LPN to RN Transitions – Professional Transition
Study Manual 2025/2026
LPN to RN Transitions: Practice Questions & Answers
Section 1: Nursing Process & Clinical Judgment (25 Questions)
1. The primary difference between the LPN and RN in the nursing process is that the RN:
a) Can contribute to the assessment phase.
b) Is responsible for initiating the nursing care plan.
c) Is permitted to perform patient evaluations.
d) Can administer all medications.
Answer: b) Is responsible for initiating the nursing care plan. ✓
2. Which action by the RN best demonstrates the "Analysis" step of the nursing process?
a) Taking a patient's vital signs.
b) Formulating a nursing diagnosis of "Impaired Gas Exchange."
c) Educating a patient on deep breathing exercises.
d) Documenting the outcome of an intervention.
Answer: b) Formulating a nursing diagnosis of "Impaired Gas Exchange." ✓
3. An RN is developing a plan of care for a newly admitted patient. What is the most
appropriate source for identifying patient-specific outcomes?
a) The hospital's policy and procedure manual.
b) The medical diagnosis provided by the physician.
c) The standardized care plan for the patient's condition.
d) The nursing diagnoses derived from patient assessment.
Answer: d) The nursing diagnoses derived from patient assessment. ✓
4. When delegating a task to an LPN, the RN must ensure that the task:
a) Is within the LPN's scope of practice and the patient is stable.
b) Is one the RN does not have time to perform.
c) Does not require any direct patient contact.
d) Has been approved by the charge nurse first.
Answer: a) Is within the LPN's scope of practice and the patient is stable. ✓
5. The RN is prioritizing care for four patients. Which patient should the RN assess first?
a) A patient with diabetes requesting a pain medication.
b) A patient one-day post-op who is difficult to arouse.
,c) A patient with a wound dressing that needs changing.
d) A patient who needs education about a new medication.
Answer: b) A patient one-day post-op who is difficult to arouse. ✓
6. Which statement best reflects the concept of "delegation" versus "assignment"?
a) Delegation involves transferring the authority to perform a specific task, while an assignment
is a broader set of responsibilities.
b) Assignment is only for UAPs, while delegation is for LPNs.
c) They are synonymous terms and can be used interchangeably.
d) Delegation requires direct supervision, while assignment does not.
Answer: a) Delegation involves transferring the authority to perform a specific task, while an
assignment is a broader set of responsibilities. ✓
7. An LPN reports to the RN that a patient's blood pressure has dropped significantly. The RN's
first action should be to:
a) Document the finding in the patient's chart.
b) Ask the LPN to recheck the blood pressure in 30 minutes.
c) Assess the patient personally.
d) Notify the physician immediately.
Answer: c) Assess the patient personally. ✓
8. The "Evaluation" phase of the nursing process determines:
a) If the patient's medical problem has been resolved.
b) The effectiveness of the nursing interventions and if outcomes were met.
c) Whether the physician's orders were carried out correctly.
d) The final diagnosis for the patient's discharge summary.
Answer: b) The effectiveness of the nursing interventions and if outcomes were met. ✓
9. A key component of the RN's role in discharge planning is:
a) Arranging for transportation home after discharge.
b) Initiating teaching and coordinating resources early in the hospitalization.
c) Obtaining the physician's signature on the discharge order.
d) Ensuring the patient's family is present at the time of discharge.
Answer: b) Initiating teaching and coordinating resources early in the hospitalization. ✓
10. Which scenario requires the clinical judgment of an RN rather than an LPN?
a) Administering a scheduled oral antibiotic.
b) Recognizing that a patient's changing lung sounds indicate a potential for respiratory failure.
c) Reinforcing teaching previously provided by the RN.
d) Changing a sterile dressing on a stable wound.
,Answer: b) Recognizing that a patient's changing lung sounds indicate a potential for
respiratory failure. ✓
11. The RN is using the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) format
to communicate with a physician. What is included in the "A"?
a) The patient's name and admitting diagnosis.
b) The specific vital signs and assessment findings.
c) What the nurse believes the problem is.
d) What the nurse is requesting from the physician.
Answer: b) The specific vital signs and assessment findings. ✓
12. When creating a goal for a patient with the nursing diagnosis "Risk for Falls," the RN
should write:
a) "Patient will not fall during hospitalization."
b) "Patient will demonstrate call light use by end of shift."
c) "Nurse will ensure side rails are up at all times."
d) "Patient will be free from injury."
Answer: b) "Patient will demonstrate call light use by end of shift." ✓
13. An LPN's scope of practice in the nursing process is primarily focused on:
a) Formulating nursing diagnoses.
b) Data collection and participating in the planning and evaluation of care.
c) Developing the initial comprehensive care plan.
d) Discharge planning and community resource coordination.
