Latest NCLEX PN Exam 2026 — Real Questions and
Answers with Full Rationales to Guarantee Your
First Attempt Success in NCLEX PN Exams.
1. A client on fall precautions is attempting to get out of bed independently. What is the PN's
priority action?
• A. Apply a vest restraint immediately.
• B. Place the bed in the lowest position with the call light within reach.
• C. Tell the client to stay in bed and wait for assistance.
• D. Raise all four side rails for safety.
Correct Answer: B. Place the bed in the lowest position with the call light within reach.
Rationale: The least restrictive intervention should be used first. Placing the bed in the lowest
position and ensuring the call light is within reach promotes safety while respecting the client's
autonomy. Restraints and all four side rails are restrictive and should only be used as a last
resort with a provider's order.
2. A client with tuberculosis (TB) is being admitted. Which type of precautions should the PN
implement?
• A. Standard Precautions.
• B. Contact Precautions.
• C. Droplet Precautions.
• D. Airborne Precautions.
Correct Answer: D. Airborne Precautions.
Rationale: TB is transmitted via airborne droplet nuclei that can remain suspended in the air.
Airborne Precautions require a negative pressure room, an N95 respirator mask for staff, and
strict adherence to infection control protocols. Standard, Contact, and Droplet Precautions are
not sufficient for TB.
,3. The PN is preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection to an adult. Which site is
preferred for IM injections in adults?
• A. Dorsogluteal.
• B. Deltoid.
• C. Vastus lateralis.
• D. Ventrogluteal.
Correct Answer: D. Ventrogluteal.
Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is the preferred IM site for adults because it is free of major
nerves and blood vessels, making it the safest site with the lowest risk of injury. The
dorsogluteal site is no longer recommended due to its proximity to the sciatic nerve.
4. A client with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is on Contact Precautions. Which hand hygiene
method is correct?
• A. Use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• B. Wash hands with soap and water.
• C. Wear gloves and use hand sanitizer.
• D. Wash hands with plain water only.
Correct Answer: B. Wash hands with soap and water.
Rationale: C. diff spores are resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Only mechanical friction
with soap and water can effectively remove the spores from the hands. This is a critical
distinction in infection control.
5. A client is at risk for falls. Which intervention should the PN prioritize in the plan of care?
• A. Keep the client in bed at all times.
• B. Place a fall risk bracelet on the client.
• C. Encourage the client to use the call light for assistance.
• D. Keep the client's room dark to promote sleep.
Correct Answer: C. Encourage the client to use the call light for assistance.
Rationale: Encouraging the use of the call light empowers the client to ask for help before
,attempting to ambulate, which reduces fall risk. Keeping a client in bed at all times increases
deconditioning and is not appropriate. A dark room increases the risk of falls during ambulation.
6. The PN is applying restraints to a client. Which action is correct regarding restraint use?
• A. Apply the restraint tightly to prevent slipping.
• B. Tie the restraint to the side rail of the bed.
• C. Ensure two fingers can fit between the restraint and the client's skin.
• D. Leave the client alone to avoid embarrassment.
Correct Answer: C. Ensure two fingers can fit between the restraint and the client's skin.
Rationale: A proper restraint fit allows two fingers to fit between the restraint and the client's
skin to prevent injury and ensure circulation is not compromised. Restraints should never be
tied to the side rail, as this can cause injury if the rail is lowered.
7. A healthcare worker sustains a needlestick injury. What is the immediate action?
• A. Squeeze the wound to encourage bleeding.
• B. Wash the site with soap and water.
• C. Apply a bandage and return to work.
• D. Notify the provider within 48 hours.
Correct Answer: B. Wash the site with soap and water.
Rationale: The immediate action after a needlestick injury is to wash the site thoroughly with
soap and water and report the incident to the supervisor immediately (not within 48 hours).
Squeezing the wound is not recommended as it can cause further tissue damage.
8. Which client is at highest risk for developing a pressure injury?
• A. A client with diabetes who ambulates independently.
• B. A client with dementia who is confined to a wheelchair.
• C. A client with hypertension who exercises daily.
• D. A client with a fractured arm in a sling.
, Correct Answer: B. A client with dementia who is confined to a wheelchair.
Rationale: Immobility is the primary risk factor for pressure injuries. A client with dementia who
is wheelchair-bound has significant mobility limitations and is at highest risk compared to
independent or less restricted clients.
9. The PN notes a fire in a client's room. What is the correct sequence of actions?
• A. Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish.
• B. Alarm, Rescue, Extinguish, Contain.
• C. Extinguish, Alarm, Rescue, Contain.
• D. Contain, Extinguish, Rescue, Alarm.
Correct Answer: A. Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish.
Rationale: The RACE protocol is the standard response to a fire: Rescue anyone in immediate
danger, Alarm (activate the fire alarm), Contain the fire (close doors/windows), and Extinguish
the fire (use a fire extinguisher if safe to do so).
10. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when caring for a client in Droplet
Precautions?
• A. N95 respirator, gown, gloves.
• B. Surgical mask, gown, gloves.
• C. Gown and gloves only.
• D. Eye protection only.
Correct Answer: B. Surgical mask, gown, gloves.
Rationale: Droplet Precautions require a surgical mask, gown, and gloves. An N95 respirator is
required for Airborne Precautions. Eye protection may be added if there is a risk of splashes, but
the standard PPE for Droplet Precautions includes a mask, gown, and gloves.
Coordinated Care (Questions 11-20)
11. The PN is reinforcing teaching for a client about advance directives. The client states, "I
don't want any heroic measures." Which statement is correct?
