2026 RN test 3 NCLEX questions With
100% ACCURATE ANSWERS
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." - correct answerd.
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." - correct answera. 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? - correct
answerd. 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." - correct
answerd. 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?" - correct answerd. 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?" - correct answera. 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 - correct answerc. 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?" - correct answerb. 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 - correct answera, 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. - correct
answera. 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?" - correct answerb.
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
c. Anti-ulcer medication recommendation
d. Vital signs, oxygen saturation, bright red emesis - correct answerd. The SBAR
method is used to improve hand-off communication. SBAR, which stands for Situation,
Background, Assessment, and Recommendations, provides a clear, structured, and
easy to use framework. Vital signs, oxygen saturation, and the presence of emesis and
its color are assessments.
The nurse preceptor and a new graduate nurse on the surgical unit are performing
preoperative assessments on a group of patients. What statement by the graduate
nurse requires the preceptor to intervene?
a. "I am sure everything will be fine; you have nothing to worry about."
b. "When you return from surgery, you'll need to cough and deep breathe."
c. "Many people on this unit have had that procedure with good success."
d. "You seem fearful, can I answer any questions about the procedure?" - correct
answera. Telling a patient that everything will be fine is a cliché. This statement gives
false assurance and may give the patient the impression that the nurse is dismissive of
a patient's concerns or condition.
A patient states, "I have been experiencing complications of diabetes." What question
will the nurse use to elicit additional information?
a. "Do you take two injections of insulin to prevent complications?"
b. "Are you using diet and exercise to help regulate your blood sugar?"
c. "Have you been experiencing the complications of neuropathy?"
d. "Can you tell me about the complications you've experienced?" - correct answerd.
Requesting information regarding the patient's specific complications of diabetes will
guide the nurse to further questioning and related assessments.
100% ACCURATE ANSWERS
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." - correct answerd.
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." - correct answera. 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? - correct
answerd. 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." - correct
answerd. 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?" - correct answerd. 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?" - correct answera. 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 - correct answerc. 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?" - correct answerb. 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 - correct answera, 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. - correct
answera. 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?" - correct answerb.
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
c. Anti-ulcer medication recommendation
d. Vital signs, oxygen saturation, bright red emesis - correct answerd. The SBAR
method is used to improve hand-off communication. SBAR, which stands for Situation,
Background, Assessment, and Recommendations, provides a clear, structured, and
easy to use framework. Vital signs, oxygen saturation, and the presence of emesis and
its color are assessments.
The nurse preceptor and a new graduate nurse on the surgical unit are performing
preoperative assessments on a group of patients. What statement by the graduate
nurse requires the preceptor to intervene?
a. "I am sure everything will be fine; you have nothing to worry about."
b. "When you return from surgery, you'll need to cough and deep breathe."
c. "Many people on this unit have had that procedure with good success."
d. "You seem fearful, can I answer any questions about the procedure?" - correct
answera. Telling a patient that everything will be fine is a cliché. This statement gives
false assurance and may give the patient the impression that the nurse is dismissive of
a patient's concerns or condition.
A patient states, "I have been experiencing complications of diabetes." What question
will the nurse use to elicit additional information?
a. "Do you take two injections of insulin to prevent complications?"
b. "Are you using diet and exercise to help regulate your blood sugar?"
c. "Have you been experiencing the complications of neuropathy?"
d. "Can you tell me about the complications you've experienced?" - correct answerd.
Requesting information regarding the patient's specific complications of diabetes will
guide the nurse to further questioning and related assessments.
