PN 2006 Nursing Exam Study Guide – Complete
Notes & Practice Questions
Question 1: A practical nurse is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection. Which angle should
the needle be inserted?
A. 10 degrees
B. 45 to 90 degrees
C. 15 degrees
D. 180 degrees
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 45 to 90 degrees
RATIONALE: Subcutaneous injections are administered into the tissue layer between the skin and
muscle, typically requiring a 45 to 90-degree angle depending on needle length and patient body fat.
Question 2: Which vital sign measurement is considered the most accurate indicator of core body
temperature?
A. Axillary temperature
B. Oral temperature
C. Rectal temperature
D. Temporal artery temperature
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Rectal temperature
RATIONALE: Rectal temperature provides the closest measurement to core body temperature because
the rectum is a closed cavity with rich blood supply, less influenced by external environmental factors.
Question 3: A patient is prescribed 500 mg of amoxicillin. The available tablets are 250 mg each. How
many tablets should the nurse administer?
A. 1 tablet
B. 2 tablets
C. 3 tablets
D. 4 tablets
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 2 tablets
RATIONALE: To achieve the prescribed dose of 500 mg using 250 mg tablets, the nurse must calculate
500 divided by 250, which equals 2 tablets.
Question 4: When performing hand hygiene, what is the minimum recommended duration for
washing hands with soap and water?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 20 seconds
D. 60 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 20 seconds
,RATIONALE: CDC guidelines recommend scrubbing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
to effectively remove pathogens and debris.
Question 5: Which position is most appropriate for a patient experiencing difficulty breathing?
A. Supine
B. Prone
C. Fowler's
D. Trendelenburg
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Fowler's
RATIONALE: Fowler's position elevates the head of the bed, promoting lung expansion and easing
respiratory effort for patients with breathing difficulties.
Question 6: A nurse notes a patient's blood pressure is 150/95 mmHg. What condition does this
reading suggest?
A. Hypotension
B. Hypertension
C. Normotension
D. Bradycardia
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Hypertension
RATIONALE: A blood pressure reading consistently above 130/80 mmHg is generally classified as
hypertension, indicating elevated pressure within the arterial walls.
Question 7: Which route of medication administration provides the fastest onset of action?
A. Oral
B. Intramuscular
C. Intravenous
D. Subcutaneous
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Intravenous
RATIONALE: Intravenous administration delivers medication directly into the bloodstream, bypassing
absorption barriers and resulting in the most rapid onset of action.
Question 8: What is the primary purpose of applying a cold compress to an acute injury?
A. To increase blood flow
B. To reduce inflammation and pain
C. To promote muscle relaxation
D. To prevent infection
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To reduce inflammation and pain
RATIONALE: Cold therapy causes vasoconstriction, which reduces blood flow to the area, thereby
decreasing swelling, inflammation, and pain perception.
,Question 9: Which document outlines a patient's wishes regarding medical treatment if they become
unable to communicate?
A. Admission form
B. Advance directive
C. Medication record
D. Shift report
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Advance directive
RATIONALE: An advance directive is a legal document that specifies a patient's preferences for medical
care and designates a decision-maker if they become incapacitated.
Question 10: A nurse is assessing a wound and notes yellowish tissue. What is this tissue called?
A. Eschar
B. Granulation
C. Slough
D. Epithelial
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Slough
RATIONALE: Slough is devitalized tissue that appears yellow, white, or tan and is moist and stringy,
indicating the need for debridement.
Question 11: Which symptom is most indicative of hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient?
A. Polyuria
B. Confusion and sweating
C. Flushed skin
D. Slow heart rate
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Confusion and sweating
RATIONALE: Hypoglycemia typically presents with adrenergic symptoms such as sweating, tremors,
confusion, and palpitations due to low blood glucose levels.
Question 12: What is the normal range for an adult resting heart rate?
A. 40-60 beats per minute
B. 60-100 beats per minute
C. 100-120 beats per minute
D. 120-140 beats per minute
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 60-100 beats per minute
RATIONALE: The standard normal resting heart rate for a healthy adult ranges between 60 and 100
beats per minute.
Question 13: When lifting a heavy object, what technique should the nurse use to prevent back
injury?
, A. Bend at the waist
B. Twist while lifting
C. Bend at the knees and keep the back straight
D. Lift with arms only
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Bend at the knees and keep the back straight
RATIONALE: Proper body mechanics involve bending at the knees and hips while keeping the back
straight to utilize leg muscles and protect the spine.
Question 14: Which type of isolation precaution is required for a patient with tuberculosis?
A. Contact precautions
B. Droplet precautions
C. Airborne precautions
D. Standard precautions
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Airborne precautions
RATIONALE: Tuberculosis is transmitted via airborne particles, requiring negative pressure rooms and
N95 respirators for healthcare personnel.
Question 15: A patient complains of pain rated 8 out of 10. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Document the pain only
B. Administer prescribed analgesic
C. Tell the patient to rest
D. Reassess in 4 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Administer prescribed analgesic
RATIONALE: Addressing severe pain is a priority; the nurse should administer prescribed medication to
alleviate suffering and improve patient comfort.
Question 16: Which laboratory value is most critical to monitor in a patient taking warfarin?
A. Hemoglobin
B. INR
C. Potassium
D. Glucose
CORRECT ANSWER: B. INR
RATIONALE: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) measures blood clotting time and is essential for
monitoring the therapeutic effect of warfarin.
Question 17: What is the primary function of red blood cells?
