Congratulations on taking the significant step toward becoming a licensed practical nurse by preparing for the NCLEX-PN! This journey is not just about mastering content but also about believing in yourself and your capabilities. Remember to keep this guide close as you continue to refine your knowledge and skills. Embrace each study session as a chance to grow and know that you are well-equipped to succeed. As you approach the exam day, stay focused and determined. Trust your preparation and remember that every effort you have made brings you closer to your goal. Set small milestones along the way and reward yourself for reaching them. This could be a treat, a day off to relax, or a fun outing with friends. Staying motivated and engaged in your studies will carry you through to exam day with confidence.
On exam day, remember to stay calm and focused. Prepare for the day by ensuring you have all your materials ready and planned out the logistics to minimize stress. Approach the exam with a positive mindset and practice deep-breathing exercises to ease any anxiety. Remind yourself that you have prepared thoroughly and are capable of succeeding. Trust in your knowledge and instincts as you answer each question. Keep in mind that it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit nervous, channel that energy into your focus. Embrace the challenge with confidence, knowing you have the skills to thrive. With the right mindset, you can tackle the NCLEX-PN and take a significant step toward your future in nursing. Good luck!
Appendix: Sample Practice Questions
Here are 20 high-yield NCLEX-PN practice questions designed to test your knowledge and provide rationales for better understanding:
- A nurse is teaching a client about a new prescription for an antihypertensive medication. What should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
- A. Change positions slowly to avoid dizziness.
- B. Take the medication only when feeling anxious.
- C. Discontinue the medication if a headache occurs.
- D. Expect to see immediate changes in blood pressure.
Correct Answer: A. Change positions slowly to avoid dizziness.
Rationale: Antihypertensive medications can cause orthostatic hypotension; therefore, it’s important to teach clients to change positions slowly.
- Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor for a client receiving furosemide?
- A. Potassium
- B. Calcium
- C. Sodium
- D. Phosphorus
Correct Answer: A. Potassium.
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia; monitoring potassium levels is essential.
- A nurse is assessing a client with a history of asthma. Which of the following findings would indicate a need for immediate intervention?
- A. Shortness of breath with activity
- B. Wheezing on expiration
- C. Use of accessory muscles for breathing
- D. Clear lung sounds upon auscultation
Correct Answer: C. Use of accessory muscles for breathing.
Rationale: The use of accessory muscles indicates respiratory distress and requires immediate intervention.
- Which dietary instruction should the nurse provide to a client diagnosed with chronic kidney disease?
- A. Increase protein intake.
- B. Limit sodium and potassium intake.
- C. Consume unlimited fluids.
- D. Eat high-fiber foods without restrictions.
Correct Answer: B. Limit sodium and potassium intake.
Rationale: Clients with chronic kidney disease often need to limit sodium and potassium to prevent complications.
- A client who is 8 weeks pregnant is concerned about morning sickness. Which recommendation should the nurse provide?
- A. Avoid eating before getting out of bed.
- B. Increase fluid intake to reduce nausea.
- C. Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day.
- D. Eliminate all carbohydrates from the diet.
Correct Answer: C. Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day.
Rationale: Small, frequent meals can help alleviate nausea and are often recommended for clients experiencing morning sickness.
- A nurse is caring for a client with a tracheostomy. Which assessment finding would indicate a potential complication?
- A. Increased respiratory rate
- B. Presence of a mucous plug
- C. Clear lung sounds
- D. Stable oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: B. Presence of a mucous plug.
Rationale: A mucous plug can obstruct airflow and is a potential complication in clients with a tracheostomy.
- What is the priority nursing intervention for a client experiencing chest pain?
- A. Administer nitroglycerin as ordered.
- B. Obtain a thorough health history.
- C. Call the healthcare provider.
- D. Perform a 12-lead ECG.
Correct Answer: A. Administer nitroglycerin as ordered.
Rationale: Immediate relief of chest pain is critical, and nitroglycerin is often the first-line treatment.
- A nurse is reviewing discharge instructions with a client who had a myocardial infarction. Which statement indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. “I will stop taking my medications if I feel better.”
- B. “I will follow a heart-healthy diet.”
- C. “I should avoid smoking.”
- D. “I need to exercise regularly.”
Correct Answer: A. “I will stop taking my medications if I feel better.”
Rationale: Clients must understand the importance of adhering to their medication regimen, even if they feel better.
- A nurse is caring for a client with a history of seizures. Which intervention is most important to implement?
- A. Keep suction equipment at the bedside.
- B. Provide a high-protein diet.
