PN COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE 2026
FULL QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS
GRADED A+
◍ A client who is receiving a statin medication reports the onset of muscle
soreness and fatigue, and the practical nurse (PN) notes that the client's skin
is warm to the touch. Which action by the PN takes priority? A Monitor the
client's serum lipid levels. B Report the findings to the charge nurse.C
Administer a PRN dose of acetaminophen. D Encourage the client to drink
fluids..
Answer: A Monitor the client's serum lipid levels.
◍ The PN discovers that Mr. Billings has been taking two other medications at
home that are not on the current Medication Administration Record (MAR).
Which information should the nurse obtain?.
Answer: A,C,D
◍ A child diagnosed with strep throat 3 days ago enters the clinic crying
hysterically. The parent tells the practical nurse (PN) that the child screams
in pain even with a light touch. The child is short of breath and anxious.
Which manifestations warrant immediate intervention by the PN? A Red,
hot, and swollen joints. B Pulse oximetry of 88% 02 saturation. C Slightly
raised rash with ragged edges. D Heart rate 110 beats/minute..
Answer: B Pulse oximetry of 88% 02 saturation.
◍ Where is central PN access located?.
Answer: Superior vena cava.
◍ The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client who has a fractured right tibia
and fibula. To reduce swelling and promote comfort, the PN should place
the client in which position? A Dorsal recumbent with the right leg elevated
, on two pillows. B Supine with a foot board and a trochanter roll to the right
leg. C Left lateral recumbent position with the right leg supported in proper
alignment. D Right lateral with a pillow between the legs..
Answer: B Supine with a foot board and a trochanter roll to the right leg.
◍ A client reports feeling numbness and tingling in the extremities. Which of
the client's serum laboratory values should the practical nurse (PN) review
before reporting the finding? A White blood cell count (WBC). B Albumin
and protein. C Electrolytes. D Hematocrit..
Answer: B Albumin and protein.
◍ The practical nurse (PN) notes that the pulse rate of a client newly started on
levothyroxine sodium has increased from 98 to 120 beats/minute since the
initial dose was administered the previous day. Which action should the PN
implement? A Inform the client that the healthcare provider will need to
increase the prescribed dose of levothyroxine sodium. B Hold the next dose
of levothyroxine sodium and notify the charge nurse of the change in the
clients pulse rate. C Explain to the client that this is an expected side effect
and administer the next dose of levothyroxine sodium as prescribed. D
Administer the scheduled dose of levothyroxine sodium unless the client's
blood pressure is greater than 140/90 mm Hg..
Answer: B Hold the next dose of levothyroxine sodium and notify the
charge nurse of the change in the clients pulse rate.
◍ The practical nurse (P) is caring for a client with coronary artery disease
who is admitted with intermittent chest pain. The admission laboratory
results indicate elevations in troponin I and creatine phosphokinase
myoglobulin isoenzyme (CK-MB) levels. What should the PN consider the
most significant risk for this client on the second day of admission? A The
client is at risk for recurrent long-term angina pain and subsequent
myocardial infarction (MI). B The lab results indicate myocardial damage,
and the client is at risk for cardiac dygrhythmias. C The client is at risk for
pulmonary embolism, and lifestyle modifications need to be implemented. D
The lab results indicate risk factors for transient ischemic attack (TIA), and
, neurological vital signs should be monitored..
Answer: B The lab results indicate myocardial damage, and the client is at
risk for cardiac dygrhythmias.
◍ Goal RQ.
Answer: 0.85 to 0.95
◍ The practical nurse (PN) receives shift report for four newborns in the
full-term newborn nursery. Which infant should the PN assess first?A 1 day
old with a positive Babinski 's reflex
B. 6 hour old with a large Sacco start bite
C. 10 hour old with a circumoral cyanosis
D. 2 day old with negative Ortolani's sign.
Answer: C 10 hour old with a circumoral cyanosis
◍ The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a newborn whose mother has poorly
controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus. The PN observes the newborn is
grunting with mild sternal retractions. The PN should recognize the newborn
is exhibiting signs of which condition? A Patent ductus arteriosus. B
Hyperinsulinemia. C Hypothyroidism. D Ventral septal defect..
Answer: A Patent ductus arteriosus.
