KAPLAN RN PREDICTOR EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |LATEST EXAM UPDATE
2026/2027 EXAM with Questions and Answers/Plus a
Rationale Updated 2026 A+/Instant Download PDF
EXAM COVERAGE
1. Management of Care and Prioritization
2. Safety and Infection Control
3. Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
4. Reduction of Risk Potential
5. Health Promotion and Maintenance
6. Psychosocial Integrity
7. Basic Care and Comfort
8. Physiological Adaptation
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. The
client reports sudden, sharp chest pain and dyspnea. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take first?
A. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula
B. Elevate the head of the bed to a high-Fowler’s position
C. Obtain a stat arterial blood gas
D. Initiate an intravenous bolus of normal saline
, Answer: B [Correct Answer]
Rationale: The client's symptoms are highly suggestive of a pulmonary embolism. Elevating the
head of the bed immediately promotes lung expansion and improves oxygenation, which is the
priority nursing intervention. While oxygen administration is indicated, positioning the client to
facilitate respiratory effort is the immediate priority before initiating supplemental O2.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
2. A nurse is prioritizing care for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client with a stage II pressure ulcer requesting a dressing change
B. A client with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L
C. A client scheduled for discharge with a blood pressure of 138/88 mmHg
D. A client receiving a blood transfusion who reports itching at the site
Answer: B [Correct Answer]
Rationale: A potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L indicates severe hyperkalemia, which places the client
at immediate risk for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. This is the most unstable condition
among the choices. While the client with itching needs attention for a transfusion reaction, the
electrolyte imbalance poses a more imminent threat to the cardiac system.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving mechanical ventilation. The low-pressure alarm sounds.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Auscultate for breath sounds
B. Check for a disconnected tubing or loose connection
C. Suction the airway
D. Increase the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)
Answer: B [Correct Answer]
Rationale: A low-pressure alarm on a ventilator is most commonly caused by a disconnection or
a leak in the breathing circuit. The nurse must first ensure the integrity of the system to prevent
hypoventilation. Once the connection is verified, other causes like secretions or tubing
obstructions (high-pressure) can be explored.
, CORRECT ANSWER : B
4. A nurse is reviewing a client’s medication administration record and notices that a dose of
digoxin is scheduled for a client whose apical heart rate is 52/min. Which action should the nurse
take?
A. Administer the medication as ordered
B. Hold the dose and notify the provider
C. Administer half the prescribed dose
D. Reassess the heart rate in 1 hour
Answer: B [Correct Answer]
Rationale: Digoxin has a negative chronotropic effect. Standard nursing practice dictates
withholding digoxin if the apical pulse is less than 60/min in an adult to prevent bradycardia and
potential toxicity. Notifying the provider allows for re-evaluation of the dosage or therapy.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a diagnosis of schizophrenia and is experiencing auditory
hallucinations. Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate?
A. "I don't hear any voices, so you shouldn't either."
B. "I understand that you hear voices, but I do not hear them."
C. "Why are you listening to those voices?"
D. "Tell the voices to go away and focus on me."
Answer: B [Correct Answer]
Rationale: The nurse must acknowledge the client's reality without validating the hallucination.
Stating that the nurse does not hear the voices provides a reality-based anchor while remaining
supportive. Option A is dismissive, Option C is judgmental, and Option D is inappropriate as it
assumes the client has control over the symptoms.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
6. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving intravenous (IV) vancomycin. The nurse notes the
client’s face, neck, and upper chest are flushing. Which action is appropriate?
A. Discontinue the IV immediately
, B. Slow the rate of the infusion
C. Increase the rate of the infusion
D. Administer a PRN dose of acetaminophen
Answer: B [Correct Answer]
Rationale: The flushing described is characteristic of "Red Man Syndrome," an adverse reaction
to a rapid infusion of vancomycin. Slowing the infusion rate usually alleviates the symptoms. The
medication does not need to be permanently discontinued unless the reaction is severe or
anaphylactic.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
7. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin glargine and regular insulin to a client. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take?
A. Mix the insulins in the same syringe
B. Draw them into two separate syringes
C. Draw the glargine first, then the regular insulin
D. Shake the regular insulin vial before withdrawing the dose
Answer: B [Correct Answer]
Rationale: Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that cannot be mixed with other insulins in
the same syringe because the pH differences can cause precipitation. They must be administered
via separate injections. Shaking regular insulin is unnecessary as it should be clear and only
gently rolled.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
8. A nurse is caring for a client who has hyperthyroidism. Which of the following findings should
the nurse anticipate?
