TheoryNCLEX PN
Practice Test
1296+ NCLEX PN practice questions with explanations. Study modes, progress tracking, works offline.
Heads up: the app and the web exam use separate accounts — a web unlock and an in-app purchase do not carry over. Buy on the web to practice on the web.
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.
-
NCLEX PN
The nurse works on a medical/surgical unit that has a shift with an unusually high number of admissions, discharges, and call bells ringing. A nurse’s aide, who looks increasingly flustered and overwhelmed with the workload, finally announces “This is impossible! I quit!” and stomps toward the break room. The best statement, if made by the nurse to the nurse’s aide, is <code>________</code>.
Correct — D. This statement uses reflection and offers assistance to a fellow member of the patient care team. Do not refer back to yourself or offer a break. Offer to directly alleviate the cause of the problem. -
NCLEX PN
Which of the following terms is defined as when an individual believes that which was previously known as reality has been altered or completely done away with?
Correct — D. Dementia is defined as a state of having several cognitive deficits that usually include memory issues. Akathisia is defined as being restless with regard to the motor system. Delirium deals with changes in cognition that take place over time. -
NCLEX PN
Bleuler’s four A’s are used to help remember the important characteristics of schizophrenia.<br/><br/>Which of the following is NOT one of the four A’s?
Correct — C. When faced with a question about schizophrenia use Bleuler’s four A’s to remember the characteristics of schizophrenia. They are: autism (preoccupied with self); affect (flat); associations (loose); and ambivalence (difficulty making decisions). Actualities is not one of the characteristics. -
NCLEX PN
Which of the following would you expect to see with second- and third-degree burns in the emergent phase?
Correct — C. One would expect to find elevated hamatocrit levels in a patient in the emergent phase of second- or third-degree burns. 48 to 72 hours after injury, the emergent phase ends with the restoration of capillary permeability. Hemoconcentration from large fluid shifts leads to increased hematocrit. -
NCLEX PN
You are teaching your nursing students about maintaining an acid-base balance in the body. Part of maintaining this balance is the chemical buffer system.<br/><br/>Which of the following will you tell them is the main chemical buffer?
Correct — C. The main chemical buffer is the bicarbonate-carbonic acid system. Normally there are 20 parts of bicarbonate to 1 part carbonic acid. If this 20:1 ratio is altered the pH is changed. Other buffer systems are hemoglobin, protein and phosphate. -
NCLEX PN
Which behavior is most healthful for a client with arterial insufficiency?
Correct — A. Loose fitting socks will promote good circulation. Crossing the legs at any point is detrimental to circulation. -
NCLEX PN
The nurse is caring for a client undergoing chemotherapy who develops thrombocytopenia.<br/><br/>Which of the following interventions should the nurse give the highest priority?
Correct — B. Thrombocytopenia indicates a decrease in the number of platelets, leading to high risk of bleeding. The nursing intervention should focus on preventing and monitoring for bleeding. <br/><br/>Option A is an intervention for leukopenia, or a decrease in white blood cells. <br/><br/>Options B and D are not related to thrombocytopenia. -
NCLEX PN
A nurse is assigned to monitor a client who is prescribed clozapine (Clozaril). The occurrence of which signs and symptoms should alert the nurse to contact the RN or physician immediately?
Correct — D. The nurse should immediately contact the RN or physician if the client complains of fever, sore throat, and flu-like symptoms, as these could indicate agranulocytosis, a severe complication of clozapine. -
NCLEX PN
A 24 year old pregnant client presents for her initial antepartum visit. She has a 1-year-old son born at 39 weeks and a 4-year-old son born at 37 weeks.<br/><br/>The client had a spontaneous abortion 7 years ago at 8 weeks.<br/><br/>By using the GTPAL format, the nurse can determine the client's pregnancy history as:
Correct — D. GTPAL is used to show information about a female's pregnancy history. The approach is expressed in acronyms such as G-gravida which is associated with the total number of pregnancies; P-preterm, which is associated with all the children that were born early, before 37 weeks of gestation but after 20 weeks; A identifies the number of abortions and L indicates the number of children who are presently living.<br/><br/>Now, for our example of the 24 year old female client, the nurse would express the client's pregnancy history as G4 T2 A1 L2 which identifies the following: The total number of pregnancies are 4 (G4). The total number of termed births where the baby was born after 37 weeks of gestatation are 2 (T2). The client had 1 abortion (A1). The client has a total of 2 children living (L2). -
NCLEX PN
The nurse teaches a 20-year-old female how to carry out SBE (self-breast exams). Of the following instructions, which one is incorrect if given by the nurse?
