LPN Midterm Study Guide - Nursing Process & Body Systems
2026/2027 UPDATE
1. Which step of the nursing process involves the LPN/LVN gathering data about
a patient’s health status?
A. Planning
B. Implementation
C. Assessment
D. Evaluation
Answer: C
Rationale: In the LPN scope of practice, assessment is often referred to as data collection,
where the nurse gathers subjective and objective information.
2. When prioritizing patient care, which patient should the nurse see first?
A. A patient requesting pain medication
B. A patient reporting shortness of breath
C. A patient with a scheduled dressing change
D. A patient who needs assistance with discharge paperwork
Answer: B
Rationale: Using the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) priority framework, breathing
issues like shortness of breath take precedence.
,3. Which of the following is considered objective data?
A. The patient reports feeling nauseated
B. The patient states their pain is a 5 out of 10
C. The patient complains of a headache
D. The nurse observes a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
Answer: D
Rationale: Objective data is observable and measurable information obtained through
physical examination and diagnostic tests.
4. In the nursing process, which phase involves setting measurable goals for the
patient?
A. Diagnosis
B. Evaluation
C. Implementation
D. Planning
Answer: D
Rationale: The planning phase includes developing patient-centered goals and outcomes
based on the nursing diagnosis.
5. An LPN is documenting a patient’s refusal of medication. Which action is most
appropriate?
A. Discard the medication and document it was given
B. Document the refusal, the reason given, and notify the provider
C. Force the patient to take the medication for their own safety
D. Leave the medication at the bedside for later
Answer: B
Rationale: Patients have the right to refuse treatment; the nurse must document the
refusal and the underlying reason to maintain legal records.
, 6. Which heart sound is caused by the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves?
A. S4
B. S2 (Dub)
C. S3
D. S1 (Lub)
Answer: D
Rationale: The first heart sound (S1) occurs when the atrioventricular valves close at the
start of systole.
7. A patient has left-sided heart failure. Which symptom is the nurse most likely
to observe?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Crackles in the lungs
C. Jugular venous distention
D. Liver enlargement
Answer: B
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the lungs, leading to
pulmonary congestion and crackles.
8. When assessing a patient for orthostatic hypotension, which drop in systolic
blood pressure is significant?
A. 5 mmHg
B. 20 mmHg
C. 10 mmHg
D. 2 mmHg
Answer: B
Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension is generally defined as a drop in systolic BP of 20
mmHg or more when moving from lying to standing.
2026/2027 UPDATE
1. Which step of the nursing process involves the LPN/LVN gathering data about
a patient’s health status?
A. Planning
B. Implementation
C. Assessment
D. Evaluation
Answer: C
Rationale: In the LPN scope of practice, assessment is often referred to as data collection,
where the nurse gathers subjective and objective information.
2. When prioritizing patient care, which patient should the nurse see first?
A. A patient requesting pain medication
B. A patient reporting shortness of breath
C. A patient with a scheduled dressing change
D. A patient who needs assistance with discharge paperwork
Answer: B
Rationale: Using the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) priority framework, breathing
issues like shortness of breath take precedence.
,3. Which of the following is considered objective data?
A. The patient reports feeling nauseated
B. The patient states their pain is a 5 out of 10
C. The patient complains of a headache
D. The nurse observes a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
Answer: D
Rationale: Objective data is observable and measurable information obtained through
physical examination and diagnostic tests.
4. In the nursing process, which phase involves setting measurable goals for the
patient?
A. Diagnosis
B. Evaluation
C. Implementation
D. Planning
Answer: D
Rationale: The planning phase includes developing patient-centered goals and outcomes
based on the nursing diagnosis.
5. An LPN is documenting a patient’s refusal of medication. Which action is most
appropriate?
A. Discard the medication and document it was given
B. Document the refusal, the reason given, and notify the provider
C. Force the patient to take the medication for their own safety
D. Leave the medication at the bedside for later
Answer: B
Rationale: Patients have the right to refuse treatment; the nurse must document the
refusal and the underlying reason to maintain legal records.
, 6. Which heart sound is caused by the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves?
A. S4
B. S2 (Dub)
C. S3
D. S1 (Lub)
Answer: D
Rationale: The first heart sound (S1) occurs when the atrioventricular valves close at the
start of systole.
7. A patient has left-sided heart failure. Which symptom is the nurse most likely
to observe?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Crackles in the lungs
C. Jugular venous distention
D. Liver enlargement
Answer: B
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the lungs, leading to
pulmonary congestion and crackles.
8. When assessing a patient for orthostatic hypotension, which drop in systolic
blood pressure is significant?
A. 5 mmHg
B. 20 mmHg
C. 10 mmHg
D. 2 mmHg
Answer: B
Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension is generally defined as a drop in systolic BP of 20
mmHg or more when moving from lying to standing.
