After injecting the needle, aspirate and observe for blood
c. After removing the needle, massage the area gently
d. Administer the medication in the client's "love handles"
Answer: a. Prepare the medication using a 25-gauge, ½ inch needle
Explanation: A 25-gauge, ½ inch needle is appropriate for subcutaneous injections. The nurse
should NOT aspirate for blood when administering heparin, as this can cause tissue trauma and
bruising. Massaging the site can also lead to bruising. Heparin should be administered in the
abdomen, at least 2 inches away from the umbilicus, not in the "love handles" (flanks).
2. The nurse is administering morning medications on a medical floor. Which medication should
the nurse administer first?
a. Regular insulin sliding scale to an elderly client diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus
b. Methylprednisolone, a glucocorticoid, to a client diagnosed with lupus erythematosus
c. Morphine, a narcotic analgesic, to a client diagnosed with AIDS
d. Lasix, a diuretic, to a client with hypertension
Answer: a. Regular insulin sliding scale to an elderly client diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes
mellitus
Explanation: Regular insulin is typically administered 15-30 minutes before a meal to prevent
postprandial hyperglycemia. Timing is therefore critical. The other medications, while important,
can be administered within a wider, acceptable time frame (e.g., 30 minutes before or after the
scheduled time).
3. Which data would indicate that the antibiotic therapy has been successful for a client
diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia?
a. The client's hematocrit is within normal range
b. The client is expectorating thick green sputum
,c. The client's lung sounds are clear to auscultation
d. The client has complaints of pleuritic chest pain
Answer: c. The client's lung sounds are clear to auscultation
Explanation: A primary symptom of pneumonia is adventitious lung sounds like crackles,
wheezes, or rhonchi due to fluid and inflammation. Clear lung sounds indicate resolution of the
infection and that the antibiotic therapy is effective. Options a, b, and d are all symptoms or
findings associated with active pneumonia.
4. The nurse is administering Humalog (insulin lispro) at 0730 to a client diagnosed with Type 1
diabetes. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
a. Ensure the client eats at least 90% of the lunch tray
b. Do not administer unless the breakfast tray is in the client's room
c. Check the client's blood glucose level 1 hour after receiving the insulin
d. Have 50% dextrose in water at the bedside for emergency use
Answer: b. Do not administer unless the breakfast tray is in the client's room
Explanation: Humalog is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes. It must be
administered immediately before a meal (or just after starting a meal) to prevent rapid-onset
hypoglycemia. The meal must be present and ready for the client to eat.
5. The client has a severe anaphylactic reaction to insect bites. What priority discharge
intervention should the nurse discuss with the client?
a. Wear an insect repellent on exposed skin
b. Keep prescribed antihistamines on their person
c. Keep an EpiPen in the refrigerator at all times
d. Wear a MedicAlert identification bracelet
Answer: d. Wear a MedicAlert identification bracelet
Explanation: While all interventions are appropriate, the priority is ensuring that in an
emergency where the client is unable to communicate, first responders are immediately aware of
the life-threatening allergy. A MedicAlert bracelet provides this critical information instantly.
, 6. The client's mother contacts the clinic regarding medication administration stating, "My
daughter cannot swallow this capsule. It's too large." Investigation reveals that the medication is
a capsule marked SR. The nurse should instruct the mother to:
a. Open the capsule and mix the medication with apple sauce
b. Crush the medication and administer it with a glass of liquid
c. Call the pharmacist and request a change to a different medication
d. Stop the medication and inform the physician
Answer: d. Stop the medication and inform the physician
Explanation: "SR" means sustained-release. Altering the capsule (crushing, opening, chewing)
destroys the extended-release mechanism, potentially leading to a rapid, dangerous overdose of
the medication. The prescriber must be notified to find an alternative (e.g., a smaller pill, a liquid
form, or a different medication).
7. The client calls the nursing station and requests pain medication. When the nurse enters the
room with the narcotic medication, the nurse finds the client laughing and talking with visitors.
Which action should the nurse take first?
a. Administer the client's prescribed pain medication
b. Assess the client's perception of pain on a 1-10 scale
c. Wait until the visitors leave to administer any medication
d. Check the MAR to see if there is a nonnarcotic medication ordered
Answer: b. Assess the client's perception of pain on a 1-10 scale
Explanation: Pain is subjective. A client can laugh and talk with visitors and still be in
significant pain. The nurse's first action is always to assess the client's current pain level to
determine the appropriate intervention, rather than making assumptions based on appearance.
8. The client in hypovolemic shock is receiving normal saline by rapid intravenous infusion.
Which assessment data would warrant immediate intervention by the nurse?
a. The client's blood pressure is 89/48
b. The client's pulse oximeter reading is 95%
Questions with Detailed Answers
Description:
Get fully prepared for the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination with our extensive
collection of 110+ updated practice questions and answers for 2026. Each question includes
in-depth explanations based on current best practices and CNO standards, covering essential
topics like medication safety, prioritization, legal/ethical decisions, and client care across the
lifespan. Build the confidence and knowledge you need to pass on your first attempt.