Correct — C. One week after the onset of the woman’s menstrual period, when hormones are at the lowest, is the best time to perform SBE. It is normal for hormonal changes during the month to make breast tissue tender or enlarged. The other options are correct as well. -
NCLEX PN
The nurse is caring for an elderly patient and providing education. Of the following, which one would be least appropriate?
Correct — A. The nurse should not speak in a loud voice just because the patient is elderly.<br/><br/>The nurse should assess the patient for hearing impairment to see if additional assistance is demanded.<br/><br/>Nevertheless, elderly patients tend to demand more time to process information, as their reaction time is slower, and they may advantage from more frequent, shorter sessions as they fatigue easily.<br/><br/>Elderly patients are usually capable of absorbing supplemental written resources. -
NCLEX PN
A 13-year-old female client tells the PN/VN that she is worried because she has not started her period.<br/><br/>Which response should the nurse the provide to the client?
Correct — C. The normal range of menarche is from 10½ to 15 years of age.<br/><br/>Abdominal cramping (choice A) is not associated with the onset of menarche.<br/><br/>There is no reason hormone levels should be evaluated (choice C).<br/><br/>Assessing the client's medication (choice D) should not be related to the concern of delayed menstruation. -
NCLEX PN
A busy, harried-looking physician comes onto the floor and writes out four orders in less than one minute. He leaves, shoving over a stack of the nurse’s charting on the way out the door. Of the following four orders, which one should the nurse question?
Correct — D. The diabetic patient might have neuropathy and be not able to correctly sense the temperature of the heating pad, resulting in a burn. -
NCLEX PN
A nurse is tasked to care for a client with a body temperature of 94.8<sup>O</sup>F.<br/><br/>Which of the following nursing actions by the nurse is the most effective in relieving hypothermia?
Correct — D. The goal of the treatment in clients with hypothermia is to conserve body heat. <br/><br/>This is achieved by keeping the client’s limbs close to the boy, wearing of caps and turbans, intake of warm fluids, and providing a warm environment for the client. -
NCLEX PN
Which of the following components of nutrition is primarily used as the source of energy for the human body?
Correct — D. Vitamin K is necessary in order to have proper blood clotting. Folate is especially important in pregnant women. It helps prevent neural tube defects. Protein helps with tissue growth and repair. -
NCLEX PN
Abraham Maslow considered the most basic of needs in his hierarchy of needs to be which of the following?
Correct — B. Physiological needs are a person’s most basic needs and must be met. These needs include oxygen, food, water, shelter, and freedom from pain. -
NCLEX PN
A nurse is caring for a child on seizure precautions.<br/><br/>Which of the following pieces of equipment should the nurse place at the client’s bedside?
Correct — A. The nurse should make sure that airway equipment is placed at the client’s bedside at all times. If the child has a seizure and requires a patent airway, the airway equipment can be used. The other options are not appropriate. -
NCLEX PN
The doctor orders 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiography using a Holter monitor for a client with frequent fainting spells. To prevent electrical interference with the Holter monitor, which of the following should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
Correct — D. Using electrical devices, such as electric razors and toothbrushes, may alter the data recorded with a Holter monitor. The other activities are not known to cause electrical interference with a Holter monitor. -
NCLEX PN
The PN/VN prepares for the admission of the new client with herpes zoster. The nurse is unsure which isolation technique is the most effective. <br/><br/>The nurse uses which location to find the best isolation requirement?
Correct — D. The CDC.org is the gold standard for all isolation questions and guidelines. -
NCLEX PN
A nurse is monitoring a client who was recently admitted to the unit after a cardiac catheterization.<br/><br/>Which of the following ordered assignments is the nurse’s priority?
