KAPLAN READINESS EXAM PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
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Core Domains
Nursing Assessment and Clinical Judgment
Pharmacology and Medication Safety
Infection Control and Patient Safety
Ethics and Professional Standards
Acute and Chronic Care Management
Pediatric and Obstetric Nursing
Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing
Regulatory Compliance and Legal Issues
Introduction
This practice exam is designed to assess readiness for professional nursing licensure by evaluating critical clinical judgment, applied knowledge, and
decision-making skills essential for safe patient care. The test consists of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions that mirror the format of
actual licensure examinations, emphasizing real-world application over rote memorization. Candidates will encounter questions covering
foundational theory, regulatory compliance, ethics, and complex clinical scenarios requiring prioritization, delegation, and critical thinking. Success
on this exam indicates strong preparedness for entry-level nursing practice and the ability to make sound clinical decisions under pressure.*
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected pneumonia. Which finding should the nurse prioritize as the most concerning?
A. Productive cough with greenish sputum
B. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air
C. Temperature of 101.5°F (38.6°C)
D. Mild tachycardia of 102 bpm
, 🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air indicates hypoxemia and respiratory compromise, which is the most immediate threat to
patient safety. Hypoxemia can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death if not addressed promptly. While productive cough, fever, and
tachycardia are expected findings in pneumonia, they are not as immediately life-threatening as inadequate oxygenation.
Question 2
A patient receiving vancomycin IV develops redness and flushing of the upper body during infusion. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Stop the infusion immediately and assess the patient
B. Slow the infusion rate and continue monitoring
C. Administer diphenhydramine and continue infusion
D. Document the finding as expected and continue infusion
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: Redness and flushing of the upper body during vancomycin infusion suggests Red Man Syndrome, an infusion reaction caused by
rapid administration. The priority is to stop the infusion immediately to prevent progression to more severe symptoms such as hypotension or
cardiovascular collapse. The infusion rate should be reduced, and the physician notified. Continuing the infusion (options B, C, D) could worsen the
reaction.
Question 3
Which action by a nurse best demonstrates adherence to the ethical principle of autonomy?
A. Administering pain medication before a procedure to ensure comfort
B. Providing complete information about treatment options and allowing the patient to decide
C. Preventing a confused patient from leaving the hospital against medical advice
D. Reporting a colleague who medication errors to the charge nurse
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Nursing Assessment and Clinical Judgment
Pharmacology and Medication Safety
Infection Control and Patient Safety
Ethics and Professional Standards
Acute and Chronic Care Management
Pediatric and Obstetric Nursing
Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing
Regulatory Compliance and Legal Issues
Introduction
This practice exam is designed to assess readiness for professional nursing licensure by evaluating critical clinical judgment, applied knowledge, and
decision-making skills essential for safe patient care. The test consists of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions that mirror the format of
actual licensure examinations, emphasizing real-world application over rote memorization. Candidates will encounter questions covering
foundational theory, regulatory compliance, ethics, and complex clinical scenarios requiring prioritization, delegation, and critical thinking. Success
on this exam indicates strong preparedness for entry-level nursing practice and the ability to make sound clinical decisions under pressure.*
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected pneumonia. Which finding should the nurse prioritize as the most concerning?
A. Productive cough with greenish sputum
B. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air
C. Temperature of 101.5°F (38.6°C)
D. Mild tachycardia of 102 bpm
, 🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air indicates hypoxemia and respiratory compromise, which is the most immediate threat to
patient safety. Hypoxemia can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death if not addressed promptly. While productive cough, fever, and
tachycardia are expected findings in pneumonia, they are not as immediately life-threatening as inadequate oxygenation.
Question 2
A patient receiving vancomycin IV develops redness and flushing of the upper body during infusion. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Stop the infusion immediately and assess the patient
B. Slow the infusion rate and continue monitoring
C. Administer diphenhydramine and continue infusion
D. Document the finding as expected and continue infusion
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: Redness and flushing of the upper body during vancomycin infusion suggests Red Man Syndrome, an infusion reaction caused by
rapid administration. The priority is to stop the infusion immediately to prevent progression to more severe symptoms such as hypotension or
cardiovascular collapse. The infusion rate should be reduced, and the physician notified. Continuing the infusion (options B, C, D) could worsen the
reaction.
Question 3
Which action by a nurse best demonstrates adherence to the ethical principle of autonomy?
A. Administering pain medication before a procedure to ensure comfort
B. Providing complete information about treatment options and allowing the patient to decide
C. Preventing a confused patient from leaving the hospital against medical advice
D. Reporting a colleague who medication errors to the charge nurse
