............................................................................................................................ N C L E X Q U ES TI ON T R A I N ER
KAPLAN NCLEX QUESTION TRAINER
EXPLANATIONS TEST 1-7
(PREPARATION FOR THE NURSING LICENSURE
EXAMINATION 2026/27)
1. The nurse is supervising care given to a group of patients on the unit. The nurse observes a staff
member entering a patient’s room wearing gown and gloves. The nurse knows that the staff
member is caring for which of the following patients?
1. An 18-month-old with respiratory syncytial virus.
2. A 4-year-old with Kawasaki disease.
3. A 10-year-old with Lyme’s disease.
4. A 16-year-old with infectious mononucleosis.
Strategy: Think about each answer.
(1) correct–acute viral infection; requires contact precautions; assign to private room or with other
RSV-infected children
(2) acute systemic vasculitis in children under 5; standard precautions
(3) connective tissue disease; standard precautions
(4) standard precautions
2. The nurse is assessing a client who has had a spinal cord injury. Which of the following assessment
findings would suggest the complication of autonomic dysreflexia?
1. Urinary bladder spasm pain.
2. Severe pounding headache.
3. Tachycardia.
4. Severe hypotension.
Strategy: Think about each answer.
(1) may be the cause of autonomic dysreflexia due to overfilling of the bladder, but pain is not
perceived
(2) correct–severe headache results from rapid onset of hypertension
(3) pulse will slow
(4) BP will increase
Nursing................................................................................................................................................... 15
,P RE PA RA T I ON F OR TH E NU R SI N G L I C EN S U RE EX A M I N A T I O N ................................................
3. A 14-year-old client is scheduled for a below-knee (BK) amputation following a motorcycle accident.
The nurse knows preoperative teaching for this client should include
1. explaining that the client will be walking with a prosthesis soon after surgery.
2. encouraging the client to share his feelings and fears about the surgery.
3. taking the informed consent form to the client and asking him to sign it.
4. evaluating how the client plans to maintain his schoolwork during hospitalization.
Strategy: Remember therapeutic communication.
(1) fails to recognize his immediate concerns
(2) correct–discussing his feelings and fears is important in dealing with his anxiety due to a change
in body image and functioning
(3) client is underage; parents will need to sign the permit
(4) is more appropriate for the postoperative period of time than for the preoperative period
4. A 21-year-old woman at 16-weeks gestation undergoes an amniocentesis. The client asks the nurse
what the physician will learn from this procedure. The nurse’s response should be based on an
understanding that which of the following conditions can be detected by this test?
1. Tetralogy of Fallot.
2. Talipes equinovarus.
3. Hemolytic disease of the newborn.
4. Cleft lip and palate.
Strategy: Think about each answer.
(1) cardiac abnormality detected at birth; pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, overriding
aorta, hypertrophy of right ventricle
(2) congenital deformity detected at birth; foot twisted out of normal position, clubfoot
(3) correct–maternal antibodies destroy fetal RBCs; bilirubin secreted because of hemolysis
(4) congenital deformity detected at birth, midline fissure or opening into lip or palate
5. The nurse evaluates the nutritional intake of a 16-year-old girl at a camp for adolescents. The girl
eats all of the food provided to her at the camp cafeteria. Each of the day’s three meals contains
foods from all areas of the food pyramid, and each meal averages about 900 calories and 3 mg of
iron. The girl has been menstruating monthly for about two years. Which of the following
descriptions, if made by the nurse, BEST describes the girl’s intake if her weight is appropriate for her
height?
1. Her diet is low in calories and high in iron.
2. Her diet is low in calories and low in iron.
3. Her diet is high in calories and low in iron.
4. Her diet is high in calories and high in iron.
Strategy: Think about each answer.
(1) only 1,200-1,500 kcal/day required, and 15 mg/day of iron
(2) only 1,200-1,500 kcal/day required
(3) correct–900 x 3 = 2,700 calories/day and women need 1,200-1,500 kcal/day (men need 1,500-
1,800 kcal/day); 3 mg x 3 = 9 mg/day of iron and women need 15 mg/day of iron (men need 10
mg/day); with pregnancy 30 mg/day required
(4) 5 mg/day of iron required
16 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Nursing
,............................................................................................................................ N C L E X Q U ES TI ON T R A I N ER
6. A client has returned from surgery with a fine, reddened rash noted around the area where Betadine
prep had been applied prior to surgery. Nursing documentation in the chart should include
1. the time and circumstances under which the rash was noted.