Download your free ultimate study guide now and start your journey to nursing success today!
, CPNRE Practice Questions 2026: 110+ Prep Questions & Answers
1. The nurse is administering heparin via the subcutaneous route. Which intervention should the
nurse implement?
a. Prepare the medication using a 25-gauge, ½ inch needle
b. After injecting the needle, aspirate and observe for blood
c. After removing the needle, massage the area gently
d. Administer the medication in the client's "love handles"
Answer: a. Prepare the medication using a 25-gauge, ½ inch needle
Explanation: A 25-gauge, ½ inch needle is appropriate for subcutaneous injections. The nurse
should NOT aspirate for blood when administering heparin, as this can cause tissue trauma and
bruising. Massaging the site can also lead to bruising. Heparin should be administered in the
abdomen, at least 2 inches away from the umbilicus, not in the "love handles" (flanks).
2. The nurse is administering morning medications on a medical floor. Which medication should
the nurse administer first?
a. Regular insulin sliding scale to an elderly client diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus
b. Methylprednisolone, a glucocorticoid, to a client diagnosed with lupus erythematosus
c. Morphine, a narcotic analgesic, to a client diagnosed with AIDS
d. Lasix, a diuretic, to a client with hypertension
Answer: a. Regular insulin sliding scale to an elderly client diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes
mellitus
Explanation: Regular insulin is typically administered 15-30 minutes before a meal to prevent
postprandial hyperglycemia. Timing is therefore critical. The other medications, while important,
can be administered within a wider, acceptable time frame (e.g., 30 minutes before or after the
scheduled time).
3. Which data would indicate that the antibiotic therapy has been successful for a client
diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia?
a. The client's hematocrit is within normal range
b. The client is expectorating thick green sputum
,c. The client's lung sounds are clear to auscultation
d. The client has complaints of pleuritic chest pain
Answer: c. The client's lung sounds are clear to auscultation
Explanation: A primary symptom of pneumonia is adventitious lung sounds like crackles,
wheezes, or rhonchi due to fluid and inflammation. Clear lung sounds indicate resolution of the
infection and that the antibiotic therapy is effective. Options a, b, and d are all symptoms or
findings associated with active pneumonia.
4. The nurse is administering Humalog (insulin lispro) at 0730 to a client diagnosed with Type 1
diabetes. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
a. Ensure the client eats at least 90% of the lunch tray
b. Do not administer unless the breakfast tray is in the client's room
c. Check the client's blood glucose level 1 hour after receiving the insulin
d. Have 50% dextrose in water at the bedside for emergency use
Answer: b. Do not administer unless the breakfast tray is in the client's room
Explanation: Humalog is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes. It must be
administered immediately before a meal (or just after starting a meal) to prevent rapid-onset
hypoglycemia. The meal must be present and ready for the client to eat.
5. The client has a severe anaphylactic reaction to insect bites. What priority discharge
intervention should the nurse discuss with the client?
a. Wear an insect repellent on exposed skin
b. Keep prescribed antihistamines on their person
c. Keep an EpiPen in the refrigerator at all times
d. Wear a MedicAlert identification bracelet
Answer: d. Wear a MedicAlert identification bracelet
Explanation: While all interventions are appropriate, the priority is ensuring that in an
emergency where the client is unable to communicate, first responders are immediately aware of
the life-threatening allergy. A MedicAlert bracelet provides this critical information instantly.
, 6. The client's mother contacts the clinic regarding medication administration stating, "My
daughter cannot swallow this capsule. It's too large." Investigation reveals that the medication is
a capsule marked SR. The nurse should instruct the mother to:
a. Open the capsule and mix the medication with apple sauce
b. Crush the medication and administer it with a glass of liquid
c. Call the pharmacist and request a change to a different medication
d. Stop the medication and inform the physician
Answer: d. Stop the medication and inform the physician
Explanation: "SR" means sustained-release. Altering the capsule (crushing, opening, chewing)
destroys the extended-release mechanism, potentially leading to a rapid, dangerous overdose of
the medication. The prescriber must be notified to find an alternative (e.g., a smaller pill, a liquid
form, or a different medication).
7. The client calls the nursing station and requests pain medication. When the nurse enters the
room with the narcotic medication, the nurse finds the client laughing and talking with visitors.
Which action should the nurse take first?
a. Administer the client's prescribed pain medication
b. Assess the client's perception of pain on a 1-10 scale
c. Wait until the visitors leave to administer any medication
d. Check the MAR to see if there is a nonnarcotic medication ordered
Answer: b. Assess the client's perception of pain on a 1-10 scale
Explanation: Pain is subjective. A client can laugh and talk with visitors and still be in
significant pain. The nurse's first action is always to assess the client's current pain level to
determine the appropriate intervention, rather than making assumptions based on appearance.
8. The client in hypovolemic shock is receiving normal saline by rapid intravenous infusion.
Which assessment data would warrant immediate intervention by the nurse?
a. The client's blood pressure is 89/48
b. The client's pulse oximeter reading is 95%
