2023 RN test 3 NCLEX questions
And answers 2025\2026
The charge nurse overhears an AP yelling loudly to a patient who is hard of
hearing, while transferring them from the bed to a chair. Upon entering the
room, which response by the charge nurse is most appropriate?
a. "Please speak more quietly so you don't disturb the other patients."
b. "Let me help you with your transfer technique."
c. "When you are finished, be sure to apologize for shouting."
d. "When your patient is safe and comfortable, meet me at the desk." - ansd.
The charge nurse should direct the AP to see to the patient's safety, then
address any concerns privately. The nurse then can discuss appropriate use of
therapeutic communication.
A public health nurse is leaving the home of a young mother who has an
infant with special needs. The neighbor states, "How is she doing, since the
baby's father is no help?" What is the nurse's best response?
a. "New mothers need support."
b. "The lack of a father is difficult."
c. "How are you today?"
d. "It is a very sad situation." - ansa. The nurse must maintain confidentiality
when providing care. The statement "New mothers need support" is a general
statement that all new parents need help. The statement is not judgmental of
the family's roles. "How are you today?" is dismissive of the neighbor's
question.
A toddler with vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration is being seen at an acute
care center. During the admission interview, what question will the nurse ask
the parents to elicit the most useful information?
a. "Watching your child vomiting and in discomfort must have been scary."
b. "This started yesterday, correct?"
c. "Has this child has had anything to drink?"
d. Could you tell me the color and approximate amount of the vomiting? -
ansd. Using a clarifying question or comment allows the nurse to gain an
understanding of the parents' observations, avoiding misunderstandings that
could lead to an inappropriate nursing diagnosis. A reflective question
technique involves repeating what the person has said or describes the
person's feelings. Assertive questions are direct, demonstrating the ability to
stand up for self or others, using open and honest communication. Open-
,ended questions encourage free verbalization and expression of what the
parents believe to be true.
A nurse enters a patient's room and examines the patient's intravenous (IV)
fluids and cardiac monitor. When asked, "who are you?", which response by
the nurse is most appropriate?
a. "I'm just the IV therapist checking your IV."
b. "I've been transferred to this division and will be caring for you."
c. "I'm sorry, my name is John Smith and I am your nurse."
d. "I am John Smith, your nurse, and I'll be caring for you until 11 PM." -
ansd. The nurse should identify themselves, ensure the patient knows what
will be happening, and the duration of their relationship.
A nurse enters the room of a patient with cancer. The patient is crying and
states, "I feel so alone." How will the nurse best communicate a therapeutic
response?
a. The nurse stands at the patient's bedside and states, "I understand how you
feel. My mother said the same thing when she was ill."
b. The nurse places a hand on the patient's arm and states, "You feel so
alone."
c. The nurse stands in the patient's room and asks, "Why do you feel so alone?
Your wife has been here every day."
d. The nurse holds the patient's hand and asks, "Tell me what feeling so alone
is like for you?" - ansd. The use of touch conveys acceptance, and the
implementation of an open-ended question allows the patient time to verbalize
freely.
A primary nurse is preparing a discharge plan for a patient who has been
hospitalized following a double mastectomy. Which statement is most
appropriate for the nurse to use in the termination phase of the therapeutic
relationship?
a. "Let's review the progress you've made in meeting your goals."
b. "I'd like to review your medication schedule with you."
c. "I need to document today's teaching session in the electronic health
record."
d. "Should we include your family in today's session?" - ansa. The
termination phase occurs when the conclusion of the initial agreement is
acknowledged. Discharge planning correlates with the termination phase of a
therapeutic relationship and the progress toward the patient's goals are
reviewed.
,A nursing student is nervous and concerned about working at a clinical
facility. Which action would best decrease anxiety and help ensure successful
delivery of patient care?
a. Determining the established goals of the institution
b. Ensuring that verbal and nonverbal communication is congruent
c. Engaging in self-talk to plan the day and decrease fear
d. Speaking with fellow colleagues about how they feel - ansc. By engaging in
positive self-talk, or intrapersonal communication, the nursing student can
plan the day, decrease fear and anxiety, and enhance clinical performance.
A nurse says to their nurse manager, "I need the day off, and you didn't give
it to me!" The manager replies, "I wasn't aware you needed the day off, and it
isn't possible since staffing is inadequate." How could the nurse best modify
the communication for a more positive interaction?
a. "I placed a request to have 8th of August off for a doctor's appointment,
but I'm scheduled to work."
b. "Could I make an appointment to discuss my schedule with you? I
requested the 8th of August off for a doctor's appointment."
c. "I will need to call in on the 8th of August because I have a doctor's
appointment."
d. "Since you didn't give me the 8th of August off, will I need to find someone
to work for me?" - ansb. Effective communication involves sending clear,
nonthreatening, and respectful information to the receiver. The nurse
identifies the subject of the meeting and determines a mutually agreed upon
time.