Answer: b) Data collection and participating in the planning and evaluation of care. ✓
14. The RN is reviewing a patient's lab results. Which result requires immediate intervention?
a) A slightly elevated blood glucose level in a diabetic patient.
b) A potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L.
c) A white blood cell count at the upper limit of normal.
d) A slightly low hemoglobin in a chronically anemic patient.
Answer: b) A potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L. ✓
15. What is the primary purpose of reflective practice for the transitioning RN?
a) To complete continuing education requirements.
b) To critically analyze clinical experiences to improve future practice.
c) To document errors for quality improvement.
d) To compare their performance with that of their peers.
Answer: b) To critically analyze clinical experiences to improve future practice. ✓
, 16. A patient with heart failure has a goal: "Patient will maintain oxygen saturation above
92%." Which assessment finding indicates this goal has been met?
a) The patient is receiving 2L of oxygen via nasal cannula.
b) The patient's respiratory rate is 18.
c) The pulse oximeter reads 94% on room air.
d) The patient states he feels less short of breath.
Answer: c) The pulse oximeter reads 94% on room air. ✓
17. The "Five Rights of Delegation" include all of the following EXCEPT:
a) Right Task
b) Right Circumstance
c) Right Person
d) Right Wage
Answer: d) Right Wage ✓
18. An RN is precepting a new graduate RN. This role primarily involves:
a) Evaluation and discipline.
b) Social integration into the unit.
c) Guidance, teaching, and support.
d) Assuming legal responsibility for the new nurse's actions.
Answer: c) Guidance, teaching, and support. ✓
19. Which action is an example of an independent nursing intervention?
a) Administering IV antibiotics.
b) Repositioning a patient every two hours to prevent skin breakdown.
c) Drawing blood for a CBC.
d) Applying a sterile dressing as per a physician's order.
Answer: b) Repositioning a patient every two hours to prevent skin breakdown. ✓
20. The concept of "scope of practice" is primarily defined by:
a) Hospital policy.
b) The individual nurse's experience.
c) The State Nurse Practice Act.
d) The job description.
Answer: c) The State Nurse Practice Act. ✓
21. A patient tells the RN, "I'm feeling a bit dizzy." The RN's best initial response is:
a) "That's a common side effect of your medication."
b) "Let me help you sit down, and then I will check your blood pressure and pulse."
c) "I'll let your doctor know on rounds later."
Study Manual 2025/2026
LPN to RN Transitions: Practice Questions & Answers
Section 1: Nursing Process & Clinical Judgment (25 Questions)
1. The primary difference between the LPN and RN in the nursing process is that the RN:
a) Can contribute to the assessment phase.
b) Is responsible for initiating the nursing care plan.
c) Is permitted to perform patient evaluations.
d) Can administer all medications.
Answer: b) Is responsible for initiating the nursing care plan. ✓
2. Which action by the RN best demonstrates the "Analysis" step of the nursing process?
a) Taking a patient's vital signs.
b) Formulating a nursing diagnosis of "Impaired Gas Exchange."
c) Educating a patient on deep breathing exercises.
d) Documenting the outcome of an intervention.
Answer: b) Formulating a nursing diagnosis of "Impaired Gas Exchange." ✓
3. An RN is developing a plan of care for a newly admitted patient. What is the most
appropriate source for identifying patient-specific outcomes?
a) The hospital's policy and procedure manual.
b) The medical diagnosis provided by the physician.
c) The standardized care plan for the patient's condition.
d) The nursing diagnoses derived from patient assessment.
Answer: d) The nursing diagnoses derived from patient assessment. ✓
4. When delegating a task to an LPN, the RN must ensure that the task:
a) Is within the LPN's scope of practice and the patient is stable.
b) Is one the RN does not have time to perform.
c) Does not require any direct patient contact.
d) Has been approved by the charge nurse first.
Answer: a) Is within the LPN's scope of practice and the patient is stable. ✓
5. The RN is prioritizing care for four patients. Which patient should the RN assess first?
a) A patient with diabetes requesting a pain medication.
b) A patient one-day post-op who is difficult to arouse.
,c) A patient with a wound dressing that needs changing.
d) A patient who needs education about a new medication.
Answer: b) A patient one-day post-op who is difficult to arouse. ✓
6. Which statement best reflects the concept of "delegation" versus "assignment"?
a) Delegation involves transferring the authority to perform a specific task, while an assignment
is a broader set of responsibilities.
b) Assignment is only for UAPs, while delegation is for LPNs.
c) They are synonymous terms and can be used interchangeably.
d) Delegation requires direct supervision, while assignment does not.
