NCLEX-PN Exam Questions with Detailed Explanations
1. A nurse is caring for a postoperative client who is drowsy and has shallow breathing. What should the
nurse do first?
A. Increase the IV fluid rate
B. Stimulate the client to promote deeper breathing
C. Administer pain medication as prescribed
D. Document the client's status in the medical record
Correct Answer: B. Stimulate the client to promote deeper breathing
Explanation: The client's shallow breathing shows a risk of hypoventilation, which can cause low oxygen
levels. The priority is to stimulate the client to breathe more deeply to avoid complications. Giving more fluids
or pain meds without fixing the breathing may make it worse. Documentation is important but not the first step
in an urgent situation.
Page 1
, NCLEX-PN Exam Questions with Detailed Explanations
2. A nurse is caring for a postoperative client who is drowsy and has shallow breathing. What should the
nurse do first?
A. Increase the IV fluid rate
B. Stimulate the client to promote deeper breathing
C. Administer pain medication as prescribed
D. Document the client's status in the medical record
Correct Answer: B. Stimulate the client to promote deeper breathing
Explanation: The client's shallow breathing shows a risk of hypoventilation, which can cause low oxygen
levels. The priority is to stimulate the client to breathe more deeply to avoid complications. Giving more fluids
or pain meds without fixing the breathing may make it worse. Documentation is important but not the first step
in an urgent situation.
Page 2
, NCLEX-PN Exam Questions with Detailed Explanations
3. A nurse is caring for a postoperative client who is drowsy and has shallow breathing. What should the
nurse do first?
A. Increase the IV fluid rate
B. Stimulate the client to promote deeper breathing
C. Administer pain medication as prescribed
D. Document the client's status in the medical record
Correct Answer: B. Stimulate the client to promote deeper breathing
Explanation: The client's shallow breathing shows a risk of hypoventilation, which can cause low oxygen
levels. The priority is to stimulate the client to breathe more deeply to avoid complications. Giving more fluids
or pain meds without fixing the breathing may make it worse. Documentation is important but not the first step
in an urgent situation.
Page 3
, NCLEX-PN Exam Questions with Detailed Explanations
4. A nurse is caring for a postoperative client who is drowsy and has shallow breathing. What should the
nurse do first?
A. Increase the IV fluid rate
B. Stimulate the client to promote deeper breathing
C. Administer pain medication as prescribed
D. Document the client's status in the medical record
Correct Answer: B. Stimulate the client to promote deeper breathing
Explanation: The client's shallow breathing shows a risk of hypoventilation, which can cause low oxygen
levels. The priority is to stimulate the client to breathe more deeply to avoid complications. Giving more fluids
or pain meds without fixing the breathing may make it worse. Documentation is important but not the first step
in an urgent situation.
Page 4
1. A nurse is caring for a postoperative client who is drowsy and has shallow breathing. What should the
nurse do first?
A. Increase the IV fluid rate
B. Stimulate the client to promote deeper breathing
C. Administer pain medication as prescribed
D. Document the client's status in the medical record
Correct Answer: B. Stimulate the client to promote deeper breathing
Explanation: The client's shallow breathing shows a risk of hypoventilation, which can cause low oxygen
levels. The priority is to stimulate the client to breathe more deeply to avoid complications. Giving more fluids
or pain meds without fixing the breathing may make it worse. Documentation is important but not the first step
in an urgent situation.
Page 1
, NCLEX-PN Exam Questions with Detailed Explanations
2. A nurse is caring for a postoperative client who is drowsy and has shallow breathing. What should the
nurse do first?
A. Increase the IV fluid rate
B. Stimulate the client to promote deeper breathing
C. Administer pain medication as prescribed
D. Document the client's status in the medical record
Correct Answer: B. Stimulate the client to promote deeper breathing
Explanation: The client's shallow breathing shows a risk of hypoventilation, which can cause low oxygen
levels. The priority is to stimulate the client to breathe more deeply to avoid complications. Giving more fluids
or pain meds without fixing the breathing may make it worse. Documentation is important but not the first step
in an urgent situation.
Page 2
, NCLEX-PN Exam Questions with Detailed Explanations
3. A nurse is caring for a postoperative client who is drowsy and has shallow breathing. What should the
nurse do first?
A. Increase the IV fluid rate
B. Stimulate the client to promote deeper breathing
C. Administer pain medication as prescribed
D. Document the client's status in the medical record
Correct Answer: B. Stimulate the client to promote deeper breathing
Explanation: The client's shallow breathing shows a risk of hypoventilation, which can cause low oxygen
levels. The priority is to stimulate the client to breathe more deeply to avoid complications. Giving more fluids
or pain meds without fixing the breathing may make it worse. Documentation is important but not the first step
in an urgent situation.
Page 3
, NCLEX-PN Exam Questions with Detailed Explanations
4. A nurse is caring for a postoperative client who is drowsy and has shallow breathing. What should the
nurse do first?
A. Increase the IV fluid rate
B. Stimulate the client to promote deeper breathing
C. Administer pain medication as prescribed
D. Document the client's status in the medical record
Correct Answer: B. Stimulate the client to promote deeper breathing
Explanation: The client's shallow breathing shows a risk of hypoventilation, which can cause low oxygen
levels. The priority is to stimulate the client to breathe more deeply to avoid complications. Giving more fluids
or pain meds without fixing the breathing may make it worse. Documentation is important but not the first step
in an urgent situation.
Page 4