During a nursing staff meeting to discuss delayed documentation, the nurses
unanimously agree that they will ensure all vital signs are reported and
charted within 15 minutes following assessments. This decision is consistent
with which characteristics of effective communication? Select all that apply.
a. Group decision making
b. Group leadership
c. Group power
d. Group identity
e. Group patterns of interaction
f. Group cohesiveness - ansa, d, e, f. Solving problems involves group decision
making; ascertaining the task is important and agreeing to complete the task
on time is characteristic of group identity. Group patterns of interaction
involve honest communication and member support; cohesiveness occurs
, when members generally trust each other, have a high commitment to the
group, and a high degree of cooperation. Group leadership occurs when
groups use effective styles of leadership to meet goals; with group power,
sources of power are recognized and appropriately used to accomplish group
outcomes.
A nurse notices a patient is walking to the bathroom with a stooped gait, facial
grimacing, and grunting sounds. Based on these nonverbal cues, what action
will the nurse take next?
a. Assess for pain and the need for analgesia.
b. Ask the patient if they feel anxious.
c. Offer to sit with the patient and listen to their feelings.
d. Suggest the patient increase their fluid intake to prevent constipation. -
ansa. A patient who presents with nonverbal communication of a stooped gait,
facial grimacing, and grunting sounds is most likely communicating pain. The
nurse should clarify this nonverbal behavior.
A nursing student is preparing to administer morning care to a patient. What
question by the student is most important to ask?
a. "Would you prefer a bath or a shower?"
b. "May I help you with a bed bath now or later this morning?"
c. "I will be giving you your bath. Do you use soap or shower gel?"
d. "I prefer a shower in the evening. When would you like your bath?" - ansb.
The nurse should ask permission to assist the patient with a bath. This allows
for patient preferences and consent for care that involves entering the
patient's personal space.
A nurse enters a patient's room and finds them vomiting bright red blood.
After taking vital signs, the nurse communicates the event to the health care
provider using the SBAR format. Which information will the nurse include in
the "A" portion of the SBAR communication?
Exhibit: Electronic health record (EHR)
Past medical history
Vital Signs
Peptic ulcer
T 98.8°F, P 111, RR 20, BP 98/50
Bleeding disorder
Pulse oximetry 96%
a. Admitted with peptic ulcer and bleeding disorder
b. Found vomiting in bathroom
And answers 2025\2026
The charge nurse overhears an AP yelling loudly to a patient who is hard of
hearing, while transferring them from the bed to a chair. Upon entering the
room, which response by the charge nurse is most appropriate?
a. "Please speak more quietly so you don't disturb the other patients."
b. "Let me help you with your transfer technique."
c. "When you are finished, be sure to apologize for shouting."
d. "When your patient is safe and comfortable, meet me at the desk." - ansd.
The charge nurse should direct the AP to see to the patient's safety, then
address any concerns privately. The nurse then can discuss appropriate use of
therapeutic communication.
A public health nurse is leaving the home of a young mother who has an
infant with special needs. The neighbor states, "How is she doing, since the
baby's father is no help?" What is the nurse's best response?
a. "New mothers need support."
b. "The lack of a father is difficult."
c. "How are you today?"
d. "It is a very sad situation." - ansa. The nurse must maintain confidentiality
when providing care. The statement "New mothers need support" is a general
statement that all new parents need help. The statement is not judgmental of
the family's roles. "How are you today?" is dismissive of the neighbor's
question.
A toddler with vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration is being seen at an acute
care center. During the admission interview, what question will the nurse ask
the parents to elicit the most useful information?
a. "Watching your child vomiting and in discomfort must have been scary."
b. "This started yesterday, correct?"
c. "Has this child has had anything to drink?"
d. Could you tell me the color and approximate amount of the vomiting? -
ansd. Using a clarifying question or comment allows the nurse to gain an
understanding of the parents' observations, avoiding misunderstandings that
could lead to an inappropriate nursing diagnosis. A reflective question
technique involves repeating what the person has said or describes the
person's feelings. Assertive questions are direct, demonstrating the ability to
stand up for self or others, using open and honest communication. Open-
,ended questions encourage free verbalization and expression of what the
parents believe to be true.
A nurse enters a patient's room and examines the patient's intravenous (IV)
fluids and cardiac monitor. When asked, "who are you?", which response by
the nurse is most appropriate?
a. "I'm just the IV therapist checking your IV."
b. "I've been transferred to this division and will be caring for you."
c. "I'm sorry, my name is John Smith and I am your nurse."
d. "I am John Smith, your nurse, and I'll be caring for you until 11 PM." -
ansd. The nurse should identify themselves, ensure the patient knows what
will be happening, and the duration of their relationship.
