NCLEX-PN Practice Exam.
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1. A nursing graduate is confirming how their performance on the NCLEX-PN will be reported. Which outcome format should they expect?
- A. A numeric percentile score
- B. A scaled score from 0 to 100
- C. A letter grade
- D. A pass or fail result
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D
The NCLEX-PN is reported as pass/fail; there is no numeric or letter score. Understanding the reporting format helps candidates interpret results correctly.2. A licensed practical nurse is caring for a client newly admitted with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. The client states, "I don't see the point in any of this anymore." Which is the nurse's PRIORITY action?
- A. Reassure the client that things will improve with treatment
- B. Directly ask the client whether they are thinking about harming themselves
- C. Document the statement and continue with the admission assessment
- D. Notify the client's family of the statement
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
Statements suggesting hopelessness require immediate, direct assessment of suicidal ideation. Asking directly does not increase risk and establishes safety as the priority. Reassurance minimizes feelings, delayed documentation ignores acute risk, and notifying family is not the priority intervention.3. A candidate believes the NCLEX-PN assigns a percentage score that must exceed a cutoff to pass. Which statement correctly identifies the flaw in this belief?
- A. The exam is scored on a 0–100 scale with a 75% cutoff
- B. The exam reports only pass or fail, not a percentage score
- C. The exam reports a percentile rank instead of a percentage
- D. The exam averages the percentage across all sections
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
The candidate's belief is incorrect because the NCLEX-PN is a pass/fail exam and does not produce a percentage or numeric score to compare against a cutoff.4. A candidate wants to know the difference between the maximum and minimum number of items that could be administered on the NCLEX-PN. What is that difference?
- A. 50 questions
- B. 65 questions
- C. 75 questions
- D. 85 questions
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
The exam ranges from 85 to 150 questions, so the difference is 150 − 85 = 65 questions. The two endpoints are stated facts; the subtraction is an inference.5. A client experiencing an acute panic attack is hyperventilating and states they feel they are "going to die." Which nursing intervention is MOST appropriate initially?
- A. Leave the client alone to reduce external stimulation
- B. Provide detailed teaching about the physiology of anxiety
- C. Stay with the client and use a calm, reassuring voice with short directions
- D. Encourage the client to discuss the underlying cause of the anxiety
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
During severe anxiety or panic, the client's ability to process information is markedly reduced. Remaining present, staying calm, and giving brief, simple directions promotes safety and de-escalation. Teaching and insight-oriented discussion are inappropriate at peak anxiety, and leaving the client alone heightens fear.6. A nurse is caring for a client who recently lost a spouse and says, "I keep setting the table for two out of habit." Which response by the nurse is MOST therapeutic?
- A. "You should try to stay busy so you don't dwell on it."
- B. "It sounds like adjusting to this loss has been very difficult for you."
- C. "At least you had many good years together."
- D. "You'll feel better once you get back to your normal routine."
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
Reflecting the client's feelings validates the grief experience and encourages further expression. Offering advice, minimizing with "at least," or providing false reassurance are non-therapeutic communication blocks.7. A candidate wants to estimate the average time available per item if the maximum number of questions is administered within the full session. Which reasoning best expresses this pacing?
- A. 300 minutes divided across up to 150 questions yields roughly two minutes per item at most.
- B. 300 minutes divided across 85 questions yields under one minute per item.
- C. The exam has no time limit, so pacing is irrelevant.
- D. Each question is individually timed at five minutes.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A
Reasoning over the stated duration (300 minutes) and maximum question count (150) gives approximately two minutes per item; this is inference over facts, not a separately stated number.8. A candidate has $180 available and asks whether that covers the NCLEX-PN registration fee. Which response is correct?
- A. Yes, it fully covers the fee with money to spare.
- B. Yes, the amounts are equal.
- C. No, the fee exceeds that amount.
- D. No, the fee is exactly half that amount.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
The registration fee is $200, which exceeds $180; this is inference comparing the candidate's budget to the stated fee.9. A candidate expresses concern about needing to answer a fixed, uniform number of questions. Based on the exam's structure, which statement is most accurate?
- A. Every candidate answers exactly 150 questions.
- B. The number of questions varies within a defined range rather than being fixed.
- C. Every candidate answers exactly 85 questions.
