NCLEX-RN Practice Questions 2026 |
Nursing Test Bank with Answers
University/College: Chamberlain University / Johns Hopkins University / Various Nursing
Programs
Subject: NCLEX-RN Licensure Examination Preparation
Course Code: NURS 400 – Nursing Comprehensive Review / NCLEX-RN Prep
EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE
Based on the NCSBN 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan:
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment – Management of Care, Safety and Infection Control
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance – Growth and Development, Health Screening, Lifestyle
Choices
3. Psychosocial Integrity – Mental Health, Coping Mechanisms, Therapeutic Communication
4. Physiological Integrity – Basic Care and Comfort, Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies,
Reduction of Risk Potential, Physiological Adaptation
5. Next-Generation NCLEX (NGN) – Clinical Judgment – Case Studies, Bowtie Questions,
Matrix/Grid, Drag and Drop, Ordered Response, Multiple Response (SATA)
SECTION A: SAFE AND EFFECTIVE CARE ENVIRONMENT – MANAGEMENT OF CARE
(Questions 1-30)
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to delegate tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) on a
medical-surgical unit. Which of the following tasks is appropriate for the nurse to delegate to the
UAP?
A) Administering oral medications to a stable patient
B) Assessing a postoperative patient's surgical incision
C) Ambulating a patient who is 2 days post-hip replacement
D) Creating a plan of care for a patient with diabetes
Answer: C
,Explanation: Ambulating a stable patient is a routine task that can be delegated to UAP. The RN
is responsible for assessment, medication administration, and care planning, which cannot be
delegated. The RN must ensure the patient is stable before delegating ambulation.
Question 2
A charge nurse is making assignments for the shift. Which patient should be assigned to the
most experienced nurse?
A) A patient with stable angina scheduled for discharge
B) A patient who is 1 day post-operative requiring wound care
C) A patient with a new tracheostomy and unstable vital signs
D) A patient with diabetes requiring insulin administration
Answer: C
Explanation: The patient with a new tracheostomy and unstable vital signs requires the highest
level of clinical judgment and assessment skills, making this the priority assignment for the most
experienced nurse. Stable patients can be assigned to less experienced staff.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Perform CPR if the client goes into cardiac arrest
B) Provide comfort care and follow the DNR order
C) Ignore the DNR order and call a code
D) Discuss the DNR order with the client's family
Answer: B
Explanation: A DNR order indicates that CPR should not be initiated if the patient goes into
cardiac arrest. The nurse should provide comfort care and follow the DNR order. The order
should have been discussed with the patient or family previously.
Question 4
A nurse is preparing a client for surgery. Which of the following is the nurse's priority action?
A) Ensure the client has signed the informed consent
B) Administer preoperative medications
C) Verify the client's identity and surgical site
D) Provide emotional support to the client
Answer: A
,Explanation: Informed consent must be obtained before surgery, and it is the nurse's
responsibility to ensure it is signed and witnessed. While all actions are important, verifying
informed consent is a legal and ethical priority.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of terminal cancer. The client states, "I
don't want any more treatment. I just want to go home." Which of the following is the nurse's
best response?
A) "You should think about this decision carefully."
B) "I understand you're feeling overwhelmed. Let's talk about what hospice care involves."
C) "You have the right to refuse treatment, but I think you should reconsider."
D) "I'll call your doctor to discuss your decision."
Answer: B
Explanation: The nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings and provide information about
options (hospice care) without being judgmental. This response uses therapeutic
communication and respects the client's autonomy.
Question 6
A nurse is reviewing the medical records of a client who is scheduled for surgery. Which of the
following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A) Serum potassium of 4.0 mEq/L
B) Hemoglobin of 14 g/dL
C) White blood cell count of 12,000/mm³
D) Platelet count of 150,000/mm³
Answer: C
Explanation: A WBC count of 12,000/mm³ is elevated and may indicate infection, which could
delay surgery. The other values are within normal ranges.
Question 7
A nurse is preparing to discharge a client who requires home oxygen therapy. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include?
A) "Smoking is permitted as long as you are not using oxygen at the time."
B) "Keep oxygen equipment at least 5 feet away from any open flame."
C) "Store oxygen in a closed, unventilated space."
D) "Adjust the oxygen flow rate based on how you feel."
, Answer: B
Explanation: Oxygen supports combustion and should be kept away from open flames. Smoking
is never permitted near oxygen. Oxygen should be stored in a well-ventilated area, and flow
rates should not be adjusted without a prescription.
Question 8
A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for restraints. Which of the following actions
is appropriate?
A) Apply restraints tightly to prevent movement
B) Remove restraints every 2 hours for assessment
C) Keep restraints on for 24 hours without reassessment
D) Tie restraints to the side rails of the bed
Answer: B
Explanation: Restraints must be removed every 2 hours for assessment of circulation, skin
integrity, and to provide range of motion and toileting. Restraints should be tied to the bed frame
(not side rails) with a quick-release knot and should never be applied tightly.
Question 9
A nurse is providing teaching to a client about advance directives. Which of the following
statements by the client indicates understanding?
A) "My advance directives will only be followed if my family agrees."
B) "I can change my advance directives at any time."
C) "Advance directives are only for older adults."
D) "Once I sign an advance directive, I cannot change it."
Answer: B
Explanation: Advance directives can be changed or revoked at any time by the client as long as
they are mentally competent. They are not only for older adults and do not require family
agreement to be followed.
Question 10
A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for falls. Which of the following interventions should
the nurse implement?
