NURSING LICENSURE & CORE
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS PLUS
RATIONALES 2026/2027 EDITION
WITH INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has developed sudden
shortness of breath and chest pain. Which assessment finding
requires the nurse's immediate attention?
A. Respiratory rate of 22/min
B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
C. Temperature of 37.4°C (99.3°F)
D. Heart rate of 92/min
Answer: B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 88% indicates significant
hypoxemia and requires immediate assessment and intervention.
The nurse should prioritize airway and breathing while
determining the underlying cause.
2. Which action is most appropriate when administering
medication to a client?
A. Administer the medication before checking the client's
identification
B. Ask another client to confirm the medication
,C. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
D. Use the room number as the primary identifier
Answer: C. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
Rationale: Using at least two approved client identifiers helps
prevent medication errors. Room numbers should not be used as
identifiers because clients may be transferred or rooms may be
changed.
3. A postoperative client reports increasing abdominal pain
despite receiving prescribed analgesia. What should the nurse do
first?
A. Administer another dose immediately
B. Assess the client's abdomen and vital signs
C. Tell the client that postoperative pain is expected
D. Encourage the client to sleep
Answer: B. Assess the client's abdomen and vital signs
Rationale: New or worsening pain may indicate a complication
such as bleeding, infection, obstruction, or other acute problems.
Assessment should occur before additional treatment is
provided.
4. Which finding is most characteristic of hypoglycemia?
A. Warm, dry skin
B. Increased thirst
C. Tremors and diaphoresis
D. Deep, rapid respirations
Answer: C. Tremors and diaphoresis
,Rationale: Hypoglycemia commonly causes autonomic
symptoms such as sweating, tremors, palpitations, anxiety, and
hunger. Severe hypoglycemia can progress to confusion, seizures,
and loss of consciousness.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer an intravenous medication.
Which action is essential before administration?
A. Flush the IV line only after the medication
B. Verify the medication, dose, route, and client
C. Ask the client whether the medication looks familiar
D. Leave the medication unattended at the bedside
Answer: B. Verify the medication, dose, route, and client
Rationale: Medication safety requires verification of the
medication rights, including the correct client, medication, dose,
route, and timing. Additional checks may be required according to
institutional policy.
6. Which intervention is appropriate for preventing pressure
injuries in an immobile client?
A. Massage reddened bony areas
B. Reposition the client regularly
C. Keep the skin continuously moist
D. Limit nutritional intake
Answer: B. Reposition the client regularly
Rationale: Regular repositioning relieves prolonged pressure over
vulnerable areas. Skin inspection, moisture management,
, adequate nutrition, and pressure-relieving surfaces are also
important preventive measures.
7. A client with a suspected infection requires transmission-
based precautions. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Determine the appropriate type of precautions
B. Place all visitors in isolation
C. Remove the client's identification band
D. Discontinue routine hand hygiene
Answer: A. Determine the appropriate type of precautions
Rationale: The route of transmission determines whether contact,
droplet, airborne, or other precautions are required. Correct
precautions reduce the risk of transmission to healthcare workers
and other clients.
8. Which electrolyte imbalance places a client at greatest risk for
cardiac dysrhythmias?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Mild hypernatremia
C. Mild hyperchloremia
D. Mild hyperphosphatemia
Answer: A. Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Potassium has a major role in cardiac electrical
conduction. Significant hyperkalemia can produce dangerous
conduction abnormalities and life-threatening dysrhythmias.
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS PLUS
RATIONALES 2026/2027 EDITION
WITH INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has developed sudden
shortness of breath and chest pain. Which assessment finding
requires the nurse's immediate attention?
A. Respiratory rate of 22/min
B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
C. Temperature of 37.4°C (99.3°F)
D. Heart rate of 92/min
Answer: B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 88% indicates significant
hypoxemia and requires immediate assessment and intervention.
The nurse should prioritize airway and breathing while
determining the underlying cause.
2. Which action is most appropriate when administering
medication to a client?
A. Administer the medication before checking the client's
identification
B. Ask another client to confirm the medication
,C. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
D. Use the room number as the primary identifier
Answer: C. Verify the client's identity using two identifiers
Rationale: Using at least two approved client identifiers helps
prevent medication errors. Room numbers should not be used as
identifiers because clients may be transferred or rooms may be
changed.
3. A postoperative client reports increasing abdominal pain
despite receiving prescribed analgesia. What should the nurse do
first?
A. Administer another dose immediately
B. Assess the client's abdomen and vital signs
C. Tell the client that postoperative pain is expected
D. Encourage the client to sleep
Answer: B. Assess the client's abdomen and vital signs
Rationale: New or worsening pain may indicate a complication
such as bleeding, infection, obstruction, or other acute problems.
Assessment should occur before additional treatment is
provided.
4. Which finding is most characteristic of hypoglycemia?
A. Warm, dry skin
B. Increased thirst
C. Tremors and diaphoresis
D. Deep, rapid respirations
Answer: C. Tremors and diaphoresis
,Rationale: Hypoglycemia commonly causes autonomic
symptoms such as sweating, tremors, palpitations, anxiety, and
hunger. Severe hypoglycemia can progress to confusion, seizures,
and loss of consciousness.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer an intravenous medication.
Which action is essential before administration?
A. Flush the IV line only after the medication
B. Verify the medication, dose, route, and client
C. Ask the client whether the medication looks familiar
D. Leave the medication unattended at the bedside
Answer: B. Verify the medication, dose, route, and client
Rationale: Medication safety requires verification of the
medication rights, including the correct client, medication, dose,
route, and timing. Additional checks may be required according to
institutional policy.
6. Which intervention is appropriate for preventing pressure
injuries in an immobile client?
A. Massage reddened bony areas
B. Reposition the client regularly
C. Keep the skin continuously moist
D. Limit nutritional intake
Answer: B. Reposition the client regularly
Rationale: Regular repositioning relieves prolonged pressure over
vulnerable areas. Skin inspection, moisture management,
, adequate nutrition, and pressure-relieving surfaces are also
important preventive measures.
7. A client with a suspected infection requires transmission-
based precautions. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Determine the appropriate type of precautions
B. Place all visitors in isolation
C. Remove the client's identification band
D. Discontinue routine hand hygiene
Answer: A. Determine the appropriate type of precautions
Rationale: The route of transmission determines whether contact,
droplet, airborne, or other precautions are required. Correct
precautions reduce the risk of transmission to healthcare workers
and other clients.
8. Which electrolyte imbalance places a client at greatest risk for
cardiac dysrhythmias?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Mild hypernatremia
C. Mild hyperchloremia
D. Mild hyperphosphatemia
Answer: A. Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Potassium has a major role in cardiac electrical
conduction. Significant hyperkalemia can produce dangerous
conduction abnormalities and life-threatening dysrhythmias.