Answer: a) Delegation involves transferring the authority to perform a specific task, while an
assignment is a broader set of responsibilities. ✓
7. An LPN reports to the RN that a patient's blood pressure has dropped significantly. The RN's
first action should be to:
a) Document the finding in the patient's chart.
b) Ask the LPN to recheck the blood pressure in 30 minutes.
c) Assess the patient personally.
d) Notify the physician immediately.
Answer: c) Assess the patient personally. ✓
8. The "Evaluation" phase of the nursing process determines:
a) If the patient's medical problem has been resolved.
b) The effectiveness of the nursing interventions and if outcomes were met.
c) Whether the physician's orders were carried out correctly.
d) The final diagnosis for the patient's discharge summary.
Answer: b) The effectiveness of the nursing interventions and if outcomes were met. ✓
9. A key component of the RN's role in discharge planning is:
a) Arranging for transportation home after discharge.
b) Initiating teaching and coordinating resources early in the hospitalization.
c) Obtaining the physician's signature on the discharge order.
d) Ensuring the patient's family is present at the time of discharge.
Answer: b) Initiating teaching and coordinating resources early in the hospitalization. ✓
10. Which scenario requires the clinical judgment of an RN rather than an LPN?
a) Administering a scheduled oral antibiotic.
b) Recognizing that a patient's changing lung sounds indicate a potential for respiratory failure.
c) Reinforcing teaching previously provided by the RN.
d) Changing a sterile dressing on a stable wound.
,Answer: b) Recognizing that a patient's changing lung sounds indicate a potential for
respiratory failure. ✓
11. The RN is using the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) format
to communicate with a physician. What is included in the "A"?
a) The patient's name and admitting diagnosis.
b) The specific vital signs and assessment findings.
c) What the nurse believes the problem is.
d) What the nurse is requesting from the physician.
Answer: b) The specific vital signs and assessment findings. ✓
12. When creating a goal for a patient with the nursing diagnosis "Risk for Falls," the RN
should write:
a) "Patient will not fall during hospitalization."
b) "Patient will demonstrate call light use by end of shift."
c) "Nurse will ensure side rails are up at all times."
d) "Patient will be free from injury."
Answer: b) "Patient will demonstrate call light use by end of shift." ✓
13. An LPN's scope of practice in the nursing process is primarily focused on:
a) Formulating nursing diagnoses.
b) Data collection and participating in the planning and evaluation of care.
c) Developing the initial comprehensive care plan.
d) Discharge planning and community resource coordination.
Answer: b) Data collection and participating in the planning and evaluation of care. ✓
14. The RN is reviewing a patient's lab results. Which result requires immediate intervention?
a) A slightly elevated blood glucose level in a diabetic patient.
b) A potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L.
c) A white blood cell count at the upper limit of normal.
d) A slightly low hemoglobin in a chronically anemic patient.
Answer: b) A potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L. ✓
15. What is the primary purpose of reflective practice for the transitioning RN?
a) To complete continuing education requirements.
b) To critically analyze clinical experiences to improve future practice.
c) To document errors for quality improvement.
d) To compare their performance with that of their peers.
Answer: b) To critically analyze clinical experiences to improve future practice. ✓
, 16. A patient with heart failure has a goal: "Patient will maintain oxygen saturation above
92%." Which assessment finding indicates this goal has been met?
a) The patient is receiving 2L of oxygen via nasal cannula.
b) The patient's respiratory rate is 18.
c) The pulse oximeter reads 94% on room air.
d) The patient states he feels less short of breath.
Answer: c) The pulse oximeter reads 94% on room air. ✓
17. The "Five Rights of Delegation" include all of the following EXCEPT:
a) Right Task
b) Right Circumstance
c) Right Person
d) Right Wage
Answer: d) Right Wage ✓
18. An RN is precepting a new graduate RN. This role primarily involves:
a) Evaluation and discipline.
b) Social integration into the unit.
c) Guidance, teaching, and support.
d) Assuming legal responsibility for the new nurse's actions.
Answer: c) Guidance, teaching, and support. ✓
19. Which action is an example of an independent nursing intervention?
a) Administering IV antibiotics.
b) Repositioning a patient every two hours to prevent skin breakdown.
c) Drawing blood for a CBC.
d) Applying a sterile dressing as per a physician's order.
Answer: b) Repositioning a patient every two hours to prevent skin breakdown. ✓
20. The concept of "scope of practice" is primarily defined by:
a) Hospital policy.
b) The individual nurse's experience.
c) The State Nurse Practice Act.
d) The job description.
Answer: c) The State Nurse Practice Act. ✓
21. A patient tells the RN, "I'm feeling a bit dizzy." The RN's best initial response is:
a) "That's a common side effect of your medication."
b) "Let me help you sit down, and then I will check your blood pressure and pulse."
c) "I'll let your doctor know on rounds later."