- C. Encourage the client to exercise daily.
- D. Administer anti-seizure medications as prescribed.
Correct Answer: D. Administer anti-seizure medications as prescribed.
Rationale: Adhering to the prescribed medication regimen is essential to prevent seizure activity.
- A client presents with a sudden onset of unilateral weakness and facial drooping. What should the nurse assess first?
- A. Blood glucose levels
- B. Blood pressure
- C. Airway patency
- D. Heart rate
Correct Answer: C. Airway patency.
Rationale: In the context of a potential stroke, ensuring airway patency is the top priority.
- A nurse is providing care for a client with a fever. What is the best nursing intervention to promote comfort?
- A. Administer antipyretics as ordered.
- B. Apply a cold compress to the forehead.
- C. Keep the client covered with heavy blankets.
- D. Increase room temperature to promote sweating.
Correct Answer: A. Administer antipyretics as ordered.
Rationale: Antipyretics help reduce fever and improve comfort.
- A nurse is educating a client about the use of a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Which statement indicates proper use?
- A. “I will shake the inhaler before each use.”
- B. “I should hold my breath for 10 seconds after inhaling.”
- C. “I can use it whenever I feel short of breath.”
- D. “I do not need to clean the inhaler.”
Correct Answer: B. “I should hold my breath for 10 seconds after inhaling.”
Rationale: Holding the breath allows for better medication absorption in the lungs.
- A nurse is assessing a client with diabetes. Which finding indicates the need for immediate intervention?
- A. Blood glucose level of 150 mg/dL
- B. Blood glucose level of 300 mg/dL
- C. Complaints of fatigue
- D. Frequent urination
Correct Answer: B. Blood glucose level of 300 mg/dL.
Rationale: A blood glucose level of 300 mg/dL indicates hyperglycemia and requires immediate intervention.
- What is the priority nursing action for a client experiencing anaphylaxis?
- A. Administer antihistamines.
- B. Initiate IV fluids.
- C. Administer epinephrine.
- D. Monitor vital signs closely.
Correct Answer: C. Administer epinephrine.
Rationale: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis and should be administered immediately.
- A nurse is caring for a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which statement indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. “I will avoid exposure to respiratory irritants.”
- B. “I should only use my inhaler when I feel short of breath.”
- C. “I will participate in pulmonary rehabilitation.”
- D. “I need to receive the flu vaccine every year.”
Correct Answer: B. “I should only use my inhaler when I feel short of breath.”
Rationale: Clients with COPD should use their inhalers as prescribed, even if they are not experiencing symptoms.
- During a physical assessment, the nurse notices a client has a cough that produces pink, frothy sputum. What condition should the nurse suspect?
- A. Pneumonia
- B. Pulmonary embolism
- C. Heart failure
- D. Chronic bronchitis
Correct Answer: C. Heart failure.
Rationale: Pink, frothy sputum is a classic sign of pulmonary edema associated with heart failure.
- A client with renal failure is receiving hemodialysis. What should the nurse monitor for after the procedure?
- A. Hyperkalemia
- B. Hypotension
- C. Respiratory distress
- D. Elevated blood glucose
Correct Answer: B. Hypotension.
Rationale: Hypotension is a common complication after hemodialysis due to the removal of excess fluid.
- A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with pancreatitis. Which diet should the nurse anticipate for this client?
- A. High-protein, high-fat diet
- B. Low-carbohydrate, low-fat diet
- C. Clear liquid diet
- D. High-fiber diet
Correct Answer: C. Clear liquid diet.
Rationale: A clear liquid diet is often prescribed initially for clients with pancreatitis to reduce pancreatic stimulation.
- Which of the following is a key teaching point for a client with hypertension regarding lifestyle modifications?
- A. Increase sodium intake to improve health.
- B. Engage in regular aerobic exercise.
- C. Limit fluid intake to reduce blood pressure.
- D. Avoid all forms of alcohol.
Correct Answer: B. Engage in regular aerobic exercise.
Rationale: Regular aerobic exercise is beneficial for managing hypertension and improving overall cardiovascular health.
- A nurse is teaching a client about self-administration of insulin. Which statement indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. “I should rotate my injection sites.”
- B. “I can store insulin at room temperature.”
- C. “I will take my insulin before meals.”
- D. “I can mix different types of insulin in the same syringe.”
Correct Answer: B. “I can store insulin at room temperature.”
Rationale: While some insulin can be stored at room temperature, it is generally recommended to keep it refrigerated until opened and to store it properly after use.