TheoryFree NCLEX RN Practice Test
Take a free NCLEX RN practice test for 2026 with questions, answers, explanations, PDF download and timed mock exam links.
NCLEX RN Questions
Open each answer, read the explanation, then continue into the full practice flow.
Q1You are assisting the physician with removal of a chest tube. The nurse should instruct the patient to:
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Perform the Valsalva’s maneuver.
The nurse should instruct the patient to perform the Valsalva’s maneuver (take a deep breathe, exhale and bear down). Then the tube would be quickly removed and an airtight dressing placed. An alternative would be to ask the patient to take a deep breathe and hold the breath while the tube is removed.
Q2A client with a forceful, pounding heartbeat is diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse. <br/><br/>This client should avoid which of the following?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Caffeine-containing products
Caffeine is a stimulant, which can exacerbate palpitations, and should be avoided by a client with symptomatic mitral valve prolapse. High-fluid intake helps maintain adequate preload and cardiac output. Aerobic exercise helps increase cardiac output and decrease heart rate. Protein-rich foods are not restricted but high-calorie foods are.
Q3Which should the nurse anticipate including in the care plan for a client the first 24 hours post thyroidectomy?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Suction oral secretions as necessary.
Oral secretions may need to be suctioned following a thyroidectomy.<br/><br/>A pillow is used to support the head and neck after surgery, and the client should avoid neck extension because it may disrupt the surgical site.<br/><br/>The client may experience a moderate amount of serosanguinous drainage in the first 24 hours.<br/><br/>The client will place both hands behind their neck before coughing to support the neck and reduce tension on the suture line.<br/><br/>If the dressing around the neck becomes too tight (choice C), this may be an indication of a complication that could impede the airway.<br/><br/>The client should immediately be assessed for hemorrhage or any respiratory compromise and the health care provider notified immediately.<br/><br/>Emergency tracheostomy equipment (not thoracentesis equipment as choice D indicates) should be kept immediately available.
Q4The diet for your patient who is suffering from uremic syndrome would include all of the following EXCEPT:
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: High nitrogen foods
Nitrogen and potassium would be limited. The patient would be provided a limited but high-quality protein diet and a limited sodium, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphate diet.
Q5The nurse is providing education for a client scheduled for a myringotomy. <br/><br/>Which statement made by the client indicates an understanding of the information?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: "I will avoid bending over for the next three weeks."
The client making the statement in choice B understands the information the nurse has provided.<br/><br/>The client should not bend over for the following three weeks to avoid increasing middle ear pressure, which may disrupt the surgical site.<br/><br/>Further education may be necessary if the client makes the statements in choices A, C, and D.<br/><br/>The client should be instructed to avoid drinking through a straw because the increased pressure may disrupt the surgical site.<br/><br/>Some drainage is an expected finding for the first few days post-surgery.<br/><br/>The client will be instructed to change the dressing every 24 hours and immediately report excessive drainage.<br/><br/>The client will be instructed to avoid blowing his or her nose with the mouth closed to prevent an increase in the pressure.
Q6A nurse carries out the physician’s order for a 24-hour urine collection. After explaining the procedure to the client, which of the following actions of the client indicates they understood the instructions?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Discards the first voided urine.
The first voided urine should be discarded when collecting a 24-hour urine specimen. A 24-hour urine test is done to determine the total volume of urine the client’s body can produce in 24 hours. The urine is also tested for certain substances such as protein, urea nitrogen, and aldosterone. The other remaining options are incorrect steps that would result in inaccurate results.
Q7The nurse understands that medications are excreted by which of the following routes?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: The gastrointestinal system by way of urine
Systems such as the gastrointestinal system by way of feces and urine as well as the respiratory system play a role in the excretion of medication. The circulatory system and lymphatic system are comprised of routes such as the nose and blood that work to distribute medication throughout the body and does not play a role in excreting medication.
Q8How a patient metabolizes a medication is important to choosing the form that is best for the patient. Patients with issues, will need added attention. Phase 1 of the metabolism of medicine in the body, occurs in three major processes. <br/><br/>Which of the below choices is not one of those processes?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Evaporation.
There are three major processes that can occur in the metabolism of medicines in the body. <br/>Oxidation is the most important, undertaken by the enzymes of the body. <br/>The other two processes are reduction and hydrolysis, these processes effect the levels of vital fluids in the blood stream, such as plasma and water, effecting the use and elimination of the drug.
Q9A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client who suffers from heart failure. <br/><br/>What must the nurse consider before administering this medication?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: The rate of the apical pulse
Digoxin is a drug that works to increase cardiac contractility among clients who suffer from conditions such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or atrial flutter. Because digoxin may work to slow a rapid heart rate, the nurse should check an apical pulse before administering this medication.
Q10A nurse is preparing to administer an enteral feeding through a gastrostomy tube. Before administering the feeding, the nurse aspirates some stomach contents and checks the pH. The result is 3.9. <br/><br/>What is the next action of the nurse?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Administer the feeding as ordered
Checking the pH before administering an enteral feeding verifies placement that the gastrostomy tube is in the correct position. A pH of 4 or less indicates that the tube is in the stomach and the nurse may continue with the enteral feeding.
Full NCLEX RN bank + unlimited mocks
Try 30 questions free. Unlock the complete NCLEX RN question bank, every explanation, and unlimited timed mock exams. Practice on any device.
Unlock NCLEX RN →