**Stuvia Preview Blurb:** Ace your nursing exams with this
comprehensive 2026 question bank covering Fundamentals, Med-
Surg, Pharmacology, and more. Over 100 NCLEX-style questions with
detailed rationales to boost your critical thinking and confidence.
*Compiled from student notes and practice resources — not an
official exam.*
---
# Ultimate Nursing Success Pack: 2025/2026 Comprehensive Exam
Prep Guide | 100+ NCLEX-Style Practice Questions
*Compiled from student notes and practice resources — not an
official exam.*
---
**Question 1**
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative day 1 following an abdominal hysterectomy. Which of
the following assessment findings should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?
A) Serosanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing
B) Pain rated as 6 on a 0-10 pain scale
C) Urine output of 50 mL over the last 2 hours
D) Audible bowel sounds in all four quadrants
💫ANSWER✔️✔️: C
,💫RATIONALE✔️✔️: A urine output of less than 30 mL/hr indicates hypovolemia or potential acute kidney
injury, which is a critical finding requiring immediate intervention. Serosanguineous drainage and pain
are expected postoperatively, and bowel sounds indicate returning GI function. This nursing exam prep
question emphasizes the importance of prioritizing findings that indicate a life-threatening complication.
Remember, "Kidneys first, pain later" – if urine output drops, get the doctor on the phone. This study
guide is designed to help you identify critical vs. expected findings for student success.
---
**Question 2**
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal
cannula. Which of the following findings indicates the client is experiencing a complication of oxygen
therapy?
A) Respiratory rate of 22 breaths/min
B) Oxygen saturation of 91%
C) Client reports a headache and confusion
D) Client reports decreased shortness of breath
💫ANSWER✔️✔️: C
💫RATIONALE✔️✔️: In clients with COPD, high oxygen concentrations can depress the hypoxic drive,
leading to carbon dioxide retention, which manifests as headache, confusion, and eventually respiratory
acidosis. An O2 sat of 91% is acceptable, and a decreased respiratory rate (not increased) would be a
concern. The correct answer here is C because confusion and headache are classic signs of hypercapnia.
For your nursing exam prep, always remember: "Hypoxic drive is a COPDer's lifeline – don't blow it out
with too much O2." This revision note is a key part of your student success toolkit.
---
**Question 3**
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with heart failure. Which of the following
assessments should the nurse perform prior to administering the medication?
A) Obtain the client's blood pressure
B) Assess the client's apical pulse for 60 seconds
,C) Review the client's serum sodium level
D) Check the client's deep tendon reflexes
💫ANSWER✔️✔️: B
💫RATIONALE✔️✔️: Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index and can cause bradycardia. The nurse must
assess the apical pulse for one full minute before administration; if the pulse is less than 60 beats/min,
the medication should be withheld. Blood pressure is important but not the primary parameter for
digoxin. Serum sodium and deep tendon reflexes are not specifically related to digoxin administration. In
nursing exam prep, remember "Digoxin = Ding-Dong the pulse is low." This pharmacology guide is
designed for your revision notes and student success.
---
**Question 4**
A client is being discharged with a prescription for warfarin. Which of the following statements by the
client indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "I will avoid eating large amounts of leafy green vegetables."
B) "I will take my medication at the same time each day."
C) "I will use a soft toothbrush to prevent bleeding."
D) "I will notify my dentist that I am taking this medication."
💫ANSWER✔️✔️: A
💫RATIONALE✔️✔️: Warfarin works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. While it is
important to maintain a consistent vitamin K intake, clients should not avoid green vegetables entirely;
they should keep their intake consistent. The other statements are correct teaching points. "Consistency
is key with vitamin K" – that's a great mnemonic for this topic. This practice question emphasizes safe
patient education, which is a core component of nursing exam prep.
---
**Question 5**
, A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 hours post-cardiac catheterization via the femoral artery. The nurse
notes the client's affected extremity is pale, cool, and pulseless. What is the nurse's priority action?
A) Apply a warm compress to the extremity
B) Notify the healthcare provider immediately
C) Elevate the affected extremity
D) Reassess in 15 minutes
💫ANSWER✔️✔️: B
💫RATIONALE✔️✔️: Pale, cool, pulseless extremity indicates acute arterial occlusion, a serious
complication of cardiac catheterization that can lead to tissue necrosis. The nurse should notify the
healthcare provider immediately. Applying heat, elevating, or waiting are not appropriate actions. "Pale,
cool, and pulseless – this is a 'code cool' situation" is a great way to remember this. This critical care
practice question is essential for your nursing exam prep and student success.
---
**Question 6**
A client with major depressive disorder is prescribed phenelzine, an MAOI. The nurse teaches the client
about dietary restrictions. Which food item on the client's tray should the nurse remove?
A) Broiled chicken breast
B) Sliced avocado and cheese sandwich
C) Rice pilaf
D) Mixed green salad with vinaigrette
💫ANSWER✔️✔️: B
💫RATIONALE✔️✔️: MAOIs (phenelzine) can cause a hypertensive crisis when taken with foods high in
tyramine. Tyramine-rich foods include aged cheeses, avocados, fermented meats, and red wine. Broiled
chicken, rice, and salads are generally safe. This is a classic psychopharmacology question you'll see in
nursing exam prep. Remember "MAOI = 'My, Oh My, watch the Tyramine!'"