Correct — A. After the procedure, the client is at risk of clot formation. Weakened or absent pulses distal to the insertion site may suggest its occurrence. <br/><br/>Options A and B are also assessed, but assessment of the pulses distal to the insertion site is the priority. <br/><br/>Option D is not correct. -
NCLEX PN
A nurse is caring for a client with emphysema.<br/><br/>Which of the following interventions is the priority of the nurse when caring for the client?
Correct — A. The priority of the nurse is to maintain the oxygen flow rate between 1 and 2 L/min. Clients with emphysema are stimulated by low partial pressure of oxygen to breathe, instead of increasing partial pressure of carbon dioxide. The other interventions are appropriate, but they are not the nurse’s priority. -
NCLEX PN
The PN/VN receives report on the postoperative client.<br/><br/>Which fact provided to the nurse requires immediate follow-up?
Correct — D. A pain rating of 4 on a scale of 10 is not usually a cause for immediate action. Getting out of bed and the dressing change finding are both routine. A client who has not voided for 7 hours requires prompt assessment and intervention. -
NCLEX PN
The PN/VN is preparing to obtain a nutritional history on a client.<br/><br/>Which question should the nurse ask the client?
Correct — C. A nutritional history usually includes a 24-hour dietary recall of food intake. Changes in appetite, weight loss, and inquiring about access to adequate food sources are part of a health history. -
NCLEX PN
The nurse is inserting a nasogastric tube in an adult client. The nurse is having difficulty in inserting the tube.<br/><br/>Which of the following actions should the nurse do first?
Correct — A. Swallowing facilitates relaxation of the esophageal muscles and closing of the epiglottis. <br/><br/>Options A and B are unnecessary. <br/><br/>Option D is incorrect. The client should bend the head forward to close the epiglottis and open the esophagus. -
NCLEX PN
Which of the following solutions may consist of water in oil (w/o) or oil in water (o/w)?
Correct — C. An emulsion is a solution in which one liquid is dispersed in another liquid. It may be water in oil or oil in water. Emulsions are stabilized though the use of an emulsifying agent. -
NCLEX PN
A female client at 28 weeks gestation is admitted after experiencing abrupt and painless bleeding. The nurse should expect the following interventions in the care plan developed by the RN except:
Correct — D. Pelvic examinations must be avoided when caring for clients with placenta previa. This type of examination during the last trimester can agitate the cervix and may initiate hemorrhage. The other options are appropriate. -
NCLEX PN
A patient’s religion should be taken into account in terms of how the patient views illness and healing. <br/><br/>The religion that uses the sacrament of the sick is which of the following?
Correct — C. Roman Catholics have the sacrament of the sick. This was previously known as “last rites.” Islam uses herbal remedies and faith healing; Christian Science practices spiritual healing; and Hinduism practices faith healing. -
NCLEX PN
The PN/VN is reviewing the bones that support and protect the pelvic contents.<br/><br/>Which should the nurse identify as the sacrum?<br/><br/><img src="asset:assets/questions/1fc02a9a8161cf62.png">
Correct — C. The sacrum connects the hip bones and is important in forming a strong pelvis. The sacrum is a wedge-shaped bone that is below the fifth lumbar vertebrae of the base of the spine. The sacrum is made up of five vertebrae that fuse into one single bone. -
NCLEX PN
The PN/VN is discussing legal responsibilities of health care providers.<br/><br/>Which responsibility should the nurse include when discussing minimizing the risk of being charged with battery?
Correct — C. Battery is actual physical contact with another person without that person's consent. The risk for a charge of battery can be minimized by having the client sign a consent form prior to treatment. <br/><br/>The healthcare provider must explain and obtain consent prior to treatment. <br/><br/>It is the duty of the nurse to review the treatment plan of care with the client after consent has been obtained. -
NCLEX PN
A client is admitted due to stimulant intoxication. The nurse caring for the client determines that the client is experiencing stimulant withdrawal if which of the following signs and symptoms are noted on assessment:
Correct — C. Fatigue, insomnia, and cravings are signs of stimulant withdrawal. Items in option A show stimulant intoxication, items in option C display signs of opioid intoxication, and items in option D demonstrate opioid withdrawal.
NCLEX PN sample questions
Tap any question below to reveal the answer and a plain-English explanation.