A nurse enters the room of a patient with cancer. The patient is crying and
states, "I feel so alone." How will the nurse best communicate a therapeutic
response?
a. The nurse stands at the patient's bedside and states, "I understand how you
feel. My mother said the same thing when she was ill."
b. The nurse places a hand on the patient's arm and states, "You feel so
alone."
c. The nurse stands in the patient's room and asks, "Why do you feel so alone?
Your wife has been here every day."
d. The nurse holds the patient's hand and asks, "Tell me what feeling so alone
is like for you?" - ansd. The use of touch conveys acceptance, and the
implementation of an open-ended question allows the patient time to verbalize
freely.
A primary nurse is preparing a discharge plan for a patient who has been
hospitalized following a double mastectomy. Which statement is most
appropriate for the nurse to use in the termination phase of the therapeutic
relationship?
a. "Let's review the progress you've made in meeting your goals."
b. "I'd like to review your medication schedule with you."
c. "I need to document today's teaching session in the electronic health
record."
d. "Should we include your family in today's session?" - ansa. The
termination phase occurs when the conclusion of the initial agreement is
acknowledged. Discharge planning correlates with the termination phase of a
therapeutic relationship and the progress toward the patient's goals are
reviewed.
,A nursing student is nervous and concerned about working at a clinical
facility. Which action would best decrease anxiety and help ensure successful
delivery of patient care?
a. Determining the established goals of the institution
b. Ensuring that verbal and nonverbal communication is congruent
c. Engaging in self-talk to plan the day and decrease fear
d. Speaking with fellow colleagues about how they feel - ansc. By engaging in
positive self-talk, or intrapersonal communication, the nursing student can
plan the day, decrease fear and anxiety, and enhance clinical performance.
A nurse says to their nurse manager, "I need the day off, and you didn't give
it to me!" The manager replies, "I wasn't aware you needed the day off, and it
isn't possible since staffing is inadequate." How could the nurse best modify
the communication for a more positive interaction?
a. "I placed a request to have 8th of August off for a doctor's appointment,
but I'm scheduled to work."
b. "Could I make an appointment to discuss my schedule with you? I
requested the 8th of August off for a doctor's appointment."
c. "I will need to call in on the 8th of August because I have a doctor's
appointment."
d. "Since you didn't give me the 8th of August off, will I need to find someone
to work for me?" - ansb. Effective communication involves sending clear,
nonthreatening, and respectful information to the receiver. The nurse
identifies the subject of the meeting and determines a mutually agreed upon
time.
During a nursing staff meeting to discuss delayed documentation, the nurses
unanimously agree that they will ensure all vital signs are reported and
charted within 15 minutes following assessments. This decision is consistent
with which characteristics of effective communication? Select all that apply.
a. Group decision making
b. Group leadership
c. Group power
d. Group identity
e. Group patterns of interaction
f. Group cohesiveness - ansa, d, e, f. Solving problems involves group decision
making; ascertaining the task is important and agreeing to complete the task
on time is characteristic of group identity. Group patterns of interaction
involve honest communication and member support; cohesiveness occurs
, when members generally trust each other, have a high commitment to the
group, and a high degree of cooperation. Group leadership occurs when
groups use effective styles of leadership to meet goals; with group power,
sources of power are recognized and appropriately used to accomplish group
outcomes.
A nurse notices a patient is walking to the bathroom with a stooped gait, facial
grimacing, and grunting sounds. Based on these nonverbal cues, what action
will the nurse take next?
a. Assess for pain and the need for analgesia.
b. Ask the patient if they feel anxious.
c. Offer to sit with the patient and listen to their feelings.
d. Suggest the patient increase their fluid intake to prevent constipation. -
ansa. A patient who presents with nonverbal communication of a stooped gait,
facial grimacing, and grunting sounds is most likely communicating pain. The
nurse should clarify this nonverbal behavior.
A nursing student is preparing to administer morning care to a patient. What
question by the student is most important to ask?
a. "Would you prefer a bath or a shower?"
b. "May I help you with a bed bath now or later this morning?"
c. "I will be giving you your bath. Do you use soap or shower gel?"
d. "I prefer a shower in the evening. When would you like your bath?" - ansb.
The nurse should ask permission to assist the patient with a bath. This allows
for patient preferences and consent for care that involves entering the
patient's personal space.
A nurse enters a patient's room and finds them vomiting bright red blood.
After taking vital signs, the nurse communicates the event to the health care
provider using the SBAR format. Which information will the nurse include in
the "A" portion of the SBAR communication?
Exhibit: Electronic health record (EHR)
Past medical history
Vital Signs
Peptic ulcer
T 98.8°F, P 111, RR 20, BP 98/50
Bleeding disorder
Pulse oximetry 96%
a. Admitted with peptic ulcer and bleeding disorder
b. Found vomiting in bathroom