A. Fight infection
B. Carry oxygen
Notes & Practice Questions
Question 1: A practical nurse is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection. Which angle should
the needle be inserted?
A. 10 degrees
B. 45 to 90 degrees
C. 15 degrees
D. 180 degrees
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 45 to 90 degrees
RATIONALE: Subcutaneous injections are administered into the tissue layer between the skin and
muscle, typically requiring a 45 to 90-degree angle depending on needle length and patient body fat.
Question 2: Which vital sign measurement is considered the most accurate indicator of core body
temperature?
A. Axillary temperature
B. Oral temperature
C. Rectal temperature
D. Temporal artery temperature
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Rectal temperature
RATIONALE: Rectal temperature provides the closest measurement to core body temperature because
the rectum is a closed cavity with rich blood supply, less influenced by external environmental factors.
Question 3: A patient is prescribed 500 mg of amoxicillin. The available tablets are 250 mg each. How
many tablets should the nurse administer?
A. 1 tablet
B. 2 tablets
C. 3 tablets
D. 4 tablets
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 2 tablets
RATIONALE: To achieve the prescribed dose of 500 mg using 250 mg tablets, the nurse must calculate
500 divided by 250, which equals 2 tablets.
Question 4: When performing hand hygiene, what is the minimum recommended duration for
washing hands with soap and water?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 20 seconds
D. 60 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 20 seconds
,RATIONALE: CDC guidelines recommend scrubbing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
to effectively remove pathogens and debris.
Question 5: Which position is most appropriate for a patient experiencing difficulty breathing?
A. Supine
B. Prone
C. Fowler's
D. Trendelenburg
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Fowler's
RATIONALE: Fowler's position elevates the head of the bed, promoting lung expansion and easing
respiratory effort for patients with breathing difficulties.
Question 6: A nurse notes a patient's blood pressure is 150/95 mmHg. What condition does this
reading suggest?
A. Hypotension
B. Hypertension
C. Normotension
D. Bradycardia
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Hypertension
RATIONALE: A blood pressure reading consistently above 130/80 mmHg is generally classified as
hypertension, indicating elevated pressure within the arterial walls.
Question 7: Which route of medication administration provides the fastest onset of action?
A. Oral
B. Intramuscular
C. Intravenous
D. Subcutaneous
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Intravenous
RATIONALE: Intravenous administration delivers medication directly into the bloodstream, bypassing
absorption barriers and resulting in the most rapid onset of action.
Question 8: What is the primary purpose of applying a cold compress to an acute injury?
A. To increase blood flow
B. To reduce inflammation and pain
C. To promote muscle relaxation
D. To prevent infection
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To reduce inflammation and pain
RATIONALE: Cold therapy causes vasoconstriction, which reduces blood flow to the area, thereby
decreasing swelling, inflammation, and pain perception.
,Question 9: Which document outlines a patient's wishes regarding medical treatment if they become
unable to communicate?
A. Admission form
B. Advance directive
C. Medication record
D. Shift report
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Advance directive
RATIONALE: An advance directive is a legal document that specifies a patient's preferences for medical
care and designates a decision-maker if they become incapacitated.
Question 10: A nurse is assessing a wound and notes yellowish tissue. What is this tissue called?
A. Eschar
B. Granulation
C. Slough
D. Epithelial
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Slough
RATIONALE: Slough is devitalized tissue that appears yellow, white, or tan and is moist and stringy,
indicating the need for debridement.
Question 11: Which symptom is most indicative of hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient?
A. Polyuria
B. Confusion and sweating
C. Flushed skin
D. Slow heart rate
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Confusion and sweating
RATIONALE: Hypoglycemia typically presents with adrenergic symptoms such as sweating, tremors,
confusion, and palpitations due to low blood glucose levels.
Question 12: What is the normal range for an adult resting heart rate?
A. 40-60 beats per minute
B. 60-100 beats per minute
C. 100-120 beats per minute
D. 120-140 beats per minute
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 60-100 beats per minute
RATIONALE: The standard normal resting heart rate for a healthy adult ranges between 60 and 100
beats per minute.
Question 13: When lifting a heavy object, what technique should the nurse use to prevent back
injury?
, A. Bend at the waist
B. Twist while lifting
C. Bend at the knees and keep the back straight
D. Lift with arms only
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Bend at the knees and keep the back straight
RATIONALE: Proper body mechanics involve bending at the knees and hips while keeping the back
straight to utilize leg muscles and protect the spine.
Question 14: Which type of isolation precaution is required for a patient with tuberculosis?
A. Contact precautions
B. Droplet precautions
C. Airborne precautions
D. Standard precautions
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Airborne precautions
RATIONALE: Tuberculosis is transmitted via airborne particles, requiring negative pressure rooms and
N95 respirators for healthcare personnel.
Question 15: A patient complains of pain rated 8 out of 10. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Document the pain only
B. Administer prescribed analgesic
C. Tell the patient to rest
D. Reassess in 4 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Administer prescribed analgesic
RATIONALE: Addressing severe pain is a priority; the nurse should administer prescribed medication to
alleviate suffering and improve patient comfort.
Question 16: Which laboratory value is most critical to monitor in a patient taking warfarin?
A. Hemoglobin
B. INR
C. Potassium
D. Glucose
CORRECT ANSWER: B. INR
RATIONALE: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) measures blood clotting time and is essential for
monitoring the therapeutic effect of warfarin.
Question 17: What is the primary function of red blood cells?
A. Fight infection
B. Carry oxygen
