REx-PN Exams: 100 Questions and Answers with Rationals
1.The practical nurse (PN) is assisting with the admission of an older adult client to a
long-term care facility. Which of the following is the most important initial action for
the PN to ensure client safety during the admission process?
A. Provide a detailed explanation of all facility rules and regulations.
B. Complete a fall risk assessment and implement appropriate precautions.
C. Introduce the client to all staff members on the unit immediately.
D. Encourage the client to unpack all personal belongings.
Answer is B. Complete a fall risk assessment and implement appropriate
precautions.
Rationale: Client safety, especially fall prevention, is a top priority during admission,
particularly for older adults. Addressing immediate safety concerns comes before
detailed rules or personal belongings.
2. A client is being discharged home after a stroke, requiring assistance with
daily activities. The PN is contributing to the discharge plan. Which of the
following resources would be most appropriate to recommend for ongoing
support at home?
A. An acute care hospital.
B. A long-term care facility.
C. A home health agency.
D. A rehabilitation hospital.
Answer is C. A home health agency.
Rationale: For ongoing support and assistance with activities of daily living
(ADLs) at home after discharge, a home health agency provides nursing care,
therapy, and aide services. The other options are acute or rehabilitative
facilities.
3. The PN is preparing to ambulate a client who has a history of falls. Which of the
following actions should the PN take to ensure the client's safety?
A. Have the client ambulate independently to promote self-reliance.
B. Ensure the client is wearing non-skid footwear and use a gait belt if needed.
C. Keep the bed in the high position to allow for easier transfer.
D. Ambulate the client immediately after administering pain medication.
,Answer is B. Ensure the client is wearing non-skid footwear and use a gait belt if
needed.
Rationale: Non-skid footwear provides traction, and a gait belt allows the PN to
provide support and prevent falls safely. Ambulation should be assisted, not
independent, for fall-risk clients. The bed should be in the lowest position for
transfer safety. Pain medication needs time to take effect.
4. A client has a continuous intravenous (IV) infusion running. The PN observes
redness, swelling, and pain at the IV insertion site. Which of the following actions
should the PN take first?
A. Apply a warm compress to the site.
B. Administer an analgesic for pain.
C. Discontinue the IV infusion and remove the catheter.
D. Flush the IV line with normal saline.
Answer is C. Discontinue the IV infusion and remove the catheter.
Rationale: Redness, swelling, and pain at an IV site are classic signs of phlebitis or
infiltration. The first action is to stop the infusion and remove the catheter to prevent
further irritation or complications.
5.The PN is educating a group of older adults about maintaining bone health. Which
of the following recommendations should the PN include?
A. Reduce intake of dairy products.
B. Avoid weight-bearing exercises.
C. Increase intake of calcium and Vitamin D.
D. Limit sun exposure to prevent skin cancer.
Answer is C. Increase intake of calcium and Vitamin D.
Rationale: Calcium is essential for bone density, and Vitamin D aids in calcium
absorption. Dairy products are a good source of calcium. Weight-bearing exercises
,strengthen bones. Sun exposure is a natural source of Vitamin D, and while skin
cancer prevention is important, complete avoidance can lead to Vitamin D deficiency.
6.A parent asks the PN about the recommended schedule for childhood
immunizations. The PN should inform the parent that immunizations primarily aim to:
A. Treat existing infections in children.
B.Strengthen the child's immune system to prevent specific diseases.
C. Reduce the severity of all childhood illnesses.
D. Provide immediate, short-term protection against common colds.
Answer is B. Strengthen the child’s immune system to prevent specific diseases.
Rationale: Immunizations work by introducing a weakened or inactivated form
of a pathogen to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, thereby
providing immunity against future infections.
7.A client who recently received a life-altering diagnosis appears withdrawn and
states, "I just don't want to talk about it." Which of the following is the most
appropriate response by the PN?
A. "You need to talk about your feelings to cope."
B. "I understand you don't want to talk, but I'm here if you change your mind."
C. "Let's discuss ways you can manage this diagnosis."
D. "Many people feel this way initially; it will get easier."
Answer B. "I understand you don't want to talk, but I'm here if you change your
mind."