2. the explanation given to the client and family of the reason for the rash.
3. notation on an allergy list and notification of the doctor.
4. the need for application of corticosteroid cream to decrease inflammation.
Strategy: Answers are implementation. Determine the outcome of each answer. Is it desired?
(1) would be noted, but is not as high a priority
(2) inappropriate
(3) correct–suspected reaction to drugs should be reported to the doctor and noted on list of
possible allergies
(4) inappropriate
7. A client who is receiving a blood transfusion experiences a hemolytic reaction. The nurse would
anticipate which of the following assessment findings?
1. Hypotension, backache, low back pain, fever.
2. Wet breath sounds, severe shortness of breath.
3. Chills and fever occurring about an hour after the infusion started.
4. Urticaria, itching, respiratory distress.
Strategy: Think about each answer.
(1) correct–signs and symptoms of a hemolytic reaction include chills, headache, backache,
dyspnea, cyanosis, chest pains, tachycardia, and hypotension
(2) describes symptoms of circulatory overload
(3) describes a febrile or pyrogenic reaction
(4) describes an allergic reaction
8. The nurse is developing a comprehensive care plan for a young woman with an eating disorder. The
nurse refers this client to assertiveness skills classes. The nurse knows that this is an appropriate
intervention because this client may have problems with
1. aggressive behaviors and angry feelings.
2. self-identity and self-esteem.
3. focusing on reality.
4. family boundary intrusions.
Strategy: Think about each answer.
(1) these clients do have problems with feelings of anger; family therapy sessions can be helpful in
identifying some of these feelings and difficulties with family boundaries
(2) correct–clients with eating disorders experience difficulty with self-identity and self-esteem, which
inhibits their abilities to act assertively; some assertiveness techniques that are taught include
giving and receiving criticism, giving and accepting compliments, accepting apologies, being
able to say no, and setting limits on what they can realistically do rather than just doing what
others want them to do
(3) do not have problems with reality
(4) these clients do have problems with family boundary intrusion; family therapy sessions can be
helpful in identifying some of these feelings and difficulties with family boundaries
Nursing................................................................................................................................................... 17
, P RE PA RA T I ON F OR TH E NU R SI N G L I C EN S U RE EX A M I N A T I O N ................................................
9. Under the supervision of the registered nurse, a student nurse is changing the dressing of a 49-year-
old woman with a newly inserted peritoneal dialysis catheter. Which of the following activities, if
performed by the student nurse after removal of the old dressing, would require an intervention by
the registered nurse?
1. The student nurse cleans the catheter insertion site using a sterile cotton swab soaked in
povidone-iodine.
2. The student nurse applies two sterile precut 4x4s to the catheter insertion site.
3. The student nurse cleans the insertion site using a circular motion from the outer abdomen
toward the insertion site.
4. The student nurse securely tapes the edges of the sterile dressing with paper tape.
Strategy: "Require an intervention" means you are looking for an incorrect behavior. All answers are
implementations. Determine outcome of each answer. Is it desired?
(1) correct procedure
(2) correct procedure
(3) correct–should clean from insertion site outward toward outer abdomen
(4) correct procedure
10. The home care nurse is performing an assessment of a client with pneumonia secondary to chronic
pulmonary disease. Which of the following goals is MOST appropriate?
1. Maintain and improve the quality of oxygenation.
2. Improve the status of ventilation.
3. Increase oxygenation of peripheral circulation.
4. Correct the bicarbonate deficit.
Strategy: Determine the outcome of each answer.
(1) primary problem is not level of oxygenation, but the level of carbon dioxide contributing to an
acidotic state
(2) correct–to improve the quality of ventilation would refer to levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen
(3) not appropriate for the situation
(4) not appropriate for the situation
11. A 34-year-old man comes to the clinic for the results of a glycosylated hemoglobin assay (HbA1c).
Which statement, if made by the client to the nurse, indicates an understanding of this procedure?
1. “This test is performed by sticking my finger and measuring the results.”
2. “This test needs to be performed in the morning before I eat breakfast.”
3. “This test indicates how well my blood sugar has been controlled the past 6-8 weeks.”
4. “I must follow my diet carefully for several days before the test.”
Strategy: All answers are implementation. Determine the outcome of each answer. Is it desired?