- D. The number of questions is unlimited.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
Because the exam is described as containing between 85 and 150 questions, the count varies within that range rather than being a single fixed number; this is inference over the stated range.10. A candidate plans a study session equal to the full length of the exam. In hours, how long should that session be to match the maximum testing time?
- A. 3 hours
- B. 4 hours
- C. 5 hours
- D. 6 hours
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
The exam allows up to 300 minutes, which equals 5 hours; converting the stated minutes to hours is inference over a fact.11. A client with alcohol use disorder is admitted for withdrawal. Approximately 12 hours after the last drink, the nurse should monitor MOST closely for which early manifestation?
- A. Tremors, diaphoresis, and elevated vital signs
- B. Complete absence of any symptoms
- C. Profound bradycardia and hypothermia
- D. Sudden euphoria and increased appetite
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A
Early alcohol withdrawal is characterized by autonomic hyperactivity: tremors, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and hypertension. Recognizing these early signs allows intervention before progression to severe withdrawal. Bradycardia, hypothermia, and euphoria are not consistent with withdrawal.12. A nurse is reinforcing teaching for the family of a client diagnosed with Alzheimer disease who becomes agitated in the late afternoon. Which strategy should the nurse recommend for this sundowning behavior?
- A. Schedule stimulating activities and visitors in the evening
- B. Keep the environment calm and well-lit as evening approaches
- C. Withhold all daytime naps and increase caffeine intake
- D. Frequently move the client to unfamiliar rooms to provide variety
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
Sundowning agitation is reduced by maintaining a calm, consistent, adequately lit environment as evening approaches and limiting overstimulation. Stimulating evening activity, caffeine, and unfamiliar surroundings tend to worsen confusion and agitation.13. A nurse observes that a client repeatedly checks and rechecks that the door is locked, causing distress and delaying meals. During the acute phase, which nursing approach is MOST appropriate?
- A. Prevent the client from performing the ritual entirely
- B. Allow time for the ritual while gradually setting reasonable limits and reducing anxiety
- C. Ridicule the behavior so the client recognizes it is irrational
- D. Ignore the client until the ritual stops on its own
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
Compulsive rituals reduce anxiety for the client; abruptly preventing them increases anxiety. The nurse should allow time for the behavior initially, ensure basic needs are met, and gradually set limits while addressing underlying anxiety. Ridicule and neglect are non-therapeutic.14. A candidate scheduling their testing appointment wants to know the maximum time allotted for the NCLEX-PN. What is the maximum duration?
- A. 180 minutes
- B. 240 minutes
- C. 300 minutes
- D. 360 minutes
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
The NCLEX-PN allots up to 300 minutes (5 hours). The other durations do not match the published time limit.15. A client on an inpatient unit becomes increasingly loud, paces rapidly, and clenches their fists. Which nursing action BEST demonstrates early de-escalation?
- A. Approach quickly and place a hand on the client's shoulder
- B. Maintain a calm demeanor, ensure personal space, and speak in a low, even tone
- C. Order the client to sit down immediately
- D. Gather several staff members to surround the client
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
Early de-escalation focuses on a calm presence, respecting personal space, and non-threatening communication to prevent escalation to aggression. Sudden touch, commanding language, and crowding can be perceived as threatening and may provoke violence.16. A client tells the nurse, "The voices are telling me that no one here can be trusted." Which response by the nurse is MOST therapeutic?
- A. "There are no voices; you are safe in the hospital."
- B. "What exactly are the voices saying to you right now?" asked with alarm
- C. "I understand the voices are real to you, but I do not hear them. You are safe here."
- D. "You should just ignore the voices and they will go away."
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
The therapeutic approach acknowledges the client's experience as real to them without reinforcing the hallucination, presents reality, and reassures safety. Arguing that the voices do not exist, reacting with alarm, or dismissively telling the client to ignore them are non-therapeutic.17. A nurse is providing culturally sensitive care to a client whose cultural practices differ from the nurse's own. Which action BEST reflects culturally competent psychosocial care?
- A. Assume the client shares the beliefs typical of their cultural group
- B. Ask the client about their preferences and incorporate them into the plan of care when safe
- C. Encourage the client to adopt the practices of the majority culture
- D. Avoid discussing cultural topics to prevent discomfort
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
Culturally competent care individualizes the plan by asking about and respecting the client's specific preferences rather than making assumptions. Stereotyping, pressuring assimilation, and avoiding the topic undermine trust and holistic care.18. A nurse suspects that an older adult client is experiencing abuse by a caregiver. Which is the nurse's MOST appropriate initial action?