---
comprehensive 2026 question bank covering Fundamentals, Med-
Surg, Pharmacology, and more. Over 100 NCLEX-style questions with
detailed rationales to boost your critical thinking and confidence.
*Compiled from student notes and practice resources — not an
official exam.*
---
# Ultimate Nursing Success Pack: 2025/2026 Comprehensive Exam
Prep Guide | 100+ NCLEX-Style Practice Questions
*Compiled from student notes and practice resources — not an
official exam.*
---
**Question 1**
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative day 1 following an abdominal hysterectomy. Which of
the following assessment findings should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?
A) Serosanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing
B) Pain rated as 6 on a 0-10 pain scale
C) Urine output of 50 mL over the last 2 hours
D) Audible bowel sounds in all four quadrants
💫ANSWER✔️✔️: C
,💫RATIONALE✔️✔️: A urine output of less than 30 mL/hr indicates hypovolemia or potential acute kidney
injury, which is a critical finding requiring immediate intervention. Serosanguineous drainage and pain
are expected postoperatively, and bowel sounds indicate returning GI function. This nursing exam prep
question emphasizes the importance of prioritizing findings that indicate a life-threatening complication.
Remember, "Kidneys first, pain later" – if urine output drops, get the doctor on the phone. This study
guide is designed to help you identify critical vs. expected findings for student success.
---
**Question 2**
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal
cannula. Which of the following findings indicates the client is experiencing a complication of oxygen
therapy?
A) Respiratory rate of 22 breaths/min
B) Oxygen saturation of 91%
C) Client reports a headache and confusion
D) Client reports decreased shortness of breath
💫ANSWER✔️✔️: C
💫RATIONALE✔️✔️: In clients with COPD, high oxygen concentrations can depress the hypoxic drive,
leading to carbon dioxide retention, which manifests as headache, confusion, and eventually respiratory
acidosis. An O2 sat of 91% is acceptable, and a decreased respiratory rate (not increased) would be a
concern. The correct answer here is C because confusion and headache are classic signs of hypercapnia.
For your nursing exam prep, always remember: "Hypoxic drive is a COPDer's lifeline – don't blow it out
with too much O2." This revision note is a key part of your student success toolkit.
---
**Question 3**
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with heart failure. Which of the following
assessments should the nurse perform prior to administering the medication?
A) Obtain the client's blood pressure
B) Assess the client's apical pulse for 60 seconds
,C) Review the client's serum sodium level
D) Check the client's deep tendon reflexes
💫ANSWER✔️✔️: B
💫RATIONALE✔️✔️: Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index and can cause bradycardia. The nurse must
assess the apical pulse for one full minute before administration; if the pulse is less than 60 beats/min,
the medication should be withheld. Blood pressure is important but not the primary parameter for
digoxin. Serum sodium and deep tendon reflexes are not specifically related to digoxin administration. In
nursing exam prep, remember "Digoxin = Ding-Dong the pulse is low." This pharmacology guide is
designed for your revision notes and student success.
---
**Question 4**
A client is being discharged with a prescription for warfarin. Which of the following statements by the
client indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "I will avoid eating large amounts of leafy green vegetables."
B) "I will take my medication at the same time each day."
C) "I will use a soft toothbrush to prevent bleeding."
D) "I will notify my dentist that I am taking this medication."
💫ANSWER✔️✔️: A
💫RATIONALE✔️✔️: Warfarin works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. While it is
important to maintain a consistent vitamin K intake, clients should not avoid green vegetables entirely;
they should keep their intake consistent. The other statements are correct teaching points. "Consistency
is key with vitamin K" – that's a great mnemonic for this topic. This practice question emphasizes safe
patient education, which is a core component of nursing exam prep.
---
**Question 5**
, A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 hours post-cardiac catheterization via the femoral artery. The nurse
notes the client's affected extremity is pale, cool, and pulseless. What is the nurse's priority action?
A) Apply a warm compress to the extremity
B) Notify the healthcare provider immediately
C) Elevate the affected extremity
D) Reassess in 15 minutes
💫ANSWER✔️✔️: B
💫RATIONALE✔️✔️: Pale, cool, pulseless extremity indicates acute arterial occlusion, a serious
complication of cardiac catheterization that can lead to tissue necrosis. The nurse should notify the
healthcare provider immediately. Applying heat, elevating, or waiting are not appropriate actions. "Pale,
cool, and pulseless – this is a 'code cool' situation" is a great way to remember this. This critical care
practice question is essential for your nursing exam prep and student success.
---
**Question 6**
A client with major depressive disorder is prescribed phenelzine, an MAOI. The nurse teaches the client
about dietary restrictions. Which food item on the client's tray should the nurse remove?
A) Broiled chicken breast
B) Sliced avocado and cheese sandwich
C) Rice pilaf
D) Mixed green salad with vinaigrette
💫ANSWER✔️✔️: B
💫RATIONALE✔️✔️: MAOIs (phenelzine) can cause a hypertensive crisis when taken with foods high in
tyramine. Tyramine-rich foods include aged cheeses, avocados, fermented meats, and red wine. Broiled
chicken, rice, and salads are generally safe. This is a classic psychopharmacology question you'll see in
nursing exam prep. Remember "MAOI = 'My, Oh My, watch the Tyramine!'"
---