(1) 3-5 ml of blood is needed
(2) timing of test is not important
(3) correct–when RBCs are being formed, sugar is attached (glycosylated) and remains attached
throughout the life of the RBC
(4) current blood sugar doesn't affect test
18 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Nursing
KAPLAN NCLEX QUESTION TRAINER
EXPLANATIONS TEST 1-7
(PREPARATION FOR THE NURSING LICENSURE
EXAMINATION 2026/27)
1. The nurse is supervising care given to a group of patients on the unit. The nurse observes a staff
member entering a patient’s room wearing gown and gloves. The nurse knows that the staff
member is caring for which of the following patients?
1. An 18-month-old with respiratory syncytial virus.
2. A 4-year-old with Kawasaki disease.
3. A 10-year-old with Lyme’s disease.
4. A 16-year-old with infectious mononucleosis.
Strategy: Think about each answer.
(1) correct–acute viral infection; requires contact precautions; assign to private room or with other
RSV-infected children
(2) acute systemic vasculitis in children under 5; standard precautions
(3) connective tissue disease; standard precautions
(4) standard precautions
2. The nurse is assessing a client who has had a spinal cord injury. Which of the following assessment
findings would suggest the complication of autonomic dysreflexia?
1. Urinary bladder spasm pain.
2. Severe pounding headache.
3. Tachycardia.
4. Severe hypotension.
Strategy: Think about each answer.
(1) may be the cause of autonomic dysreflexia due to overfilling of the bladder, but pain is not
perceived
(2) correct–severe headache results from rapid onset of hypertension
(3) pulse will slow
(4) BP will increase
Nursing................................................................................................................................................... 15
,P RE PA RA T I ON F OR TH E NU R SI N G L I C EN S U RE EX A M I N A T I O N ................................................
3. A 14-year-old client is scheduled for a below-knee (BK) amputation following a motorcycle accident.
The nurse knows preoperative teaching for this client should include
1. explaining that the client will be walking with a prosthesis soon after surgery.
2. encouraging the client to share his feelings and fears about the surgery.
3. taking the informed consent form to the client and asking him to sign it.
4. evaluating how the client plans to maintain his schoolwork during hospitalization.
Strategy: Remember therapeutic communication.
(1) fails to recognize his immediate concerns
(2) correct–discussing his feelings and fears is important in dealing with his anxiety due to a change
in body image and functioning
(3) client is underage; parents will need to sign the permit
(4) is more appropriate for the postoperative period of time than for the preoperative period
4. A 21-year-old woman at 16-weeks gestation undergoes an amniocentesis. The client asks the nurse
what the physician will learn from this procedure. The nurse’s response should be based on an
understanding that which of the following conditions can be detected by this test?
1. Tetralogy of Fallot.
2. Talipes equinovarus.
3. Hemolytic disease of the newborn.
4. Cleft lip and palate.
Strategy: Think about each answer.
(1) cardiac abnormality detected at birth; pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, overriding
aorta, hypertrophy of right ventricle
(2) congenital deformity detected at birth; foot twisted out of normal position, clubfoot
(3) correct–maternal antibodies destroy fetal RBCs; bilirubin secreted because of hemolysis
(4) congenital deformity detected at birth, midline fissure or opening into lip or palate
5. The nurse evaluates the nutritional intake of a 16-year-old girl at a camp for adolescents. The girl
eats all of the food provided to her at the camp cafeteria. Each of the day’s three meals contains
foods from all areas of the food pyramid, and each meal averages about 900 calories and 3 mg of
iron. The girl has been menstruating monthly for about two years. Which of the following
descriptions, if made by the nurse, BEST describes the girl’s intake if her weight is appropriate for her
height?
1. Her diet is low in calories and high in iron.
2. Her diet is low in calories and low in iron.
3. Her diet is high in calories and low in iron.
4. Her diet is high in calories and high in iron.
Strategy: Think about each answer.
(1) only 1,200-1,500 kcal/day required, and 15 mg/day of iron
(2) only 1,200-1,500 kcal/day required
(3) correct–900 x 3 = 2,700 calories/day and women need 1,200-1,500 kcal/day (men need 1,500-
1,800 kcal/day); 3 mg x 3 = 9 mg/day of iron and women need 15 mg/day of iron (men need 10
mg/day); with pregnancy 30 mg/day required
(4) 5 mg/day of iron required
16 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Nursing
,............................................................................................................................ N C L E X Q U ES TI ON T R A I N ER
6. A client has returned from surgery with a fine, reddened rash noted around the area where Betadine
prep had been applied prior to surgery. Nursing documentation in the chart should include
1. the time and circumstances under which the rash was noted.
2. the explanation given to the client and family of the reason for the rash.
