NURSING NCLEX – Module 9 Exam Questions and Answers
Carrington College | Verified NCLEX Study Resource (2026
Edition)
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed digoxin 0.25 mg PO daily. The pharmacy supplies
digoxin 0.125 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse administer per dose?
A. 1 tablet
B. 2 tablets
C. 0.5 tablet
D. 4 tablets
Answer: B. 2 tablets
2. A nurse is administering an IV infusion of vancomycin 1 g in 250 mL normal saline over 2
hours. The drop factor is 15 gtt/mL. What is the drip rate in drops per minute? Round to the
nearest whole number.
A. 31 gtt/min
B. 15 gtt/min
C. 60 gtt/min
D. 125 gtt/min
Answer: A. 31 gtt/min
3. A patient with type 2 diabetes is prescribed metformin 500 mg PO twice daily. The patient
asks the nurse why this medication is preferred over insulin. Which response by the nurse is
most accurate?
A. Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic that works by increasing insulin sensitivity, so it is often tried first in type
2 diabetes.
B. Metformin is a sulfonylurea that stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, making it more effective
than insulin.
C. Metformin is a form of insulin that can be taken orally, so it avoids injections.
D. Metformin is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that slows carbohydrate absorption, which is better than insulin.
Answer: A. Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic that works by increasing insulin sensitivity, so it
is often tried first in type 2 diabetes.
4. A nurse discovers that a patient received an incorrect dose of a high-alert medication. The
patient's vital signs are stable. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Assess the patient for any adverse effects and notify the healthcare provider immediately.
B. Complete an incident report and place it in the patient's chart.
C. Wait to see if the patient develops symptoms before taking action.
D. Inform the patient's family about the error before notifying the provider.
Answer: A. Assess the patient for any adverse effects and notify the healthcare provider
immediately.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a patient. The nurse checks the MAR and
finds that the dose is 50 mg, but the pharmacy label says 5 mg/mL. The nurse has a vial of 5
mL. How many mL should the nurse draw up?
A. 10 mL
, B. 1 mL
C. 5 mL
D. 50 mL
Answer: A. 10 mL
6. A patient is receiving an IV infusion of potassium chloride 20 mEq in 100 mL normal saline at
a rate of 10 mEq/hr. The nurse notes that the patient has a peripheral IV in the left forearm.
Which action is most important for the nurse to take?
A. Monitor the IV site for signs of infiltration and phlebitis frequently.
B. Stop the infusion if the patient complains of pain at the IV site.
C. Verify the patency of the IV before starting the infusion.
D. Check the patient's potassium level before administration.
Answer: D. Check the patient's potassium level before administration.
7. A nurse is caring for a patient with a central venous catheter. Which action by the nurse best
prevents catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs)?
A. Use a sterile technique when accessing the catheter hub.
B. Change the central line dressing daily with soap and water.
C. Flush the catheter with saline every 8 hours.
D. Administer antibiotics through the catheter daily.
Answer: A. Use a sterile technique when accessing the catheter hub.
8. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter. Which infection control
measure is most important?
A. Wear sterile gloves and use a sterile drape.
B. Cleanse the perineal area with alcohol swabs.
C. Use a small-gauge catheter to minimize trauma.
D. Ensure the patient has a history of no urinary tract infections.
Answer: A. Wear sterile gloves and use a sterile drape.
9. A nurse is caring for a patient who is on droplet precautions. Which personal protective
equipment (PPE) is most appropriate for the nurse to wear when entering the patient's room?
A. Surgical mask
B. N95 respirator
C. Gown and gloves only
D. A negative pressure room is required
Answer: A. Surgical mask
10. A nurse is assessing a postoperative patient who had an abdominal surgery 12 hours ago.
Which finding requires immediate action?
A. Blood pressure of 100/60 mm Hg
B. Heart rate of 110 beats per minute
C. Urine output of 20 mL over the last hour
D. Temperature of 99.5°F (37.5°C)
Answer: C. Urine output of 20 mL over the last hour
11. A patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with
, shortness of breath and a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute. The nurse should place the
patient in which position to promote oxygenation?
