NCLEX-PN Practice Question Bank
NCLEX-Style Questions with Answers and Rationales
Questions 1–100
Questions 1–25
Question 1
A client is scheduled for surgical removal of a pituitary tumor using a transsphenoidal
approach. Which finding should the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Nasal congestion
B. Abdominal tenderness
C. Muscle spasms
D. Reduced urine output
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The transsphenoidal approach accesses the pituitary gland through the nasal cavity. Nasal
congestion can compromise the airway and requires close monitoring. The other findings
are not directly associated with pituitary surgery.
Question 2
A client admitted to the oncology unit has the following laboratory values: hemoglobin 12.6
g/dL, white blood cell count 6,500/mm³, potassium 1.9 mEq/L, uric acid 7.0 mg/dL, sodium
136 mEq/L, and platelets 178,000/mm³. Which condition does the nurse identify?
,A. Elevated sodium level
B. Low potassium level
C. Bone marrow suppression
D. Increased white blood cell count
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
A potassium level of 1.9 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia. The remaining laboratory values fall
within expected reference ranges.
Question 3
A 24-year-old client is scheduled for surgery in the morning. What is the nurse’s primary
preoperative responsibility?
A. Obtain baseline vital signs
B. Secure the surgical consent
C. Explain the surgical procedure
D. Review laboratory results
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Obtaining baseline vital signs is a primary nursing responsibility prior to surgery. Explaining
the procedure and obtaining consent are the provider’s responsibilities.
,Question 4
A client arrives in the emergency department with severe burns to the face, neck, hands, and
arm. Which nursing action takes priority?
A. Initiating intravenous access
B. Administering supplemental oxygen
C. Obtaining arterial blood gases
D. Providing pain medication
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Burns involving the face and neck place the airway at risk. Maintaining oxygenation and
airway patency is the priority intervention.
Question 5
A home-health client with osteoporosis has been prescribed alendronate. Which instruction
is most important?
A. Remain in bed for 30 minutes after taking the medication
B. Avoid sudden movements after ingestion
C. Take the medication with plain water only
D. Separate the medication from other drugs by one hour
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Alendronate must be taken with plain water to promote absorption and reduce esophageal
irritation.
Question 6
A client with a C5 spinal fracture is being treated with Crutchfield tongs. Which item should
be readily available at the bedside?
A. Hemostats
B. Torque wrench
C. Wire cutters
D. Screwdriver
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Wire cutters must be available in case the traction system needs to be released during an
emergency.
Question 7
A client receiving immunosuppressive therapy is being instructed about food safety. Which
meal option is most appropriate?
A. Meals served with disposable utensils
NCLEX-Style Questions with Answers and Rationales
Questions 1–100
Questions 1–25
Question 1
A client is scheduled for surgical removal of a pituitary tumor using a transsphenoidal
approach. Which finding should the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Nasal congestion
B. Abdominal tenderness
C. Muscle spasms
D. Reduced urine output
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The transsphenoidal approach accesses the pituitary gland through the nasal cavity. Nasal
congestion can compromise the airway and requires close monitoring. The other findings
are not directly associated with pituitary surgery.
Question 2
A client admitted to the oncology unit has the following laboratory values: hemoglobin 12.6
g/dL, white blood cell count 6,500/mm³, potassium 1.9 mEq/L, uric acid 7.0 mg/dL, sodium
136 mEq/L, and platelets 178,000/mm³. Which condition does the nurse identify?
,A. Elevated sodium level
B. Low potassium level
C. Bone marrow suppression
D. Increased white blood cell count
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
A potassium level of 1.9 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia. The remaining laboratory values fall
within expected reference ranges.
Question 3
A 24-year-old client is scheduled for surgery in the morning. What is the nurse’s primary
preoperative responsibility?
A. Obtain baseline vital signs
B. Secure the surgical consent
C. Explain the surgical procedure
D. Review laboratory results
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Obtaining baseline vital signs is a primary nursing responsibility prior to surgery. Explaining
the procedure and obtaining consent are the provider’s responsibilities.
,Question 4
A client arrives in the emergency department with severe burns to the face, neck, hands, and
arm. Which nursing action takes priority?
A. Initiating intravenous access
B. Administering supplemental oxygen
C. Obtaining arterial blood gases
D. Providing pain medication
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Burns involving the face and neck place the airway at risk. Maintaining oxygenation and
airway patency is the priority intervention.
Question 5
A home-health client with osteoporosis has been prescribed alendronate. Which instruction
is most important?
A. Remain in bed for 30 minutes after taking the medication
B. Avoid sudden movements after ingestion
C. Take the medication with plain water only
D. Separate the medication from other drugs by one hour
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Alendronate must be taken with plain water to promote absorption and reduce esophageal
irritation.
Question 6
A client with a C5 spinal fracture is being treated with Crutchfield tongs. Which item should
be readily available at the bedside?
A. Hemostats
B. Torque wrench
C. Wire cutters
D. Screwdriver
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Wire cutters must be available in case the traction system needs to be released during an
emergency.
Question 7
A client receiving immunosuppressive therapy is being instructed about food safety. Which
meal option is most appropriate?
A. Meals served with disposable utensils
