🩺 NCLEX Practice Top 10 Questions with Answers 👇
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Which finding should the nurse report immediately?
A. Weight gain of 0.5 kg (1 lb) in 24 hours
B. Bilateral ankle edema
C. Crackles in both lung bases and shortness of breath
D. Fatigue after walking
✅ Answer: C. Crackles in both lung bases and shortness of breath
Rationale: These are signs of pulmonary edema and require immediate intervention.
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2. Which action should the nurse take first when a client is having difficulty breathing?
A. Obtain vital signs
B. Raise the head of the bed
C. Call the healthcare provider
D. Administer prescribed medications
✅ Answer: B. Raise the head of the bed
Rationale: Follow the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation). Positioning improves ventilation immediately.
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3. A client with diabetes reports feeling shaky and sweaty. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Administer insulin
B. Check the blood glucose level
C. Encourage exercise
D. Restrict oral fluids
✅ Answer: B. Check the blood glucose level
Rationale: These symptoms suggest hypoglycemia. Confirm the blood glucose level before taking further action.
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4. Which laboratory value should the nurse report immediately?
A. Potassium 6.2 mEq/L
B. Sodium 136 mEq/L
C. Hemoglobin 13 g/dL
D. White blood cell count 9,000/mm³
✅ Answer: A. Potassium 6.2 mEq/L
Rationale: Severe hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias.
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5. A nurse is caring for a postoperative client. Which finding indicates a possible infection?
A. Incisional redness and warmth
B. Blood pressure 118/76 mm Hg
C. Pain rated 3/10
D. Heart rate 82 beats/min
✅ Answer: A. Incisional redness and warmth
Rationale: Redness and warmth around the incision site are common signs of infection.
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6. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client with a fever of 38°C (100.4°F)
B. A client requesting pain medication
C. A client with chest pain and diaphoresis
D. A client needing assistance to the bathroom
✅ Answer: C. A client with chest pain and diaphoresis
Rationale: Possible myocardial infarction is an immediate priority.
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7. A nurse is teaching hand hygiene. Which statement by the client indicates understanding?
A. "I only need to wash my hands when they look dirty."
B. "Alcohol-based hand rubs are effective when my hands are not visibly soiled."
C. "Gloves replace the need for hand hygiene."
D. "I should wash my hands for at least 5 seconds."
✅ Answer: B. "Alcohol-based hand rubs are effective when my hands are not visibly soiled."
Rationale: Alcohol-based hand rubs are recommended unless hands are visibly dirty.
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8. Which finding is expected in a client with dehydration?
A. Increased urine output
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Hypotension and tachycardia
D. Bradycardia
✅ Answer: C. Hypotension and tachycardia
Rationale: Dehydration decreases circulating volume, leading to low blood pressure and increased heart rate.
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9. A client receiving opioid medication becomes difficult to arouse. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Flumazenil
B. Epinephrine
C. Naloxone
D. Atropine
✅ Answer: C. Naloxone
Rationale: Naloxone reverses opioid-induced respiratory depression.
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10. Which statement by a newly licensed nurse requires further teaching about client confidentiality?
A. "I will log out of the electronic health record when finished."
B. "I can discuss client information in the hospital elevator with coworkers."
C. "I will verify the identity of anyone requesting client information."
D. "I will keep client records secure."
✅ Answer: B. "I can discuss client information in the hospital elevator with coworkers."
Rationale: Discussing protected health information in public areas violates confidentiality and privacy regulations.