Nursing Practice Questions

NCLEX-PN Practice Questions

NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses)Practice with free NCLEX-PN sample questions covering practical nursing topics like medication administration, patient safety, nutrition, and clinical skills. Every question includes a detailed explanation so you understand the reasoning behind each answer.

150
Total Questions
Up to 5 hours
Time Limit
Pass/Fail (CAT-based)
Passing Score
$200
Registration Fee

Free Sample Questions

Here are 5 free sample questions from our full bank of 400+ NCLEX-PN practice questions. Try them out below — click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct response and explanation.

1

A practical nurse is preparing to administer ear drops to a 4-year-old child. Which technique should the nurse use to straighten the ear canal for proper administration?

AA) Pull the pinna upward and back
BB) Pull the pinna straight out from the head
CC) Pull the pinna downward and back
DD) Push the tragus inward toward the canal
2

A client with type 2 diabetes is prescribed metformin (Glucophage) 500 mg twice daily. The client asks the practical nurse when the best time to take this medication is. What is the most appropriate response?

AA) Take it with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects
BB) Take it on an empty stomach for better absorption
CC) Take it at bedtime only to prevent overnight hyperglycemia
DD) Take it 30 minutes before meals to enhance its effectiveness
3

A practical nurse is caring for an elderly client who is at high risk for falls. Which intervention should be the nurse's priority to ensure patient safety?

AA) Apply wrist restraints during nighttime hours
BB) Keep the bed in the lowest position with side rails up
CC) Administer a sedative to promote uninterrupted sleep
DD) Keep the bed in the lowest position with the call light within reach
4

A practical nurse is reviewing the dietary needs of a client who was recently diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. Which food combination should the nurse recommend to maximize iron absorption?

AA) Spinach salad with a glass of milk
BB) Lean beef with orange juice
CC) Fortified cereal with coffee
DD) Black beans with a calcium supplement
5

A practical nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube who reports nausea and abdominal distension. The nurse checks the NG tube and finds that suction has been disconnected. After reconnecting the suction, what should the nurse do next?

AA) Verify tube placement by checking pH of aspirated contents
BB) Immediately remove and reinsert the NG tube
CC) Administer an antiemetic medication
DD) Increase the suction to maximum continuous setting

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About the NCLEX-PN

Format & Structure

Total Questions
150
Time Limit
Up to 5 hours
Format
Computer-adaptive testing (CAT)

Scoring & Cost

Passing Score
Pass/Fail (CAT-based)
Registration Fee
$200

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the NCLEX-PN and the NCLEX-RN?

The NCLEX-PN is for practical and vocational nurse licensure, while the NCLEX-RN is for registered nurse licensure. The PN version focuses on foundational nursing care delivered under the supervision of an RN or physician - things like basic patient care, medication administration, and data collection. The RN version covers a broader scope including complex clinical judgment, delegation, and care management. Both use the same CAT format, but the content and expectations differ based on scope of practice.

What can an LPN or LVN do compared to an RN?

LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses) and LVNs (Licensed Vocational Nurses) - same role, different title depending on the state - provide bedside nursing care under the direction of an RN or physician. They can monitor vital signs, administer medications (including some IV meds in certain states), perform wound care, insert Foley catheters, and collect patient data. However, they typically can't perform initial patient assessments, develop care plans independently, administer IV push medications in most states, or supervise RNs.

What are the current NCLEX-PN pass rates?

First-time pass rates for U.S.-educated practical nursing graduates typically hover around 83-87%. Repeat test-takers see lower pass rates, usually in the 35-45% range. These numbers vary by program, so it's worth checking your specific school's pass rate. The key to passing on your first attempt is consistent practice with questions that mirror the actual content and difficulty level you'll encounter.

How does the Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) format work?

CAT adjusts the difficulty of each question based on how you answered the previous one. If you get a question right, the next one gets harder. If you get it wrong, the next one gets easier. The computer continuously estimates your ability level and stops once it's 95% confident you're either above or below the passing standard. You'll receive between 85 and 150 questions, and finishing with fewer questions doesn't mean you passed or failed - it just means the computer reached a confident decision sooner.

How long should I study for the NCLEX-PN?

Most practical nursing graduates benefit from 3-6 weeks of focused study after completing their program. A solid plan involves 2-3 hours of daily review, mixing content study with practice questions. In the last two weeks, aim for 50-100 practice questions per day and focus heavily on areas where you're weakest. Don't just memorize answers - make sure you understand the rationale behind each one, because the actual questions won't be worded the same way.

What happens if I don't pass the NCLEX-PN? Can I retake it?

Yes, you can retake the NCLEX-PN after a mandatory 45-day waiting period. You'll receive a Candidate Performance Report showing how you performed in each content area, which helps you focus your studying for the next attempt. Most states don't limit the number of retakes, though a few do have restrictions. You'll need to re-register and pay the $200 fee for each attempt. Many candidates who don't pass on the first try succeed the second time around with a more targeted study approach.

How much does the NCLEX-PN cost in total?

The registration fee for the NCLEX-PN is $200, paid directly to Pearson VUE. But that's not the only cost - most state boards of nursing charge a separate licensure application fee ranging from $50-$200 depending on your state. You may also need to pay for background checks, fingerprinting, and transcript verification. So the total out-of-pocket cost is usually somewhere between $300 and $500 when you add everything up. If you need to retake it, you'll pay the $200 registration fee again each time.

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