Rationale: This response respects the client's wishes while offering support and
maintaining an open line of communication. Pressuring the client or offering
platitudes is less therapeutic.
8.The PN is caring for a client who is visibly agitated and pacing. The client shouts, "I
can't stand this anymore!" Which of the following is the most appropriate initial
action by the PN?
A. Instruct the client to sit down and be quiet.
B. Ask the client, "What specifically is bothering you right now?"
, C. Call for security to restrain the client.
D. . Administer a PRN sedative immediately.
Anwser is B. Ask the client, "What specifically is bothering you right now?"
Rationale: This therapeutic communication technique attempts to de-escalate the
situation by addressing the client's immediate feelings and identifying the source of
their agitation. Calling security or administering sedatives immediately are typically
last resorts unless there is an immediate threat.
9.The PN is assisting a client with left-sided weakness to transfer from the bed to a
wheelchair. Which of the following actions demonstrates the correct technique?
A. Position the wheelchair on the client's left (weak) side.
B. Instruct the client to push off with their arms.
C. Ensure the wheelchair brakes are locked.
D. Have the client pivot on their weak leg.
Answer is C. Ensure the wheelchair brakes are locked.
Rationale: Locking the wheelchair brakes is paramount to prevent the chair from
moving during the transfer, ensuring client and PN safety. The wheelchair should be
positioned on the client's strong side to allow them to bear weight. The client should
push off with their strong leg/arm, and pivot on their strong leg.
10.A client reports difficulty sleeping due to noise on the unit. Which of the following
interventions should the PN implement to promote rest?
A. Offer the client a stimulant beverage before bedtime.
B. Dim the lights and minimize noise on the unit.
C. Encourage the client to watch television until they fall asleep.
D. Provide a large meal immediately before sleep.
Answer is B. Dim the lights and minimize noise on the unit.
Rationale: Creating a quiet, dark environment is essential for promoting rest and
sleep in a hospital setting. Stimulants, excessive television, and large meals before
bed can disrupt sleep.
1.The practical nurse (PN) is assisting with the admission of an older adult client to a
long-term care facility. Which of the following is the most important initial action for
the PN to ensure client safety during the admission process?
A. Provide a detailed explanation of all facility rules and regulations.
B. Complete a fall risk assessment and implement appropriate precautions.
C. Introduce the client to all staff members on the unit immediately.
D. Encourage the client to unpack all personal belongings.
Answer is B. Complete a fall risk assessment and implement appropriate
precautions.
Rationale: Client safety, especially fall prevention, is a top priority during admission,
particularly for older adults. Addressing immediate safety concerns comes before
detailed rules or personal belongings.
2. A client is being discharged home after a stroke, requiring assistance with
daily activities. The PN is contributing to the discharge plan. Which of the
following resources would be most appropriate to recommend for ongoing
support at home?
A. An acute care hospital.
B. A long-term care facility.
C. A home health agency.
D. A rehabilitation hospital.
Answer is C. A home health agency.
Rationale: For ongoing support and assistance with activities of daily living
(ADLs) at home after discharge, a home health agency provides nursing care,
therapy, and aide services. The other options are acute or rehabilitative
facilities.
3. The PN is preparing to ambulate a client who has a history of falls. Which of the
following actions should the PN take to ensure the client's safety?
A. Have the client ambulate independently to promote self-reliance.
B. Ensure the client is wearing non-skid footwear and use a gait belt if needed.
C. Keep the bed in the high position to allow for easier transfer.
D. Ambulate the client immediately after administering pain medication.
,Answer is B. Ensure the client is wearing non-skid footwear and use a gait belt if
needed.
Rationale: Non-skid footwear provides traction, and a gait belt allows the PN to
provide support and prevent falls safely. Ambulation should be assisted, not
independent, for fall-risk clients. The bed should be in the lowest position for
transfer safety. Pain medication needs time to take effect.
4. A client has a continuous intravenous (IV) infusion running. The PN observes
redness, swelling, and pain at the IV insertion site. Which of the following actions
should the PN take first?