A) Keep the bed in the highest position
B) Place the call light within the client's reach
C) Keep the room dark to promote sleep
D) Restrain the client to prevent falls
Nursing Test Bank with Answers
University/College: Chamberlain University / Johns Hopkins University / Various Nursing
Programs
Subject: NCLEX-RN Licensure Examination Preparation
Course Code: NURS 400 – Nursing Comprehensive Review / NCLEX-RN Prep
EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE
Based on the NCSBN 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan:
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment – Management of Care, Safety and Infection Control
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance – Growth and Development, Health Screening, Lifestyle
Choices
3. Psychosocial Integrity – Mental Health, Coping Mechanisms, Therapeutic Communication
4. Physiological Integrity – Basic Care and Comfort, Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies,
Reduction of Risk Potential, Physiological Adaptation
5. Next-Generation NCLEX (NGN) – Clinical Judgment – Case Studies, Bowtie Questions,
Matrix/Grid, Drag and Drop, Ordered Response, Multiple Response (SATA)
SECTION A: SAFE AND EFFECTIVE CARE ENVIRONMENT – MANAGEMENT OF CARE
(Questions 1-30)
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to delegate tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) on a
medical-surgical unit. Which of the following tasks is appropriate for the nurse to delegate to the
UAP?
A) Administering oral medications to a stable patient
B) Assessing a postoperative patient's surgical incision
C) Ambulating a patient who is 2 days post-hip replacement
D) Creating a plan of care for a patient with diabetes
Answer: C
,Explanation: Ambulating a stable patient is a routine task that can be delegated to UAP. The RN
is responsible for assessment, medication administration, and care planning, which cannot be
delegated. The RN must ensure the patient is stable before delegating ambulation.
Question 2
A charge nurse is making assignments for the shift. Which patient should be assigned to the
most experienced nurse?
A) A patient with stable angina scheduled for discharge
B) A patient who is 1 day post-operative requiring wound care
C) A patient with a new tracheostomy and unstable vital signs
D) A patient with diabetes requiring insulin administration
Answer: C
Explanation: The patient with a new tracheostomy and unstable vital signs requires the highest
level of clinical judgment and assessment skills, making this the priority assignment for the most
experienced nurse. Stable patients can be assigned to less experienced staff.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Perform CPR if the client goes into cardiac arrest
B) Provide comfort care and follow the DNR order
C) Ignore the DNR order and call a code
D) Discuss the DNR order with the client's family
Answer: B
Explanation: A DNR order indicates that CPR should not be initiated if the patient goes into
cardiac arrest. The nurse should provide comfort care and follow the DNR order. The order
should have been discussed with the patient or family previously.
Question 4
A nurse is preparing a client for surgery. Which of the following is the nurse's priority action?
A) Ensure the client has signed the informed consent
B) Administer preoperative medications
C) Verify the client's identity and surgical site
D) Provide emotional support to the client
Answer: A
,Explanation: Informed consent must be obtained before surgery, and it is the nurse's
responsibility to ensure it is signed and witnessed. While all actions are important, verifying
informed consent is a legal and ethical priority.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of terminal cancer. The client states, "I
don't want any more treatment. I just want to go home." Which of the following is the nurse's
best response?
A) "You should think about this decision carefully."
B) "I understand you're feeling overwhelmed. Let's talk about what hospice care involves."
C) "You have the right to refuse treatment, but I think you should reconsider."
D) "I'll call your doctor to discuss your decision."
Answer: B
Explanation: The nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings and provide information about
options (hospice care) without being judgmental. This response uses therapeutic
communication and respects the client's autonomy.
Question 6
A nurse is reviewing the medical records of a client who is scheduled for surgery. Which of the
following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A) Serum potassium of 4.0 mEq/L
B) Hemoglobin of 14 g/dL
C) White blood cell count of 12,000/mm³
D) Platelet count of 150,000/mm³
Answer: C
Explanation: A WBC count of 12,000/mm³ is elevated and may indicate infection, which could
delay surgery. The other values are within normal ranges.
Question 7
A nurse is preparing to discharge a client who requires home oxygen therapy. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include?
A) "Smoking is permitted as long as you are not using oxygen at the time."
B) "Keep oxygen equipment at least 5 feet away from any open flame."
C) "Store oxygen in a closed, unventilated space."
D) "Adjust the oxygen flow rate based on how you feel."
, Answer: B
Explanation: Oxygen supports combustion and should be kept away from open flames. Smoking
is never permitted near oxygen. Oxygen should be stored in a well-ventilated area, and flow
rates should not be adjusted without a prescription.
Question 8
A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for restraints. Which of the following actions
is appropriate?
A) Apply restraints tightly to prevent movement
B) Remove restraints every 2 hours for assessment
C) Keep restraints on for 24 hours without reassessment
D) Tie restraints to the side rails of the bed
Answer: B
Explanation: Restraints must be removed every 2 hours for assessment of circulation, skin
integrity, and to provide range of motion and toileting. Restraints should be tied to the bed frame
(not side rails) with a quick-release knot and should never be applied tightly.
Question 9
A nurse is providing teaching to a client about advance directives. Which of the following
statements by the client indicates understanding?
A) "My advance directives will only be followed if my family agrees."
B) "I can change my advance directives at any time."
C) "Advance directives are only for older adults."
D) "Once I sign an advance directive, I cannot change it."
Answer: B
Explanation: Advance directives can be changed or revoked at any time by the client as long as
they are mentally competent. They are not only for older adults and do not require family
agreement to be followed.
Question 10
A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for falls. Which of the following interventions should
the nurse implement?
A) Keep the bed in the highest position
B) Place the call light within the client's reach
C) Keep the room dark to promote sleep
D) Restrain the client to prevent falls
