NCLEX-RN EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
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1. A nurse is caring for a client with chronic heart failure. Which of the
following is the priority assessment?
A. Lung sounds
B. Blood pressure
C. Daily weight
D. Peripheral edema
C. Daily weight
Daily weights provide the most sensitive indicator of fluid retention in
heart failure.
2. The nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from a cardiac
catheterization. Which action is most important?
A. Encourage oral fluids
B. Monitor insertion site for bleeding
C. Assess peripheral pulses
D. Administer pain medication
B. Monitor insertion site for bleeding
Bleeding or hematoma at the catheter site can indicate serious
complications.
3. A client with diabetes asks the nurse how to prevent hypoglycemia.
Which instruction is most appropriate?
A. Skip meals if you exercise
B. Always eat at regular intervals
,C. Take extra insulin if you feel weak
D. Avoid snacks
B. Always eat at regular intervals
Consistent meals prevent blood glucose from dropping dangerously low.
4. Which of the following indicates that a client is experiencing
hypokalemia?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds
B. Muscle weakness and cramps
C. Peaked T waves on ECG
D. Bradycardia and hypotension
B. Muscle weakness and cramps
Low potassium levels affect neuromuscular function, causing weakness
and cramps.
5. A client with pneumonia has a fever and productive cough. Which
intervention is most important?
A. Administer antipyretics
B. Encourage fluid intake
C. Promote ambulation
D. Monitor oxygen saturation
D. Monitor oxygen saturation
Oxygenation is the priority to prevent hypoxemia in pneumonia.
6. A nurse is caring for a client receiving a blood transfusion. Which
sign indicates a hemolytic reaction?
A. Fever and chills
B. Urticaria
C. Dyspnea
D. Flushing
A. Fever and chills
Hemolytic reactions typically present with fever, chills, and back pain.
, 7. A client with a nasogastric tube is experiencing nausea. What is the
first action the nurse should take?
A. Administer antiemetic
B. Check tube placement
C. Irrigate tube
D. Reposition the client
B. Check tube placement
Ensuring proper tube placement prevents aspiration and ensures safety.
8. Which client is at greatest risk for developing pressure ulcers?
A. Young adult with a fractured arm
B. Older adult with limited mobility
C. Middle-aged adult with asthma
D. Child with a cold
B. Older adult with limited mobility
Immobility and aging skin increase the risk for pressure ulcers.
9. A nurse notes a client’s IV site is red, warm, and tender. What is the
priority action?
A. Apply a warm compress
B. Restart the IV at a different site
C. Document the findings
D. Notify the healthcare provider
B. Restart the IV at a different site
Phlebitis requires stopping the infusion to prevent further complications.
10. Which of the following lab results should the nurse report
immediately for a client taking warfarin?
A. PT 15 sec
B. INR 4.5
C. Hemoglobin 13 g/dL
D. Platelets 200,000/mm³
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A nurse is caring for a client with chronic heart failure. Which of the
following is the priority assessment?
A. Lung sounds
B. Blood pressure
C. Daily weight
D. Peripheral edema
C. Daily weight
Daily weights provide the most sensitive indicator of fluid retention in
heart failure.
2. The nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from a cardiac
catheterization. Which action is most important?
A. Encourage oral fluids
B. Monitor insertion site for bleeding
C. Assess peripheral pulses
D. Administer pain medication
B. Monitor insertion site for bleeding
Bleeding or hematoma at the catheter site can indicate serious
complications.
3. A client with diabetes asks the nurse how to prevent hypoglycemia.
Which instruction is most appropriate?
A. Skip meals if you exercise
B. Always eat at regular intervals
,C. Take extra insulin if you feel weak
D. Avoid snacks
B. Always eat at regular intervals
Consistent meals prevent blood glucose from dropping dangerously low.
4. Which of the following indicates that a client is experiencing
hypokalemia?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds
B. Muscle weakness and cramps
C. Peaked T waves on ECG
D. Bradycardia and hypotension
B. Muscle weakness and cramps
Low potassium levels affect neuromuscular function, causing weakness
and cramps.
5. A client with pneumonia has a fever and productive cough. Which
intervention is most important?
A. Administer antipyretics
B. Encourage fluid intake
C. Promote ambulation
D. Monitor oxygen saturation
D. Monitor oxygen saturation
Oxygenation is the priority to prevent hypoxemia in pneumonia.
6. A nurse is caring for a client receiving a blood transfusion. Which
sign indicates a hemolytic reaction?
A. Fever and chills
B. Urticaria
C. Dyspnea
D. Flushing
A. Fever and chills
Hemolytic reactions typically present with fever, chills, and back pain.
, 7. A client with a nasogastric tube is experiencing nausea. What is the
first action the nurse should take?
A. Administer antiemetic
B. Check tube placement
C. Irrigate tube
D. Reposition the client
B. Check tube placement
Ensuring proper tube placement prevents aspiration and ensures safety.
8. Which client is at greatest risk for developing pressure ulcers?
A. Young adult with a fractured arm
B. Older adult with limited mobility
C. Middle-aged adult with asthma
D. Child with a cold
B. Older adult with limited mobility
Immobility and aging skin increase the risk for pressure ulcers.
9. A nurse notes a client’s IV site is red, warm, and tender. What is the
priority action?
A. Apply a warm compress
B. Restart the IV at a different site
C. Document the findings
D. Notify the healthcare provider
B. Restart the IV at a different site
Phlebitis requires stopping the infusion to prevent further complications.
10. Which of the following lab results should the nurse report
immediately for a client taking warfarin?
A. PT 15 sec
B. INR 4.5
C. Hemoglobin 13 g/dL
D. Platelets 200,000/mm³
