TheoryNCLEX PN
Practice Test
Conquer NCLEX-PN with adaptive practice questions, rationales, and pharmacology drills. Build clinical judgment and pass your licensure exam.
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NCLEX PN exam — full Q&A walkthrough
Every question read aloud with the answer explained. Play it on your commute, then test yourself.
30 free NCLEX PN questions
Sampled across every topic area — not just the first page. Try them as a quiz or flip them as flashcards.
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NCLEX PN
A client tells the LPN/LVN that he has a living will stating he does not want resuscitation. Which action by the LPN/LVN is most appropriate?
Correct — D. The LPN/LVN's role is to report and document client statements regarding advance directives to the RN, who then coordinates follow-through with the physician and facility policy. -
NCLEX PN
When delegating a task to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), which client is MOST appropriate for the LPN/LVN to assign to UAP for morning care?
Correct — C. Delegation to UAP is appropriate for stable clients with predictable care needs; a stable client with chronic heart failure awaiting discharge poses the lowest risk of acute deterioration during routine morning care. -
NCLEX PN
A client scheduled for a surgical procedure states he does not fully understand what the surgeon explained. Which action is correct for the LPN/LVN?
Correct — C. Informed consent is the physician's responsibility; the LPN/LVN must notify the surgeon when a client does not understand the procedure so that adequate information can be provided before consent is obtained. -
NCLEX PN
According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which client should the LPN/LVN assess FIRST?
Correct — B. Oxygenation is the most fundamental physiological need at the base of Maslow's hierarchy, making a drop in oxygen saturation the highest priority over pain, anxiety, or mobility. -
NCLEX PN
A client asks the LPN/LVN to share his diagnosis with his adult daughter who is visiting. The LPN/LVN should:
Correct — B. Under HIPAA, a competent adult client must explicitly consent before protected health information is disclosed to family members, even those who are present at the bedside. -
NCLEX PN
An LPN/LVN working in a long-term care facility receives assignments for four residents. Using ABCs prioritization, which resident should be assessed FIRST?
Correct — B. Use of accessory muscles indicates impaired breathing (the 'B' in ABCs), placing this resident at immediate risk for respiratory failure and requiring priority assessment over infection, a missed meal, or chronic pain. -
NCLEX PN
The LPN/LVN is caring for a client and recognizes a pattern of worsening assessment data. Which step of the nursing process does this represent?
Correct — C. Evaluation involves comparing the client's current response to expected outcomes and identifying changes or trends, which guides revision of the care plan. -
NCLEX PN
An LPN/LVN discovers that a confused, non-English-speaking client signed a surgical consent form without an interpreter present. The LPN/LVN should:
Correct — B. Valid informed consent requires that the client understand the information provided; when a language barrier and altered cognition are present, the nurse must escalate to ensure legally and ethically valid consent is obtained. -
NCLEX PN
Which task falls WITHIN the scope of practice of the LPN/LVN and should NOT be delegated upward to the RN?
Correct — B. Administering scheduled medications to stable clients and documenting the response is a core LPN/LVN competency, whereas initial assessment, care plan development, and complex clinical interpretation are RN-level responsibilities. -
NCLEX PN
A client with terminal cancer has a valid do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. During the shift the client becomes pulseless. The LPN/LVN should:
Correct — C. A valid, signed DNR order is a legally binding directive; the LPN/LVN must honor it by withholding resuscitation, promptly notifying the RN, and focusing on comfort-oriented care. -
NCLEX PN
The LPN/LVN suspects a colleague is diverting controlled substances. What is the MOST appropriate initial action?
Correct — A. Nurses have a legal and ethical obligation to report suspected diversion through the proper chain of command; the nurse manager or charge nurse is the appropriate first contact per standard facility policy and professional codes of conduct. -
NCLEX PN
An LPN/LVN is caring for four clients. Which situation requires the LPN/LVN to contact the RN FIRST, applying both ABCs and scope-of-practice principles?