A. Weight gain
B. Exophthalmos
C. Constipation
D. Bradycardia
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |LATEST EXAM UPDATE
2026/2027 EXAM with Questions and Answers/Plus a
Rationale Updated 2026 A+/Instant Download PDF
EXAM COVERAGE
1. Management of Care and Prioritization
2. Safety and Infection Control
3. Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
4. Reduction of Risk Potential
5. Health Promotion and Maintenance
6. Psychosocial Integrity
7. Basic Care and Comfort
8. Physiological Adaptation
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. The
client reports sudden, sharp chest pain and dyspnea. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take first?
A. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula
B. Elevate the head of the bed to a high-Fowler’s position
C. Obtain a stat arterial blood gas
D. Initiate an intravenous bolus of normal saline
, Answer: B [Correct Answer]
Rationale: The client's symptoms are highly suggestive of a pulmonary embolism. Elevating the
head of the bed immediately promotes lung expansion and improves oxygenation, which is the
priority nursing intervention. While oxygen administration is indicated, positioning the client to
facilitate respiratory effort is the immediate priority before initiating supplemental O2.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
2. A nurse is prioritizing care for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client with a stage II pressure ulcer requesting a dressing change
B. A client with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L
C. A client scheduled for discharge with a blood pressure of 138/88 mmHg
D. A client receiving a blood transfusion who reports itching at the site
Answer: B [Correct Answer]
Rationale: A potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L indicates severe hyperkalemia, which places the client
at immediate risk for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. This is the most unstable condition
among the choices. While the client with itching needs attention for a transfusion reaction, the
electrolyte imbalance poses a more imminent threat to the cardiac system.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving mechanical ventilation. The low-pressure alarm sounds.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Auscultate for breath sounds
B. Check for a disconnected tubing or loose connection
C. Suction the airway
D. Increase the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)
Answer: B [Correct Answer]
Rationale: A low-pressure alarm on a ventilator is most commonly caused by a disconnection or
a leak in the breathing circuit. The nurse must first ensure the integrity of the system to prevent
hypoventilation. Once the connection is verified, other causes like secretions or tubing
obstructions (high-pressure) can be explored.
, CORRECT ANSWER : B
4. A nurse is reviewing a client’s medication administration record and notices that a dose of
digoxin is scheduled for a client whose apical heart rate is 52/min. Which action should the nurse
take?
A. Administer the medication as ordered
B. Hold the dose and notify the provider
C. Administer half the prescribed dose
D. Reassess the heart rate in 1 hour
Answer: B [Correct Answer]
Rationale: Digoxin has a negative chronotropic effect. Standard nursing practice dictates
withholding digoxin if the apical pulse is less than 60/min in an adult to prevent bradycardia and
potential toxicity. Notifying the provider allows for re-evaluation of the dosage or therapy.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a diagnosis of schizophrenia and is experiencing auditory
hallucinations. Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate?
A. "I don't hear any voices, so you shouldn't either."
B. "I understand that you hear voices, but I do not hear them."
C. "Why are you listening to those voices?"
D. "Tell the voices to go away and focus on me."
Answer: B [Correct Answer]
Rationale: The nurse must acknowledge the client's reality without validating the hallucination.
Stating that the nurse does not hear the voices provides a reality-based anchor while remaining
supportive. Option A is dismissive, Option C is judgmental, and Option D is inappropriate as it
assumes the client has control over the symptoms.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
6. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving intravenous (IV) vancomycin. The nurse notes the
client’s face, neck, and upper chest are flushing. Which action is appropriate?
A. Discontinue the IV immediately
, B. Slow the rate of the infusion
C. Increase the rate of the infusion
D. Administer a PRN dose of acetaminophen
Answer: B [Correct Answer]
Rationale: The flushing described is characteristic of "Red Man Syndrome," an adverse reaction
to a rapid infusion of vancomycin. Slowing the infusion rate usually alleviates the symptoms. The
medication does not need to be permanently discontinued unless the reaction is severe or
anaphylactic.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
7. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin glargine and regular insulin to a client. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take?
A. Mix the insulins in the same syringe
B. Draw them into two separate syringes
C. Draw the glargine first, then the regular insulin
D. Shake the regular insulin vial before withdrawing the dose
Answer: B [Correct Answer]
Rationale: Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that cannot be mixed with other insulins in
the same syringe because the pH differences can cause precipitation. They must be administered
via separate injections. Shaking regular insulin is unnecessary as it should be clear and only
gently rolled.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
8. A nurse is caring for a client who has hyperthyroidism. Which of the following findings should
the nurse anticipate?
A. Weight gain
B. Exophthalmos
C. Constipation
D. Bradycardia