A. High Fowler's position
B. Supine position
C. Prone position
D. Left lateral position
Answer: A. High Fowler's position
12. A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a patient. Which action is most
important to prevent a hemolytic transfusion reaction?
A. Verify the patient's identity and blood product with another nurse before starting the transfusion.
B. Check the patient's hemoglobin level
C. Confirm the patient has signed informed consent
D. Prime the blood tubing with normal saline
Answer: A. Verify the patient's identity and blood product with another nurse before starting
the transfusion.
13. A laboring patient is receiving oxytocin (Pitocin) for augmentation. The nurse notes that
contractions are occurring every 2 minutes and lasting 90 seconds. What is the nurse's priority
action?
A. Stop the oxytocin infusion and notify the healthcare provider.
B. Increase the oxytocin rate to augment labor further.
C. Administer an analgesic for pain relief.
D. Reposition the patient on her left side.
Answer: A. Stop the oxytocin infusion and notify the healthcare provider.
14. A nurse is assessing a postpartum patient who had a vaginal delivery 2 hours ago. Which
finding indicates a potential complication?
A. Fundus is firm and located at the level of the umbilicus.
B. Vaginal discharge is moderate and dark red.
C. Blood pressure is 130/80 mm Hg.
D. Perineal pad is saturated every 15 minutes.
Answer: D. Perineal pad is saturated every 15 minutes.
15. A nurse is teaching the parents of a 6-month-old infant about appropriate nutrition. Which
statement by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will introduce a new food at a time and observe for any reactions.
B. I will start with iron-fortified rice cereal mixed with formula.
C. I can give my baby honey on a pacifier to help with teething.
D. I will continue breast milk or formula as the main source of nutrition.
Answer: C. I can give my baby honey on a pacifier to help with teething.
16. A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child who is hospitalized. Which behavior is expected for
a child of this age?
A. Engages in parallel play with other children.
B. Has imaginary friends and uses magical thinking.
C. Cooperates fully with all procedures willingly.
Carrington College | Verified NCLEX Study Resource (2026
Edition)
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed digoxin 0.25 mg PO daily. The pharmacy supplies
digoxin 0.125 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse administer per dose?
A. 1 tablet
B. 2 tablets
C. 0.5 tablet
D. 4 tablets
Answer: B. 2 tablets
2. A nurse is administering an IV infusion of vancomycin 1 g in 250 mL normal saline over 2
hours. The drop factor is 15 gtt/mL. What is the drip rate in drops per minute? Round to the
nearest whole number.
A. 31 gtt/min
B. 15 gtt/min
C. 60 gtt/min
D. 125 gtt/min
Answer: A. 31 gtt/min
3. A patient with type 2 diabetes is prescribed metformin 500 mg PO twice daily. The patient
asks the nurse why this medication is preferred over insulin. Which response by the nurse is
most accurate?
A. Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic that works by increasing insulin sensitivity, so it is often tried first in type
2 diabetes.
B. Metformin is a sulfonylurea that stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, making it more effective
than insulin.
C. Metformin is a form of insulin that can be taken orally, so it avoids injections.
D. Metformin is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that slows carbohydrate absorption, which is better than insulin.
Answer: A. Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic that works by increasing insulin sensitivity, so it
is often tried first in type 2 diabetes.
4. A nurse discovers that a patient received an incorrect dose of a high-alert medication. The
patient's vital signs are stable. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Assess the patient for any adverse effects and notify the healthcare provider immediately.
B. Complete an incident report and place it in the patient's chart.
C. Wait to see if the patient develops symptoms before taking action.
D. Inform the patient's family about the error before notifying the provider.
Answer: A. Assess the patient for any adverse effects and notify the healthcare provider
immediately.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a patient. The nurse checks the MAR and
finds that the dose is 50 mg, but the pharmacy label says 5 mg/mL. The nurse has a vial of 5
mL. How many mL should the nurse draw up?