Correct — A. Absent breath sounds with a chest tube and worsening respiratory distress indicate a potential tension pneumothorax — an airway and breathing emergency that requires immediate RN notification and physician intervention beyond LPN/LVN independent action. -
NCLEX PN
A client with decision-making capacity refuses a blood transfusion that the care team believes is life-saving. The LPN/LVN should:
Correct — A. A competent client's right to refuse treatment is a fundamental legal and ethical principle; the nurse's responsibility is to document the informed refusal, ensure the client understands the consequences, and notify the responsible provider — not to override the decision. -
NCLEX PN
The LPN/LVN is reviewing priorities for a group of clients. Which combination of principles BEST justifies why a newly admitted client with an acute exacerbation of asthma is prioritized over a client with a newly diagnosed stage II pressure injury?
Correct — A. ABCs prioritization places airway and breathing above integumentary concerns; an acute asthma exacerbation represents an immediate threat to oxygenation, whereas a stage II pressure injury, while requiring timely care, does not pose an immediate life-threatening risk. -
NCLEX PN
A client is admitted with a diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Which type of transmission-based precaution should the LPN implement?
Correct — D. Pulmonary TB is transmitted via airborne particles (droplet nuclei smaller than 5 microns), requiring airborne precautions that include placement in an airborne infection isolation (negative-pressure) room and use of an N95 or higher-level respirator by caregivers. -
NCLEX PN
When should the LPN perform hand hygiene using alcohol-based hand rub instead of soap and water?
Correct — B. Alcohol-based hand rub is appropriate when hands are not visibly soiled; however, soap and water must be used when hands are visibly contaminated, after contact with C. diff spores, and after contact with norovirus, because alcohol does not reliably destroy bacterial spores or non-enveloped viruses. -
NCLEX PN
A client recovering from abdominal surgery needs a wound dressing change. Which action by the LPN best demonstrates correct clean technique?
Correct — C. Clean (medical aseptic) technique requires hand hygiene and clean gloves for removing soiled dressings; sterile technique is reserved for the application of new dressings onto open wounds, but the removal step uses clean technique. -
NCLEX PN
The LPN is preparing a sterile field for urinary catheter insertion. Which action would contaminate the sterile field?
Correct — B. Reaching across a sterile field allows non-sterile clothing or skin to pass over sterile items, which contaminates the field; the LPN must always work within the sterile zone without crossing over it. -
NCLEX PN
A fire breaks out in a client's room from an overheated electric blanket. Using the RACE acronym, what is the LPN's FIRST action?
Correct — A. The RACE mnemonic stands for Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish; rescuing clients in immediate danger is the priority because human life takes precedence over all other actions. -
NCLEX PN
A client on a medical-surgical unit is confused and attempts to climb out of bed repeatedly. The nurse has tried multiple non-restraint alternatives without success. Before applying a physical restraint, the LPN must obtain which of the following?
Correct — A. Regulatory standards (TJC and CMS) require a licensed provider's written order specifying the clinical indication before a physical restraint is applied; the charge nurse's approval and family consent are not substitutes for a provider order. -
NCLEX PN
The LPN is caring for a client in contact precautions for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) wound infection. In what order should the LPN don personal protective equipment (PPE) before entering the room?
Correct — D. CDC donning sequence is gown first (to protect clothing), then mask/eye protection if needed, then gloves last so that gloves can cover the gown cuffs and remain the outermost layer touching contaminated surfaces. -
NCLEX PN
An older adult client is assessed as high risk for falls. Which intervention is MOST important for the LPN to implement?
Correct — A. Call-light accessibility and client education are foundational fall-prevention measures; raising all four side rails is considered a restraint and can increase fall risk if the client attempts to climb over them, while restraints require a provider order and are a last resort. -
NCLEX PN
While handling a chemotherapy spill on the floor, the LPN should follow which hazardous material safety principle?
Correct — A. Chemotherapy agents are hazardous drugs (NIOSH definition) and require dedicated PPE including double chemotherapy-rated gloves, a gown, and eye protection, along with a designated cytotoxic spill kit for containment and disposal in a labeled hazardous waste container. -
NCLEX PN
A client develops a needlestick injury after the LPN recaps a used syringe. What should the LPN do FIRST after the injury?
