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Free NCLEX-RN Practice Questions

10 free, exam-style National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) (NCLEX-RN) practice questions with answers and explanations. No signup required. Work through them below, then take the full free NCLEX-RN practice test to study every exam domain.

Question 1

A charge nurse is delegating tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which task is MOST appropriate to delegate?

  1. Reinforcing discharge teaching about a newly prescribed diet
  2. Assessing a client's pain level after pain medication is given
  3. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter for a postoperative client
  4. Assisting a client whose condition is stable to the bathroom
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - Assisting a client whose condition is stable to the bathroom

Question 2

After receiving change-of-shift report on four clients, which client should the nurse assess FIRST?

  1. A client requesting medication for chronic low back pain
  2. A client with new-onset confusion and an oxygen saturation of 88%
  3. A client scheduled for discharge who needs an IV catheter removed
  4. A postoperative client with a small amount of serous drainage on the dressing
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - A client with new-onset confusion and an oxygen saturation of 88%

Question 3

A client is about to sign the consent form for surgery scheduled within the hour and tells the nurse, "I'm still not sure exactly what they're going to remove." What is the nurse's BEST action?

  1. Notify the surgeon that the client has unanswered questions before signing
  2. Ask the client to sign the form and document the concern in the chart
  3. Reassure the client that the surgeon performing the procedure is highly experienced
  4. Explain the surgical procedure and its associated risks to the client in detail
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - Notify the surgeon that the client has unanswered questions before signing

Question 4

A registered nurse is making client assignments. Which client is MOST appropriate to assign to the licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)?

  1. A newly admitted client who requires a complete admission assessment
  2. A client who needs initial teaching about a newly prescribed insulin regimen
  3. A client with stable heart failure receiving scheduled oral medications
  4. A client who is currently receiving a unit of packed red blood cells
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - A client with stable heart failure receiving scheduled oral medications

Question 5

A client is admitted with a confirmed diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis. Which action by the nurse is correct?

  1. Wear a gown and gloves whenever entering the client's room
  2. Place the client in a private room and wear a standard surgical mask when providing care
  3. Wear a surgical mask only when standing within three feet of the client
  4. Place the client in a negative-pressure room and wear an N95 respirator
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - Place the client in a negative-pressure room and wear an N95 respirator

Question 6

A nurse is caring for a client who has bilateral wrist restraints applied for a medical (non-violent) reason. Which finding requires IMMEDIATE intervention?

  1. The fingers on the restrained hand are pale and cool to the touch
  2. The restraint is secured to the movable bed frame with a quick-release knot
  3. The provider renewed the restraint order eight hours ago, within facility policy
  4. The client states the restraints are uncomfortable and asks to have them removed
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - The fingers on the restrained hand are pale and cool to the touch

Question 7

A nurse is monitoring a client in active labor and observes late decelerations on the fetal heart rate tracing. Which action should the nurse take FIRST?

  1. Document the finding and keep monitoring
  2. Reposition the client onto her left side
  3. Increase the rate of the oxytocin infusion
  4. Prepare the client for an immediate cesarean birth
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Reposition the client onto her left side

Question 8

A client who was just diagnosed with cancer says, "There's really no point in any of this anymore." Which response by the nurse is MOST therapeutic?

  1. You shouldn't give up; there are many treatment options available to you.
  2. Why do you feel that way about starting your treatment?
  3. Tell me more about what you're feeling right now and what's worrying you.
  4. Many people with your diagnosis go on to live long, full lives.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Tell me more about what you're feeling right now and what's worrying you.

Question 9

A client hospitalized for major depression suddenly appears calm and cheerful and begins giving away personal belongings to other clients. Which action is the priority?

  1. Implement suicide precautions and ensure the client is not left alone
  2. Encourage the client to take part in unit social activities
  3. Document that the client's mood has noticeably improved
  4. Decrease the frequency of safety checks now that the client is stable
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - Implement suicide precautions and ensure the client is not left alone

Question 10

A nurse is teaching a client who has weakness in the right leg how to use a single-point cane. Which statement by the client indicates CORRECT understanding?

  1. I will hold the cane on the same side as my weaker leg.
  2. I will advance the cane only after I step forward with my stronger leg.
  3. I will rest my body weight on the cane by leaning into my armpit.
  4. I will hold the cane on the side opposite my weaker leg.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - I will hold the cane on the side opposite my weaker leg.

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