Free samples
NCLEX-RN practice questions with rationales
One sample from each of the eight client-needs categories on the 2026 NCSBN test plan, taken straight from the Aegis question bank. Answer, then open the rationale. Pick a category below for more.
Question 1 Management of Care Multiple choice hard
An RN charge nurse is making assignments. Four clients need care. Which client should be assigned to the LPN?
- A.A new admission with chest pain
- B.Stable post-op day 3 client requiring routine medications and dressing changes
- C.A client receiving blood transfusion that just started
- D.A client awaiting initial discharge teaching
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B · LPN assignment
LPN scope: stable predictable clients with established plans. Initial assessment, blood transfusion (RN-only initiation), and initial teaching require RN.
Question 2 Safety & Infection Control Multiple choice medium
A nurse is caring for a client with active TB. Which PPE should the nurse wear when entering the room?
- A.Surgical mask and gloves
- B.N95 respirator
- C.Sterile gown and gloves
- D.Standard precautions only
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B · TB airborne precautions
TB requires airborne precautions: N95 respirator (or PAPR), negative-pressure room, door closed.
Question 3 Health Promotion Multiple choice medium
A client uses a peak flow meter at home. A "yellow zone" reading (50-80% personal best) indicates:
- A.Asthma is well-controlled
- B.Caution — use rescue inhaler and follow action plan
- C.Emergency — go to ER immediately
- D.No action needed
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B · Peak flow zones
Green = good control (>80%). Yellow = caution (50-80%) — use rescue inhaler, may need oral steroid. Red (<50%) = emergency.
Question 4 Psychosocial Integrity Multiple choice hard
A nurse is caring for a sexual assault survivor. The most appropriate initial intervention is:
- A.Immediately bathe the client
- B.Provide a safe, private environment; preserve evidence; consult SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner); ask permission before any procedure
- C.Question the survivor in detail
- D.Inform family without consent
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B · Sexual assault care
Sexual assault: privacy, safety, trauma-informed care, evidence preservation (do NOT bathe before exam), SANE if available, consent for each step. Mandated reporting may apply for minors.
Question 5 Basic Care & Comfort Multiple choice medium
A client with right-sided weakness is learning to use a cane. The nurse should teach the client to:
- A.Hold the cane on the right (weak) side
- B.Hold the cane on the left (strong) side and advance it with the weak leg
- C.Hold the cane in front of the body
- D.Use two canes for stability
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B · Assistive device use
The cane is held on the strong side. Advance the cane and the weak leg together, then step with the strong leg. This widens the base of support.
Question 6 Pharmacology Multiple choice hard
A client with new-onset A-fib is started on apixaban. Which client teaching is most important?
- A.Take with food only
- B.Report any signs of bleeding (gums, urine, stool, bruising)
- C.INR will be checked weekly
- D.Avoid all leafy green vegetables
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B · DOAC anticoagulation
Apixaban (Eliquis) is a DOAC — no routine INR monitoring needed and no dietary restrictions. Bleeding precautions are essential. Vitamin K restriction is for warfarin.
Question 7 Risk Reduction Multiple choice hard
A client with chronic renal failure has BUN 78 and creatinine 4.5. Which is most likely a contributing cause?
- A.Diabetes and HTN (most common causes of CKD)
- B.Asthma
- C.Hypothyroidism
- D.Anemia
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A · CKD etiology
Top causes of CKD: diabetes (#1), hypertension (#2), glomerulonephritis. Manage these to slow progression.
Question 8 Physiological Adaptation Multiple choice hard
A client with heart failure has a BNP of 850 pg/mL. The nurse interprets this as:
- A.Normal value
- B.Indicates significant volume overload and ventricular stretch
- C.Indicates dehydration
- D.Indicates acute MI
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B · BNP interpretation
BNP > 400 pg/mL strongly suggests heart failure exacerbation. BNP rises with ventricular wall stretch from volume overload.
Want more? Each category page has six free questions, and the app has 1,093.