A. 10 mL
, B. 1 mL
C. 5 mL
D. 50 mL
Answer: A. 10 mL
6. A patient is receiving an IV infusion of potassium chloride 20 mEq in 100 mL normal saline at
a rate of 10 mEq/hr. The nurse notes that the patient has a peripheral IV in the left forearm.
Which action is most important for the nurse to take?
A. Monitor the IV site for signs of infiltration and phlebitis frequently.
B. Stop the infusion if the patient complains of pain at the IV site.
C. Verify the patency of the IV before starting the infusion.
D. Check the patient's potassium level before administration.
Answer: D. Check the patient's potassium level before administration.
7. A nurse is caring for a patient with a central venous catheter. Which action by the nurse best
prevents catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs)?
A. Use a sterile technique when accessing the catheter hub.
B. Change the central line dressing daily with soap and water.
C. Flush the catheter with saline every 8 hours.
D. Administer antibiotics through the catheter daily.
Answer: A. Use a sterile technique when accessing the catheter hub.
8. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter. Which infection control
measure is most important?
A. Wear sterile gloves and use a sterile drape.
B. Cleanse the perineal area with alcohol swabs.
C. Use a small-gauge catheter to minimize trauma.
D. Ensure the patient has a history of no urinary tract infections.
Answer: A. Wear sterile gloves and use a sterile drape.
9. A nurse is caring for a patient who is on droplet precautions. Which personal protective
equipment (PPE) is most appropriate for the nurse to wear when entering the patient's room?
A. Surgical mask
B. N95 respirator
C. Gown and gloves only
D. A negative pressure room is required
Answer: A. Surgical mask
10. A nurse is assessing a postoperative patient who had an abdominal surgery 12 hours ago.
Which finding requires immediate action?
A. Blood pressure of 100/60 mm Hg
B. Heart rate of 110 beats per minute
C. Urine output of 20 mL over the last hour
D. Temperature of 99.5°F (37.5°C)
Answer: C. Urine output of 20 mL over the last hour
11. A patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with
, shortness of breath and a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute. The nurse should place the
patient in which position to promote oxygenation?
A. High Fowler's position
B. Supine position
C. Prone position
D. Left lateral position
Answer: A. High Fowler's position
12. A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a patient. Which action is most
important to prevent a hemolytic transfusion reaction?
A. Verify the patient's identity and blood product with another nurse before starting the transfusion.
B. Check the patient's hemoglobin level
C. Confirm the patient has signed informed consent
D. Prime the blood tubing with normal saline
Answer: A. Verify the patient's identity and blood product with another nurse before starting
the transfusion.
13. A laboring patient is receiving oxytocin (Pitocin) for augmentation. The nurse notes that
contractions are occurring every 2 minutes and lasting 90 seconds. What is the nurse's priority
action?
A. Stop the oxytocin infusion and notify the healthcare provider.
B. Increase the oxytocin rate to augment labor further.
C. Administer an analgesic for pain relief.
D. Reposition the patient on her left side.
Answer: A. Stop the oxytocin infusion and notify the healthcare provider.
14. A nurse is assessing a postpartum patient who had a vaginal delivery 2 hours ago. Which
finding indicates a potential complication?
A. Fundus is firm and located at the level of the umbilicus.
B. Vaginal discharge is moderate and dark red.
C. Blood pressure is 130/80 mm Hg.
D. Perineal pad is saturated every 15 minutes.
Answer: D. Perineal pad is saturated every 15 minutes.
15. A nurse is teaching the parents of a 6-month-old infant about appropriate nutrition. Which
statement by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will introduce a new food at a time and observe for any reactions.
B. I will start with iron-fortified rice cereal mixed with formula.
C. I can give my baby honey on a pacifier to help with teething.
D. I will continue breast milk or formula as the main source of nutrition.
Answer: C. I can give my baby honey on a pacifier to help with teething.
16. A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child who is hospitalized. Which behavior is expected for
a child of this age?
A. Engages in parallel play with other children.
B. Has imaginary friends and uses magical thinking.
C. Cooperates fully with all procedures willingly.
