📌 NCLEX-PN vs NCLEX-RN
These questions are written at NCLEX-PN level — focusing on basic care, assisting under RN supervision, and fundamental nursing practice. See: NCLEX-PN vs RN Differences
Question 1
An LPN is caring for a client with a urinary catheter. Which action by the LPN demonstrates correct technique?
✓ Correct: Keeping the drainage tubing free of kinks
Keeping the drainage tubing free of kinks ensures adequate urine drainage and prevents urine from backing up, which could cause a urinary tract infection. The drainage bag should always be kept below the level of the bladder (not on the bed at the same level). Routine irrigation and daily catheter changes are not standard practice without a specific order.
Keeping the drainage tubing free of kinks ensures adequate urine drainage and prevents urine from backing up, which could cause a urinary tract infection. The drainage bag should always be kept below the level of the bladder (not on the bed at the same level). Routine irrigation and daily catheter changes are not standard practice without a specific order.
Question 2
An LPN is taking care of a client who has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The client states 'I don't want to talk about this.' What is the BEST response?
✓ Correct: Sit quietly with the client and offer presence
Therapeutic communication requires meeting clients where they are emotionally. When a client does not want to talk, offering silent presence is therapeutic and shows respect for their emotional state. Forcing discussion, leaving abruptly, or calling family without the client's consent are not appropriate responses. Silence and presence validate the client's feelings.
Therapeutic communication requires meeting clients where they are emotionally. When a client does not want to talk, offering silent presence is therapeutic and shows respect for their emotional state. Forcing discussion, leaving abruptly, or calling family without the client's consent are not appropriate responses. Silence and presence validate the client's feelings.
Question 3
An LPN is assigned to care for a post-operative client who develops sudden onset chest pain and shortness of breath. What is the FIRST action?
✓ Correct: Notify the RN immediately
As an LPN, when a client develops acute symptoms suggesting a potential pulmonary embolism or cardiac event, the immediate action is to notify the RN. The LPN operates under RN supervision and this situation requires RN-level assessment and intervention. While oxygen may be appropriate, notifying the RN to direct care is the priority action for an LPN.
As an LPN, when a client develops acute symptoms suggesting a potential pulmonary embolism or cardiac event, the immediate action is to notify the RN. The LPN operates under RN supervision and this situation requires RN-level assessment and intervention. While oxygen may be appropriate, notifying the RN to direct care is the priority action for an LPN.