Correct — C. The immediate first action after a needlestick is to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water to mechanically reduce pathogen load; reporting, testing, and follow-up care are performed after initial wound management. -
NCLEX PN
A client diagnosed with varicella (chickenpox) is admitted to the hospital. Which precaution type(s) does the LPN anticipate implementing?
Correct — B. Varicella-zoster virus is transmitted both via airborne particles (requiring N95 and negative-pressure room) and via direct contact with skin lesions, so both airborne and contact precautions are required concurrently per CDC guidelines. -
NCLEX PN
The LPN is assisting with a procedure that requires a sterile field. After setting up the field, the LPN notices that the sterile drape has become wet from spilled sterile saline. Which action is correct?
Correct — D. A wet sterile field is considered contaminated because moisture creates a pathway for microorganisms to wick through (strike-through contamination), even if the liquid itself was sterile; the entire field must be discarded and a new one established. -
NCLEX PN
A client on droplet precautions for influenza needs to be transported to radiology. Which action by the LPN demonstrates correct infection control during transport?
Correct — C. When transporting a client on droplet precautions, the client places a surgical mask over their nose and mouth to contain respiratory secretions; transport staff and radiology personnel then observe standard precautions, as the mask on the client limits source transmission. -
NCLEX PN
The LPN discovers that a colleague disposed of a used lancet in a regular trash bin rather than a sharps container. Using the correct chain of reporting, which action should the LPN take FIRST?
Correct — B. Improper sharps disposal is a patient-safety and bloodborne-pathogen incident that must be escalated through the chain of command (charge nurse) and documented via the facility's incident-reporting system; retrieving the sharp without proper PPE creates additional exposure risk, and charting it in the client's record is inappropriate. -
NCLEX PN
A practical nurse is reinforcing teaching about recommended immunizations for a healthy 2-month-old infant. Which vaccine is routinely administered at this visit?
Correct — C. DTaP is part of the primary immunization series given at 2, 4, and 6 months; MMR and varicella are not given until 12–15 months, and HPV is not recommended until ages 11–12 years. -
NCLEX PN
A nurse is collecting data on a 4-year-old child's developmental milestones. Which behavior is expected at this age?
Correct — B. By age 4, most children can draw a person with four or more recognizable body parts, which is a well-established fine-motor and cognitive milestone for this age group.
NCLEX PN sample questions
Tap any question below to reveal the answer and a plain-English explanation.
NCLEX PN While handling a chemotherapy spill on the floor, the LPN should follow which hazardous material safety principle?
A. Don chemotherapy-rated (chemo-safe) PPE and use a designated spill kit per facility protocol ✓
B. Clean up the spill immediately using standard housekeeping supplies and report it afterward
C. Dilute the chemotherapy agent with water before wiping it up to reduce concentration
D. Absorb the spill with paper towels, dispose them in a regular waste bin, and wash hands
Correct — A. Chemotherapy agents are hazardous drugs (NIOSH definition) and require dedicated PPE including double chemotherapy-rated gloves, a gown, and eye protection, along with a designated cytotoxic spill kit for containment and disposal in a labeled hazardous waste container.
NCLEX PN A client develops a needlestick injury after the LPN recaps a used syringe. What should the LPN do FIRST after the injury?
A. Notify the client whose blood was on the needle
B. Complete an incident report and notify the supervisor
C. Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water ✓
D. Immediately obtain baseline blood work for HIV and hepatitis
Correct — C. The immediate first action after a needlestick is to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water to mechanically reduce pathogen load; reporting, testing, and follow-up care are performed after initial wound management.
NCLEX PN A client diagnosed with varicella (chickenpox) is admitted to the hospital. Which precaution type(s) does the LPN anticipate implementing?
A. Droplet precautions with a surgical mask worn by staff
B. Airborne AND contact precautions simultaneously ✓
C. Standard precautions only, because varicella is spread only by direct contact
D. Contact precautions only, because the virus lives on surfaces
Correct — B. Varicella-zoster virus is transmitted both via airborne particles (requiring N95 and negative-pressure room) and via direct contact with skin lesions, so both airborne and contact precautions are required concurrently per CDC guidelines.
