NCLEX-RN LEVEL I EXAM EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who has 2+ pitting
edema in the lower extremities. Which action should the nurse take
first?
A. Elevate the legs
B. Administer a diuretic B.
C. Restrict fluids
D. Monitor daily weight
Administering a diuretic helps reduce fluid overload and prevents
further complications; elevating legs or restricting fluids may be
adjunctive.
2. A client with COPD is experiencing dyspnea. Which position is most
effective for improving oxygenation?
A. Supine
B. Prone
C. High Fowler’s C.
D. Trendelenburg
High Fowler’s position maximizes chest expansion and improves
ventilation for clients with respiratory distress.
3. A nurse is teaching a client about insulin administration. Which
statement by the client indicates correct understanding?
A. “I will inject insulin into a muscle.”
,B. “I will rotate injection sites within the same area.” B.
C. “I can mix any type of insulin in one syringe.”
D. “I should shake the insulin before use.”
Rotating injection sites prevents lipodystrophy; insulin should not be
injected into muscle and some types cannot be mixed.
4. A nurse notes that a client has a new prescription for a potassium
supplement. Which lab value requires caution?
A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
B. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L B.
C. Chloride 100 mEq/L
D. Calcium 9 mg/dL
A potassium level above 5.0 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia; additional
potassium could be dangerous.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with hypoglycemia. Which is the
priority intervention?
A. Check blood glucose A.
B. Administer insulin
C. Monitor vital signs
D. Encourage exercise
Checking the blood glucose confirms hypoglycemia and guides
appropriate treatment.
6. A client receiving morphine reports respiratory rate of 8
breaths/min. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Document the finding
B. Stimulate the client and prepare to administer naloxone B.
C. Administer another dose of morphine
D. Notify the physician after 30 minutes
Respiratory depression is a medical emergency; stimulation and
naloxone may be required immediately.
, 7. A nurse is teaching a client about infection prevention after
surgery. Which statement indicates correct understanding?
A. “I should keep my incision covered with a wet dressing.”
B. “I will wash my hands before touching my incision.” B.
C. “I can skip hand hygiene if I wear gloves.”
D. “I should avoid showering for 2 weeks.”
Hand hygiene is critical in preventing infection; wet dressings can
promote bacterial growth.
8. A nurse is assessing a client with fluid overload. Which finding is
most indicative of this condition?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Jugular vein distention B.
C. Decreased urine output
D. Tachycardia
Jugular vein distention reflects increased central venous pressure and
fluid overload.
9. A nurse is caring for a client with diabetes. Which finding indicates
hypoglycemia?
A. Polyuria
B. Fruity breath
C. Shakiness C.
D. Hot, dry skin
Shakiness, diaphoresis, and confusion are hallmark signs of
hypoglycemia; fruity breath indicates hyperglycemia.
10. A nurse is teaching a client about deep breathing exercises. Which
instruction is correct?
A. “Take shallow breaths rapidly.”
B. “Inhale slowly through your nose and exhale through your mouth.”
B.
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who has 2+ pitting
edema in the lower extremities. Which action should the nurse take
first?
A. Elevate the legs
B. Administer a diuretic B.
C. Restrict fluids
D. Monitor daily weight
Administering a diuretic helps reduce fluid overload and prevents
further complications; elevating legs or restricting fluids may be
adjunctive.
2. A client with COPD is experiencing dyspnea. Which position is most
effective for improving oxygenation?
A. Supine
B. Prone
C. High Fowler’s C.
D. Trendelenburg
High Fowler’s position maximizes chest expansion and improves
ventilation for clients with respiratory distress.
3. A nurse is teaching a client about insulin administration. Which
statement by the client indicates correct understanding?
A. “I will inject insulin into a muscle.”
,B. “I will rotate injection sites within the same area.” B.
C. “I can mix any type of insulin in one syringe.”
D. “I should shake the insulin before use.”
Rotating injection sites prevents lipodystrophy; insulin should not be
injected into muscle and some types cannot be mixed.
4. A nurse notes that a client has a new prescription for a potassium
supplement. Which lab value requires caution?
A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
B. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L B.
C. Chloride 100 mEq/L
D. Calcium 9 mg/dL
A potassium level above 5.0 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia; additional
potassium could be dangerous.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with hypoglycemia. Which is the
priority intervention?
A. Check blood glucose A.
B. Administer insulin
C. Monitor vital signs
D. Encourage exercise
Checking the blood glucose confirms hypoglycemia and guides
appropriate treatment.
6. A client receiving morphine reports respiratory rate of 8
breaths/min. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Document the finding
B. Stimulate the client and prepare to administer naloxone B.
C. Administer another dose of morphine
D. Notify the physician after 30 minutes
Respiratory depression is a medical emergency; stimulation and
naloxone may be required immediately.
, 7. A nurse is teaching a client about infection prevention after
surgery. Which statement indicates correct understanding?
A. “I should keep my incision covered with a wet dressing.”
B. “I will wash my hands before touching my incision.” B.
C. “I can skip hand hygiene if I wear gloves.”
D. “I should avoid showering for 2 weeks.”
Hand hygiene is critical in preventing infection; wet dressings can
promote bacterial growth.
8. A nurse is assessing a client with fluid overload. Which finding is
most indicative of this condition?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Jugular vein distention B.
C. Decreased urine output
D. Tachycardia
Jugular vein distention reflects increased central venous pressure and
fluid overload.
9. A nurse is caring for a client with diabetes. Which finding indicates
hypoglycemia?
A. Polyuria
B. Fruity breath
C. Shakiness C.
D. Hot, dry skin
Shakiness, diaphoresis, and confusion are hallmark signs of
hypoglycemia; fruity breath indicates hyperglycemia.
10. A nurse is teaching a client about deep breathing exercises. Which
instruction is correct?
A. “Take shallow breaths rapidly.”
B. “Inhale slowly through your nose and exhale through your mouth.”
B.
