NGN NCLEX-PN PRACTICE EXAM &
RATIONALES STUDY GUIDE (2026)
Question 1 – Postoperative Pain Assessment
Category: Basic Care and Comfort – Pain Management
NCJMM Skill: Recognizing Cues
A 54-year-old client is 6 hours postoperative following an
uncomplicated inguinal hernia repair. The LPN obtains the
following assessment data:
• BP: 132/78 mmHg
• HR: 92/min
• RR: 18/min
• Temperature: 37.1°C (98.8°F)
• Oxygen saturation: 98% on room air
• Pain rating: 8/10 at the incision
• Surgical dressing dry and intact
The client states, "The pain medicine has worn off."
What is the most appropriate nursing action?
,A. Notify the registered nurse immediately.
B. Administer the prescribed PRN analgesic after verifying it is
due.
C. Encourage the client to wait another hour before requesting
medication.
D. Remove the dressing to inspect the incision.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
The client's assessment findings are consistent with expected
postoperative pain. Vital signs are stable, oxygenation is
adequate, and there are no signs of hemorrhage or infection.
Within the LPN scope of practice, administering a prescribed
PRN analgesic after verifying the medication order, timing,
allergies, and pain assessment is appropriate.
Why the other options are incorrect
• A: Notification is unnecessary because no complications
are present.
• C: Delaying pain treatment is inconsistent with evidence-
based pain management.
• D: Dressing removal without an order or facility protocol
may disrupt wound healing.
,NCLEX Gem: Treat the client's pain when assessment findings
support expected postoperative recovery and a valid
medication order exists.
Question 2 – Standard Precautions (SATA)
Category: Safety and Infection Control
NCJMM Skill: Taking Action
An LPN is caring for a client with suspected Clostridioides
difficile infection.
Which nursing interventions are appropriate?
Select all that apply.
• ☐ A. Wash hands with soap and water after client contact.
• ☐ B. Wear gloves upon entering the room.
• ☐ C. Place the client in a private room if available.
• ☐ D. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer only after glove
removal.
• ☐ E. Dedicate equipment such as a blood pressure cuff to
this client.
Correct Answers: A, B, C, E
Rationale
, C. difficile forms spores that are not reliably removed by
alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Soap and water are required after
caring for affected clients. Contact precautions include gloves,
gown (per facility policy), dedicated equipment, and preferably
a private room to reduce transmission.
Why the incorrect option is incorrect
• D: Alcohol-based sanitizer alone does not effectively
remove C. difficile spores.
NCLEX Gem: Remember the exception: soap and water—not
sanitizer alone—for C. difficile and norovirus.
Question 3 – Hypertension Medication Teaching
Category: Pharmacological Therapies
NCJMM Skill: Evaluating Outcomes
A client is newly prescribed lisinopril for hypertension.
Which statement by the client indicates correct
understanding?
A. "I will stop taking the medication once my blood pressure is
normal."
B. "If I develop swelling of my lips or tongue, I will seek
emergency care."
RATIONALES STUDY GUIDE (2026)
Question 1 – Postoperative Pain Assessment
Category: Basic Care and Comfort – Pain Management
NCJMM Skill: Recognizing Cues
A 54-year-old client is 6 hours postoperative following an
uncomplicated inguinal hernia repair. The LPN obtains the
following assessment data:
• BP: 132/78 mmHg
• HR: 92/min
• RR: 18/min
• Temperature: 37.1°C (98.8°F)
• Oxygen saturation: 98% on room air
• Pain rating: 8/10 at the incision
• Surgical dressing dry and intact
The client states, "The pain medicine has worn off."
What is the most appropriate nursing action?
,A. Notify the registered nurse immediately.
B. Administer the prescribed PRN analgesic after verifying it is
due.
C. Encourage the client to wait another hour before requesting
medication.
D. Remove the dressing to inspect the incision.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
The client's assessment findings are consistent with expected
postoperative pain. Vital signs are stable, oxygenation is
adequate, and there are no signs of hemorrhage or infection.
Within the LPN scope of practice, administering a prescribed
PRN analgesic after verifying the medication order, timing,
allergies, and pain assessment is appropriate.
Why the other options are incorrect
• A: Notification is unnecessary because no complications
are present.
• C: Delaying pain treatment is inconsistent with evidence-
based pain management.
• D: Dressing removal without an order or facility protocol
may disrupt wound healing.
,NCLEX Gem: Treat the client's pain when assessment findings
support expected postoperative recovery and a valid
medication order exists.
Question 2 – Standard Precautions (SATA)
Category: Safety and Infection Control
NCJMM Skill: Taking Action
An LPN is caring for a client with suspected Clostridioides
difficile infection.
Which nursing interventions are appropriate?
Select all that apply.
• ☐ A. Wash hands with soap and water after client contact.
• ☐ B. Wear gloves upon entering the room.
• ☐ C. Place the client in a private room if available.
• ☐ D. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer only after glove
removal.
• ☐ E. Dedicate equipment such as a blood pressure cuff to
this client.
Correct Answers: A, B, C, E
Rationale
, C. difficile forms spores that are not reliably removed by
alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Soap and water are required after
caring for affected clients. Contact precautions include gloves,
gown (per facility policy), dedicated equipment, and preferably
a private room to reduce transmission.
Why the incorrect option is incorrect
• D: Alcohol-based sanitizer alone does not effectively
remove C. difficile spores.
NCLEX Gem: Remember the exception: soap and water—not
sanitizer alone—for C. difficile and norovirus.
Question 3 – Hypertension Medication Teaching
Category: Pharmacological Therapies
NCJMM Skill: Evaluating Outcomes
A client is newly prescribed lisinopril for hypertension.
Which statement by the client indicates correct
understanding?
A. "I will stop taking the medication once my blood pressure is
normal."
B. "If I develop swelling of my lips or tongue, I will seek
emergency care."