NCLEX PN The LPN is assisting with a procedure that requires a sterile field. After setting up the field, the LPN notices that the sterile drape has become wet from spilled sterile saline. Which action is correct?
A. Continue using the field because sterile saline cannot introduce pathogens
B. Place a dry sterile towel over the wet area and proceed
C. Blot the wet area dry with a sterile gauze from the field and continue
D. Consider the entire sterile field contaminated and set up a new one ✓
Correct — D. A wet sterile field is considered contaminated because moisture creates a pathway for microorganisms to wick through (strike-through contamination), even if the liquid itself was sterile; the entire field must be discarded and a new one established.
NCLEX PN A client on droplet precautions for influenza needs to be transported to radiology. Which action by the LPN demonstrates correct infection control during transport?
A. The transport is cancelled until the client is no longer contagious
B. Transport staff must wear full airborne PPE including an N95 in the hallway
C. The client wears a surgical mask during transport and staff follow standard precautions ✓
D. The LPN wears a gown and gloves during transport; no mask is needed in the hallway
Correct — C. When transporting a client on droplet precautions, the client places a surgical mask over their nose and mouth to contain respiratory secretions; transport staff and radiology personnel then observe standard precautions, as the mask on the client limits source transmission.
NCLEX PN The LPN discovers that a colleague disposed of a used lancet in a regular trash bin rather than a sharps container. Using the correct chain of reporting, which action should the LPN take FIRST?
A. Retrieve the lancet from the trash and place it in a sharps container to correct the error
B. Report the unsafe practice to the charge nurse and follow facility incident-reporting protocol ✓
C. Document the incident in the client's medical record as a nursing note
D. Immediately confront the colleague publicly at the nursing station
Correct — B. Improper sharps disposal is a patient-safety and bloodborne-pathogen incident that must be escalated through the chain of command (charge nurse) and documented via the facility's incident-reporting system; retrieving the sharp without proper PPE creates additional exposure risk, and charting it in the client's record is inappropriate.
NCLEX PN A practical nurse is reinforcing teaching about recommended immunizations for a healthy 2-month-old infant. Which vaccine is routinely administered at this visit?
A. Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
B. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
C. Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) ✓
D. Varicella
Correct — C. DTaP is part of the primary immunization series given at 2, 4, and 6 months; MMR and varicella are not given until 12–15 months, and HPV is not recommended until ages 11–12 years.
NCLEX PN A nurse is collecting data on a 4-year-old child's developmental milestones. Which behavior is expected at this age?
A. Riding a two-wheeled bicycle without training wheels
B. Drawing a person with at least four body parts ✓
C. Reading simple three-letter words
D. Tying shoelaces independently
Correct — B. By age 4, most children can draw a person with four or more recognizable body parts, which is a well-established fine-motor and cognitive milestone for this age group.
About the NCLEX PN test
Study for the NCLEX-PN (practical/vocational nurse licensure) exam with original practice questions written from the publicly available NCLEX-PN test plan and standard LPN/LVN practice. Every question has a clear explanation.
What you get
- Coordinated care and scope of practice, safety and infection control, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, basic care and comfort, and pharmacological therapies and reduction of risk.
- A clear explanation for every question.
- Timed practice tests that mirror the real exam style.
Original & safe
Every question is written for this app from the public NCLEX-PN test plan. Nothing is copied from any real exam, test pool or third-party question bank.
You will be tested on
- Safe and effective care environment
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial and physiological integrity
- Pharmacology, infection control and patient safety
How TheoryPractice helps you pass
- Real exam-style questions with instant, detailed explanations
- Full timed mock exams that mirror the real test format
- Flashcards & quiz modes from the same question bank
- Progress tracking so you know exactly when you're ready
Topics in this question bank
Safe and effective care environment
Health promotion and maintenance
Psychosocial and physiological integrity
Pharmacology, infection control and patient safety
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