A. Apply a warm compress to the site.
B. Administer an analgesic for pain.
C. Discontinue the IV infusion and remove the catheter.
D. Flush the IV line with normal saline.
Answer is C. Discontinue the IV infusion and remove the catheter.
Rationale: Redness, swelling, and pain at an IV site are classic signs of phlebitis or
infiltration. The first action is to stop the infusion and remove the catheter to prevent
further irritation or complications.
5.The PN is educating a group of older adults about maintaining bone health. Which
of the following recommendations should the PN include?
A. Reduce intake of dairy products.
B. Avoid weight-bearing exercises.
C. Increase intake of calcium and Vitamin D.
D. Limit sun exposure to prevent skin cancer.
Answer is C. Increase intake of calcium and Vitamin D.
Rationale: Calcium is essential for bone density, and Vitamin D aids in calcium
absorption. Dairy products are a good source of calcium. Weight-bearing exercises
,strengthen bones. Sun exposure is a natural source of Vitamin D, and while skin
cancer prevention is important, complete avoidance can lead to Vitamin D deficiency.
6.A parent asks the PN about the recommended schedule for childhood
immunizations. The PN should inform the parent that immunizations primarily aim to:
A. Treat existing infections in children.
B.Strengthen the child's immune system to prevent specific diseases.
C. Reduce the severity of all childhood illnesses.
D. Provide immediate, short-term protection against common colds.
Answer is B. Strengthen the child’s immune system to prevent specific diseases.
Rationale: Immunizations work by introducing a weakened or inactivated form
of a pathogen to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, thereby
providing immunity against future infections.
7.A client who recently received a life-altering diagnosis appears withdrawn and
states, "I just don't want to talk about it." Which of the following is the most
appropriate response by the PN?
A. "You need to talk about your feelings to cope."
B. "I understand you don't want to talk, but I'm here if you change your mind."
C. "Let's discuss ways you can manage this diagnosis."
D. "Many people feel this way initially; it will get easier."
Answer B. "I understand you don't want to talk, but I'm here if you change your
mind."
Rationale: This response respects the client's wishes while offering support and
maintaining an open line of communication. Pressuring the client or offering
platitudes is less therapeutic.
8.The PN is caring for a client who is visibly agitated and pacing. The client shouts, "I
can't stand this anymore!" Which of the following is the most appropriate initial
action by the PN?
A. Instruct the client to sit down and be quiet.
B. Ask the client, "What specifically is bothering you right now?"
, C. Call for security to restrain the client.
D. . Administer a PRN sedative immediately.
Anwser is B. Ask the client, "What specifically is bothering you right now?"
Rationale: This therapeutic communication technique attempts to de-escalate the
situation by addressing the client's immediate feelings and identifying the source of
their agitation. Calling security or administering sedatives immediately are typically
last resorts unless there is an immediate threat.
9.The PN is assisting a client with left-sided weakness to transfer from the bed to a
wheelchair. Which of the following actions demonstrates the correct technique?
A. Position the wheelchair on the client's left (weak) side.
B. Instruct the client to push off with their arms.
C. Ensure the wheelchair brakes are locked.
D. Have the client pivot on their weak leg.
Answer is C. Ensure the wheelchair brakes are locked.
Rationale: Locking the wheelchair brakes is paramount to prevent the chair from
moving during the transfer, ensuring client and PN safety. The wheelchair should be
positioned on the client's strong side to allow them to bear weight. The client should
push off with their strong leg/arm, and pivot on their strong leg.
10.A client reports difficulty sleeping due to noise on the unit. Which of the following
interventions should the PN implement to promote rest?
A. Offer the client a stimulant beverage before bedtime.
B. Dim the lights and minimize noise on the unit.
C. Encourage the client to watch television until they fall asleep.
D. Provide a large meal immediately before sleep.
Answer is B. Dim the lights and minimize noise on the unit.
Rationale: Creating a quiet, dark environment is essential for promoting rest and
sleep in a hospital setting. Stimulants, excessive television, and large meals before
bed can disrupt sleep.