- A. Confront the caregiver directly about the suspected abuse
- B. Interview the client privately and document objective findings
- C. Wait for additional incidents before taking any action
- D. Advise the client to move out of the caregiver's home immediately
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
When abuse is suspected, the nurse should interview the client in a private, safe setting and document objective, factual findings, which supports client safety and required reporting. Confronting the caregiver may endanger the client, waiting delays protection, and directing the client to relocate is not the nurse's role.19. A candidate reviewing the format of the NCLEX-PN wants to know the range in the number of questions the exam may contain. Which statement is accurate?
- A. The exam always contains exactly 100 questions
- B. The exam contains between 85 and 150 questions
- C. The exam contains between 75 and 265 questions
- D. The exam contains a fixed 200 questions
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
The NCLEX-PN is administered with a variable number of items, ranging from 85 to 150 questions. The other ranges and fixed counts are not consistent with the published exam structure.20. A test-taker asks how their NCLEX-PN performance will be reported. Which description correctly characterizes the scoring outcome?
- A. A numeric percentile from 0 to 100
- B. A letter grade from A to F
- C. A pass/fail result
- D. A scaled score between 200 and 800
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
The NCLEX-PN is reported as a pass/fail exam rather than as a numeric or letter grade.21. A nursing student is budgeting for licensure and needs to know the registration fee for the NCLEX-PN. What amount should be planned for?
- A. $100
- B. $150
- C. $200
- D. $300
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
The published registration fee for the NCLEX-PN is $200. The other amounts do not match the stated fee.22. Two candidates take the NCLEX-PN. One answers 85 questions and the other answers 150 questions. What is the difference in the number of questions they answered?
- A. 45 questions
- B. 55 questions
- C. 65 questions
- D. 75 questions
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
The item range spans from 85 to 150 questions; subtracting 85 from 150 gives a difference of 65 questions. This is arithmetic over the stated range endpoints.23. A candidate has $150 saved and needs to cover the NCLEX-PN registration fee. How much more money is needed to meet the fee?
- A. $25
- B. $50
- C. $75
- D. $100
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
The registration fee is $200; subtracting the $150 already saved leaves a shortfall of $50. This is a calculation using the stated fee.24. A nurse is preparing to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensing examination. Which statement about the exam's scoring format is accurate?
- A. The exam produces a numeric percentile score.
- B. The exam is reported as pass/fail.
- C. The exam assigns a letter grade from A to F.
- D. The exam is scored on a curve relative to other candidates.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
The NCLEX-PN is reported strictly as a pass/fail result rather than a numeric or letter grade.25. A candidate is budgeting the total appointment window for the NCLEX-PN. What is the maximum time allotted for the exam?
- A. 180 minutes
- B. 240 minutes
- C. 300 minutes
- D. 360 minutes
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
The NCLEX-PN allows up to 5 hours, which equals 300 minutes, for the testing session.26. A prospective test-taker asks how many questions the NCLEX-PN may contain. Which range is correct?
- A. 50 to 75 questions
- B. 75 to 100 questions
- C. 85 to 150 questions
- D. 150 to 265 questions
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
The NCLEX-PN contains between 85 and 150 questions.27. A candidate is calculating the cost of registering for the NCLEX-PN. What is the registration fee?
- A. $100
- B. $150
- C. $200
- D. $350
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
The registration fee for the NCLEX-PN is $200.28. A candidate is budgeting the time they must set aside on test day for the NCLEX-PN. Based on the exam's maximum allotted duration, what is the longest the testing session may run?
- A. 3 hours
- B. 4 hours
- C. 5 hours
- D. 6 hours
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
The NCLEX-PN allows up to 5 hours (300 minutes) of testing time. A candidate should plan their day around this maximum so fatigue and scheduling do not compromise safe test-taking.29. A candidate registering for the NCLEX-PN needs to prepare payment for the standard registration. What is the registration fee?
- A. $100
- B. $150
- C. $200
- D. $250
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
The NCLEX-PN registration fee is $200. Candidates should have this amount ready when registering to avoid delays in scheduling.30. During the NCLEX-PN, the number of items a candidate answers can vary from one test-taker to another. Which range represents the possible number of questions?
