A patient who recently had surgery expresses concern about being discharged too soon. What is the nurse’s BEST initial action to advocate for the patient?

Notify the healthcare provider of the patient’s concern.

Document the patient’s concern in the chart only.

Call the patient's family to pick them up later.

Tell the patient not to worry, as early discharge is common.

A nurse is preparing to administer an insulin injection. What should the nurse do to prevent a medication error?

Verify the insulin type and dosage on the MAR

Administer the insulin and check blood sugar afterward

Skip the MAR and rely on memory

A nurse is about to administer a sublingual medication. What instruction should be given to the patient?

Place it under the tongue until it dissolves

Crush the tablet and mix with food

A patient tells the nurse, “I don’t understand this new medication and I’m afraid to take it.” What is the nurse’s most appropriate response?

“Let me review the medication with you before you take it.”

“You need to trust your doctor’s judgment.”

“You can refuse the medication if you’d like.”

“You can ask your family to decide for you.”

Which of the following patients is MOST at risk for injury in a hospital setting?

A 78-year-old with impaired vision and on diuretics

A 55-year-old undergoing a routine colonoscopy

A 28-year-old post-op patient using crutches

What is the primary goal during the initial phase of crisis intervention?

Ensure safety and reduce anxiety

Develop long-term coping strategies

Resolve underlying psychological disorders

A 16-year-old pregnant minor requires a cesarean section. Who should provide informed consent?

The minor’s parent or guardian

NCLEX-PN

Free NCLEX-PN Practice Questions

10 sample questions for the NCLEX-PN, with the correct answer and an explanation for each. No account needed. Try each one before you open the answer.

Sections covered on the exam: Coordinated Care, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Prioritization And Delegation, Patient Advocacy And Rights, Safety And Infection Control, Safety and Infection Control, Safe Medication Administration, Health Promotion And Maintenance, Health Screening, Lifestyle Choices, Psychosocial Integrity, Mental Health Concepts, Basic Care And Comfort, Nutrition And Hydration, Mobility And Positioning, Pain Management, Rest And Sleep, Pharmacological Therapies, Routes Of Administration, Side Effects And Adverse Reactions, Reduction Of Risk Potential, Preventive Measures, High-Risk Behaviors, Informed Consent, Physiological Adaptation, Reduction of Risk Potential, Medical Emergencies, Surgical Care, Pathophysiology Basics, Growth And Development, Immunization Schedules, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Basic Care and Comfort.

Question 1 · Coordinated Care
A patient who recently had surgery expresses concern about being discharged too soon. What is the nurse’s BEST initial action to advocate for the patient?
- A.Document the patient’s concern in the chart only.
- B.Notify the healthcare provider of the patient’s concern.
- C.Call the patient's family to pick them up later.
- D.Tell the patient not to worry, as early discharge is common.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Notify the healthcare provider of the patient’s concern.
The nurse should immediately communicate the patient’s concern to the healthcare provider to ensure that the patient’s discharge is appropriate and safe. This action supports patient advocacy. Dismissing the concern or delaying communication does not meet advocacy standards.
Question 2 · Safe Medication Administration
A nurse is preparing to administer an insulin injection. What should the nurse do to prevent a medication error?
- A.Administer the insulin and check blood sugar afterward
- B.Verify the insulin type and dosage on the MAR
- C.Skip the MAR and rely on memory
- D.Ask a colleague to prepare it
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Verify the insulin type and dosage on the MAR
Verifying the medication against the MAR (Medication Administration Record) ensures accuracy and prevents errors. Never rely on memory or skip safety checks.
Question 3 · Mental Health Concepts
A patient recently diagnosed with cancer states, “This must be a mistake. I feel fine.” What coping mechanism is this?
- A.Regression
- B.Rationalization
- C.Displacement
- D.Denial
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. Denial
Denial is a defense mechanism in which the patient refuses to accept reality to protect themselves from psychological distress.
Question 4 · Routes Of Administration
A nurse is about to administer a sublingual medication. What instruction should be given to the patient?
- A.Crush the tablet and mix with food
- B.Swallow the tablet with water
- C.Chew the tablet thoroughly
- D.Place it under the tongue until it dissolves
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. Place it under the tongue until it dissolves
Sublingual medications should dissolve under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream via mucous membranes.
Question 5 · Physiological Adaptation
Which condition results from insufficient insulin production?
- A.Diabetes mellitus
- B.Hyperthyroidism
- C.Cushing’s syndrome
- D.Hypertension
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is caused by either a lack of insulin production (Type 1) or insulin resistance (Type 2), leading to elevated blood glucose levels.
Question 6 · Coordinated Care
A patient tells the nurse, “I don’t understand this new medication and I’m afraid to take it.” What is the nurse’s most appropriate response?
- A.“You need to trust your doctor’s judgment.”
- B.“Let me review the medication with you before you take it.”
- C.“You can refuse the medication if you’d like.”
- D.“You can ask your family to decide for you.”
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. “Let me review the medication with you before you take it.”
Patient advocacy involves ensuring patients are informed and comfortable with their care. Reviewing the medication promotes understanding and supports the patient’s right to informed decisions.
Question 7 · Safety and Infection Control
Which of the following patients is MOST at risk for injury in a hospital setting?
- A.A 55-year-old undergoing a routine colonoscopy
- B.A 78-year-old with impaired vision and on diuretics
- C.A 28-year-old post-op patient using crutches
- D.A 40-year-old with pneumonia
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. A 78-year-old with impaired vision and on diuretics
Older adults with visual impairment and diuretic use are at increased fall risk due to urgency and poor balance.
Question 8 · Psychosocial Integrity
What is the primary goal during the initial phase of crisis intervention?
- A.Ensure safety and reduce anxiety
- B.Develop long-term coping strategies
- C.Resolve underlying psychological disorders
- D.Begin therapy immediately
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Ensure safety and reduce anxiety
The initial goal during crisis is to stabilize the person, reduce anxiety, and ensure physical and emotional safety.
Question 9 · Routes Of Administration
Which route provides the fastest absorption of medications?
- A.Rectal
- B.Oral
- C.Intravenous
- D.Subcutaneous
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. Intravenous
IV administration delivers medication directly into the bloodstream, resulting in rapid onset of action.
Question 10 · Informed Consent
A 16-year-old pregnant minor requires a cesarean section. Who should provide informed consent?
- A.The minor patient herself
- B.The minor’s parent or guardian
- C.The attending nurse
- D.The hospital ethics committee
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. The minor patient herself
In many states, pregnant minors are legally allowed to consent to treatment related to their pregnancy. Always check specific state laws for clarification.

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