◍ While administering oxygen to an infant with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
who is having a hypoxic episode, the practical nurse (P) should implement
which intervention? A Hold the infant in a knee-chest position. B Give a
prescribed diuretic medication. C Position the infant in Trendelenburg. D
Administer liquid acetaminophen drops (gtt)..
Answer: A Hold the infant in a knee-chest position.
◍ We (PN) learned that coaching isn't my about a product, service, or diet
plan. Instead we learned that coaching was fundamentally about what?.
Answer: Creating a connection and a set of emotional experiences
◍ Essential fatty acid deficiency mechanism.
Answer: several weeks on a fat-free regimen (10 to 14 days); increases
circulatory insulin levels
, ◍ Prealbumin (transthyretin) normal range + place in protein status
assessment.
Answer: normal: 15-40 mg/dLUsed to assess protein status because t½ is 2
to 3 days; can be inaccurateFalsely decreased in the presence of
inflammation
◍ RQ > 0.5.
Answer: pt is being overfed
◍ The practical nurse (PN) observes a client's initial postoperative dressing
and drain as seen in the picture. Which follow-up actions should the PN
implement? (Select all that apply.)
A. Clamp the drainage tubing for the next four hours.
B. Compress the drainage device before closing the tab.
C. Document the appearance of the wound as inflamed.
D. Report the appearance of the dressing to the charge nurse.
E. Remove the drainage device and apply a pressure dressing..
Answer: B. Compress the drainage device before closing the tab. C.
Document the appearance of the wound as inflamed. D. Report the
appearance of the dressing to the charge nurse.
◍ The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client receiving chemotherapy who
has thrombocytopenia. Which intervention is most important to include in
the nursing plan of care? A Watch the client for abnormal bleeding. B
Obtain the client's blood pressure frequently. C Maintain protective isolation
precautions. D Observe for signs of dehydration..
Answer: A Watch the client for abnormal bleeding.
◍ Which action should the PN initiate with the UAP?.
Answer: C
◍ The practical nurse (P) is checking residual volume prior to the
administration of a bolus feeding to a client with a percutaneous endoscopic
gastrostomy (PEG) tube when the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)
reports that another client has requested pain medication for postoperative
FULL QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS
GRADED A+
◍ A client who is receiving a statin medication reports the onset of muscle
soreness and fatigue, and the practical nurse (PN) notes that the client's skin
is warm to the touch. Which action by the PN takes priority? A Monitor the
client's serum lipid levels. B Report the findings to the charge nurse.C
Administer a PRN dose of acetaminophen. D Encourage the client to drink
fluids..
Answer: A Monitor the client's serum lipid levels.
◍ The PN discovers that Mr. Billings has been taking two other medications at
home that are not on the current Medication Administration Record (MAR).
Which information should the nurse obtain?.
Answer: A,C,D
◍ A child diagnosed with strep throat 3 days ago enters the clinic crying
hysterically. The parent tells the practical nurse (PN) that the child screams
in pain even with a light touch. The child is short of breath and anxious.
Which manifestations warrant immediate intervention by the PN? A Red,
hot, and swollen joints. B Pulse oximetry of 88% 02 saturation. C Slightly
raised rash with ragged edges. D Heart rate 110 beats/minute..
Answer: B Pulse oximetry of 88% 02 saturation.
◍ Where is central PN access located?.
Answer: Superior vena cava.
◍ The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client who has a fractured right tibia
and fibula. To reduce swelling and promote comfort, the PN should place
the client in which position? A Dorsal recumbent with the right leg elevated
, on two pillows. B Supine with a foot board and a trochanter roll to the right
leg. C Left lateral recumbent position with the right leg supported in proper
alignment. D Right lateral with a pillow between the legs..
Answer: B Supine with a foot board and a trochanter roll to the right leg.
◍ A client reports feeling numbness and tingling in the extremities. Which of
the client's serum laboratory values should the practical nurse (PN) review
before reporting the finding? A White blood cell count (WBC). B Albumin
and protein. C Electrolytes. D Hematocrit..
Answer: B Albumin and protein.