3. notation on an allergy list and notification of the doctor.
4. the need for application of corticosteroid cream to decrease inflammation.
Strategy: Answers are implementation. Determine the outcome of each answer. Is it desired?
(1) would be noted, but is not as high a priority
(2) inappropriate
(3) correct–suspected reaction to drugs should be reported to the doctor and noted on list of
possible allergies
(4) inappropriate
7. A client who is receiving a blood transfusion experiences a hemolytic reaction. The nurse would
anticipate which of the following assessment findings?
1. Hypotension, backache, low back pain, fever.
2. Wet breath sounds, severe shortness of breath.
3. Chills and fever occurring about an hour after the infusion started.
4. Urticaria, itching, respiratory distress.
Strategy: Think about each answer.
(1) correct–signs and symptoms of a hemolytic reaction include chills, headache, backache,
dyspnea, cyanosis, chest pains, tachycardia, and hypotension
(2) describes symptoms of circulatory overload
(3) describes a febrile or pyrogenic reaction
(4) describes an allergic reaction
8. The nurse is developing a comprehensive care plan for a young woman with an eating disorder. The
nurse refers this client to assertiveness skills classes. The nurse knows that this is an appropriate
intervention because this client may have problems with
1. aggressive behaviors and angry feelings.
2. self-identity and self-esteem.
3. focusing on reality.
4. family boundary intrusions.
Strategy: Think about each answer.
(1) these clients do have problems with feelings of anger; family therapy sessions can be helpful in
identifying some of these feelings and difficulties with family boundaries
(2) correct–clients with eating disorders experience difficulty with self-identity and self-esteem, which
inhibits their abilities to act assertively; some assertiveness techniques that are taught include
giving and receiving criticism, giving and accepting compliments, accepting apologies, being
able to say no, and setting limits on what they can realistically do rather than just doing what
others want them to do
(3) do not have problems with reality
(4) these clients do have problems with family boundary intrusion; family therapy sessions can be
helpful in identifying some of these feelings and difficulties with family boundaries
Nursing................................................................................................................................................... 17
, P RE PA RA T I ON F OR TH E NU R SI N G L I C EN S U RE EX A M I N A T I O N ................................................
9. Under the supervision of the registered nurse, a student nurse is changing the dressing of a 49-year-
old woman with a newly inserted peritoneal dialysis catheter. Which of the following activities, if
performed by the student nurse after removal of the old dressing, would require an intervention by
the registered nurse?
1. The student nurse cleans the catheter insertion site using a sterile cotton swab soaked in
povidone-iodine.
2. The student nurse applies two sterile precut 4x4s to the catheter insertion site.
3. The student nurse cleans the insertion site using a circular motion from the outer abdomen
toward the insertion site.
4. The student nurse securely tapes the edges of the sterile dressing with paper tape.
Strategy: "Require an intervention" means you are looking for an incorrect behavior. All answers are
implementations. Determine outcome of each answer. Is it desired?
(1) correct procedure
(2) correct procedure
(3) correct–should clean from insertion site outward toward outer abdomen
(4) correct procedure
10. The home care nurse is performing an assessment of a client with pneumonia secondary to chronic
pulmonary disease. Which of the following goals is MOST appropriate?
1. Maintain and improve the quality of oxygenation.
2. Improve the status of ventilation.
3. Increase oxygenation of peripheral circulation.
4. Correct the bicarbonate deficit.
Strategy: Determine the outcome of each answer.
(1) primary problem is not level of oxygenation, but the level of carbon dioxide contributing to an
acidotic state
(2) correct–to improve the quality of ventilation would refer to levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen
(3) not appropriate for the situation
(4) not appropriate for the situation
11. A 34-year-old man comes to the clinic for the results of a glycosylated hemoglobin assay (HbA1c).
Which statement, if made by the client to the nurse, indicates an understanding of this procedure?
1. “This test is performed by sticking my finger and measuring the results.”
2. “This test needs to be performed in the morning before I eat breakfast.”
3. “This test indicates how well my blood sugar has been controlled the past 6-8 weeks.”
4. “I must follow my diet carefully for several days before the test.”
Strategy: All answers are implementation. Determine the outcome of each answer. Is it desired?
(1) 3-5 ml of blood is needed
(2) timing of test is not important
(3) correct–when RBCs are being formed, sugar is attached (glycosylated) and remains attached
throughout the life of the RBC
(4) current blood sugar doesn't affect test
18 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Nursing