Psychosocial Integrity The nurse works on a medical/surgical unit that has a shift with an unusually high number of admissions, discharges, and call bells ringing. A nurse’s aide, who looks increasingly flustered and overwhelmed with the workload, finally announces “This is impossible! I quit!” and stomps toward the break room. The best statement, if made by the nurse to the nurse’s aide, is ________.
A. “I can understand why you’re upset, but I’m tired too and I’m not quitting.”
B. “Fine, we’re better off without you anyway.”
C. “Why don’t you take a dinner break and come back? It will seem more manageable with normal blood sugar.”
D. “It seems to me that you feel frustrated. What can I help you with to care for our patients?” ✓
Correct — D. This statement uses reflection and offers assistance to a fellow member of the patient care team. Do not refer back to yourself or offer a break. Offer to directly alleviate the cause of the problem.
Health Promotion Maintenance A 24 year old pregnant client presents for her initial antepartum visit. She has a 1-year-old son born at 39 weeks and a 4-year-old son born at 37 weeks. The client had a spontaneous abortion 7 years ago at 8 weeks. By using the GTPAL format, the nurse can determine the client's pregnancy history as:
A. G3 T2 A1 L2
B. G3 T2 A0 L2
C. G4 T2 A0 L2
D. G4 T2 A1 L2 ✓
Correct — D. GTPAL is used to show information about a female's pregnancy history. The approach is expressed in acronyms such as G-gravida which is associated with the total number of pregnancies; P-preterm, which is associated with all the children that were born early, before 37 weeks of gestation but after 20 weeks; A identifies the number of abortions and L indicates the number of children who are presently living. Now, for our example of the 24 year old female client, the nurse would express the client's pregnancy history as G4 T2 A1 L2 which identifies the following: The total number of pregnancies are 4 (G4). The total number of termed births where the baby was born after 37 weeks of gestatation are 2 (T2). The client had 1 abortion (A1). The client has a total of 2 children living (L2).
Pharmacological Therapies A 13-year-old female client tells the PN/VN that she is worried because she has not started her period. Which response should the nurse the provide to the client?
A. "Have you experienced any abdominal cramping?"
B. "I will ask your health care provider to check your hormone levels."
C. "You may start your period over the next few years." ✓
D. "Are you currently taking any medication?"
Correct — C. The normal range of menarche is from 10½ to 15 years of age. Abdominal cramping (choice A) is not associated with the onset of menarche. There is no reason hormone levels should be evaluated (choice C). Assessing the client's medication (choice D) should not be related to the concern of delayed menstruation.
Basic Care Comfort A nurse is tasked to care for a client with a body temperature of 94.8OF. Which of the following nursing actions by the nurse is the most effective in relieving hypothermia?
A. Place the client in a tepid bath
B. Remove caps or turbans
C. Give cold fluids
D. Keep the client’s limbs close to the body ✓
Correct — D. The goal of the treatment in clients with hypothermia is to conserve body heat. This is achieved by keeping the client’s limbs close to the boy, wearing of caps and turbans, intake of warm fluids, and providing a warm environment for the client.
Coordinated Care The PN/VN is preparing to obtain a nutritional history on a client. Which question should the nurse ask the client?
A. "Have you experienced any significant changes in your appetite?"
B. "Do you have access to adequate food sources?"
C. "Can you recall what you had to eat in the past 24 hours?" ✓
D. "Have you experienced any weight loss?"
Correct — C. A nutritional history usually includes a 24-hour dietary recall of food intake. Changes in appetite, weight loss, and inquiring about access to adequate food sources are part of a health history.
About the NCLEX PN test
NCLEX PN Exam Prep 2026 helps you pass with 1296+ realistic practice questions, each with a clear explanation.
Features
- 1296+ practice questions with detailed answer explanations
- Study modes: quick 10, mock exam, timed, missed questions, and study by topic
- Progress tracking with subject accuracy and a learning curve
- Clean, distraction-free design built for focused study
Whether you are just starting or doing a final review before test day, NCLEX PN Exam Prep gives you the questions and explanations you need to build confidence and pass.
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
Full NCLEX PN bank + unlimited mocks
Try 30 questions free. Unlock the complete NCLEX PN question bank, every explanation, and unlimited timed mock exams. Practice on any device.
Unlock NCLEX PN →