◍ The practical nurse (PN) notes that the pulse rate of a client newly started on
levothyroxine sodium has increased from 98 to 120 beats/minute since the
initial dose was administered the previous day. Which action should the PN
implement? A Inform the client that the healthcare provider will need to
increase the prescribed dose of levothyroxine sodium. B Hold the next dose
of levothyroxine sodium and notify the charge nurse of the change in the
clients pulse rate. C Explain to the client that this is an expected side effect
and administer the next dose of levothyroxine sodium as prescribed. D
Administer the scheduled dose of levothyroxine sodium unless the client's
blood pressure is greater than 140/90 mm Hg..
Answer: B Hold the next dose of levothyroxine sodium and notify the
charge nurse of the change in the clients pulse rate.
◍ The practical nurse (P) is caring for a client with coronary artery disease
who is admitted with intermittent chest pain. The admission laboratory
results indicate elevations in troponin I and creatine phosphokinase
myoglobulin isoenzyme (CK-MB) levels. What should the PN consider the
most significant risk for this client on the second day of admission? A The
client is at risk for recurrent long-term angina pain and subsequent
myocardial infarction (MI). B The lab results indicate myocardial damage,
and the client is at risk for cardiac dygrhythmias. C The client is at risk for
pulmonary embolism, and lifestyle modifications need to be implemented. D
The lab results indicate risk factors for transient ischemic attack (TIA), and
, neurological vital signs should be monitored..
Answer: B The lab results indicate myocardial damage, and the client is at
risk for cardiac dygrhythmias.
◍ Goal RQ.
Answer: 0.85 to 0.95
◍ The practical nurse (PN) receives shift report for four newborns in the
full-term newborn nursery. Which infant should the PN assess first?A 1 day
old with a positive Babinski 's reflex
B. 6 hour old with a large Sacco start bite
C. 10 hour old with a circumoral cyanosis
D. 2 day old with negative Ortolani's sign.
Answer: C 10 hour old with a circumoral cyanosis
◍ The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a newborn whose mother has poorly
controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus. The PN observes the newborn is
grunting with mild sternal retractions. The PN should recognize the newborn
is exhibiting signs of which condition? A Patent ductus arteriosus. B
Hyperinsulinemia. C Hypothyroidism. D Ventral septal defect..
Answer: A Patent ductus arteriosus.
◍ While administering oxygen to an infant with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
who is having a hypoxic episode, the practical nurse (P) should implement
which intervention? A Hold the infant in a knee-chest position. B Give a
prescribed diuretic medication. C Position the infant in Trendelenburg. D
Administer liquid acetaminophen drops (gtt)..
Answer: A Hold the infant in a knee-chest position.
◍ We (PN) learned that coaching isn't my about a product, service, or diet
plan. Instead we learned that coaching was fundamentally about what?.
Answer: Creating a connection and a set of emotional experiences
◍ Essential fatty acid deficiency mechanism.
Answer: several weeks on a fat-free regimen (10 to 14 days); increases
circulatory insulin levels
, ◍ Prealbumin (transthyretin) normal range + place in protein status
assessment.
Answer: normal: 15-40 mg/dLUsed to assess protein status because t½ is 2
to 3 days; can be inaccurateFalsely decreased in the presence of
inflammation
◍ RQ > 0.5.
Answer: pt is being overfed
◍ The practical nurse (PN) observes a client's initial postoperative dressing
and drain as seen in the picture. Which follow-up actions should the PN
implement? (Select all that apply.)
A. Clamp the drainage tubing for the next four hours.
B. Compress the drainage device before closing the tab.
C. Document the appearance of the wound as inflamed.
D. Report the appearance of the dressing to the charge nurse.
E. Remove the drainage device and apply a pressure dressing..
Answer: B. Compress the drainage device before closing the tab. C.
Document the appearance of the wound as inflamed. D. Report the
appearance of the dressing to the charge nurse.
◍ The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client receiving chemotherapy who
has thrombocytopenia. Which intervention is most important to include in
the nursing plan of care? A Watch the client for abnormal bleeding. B
Obtain the client's blood pressure frequently. C Maintain protective isolation
precautions. D Observe for signs of dehydration..
Answer: A Watch the client for abnormal bleeding.
◍ Which action should the PN initiate with the UAP?.
Answer: C
◍ The practical nurse (P) is checking residual volume prior to the
administration of a bolus feeding to a client with a percutaneous endoscopic
gastrostomy (PEG) tube when the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)
reports that another client has requested pain medication for postoperative