Answers with Full Rationales to Guarantee Your
First Attempt Success in NCLEX PN Exams.
1. A client on fall precautions is attempting to get out of bed independently. What is the PN's
priority action?
• A. Apply a vest restraint immediately.
• B. Place the bed in the lowest position with the call light within reach.
• C. Tell the client to stay in bed and wait for assistance.
• D. Raise all four side rails for safety.
Correct Answer: B. Place the bed in the lowest position with the call light within reach.
Rationale: The least restrictive intervention should be used first. Placing the bed in the lowest
position and ensuring the call light is within reach promotes safety while respecting the client's
autonomy. Restraints and all four side rails are restrictive and should only be used as a last
resort with a provider's order.
2. A client with tuberculosis (TB) is being admitted. Which type of precautions should the PN
implement?
• A. Standard Precautions.
• B. Contact Precautions.
• C. Droplet Precautions.
• D. Airborne Precautions.
Correct Answer: D. Airborne Precautions.
Rationale: TB is transmitted via airborne droplet nuclei that can remain suspended in the air.
Airborne Precautions require a negative pressure room, an N95 respirator mask for staff, and
strict adherence to infection control protocols. Standard, Contact, and Droplet Precautions are
not sufficient for TB.
,3. The PN is preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection to an adult. Which site is
preferred for IM injections in adults?
• A. Dorsogluteal.
• B. Deltoid.
• C. Vastus lateralis.
• D. Ventrogluteal.
Correct Answer: D. Ventrogluteal.
Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is the preferred IM site for adults because it is free of major
nerves and blood vessels, making it the safest site with the lowest risk of injury. The
dorsogluteal site is no longer recommended due to its proximity to the sciatic nerve.
4. A client with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is on Contact Precautions. Which hand hygiene
method is correct?
• A. Use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• B. Wash hands with soap and water.
• C. Wear gloves and use hand sanitizer.
• D. Wash hands with plain water only.
Correct Answer: B. Wash hands with soap and water.
Rationale: C. diff spores are resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Only mechanical friction
with soap and water can effectively remove the spores from the hands. This is a critical
distinction in infection control.
5. A client is at risk for falls. Which intervention should the PN prioritize in the plan of care?
• A. Keep the client in bed at all times.
• B. Place a fall risk bracelet on the client.
• C. Encourage the client to use the call light for assistance.
• D. Keep the client's room dark to promote sleep.
Correct Answer: C. Encourage the client to use the call light for assistance.
Rationale: Encouraging the use of the call light empowers the client to ask for help before
,attempting to ambulate, which reduces fall risk. Keeping a client in bed at all times increases
deconditioning and is not appropriate. A dark room increases the risk of falls during ambulation.
6. The PN is applying restraints to a client. Which action is correct regarding restraint use?
• A. Apply the restraint tightly to prevent slipping.
• B. Tie the restraint to the side rail of the bed.
• C. Ensure two fingers can fit between the restraint and the client's skin.
• D. Leave the client alone to avoid embarrassment.
Correct Answer: C. Ensure two fingers can fit between the restraint and the client's skin.
Rationale: A proper restraint fit allows two fingers to fit between the restraint and the client's
skin to prevent injury and ensure circulation is not compromised. Restraints should never be
tied to the side rail, as this can cause injury if the rail is lowered.
7. A healthcare worker sustains a needlestick injury. What is the immediate action?
• A. Squeeze the wound to encourage bleeding.
• B. Wash the site with soap and water.
• C. Apply a bandage and return to work.
• D. Notify the provider within 48 hours.
Correct Answer: B. Wash the site with soap and water.
Rationale: The immediate action after a needlestick injury is to wash the site thoroughly with
soap and water and report the incident to the supervisor immediately (not within 48 hours).
Squeezing the wound is not recommended as it can cause further tissue damage.
8. Which client is at highest risk for developing a pressure injury?
• A. A client with diabetes who ambulates independently.
• B. A client with dementia who is confined to a wheelchair.
• C. A client with hypertension who exercises daily.
• D. A client with a fractured arm in a sling.
, Correct Answer: B. A client with dementia who is confined to a wheelchair.
Rationale: Immobility is the primary risk factor for pressure injuries. A client with dementia who
is wheelchair-bound has significant mobility limitations and is at highest risk compared to
independent or less restricted clients.
9. The PN notes a fire in a client's room. What is the correct sequence of actions?
• A. Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish.
• B. Alarm, Rescue, Extinguish, Contain.
• C. Extinguish, Alarm, Rescue, Contain.
• D. Contain, Extinguish, Rescue, Alarm.
Correct Answer: A. Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish.
Rationale: The RACE protocol is the standard response to a fire: Rescue anyone in immediate
danger, Alarm (activate the fire alarm), Contain the fire (close doors/windows), and Extinguish
the fire (use a fire extinguisher if safe to do so).
10. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when caring for a client in Droplet
Precautions?
• A. N95 respirator, gown, gloves.
• B. Surgical mask, gown, gloves.
• C. Gown and gloves only.
• D. Eye protection only.
Correct Answer: B. Surgical mask, gown, gloves.
Rationale: Droplet Precautions require a surgical mask, gown, and gloves. An N95 respirator is
required for Airborne Precautions. Eye protection may be added if there is a risk of splashes, but
the standard PPE for Droplet Precautions includes a mask, gown, and gloves.
Coordinated Care (Questions 11-20)
11. The PN is reinforcing teaching for a client about advance directives. The client states, "I
don't want any heroic measures." Which statement is correct?