- A. 75 to 145 questions
- B. 85 to 150 questions
- C. 100 to 200 questions
- D. A fixed 120 questions for everyone
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
The NCLEX-PN administers between 85 and 150 questions. The count varies by candidate, so a shorter or longer test does not by itself indicate a pass or fail.31. A test-taker answers the minimum number of NCLEX-PN questions and finishes with time to spare. What is the maximum amount of time still theoretically available for a session under the exam's rules, regardless of how many questions were answered?
- A. Up to 300 minutes
- B. Up to 240 minutes
- C. Up to 360 minutes
- D. Exactly 85 minutes
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A
The maximum testing window is 300 minutes (5 hours) and applies to the session as a whole, independent of whether the candidate answers the minimum of 85 or the maximum of 150 questions.32. A candidate must answer at least the minimum number of NCLEX-PN items before the exam can end. If the exam runs for its full allotted time, on average how many minutes are available per question at the minimum item count?
- A. About 2 minutes per question
- B. About 3.5 minutes per question
- C. About 5 minutes per question
- D. About 10 minutes per question
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
At the minimum of 85 questions over the maximum 300 minutes, 300 ÷ 85 ≈ 3.5 minutes per question. This is a pacing inference derived from the stated duration and minimum item count.33. If a candidate answers the maximum number of NCLEX-PN questions within the full time limit, approximately how much time does that leave per question on average?
- A. About 1 minute per question
- B. About 2 minutes per question
- C. About 4 minutes per question
- D. About 6 minutes per question
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
At the maximum of 150 questions over 300 minutes, 300 ÷ 150 = 2 minutes per question. This pacing figure is inferred from the stated maximum item count and total duration.34. A candidate is comparing two budget items for exam day: the registration fee and a separate travel cost. If the travel cost is exactly one-quarter of the registration fee, what is the travel cost?
- A. $25
- B. $40
- C. $50
- D. $75
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
The registration fee is $200, and one-quarter of $200 is $50. The fee is a stated fact; the quarter calculation is a simple inference over that value.35. A candidate who does not pass on the first attempt asks what their result document will indicate. Given the exam's scoring format, what will the outcome show?
- A. A percentage score they must exceed next time.
- B. Only a pass or fail determination.
- C. A ranking against the national candidate pool.
- D. A scaled score out of 300.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
Because the exam is pass/fail, the result reflects only whether the candidate passed or failed, not a numeric score or ranking.36. A candidate is told the minimum number of items on the NCLEX-PN. Which value reflects the lower bound of the question range?
- A. 75 questions
- B. 85 questions
- C. 100 questions
- D. 150 questions
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
The stated range is 85 to 150 questions, so the minimum is 85.37. A candidate has completed 85 items on the NCLEX-PN. Based on the exam's item-count range, which conclusion is most accurate?
- A. The exam must continue until at least 150 items are answered
- B. The candidate has reached the minimum possible number of items and the exam may already be complete
- C. The candidate has exceeded the maximum number of items
- D. The exam requires exactly 200 items before ending
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
Because the exam ranges from 85 to 150 questions, answering 85 items means the candidate has reached the lower bound of the range, so the exam may conclude at that point. Reasoning from the stated minimum and maximum supports this.38. If a candidate uses the full time allowed for the NCLEX-PN, how many hours will they have spent testing?
- A. 3 hours
- B. 4 hours
- C. 5 hours
- D. 6 hours
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
The maximum duration is 300 minutes; dividing 300 by 60 minutes per hour yields 5 hours. This is a calculation over the stated duration.39. A candidate incorrectly believes the NCLEX-PN will give them a percentage grade and a fixed number of exactly 120 questions. Which correction should be provided?
- A. The exam is pass/fail and has a variable number of questions within a defined range
- B. The exam gives a percentage grade and always has 120 questions
- C. The exam is pass/fail but always has exactly 120 questions
- D. The exam gives a percentage grade and has a variable number of questions
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A
The exam is reported as pass/fail and delivers a variable number of items within the 85-to-150 range rather than a fixed count or a percentage grade.40. A candidate wants to confirm both the maximum time and the maximum number of questions for the NCLEX-PN. Which pairing is correct?
- A. Up to 300 minutes and up to 150 questions
- B. Up to 240 minutes and up to 150 questions
- C. Up to 300 minutes and up to 265 questions
- D. Up to 360 minutes and up to 85 questions
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A
The exam allows up to 300 minutes and contains at most 150 questions (the upper bound of the 85-to-150 range). Only this pairing matches both published values.