9–15% of the NCLEX-RN

Risk Reduction NCLEX practice questions

Lab values, diagnostic tests, vital signs, potential complications of procedures and conditions, and system-specific assessments.

9–15%of scored items on the 2026 test plan
118Risk Reduction questions in the Aegis bank
6free samples below
Question 1 Multiple choice hard

A client with chronic renal failure has BUN 78 and creatinine 4.5. Which is most likely a contributing cause?

  1. A.Diabetes and HTN (most common causes of CKD)
  2. B.Asthma
  3. C.Hypothyroidism
  4. 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 2 Multiple choice hard

A client with cancer presents with confusion, polyuria, and constipation. Calcium is 13.2 mg/dL. The first intervention is:

  1. A.Calcium gluconate IV
  2. B.Aggressive IV NS + furosemide; consider bisphosphonate
  3. C.Restrict fluids
  4. D.Calcium-rich diet
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B · Hypercalcemia management

Hypercalcemia of malignancy: aggressive IV NS to dilute and promote urinary Ca excretion, +/- loop diuretic, +/- bisphosphonate (zoledronic acid) for sustained reduction.

Question 3 Multiple choice hard

A client receives chemotherapy. Labs show K+ 6.8, P 9.0, uric acid 12, Ca 6.5. The nurse recognizes:

  1. A.Tumor lysis syndrome
  2. B.Anemia
  3. C.Sepsis
  4. D.Dehydration
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A · Tumor lysis syndrome

Tumor lysis: rapid cell breakdown releases K+, phosphate, nucleic acids → uric acid. Hypocalcemia (Ca binds P). Risk of arrhythmia, AKI. Treat with aggressive hydration, allopurinol/rasburicase, manage electrolytes.

Question 4 Multiple choice hard

A client is on IV gentamicin. Which lab measures should be monitored?

  1. A.Glucose only
  2. B.Peak and trough levels; renal function (creatinine); audiology baseline
  3. C.Liver enzymes only
  4. D.No lab monitoring needed
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B · Aminoglycoside monitoring

Aminoglycosides (gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin): nephro/ototoxic. Trough before next dose, peak 30 min after infusion. Monitor creatinine, hearing.

Question 5 Select 5 hard

A 55-year-old client is being prepared for a colonoscopy with sedation. Which preparations are essential? Select 5.

  1. A.NPO 6-8 hours before procedure
  2. B.Bowel prep (PEG-electrolyte solution) the day before
  3. C.IV access established
  4. D.Verify informed consent signed
  5. E.Confirm no recent anticoagulant doses (per provider instructions)
  6. F.Encourage a heavy breakfast the morning of the procedure
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A, B, C, D, E · Colonoscopy preparation

Colonoscopy prep: NPO, bowel prep, IV access, informed consent, anticoagulant management per provider (often held). Heavy breakfast contraindicated.

Question 6 Select 4 hard

A 75-year-old client post-hip surgery suddenly reports left calf pain and swelling. Which actions are appropriate? Select 4.

  1. A.Notify the provider for suspected DVT
  2. B.Maintain bedrest until evaluation
  3. C.Elevate the affected extremity
  4. D.Anticipate orders for ultrasound and possible anticoagulation
  5. E.Massage the calf to relieve pain
  6. F.Apply hot packs continuously
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A, B, C, D · DVT recognition and care

Suspected DVT: notify, bedrest, elevation, anticipate ultrasound + anticoagulation. NEVER massage (risk of dislodging clot → PE). Cool packs may be used initially.

What Risk Reduction tests

  • Laboratory values
  • Diagnostic tests
  • Changes in vital signs
  • Complications of diagnostic tests and procedures
  • System-specific assessments
  • Therapeutic procedures

How to study it

Drill this category in the app until your accuracy holds above 70%, then move it into mixed practice. Aegis tracks Risk Reduction separately in your coverage map and will surface it as "today's best move" when it is the weakest link in your readiness score.

Back to all categories · See the 4-week study plan

Risk Reduction FAQ

What percentage of the NCLEX-RN is Reduction of Risk Potential?

Reduction of Risk Potential makes up 9–15% of scored items on the 2026 NCSBN NCLEX-RN Test Plan, effective April 1, 2026.

What topics does Risk Reduction cover?

Lab values, diagnostic tests, vital signs, potential complications of procedures and conditions, and system-specific assessments. Key content areas include laboratory values, diagnostic tests, changes in vital signs, complications of diagnostic tests and procedures, and more.

How many Risk Reduction questions are in Aegis?

118 standalone questions, plus related sub-questions inside the 100 NGN case studies. The free tier gives you 25 questions a day across any category.

Other categories

15–21%

Management of Care

10–16%

Safety & Infection Control

6–12%

Health Promotion

6–12%

Psychosocial Integrity

6–12%

Basic Care & Comfort

13–19%

Pharmacology

11–17%

Physiological Adaptation

Practice 118 Risk Reduction questions in the app.

25 questions a day, 3 NGN case studies, and a full mock exam are free. No account, no sign-up.

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