NCLEX-RN 2026: Basic Care and Comfort Practice Test
2026/2027 UPDATE UPDATED ACTUAL Exam Questions
and CORRECT Answers
1. A nurse is caring for a client with dysphagia. Which intervention is most
appropriate to prevent aspiration during mealtime?
A. Encouraging the client to use a straw for all liquids
B. Offering thin liquids to make swallowing easier
C. Placing the client in a high-Fowler’s position
D. Instructing the client to tilt their head back while swallowing
Answer: C
Rationale: Positioning the client in high-Fowler’s (90 degrees) or sitting upright in a chair
helps use gravity to move food down the esophagus and reduces the risk of aspiration.
2. When providing oral care for an unconscious client, which action should the
nurse take to ensure safety?
A. Use a large amount of water to rinse the mouth
B. Place the client in a supine position
C. Position the client on their side (lateral position)
D. Apply lemon-glycerin swabs to the tongue
Answer: C
Rationale: Placing an unconscious client in a side-lying position allows secretions to drain
out of the mouth, preventing aspiration during oral care.
,3. A client is on a clear liquid diet. Which of the following items can the nurse
safely provide?
A. Orange juice with pulp
B. Vanilla pudding
C. Cream of mushroom soup
D. Apple juice
Answer: D
Rationale: Clear liquids include items that are transparent at room temperature, such as
apple juice, broth, and gelatin. Pulp and dairy products are not allowed.
4. The nurse is teaching a client how to use a cane. On which side should the
client hold the cane?
A. On the stronger (unaffected) side
B. On the weaker (affected) side
C. On whichever side feels more comfortable
D. Alternating sides with every step
Answer: A
Rationale: The cane should be held on the stronger side to provide a wider base of support
and better balance for the weaker limb.
5. Which assessment finding is a priority concern for a client receiving Total
Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)?
A. Blood glucose level of 190 mg/dL
B. Weight gain of 1 lb in a week
C. Urine output of 50 mL/hr
D. A temperature of 98.6°F (37°C)
Answer: A
Rationale: TPN contains high concentrations of glucose, putting clients at risk for
hyperglycemia. A glucose of 190 mg/dL requires immediate intervention or adjustment.
, 6. A nurse is performing range-of-motion exercises for an immobile client. The
nurse should stop the exercise if which occurs?
A. The client expresses boredom
B. The joint makes a slight popping sound
C. The nurse meets resistance or the client reports pain
D. The client’s heart rate increases by 5 beats per minute
Answer: C
Rationale: Never force a joint beyond the point of resistance or pain to avoid injury to the
muscles and connective tissues.
7. To prevent foot drop in a bedridden client, which device should the nurse
use?
A. Trochanter rolls
B. Footboard or high-top sneakers
C. Side rails
D. Abduction pillow
Answer: B
Rationale: A footboard or high-top sneakers help maintain the feet in dorsiflexion,
preventing the permanent plantar flexion known as foot drop.
8. Which non-pharmacological comfort measure is most effective for a client
experiencing localized inflammation?
A. Warm moist compress
B. Guided imagery
C. Cold application
D. Massage of the affected area
Answer: C
Rationale: Cold application causes vasoconstriction, which helps reduce edema,
inflammation, and pain in a localized area.
2026/2027 UPDATE UPDATED ACTUAL Exam Questions
and CORRECT Answers
1. A nurse is caring for a client with dysphagia. Which intervention is most
appropriate to prevent aspiration during mealtime?
A. Encouraging the client to use a straw for all liquids
B. Offering thin liquids to make swallowing easier
C. Placing the client in a high-Fowler’s position
D. Instructing the client to tilt their head back while swallowing
Answer: C
Rationale: Positioning the client in high-Fowler’s (90 degrees) or sitting upright in a chair
helps use gravity to move food down the esophagus and reduces the risk of aspiration.
2. When providing oral care for an unconscious client, which action should the
nurse take to ensure safety?
A. Use a large amount of water to rinse the mouth
B. Place the client in a supine position
C. Position the client on their side (lateral position)
D. Apply lemon-glycerin swabs to the tongue
Answer: C
Rationale: Placing an unconscious client in a side-lying position allows secretions to drain
out of the mouth, preventing aspiration during oral care.
,3. A client is on a clear liquid diet. Which of the following items can the nurse
safely provide?
A. Orange juice with pulp
B. Vanilla pudding
C. Cream of mushroom soup
D. Apple juice
Answer: D
Rationale: Clear liquids include items that are transparent at room temperature, such as
apple juice, broth, and gelatin. Pulp and dairy products are not allowed.
4. The nurse is teaching a client how to use a cane. On which side should the
client hold the cane?
A. On the stronger (unaffected) side
B. On the weaker (affected) side
C. On whichever side feels more comfortable
D. Alternating sides with every step
Answer: A
Rationale: The cane should be held on the stronger side to provide a wider base of support
and better balance for the weaker limb.
5. Which assessment finding is a priority concern for a client receiving Total
Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)?
A. Blood glucose level of 190 mg/dL
B. Weight gain of 1 lb in a week
C. Urine output of 50 mL/hr
D. A temperature of 98.6°F (37°C)
Answer: A
Rationale: TPN contains high concentrations of glucose, putting clients at risk for
hyperglycemia. A glucose of 190 mg/dL requires immediate intervention or adjustment.
, 6. A nurse is performing range-of-motion exercises for an immobile client. The
nurse should stop the exercise if which occurs?
A. The client expresses boredom
B. The joint makes a slight popping sound
C. The nurse meets resistance or the client reports pain
D. The client’s heart rate increases by 5 beats per minute
Answer: C
Rationale: Never force a joint beyond the point of resistance or pain to avoid injury to the
muscles and connective tissues.
7. To prevent foot drop in a bedridden client, which device should the nurse
use?
A. Trochanter rolls
B. Footboard or high-top sneakers
C. Side rails
D. Abduction pillow
Answer: B
Rationale: A footboard or high-top sneakers help maintain the feet in dorsiflexion,
preventing the permanent plantar flexion known as foot drop.
8. Which non-pharmacological comfort measure is most effective for a client
experiencing localized inflammation?
A. Warm moist compress
B. Guided imagery
C. Cold application
D. Massage of the affected area
Answer: C
Rationale: Cold application causes vasoconstriction, which helps reduce edema,
inflammation, and pain in a localized area.
