NCLEX RN National exam

Try 10 realistic nursing questions aligned with the NCLEX RN National exam.

Answer each question, then click “Check my score” at the bottom of the page. You’ll see your total score plus the correct answers for every item.

How this free practice exam works

This 10-question mini-exam is designed to mirror the style and cognitive level of the NCLEX RN National exam, with a focus on clinical judgment, safety, pharmacology, medical-surgical care, maternal–newborn, pediatrics, and mental health nursing.

Choose one answer for each multiple-choice question.
Click “Check my score” to see how you did.
Instant feedback shows which questions are correct or incorrect and reveals the right answers.

This practice content is for preparation only and is not endorsed or approved by the NCSBN, any state board of nursing, or testing provider. Always use the most current NCLEX RN test plan and follow your nursing program’s guidance.

NCLEX RN National exam (10 Questions)

Question 1

The nurse is caring for a client with Clostridioides difficile–associated diarrhea. Which action is most appropriate for preventing transmission to other clients and staff?

A. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer after removing gloves B. Place the client in a private room with airborne precautions C. Perform hand hygiene with soap and water after all contact with the client D. Wear a surgical mask whenever entering the client’s room

Question 2

A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide 40 mg by mouth daily. Which laboratory value is most important for the nurse to review before administering this medication?

A. Hemoglobin B. Potassium C. White blood cell count D. Platelet count

Question 3

The nurse receives report on four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?

A. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who reports a productive cough with white sputum B. A client with type 2 diabetes whose blood glucose is 220 mg/dL (12.2 mmol/L) C. A client 2 days post–hip replacement reporting pain of 6 on a 0–10 scale D. A client with pneumonia whose respiratory rate increased from 20 to 32 breaths/min and is now restless

Question 4

The nurse is teaching a client who is starting warfarin therapy for atrial fibrillation. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

A. “I will take ibuprofen for headaches because it is safer with this medicine.” B. “I will have my blood tested regularly to monitor how the medicine is working.” C. “I will use an electric razor and a soft toothbrush to reduce bleeding risk.” D. “I will contact my provider if I notice unusual bruising or bleeding.”

Question 5

A post–abdominal surgery client is using an incentive spirometer. Which instruction should the nurse reinforce to promote effective lung expansion?

A. Exhale forcefully into the mouthpiece 10 times every hour while awake B. Breathe rapidly through the device for at least 60 seconds C. Inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece, hold the breath for a few seconds, then relax D. Use the device only if coughing becomes painful

Question 6

A postpartum client has a boggy uterus and heavy vaginal bleeding with large clots. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering first, according to standard treatment for this condition?

A. Magnesium sulfate B. Oxytocin C. Betamethasone D. Terbutaline

Question 7

The nurse is caring for a client with major depressive disorder who states, “I just don’t see the point of going on anymore.” What is the nurse’s priority action?

A. Offer to bring the client some reading materials B. Encourage the client to rest and reassess mood later C. Ask the client to explain past coping strategies in detail D. Ask directly if the client is thinking about self-harm or suicide

Question 8

The nurse cares for a 12-month-old child at a well-child visit. Which immunization is appropriate for the nurse to administer if the child’s schedule is up to date and no contraindications are present?

A. Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) B. Human papillomavirus (HPV) C. Meningococcal conjugate for adolescents D. Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) booster

Question 9

The nurse is planning care for four clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which task is appropriate to delegate to an experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

A. Teaching a client how to self-administer low-molecular-weight heparin B. Assisting a client with stable vital signs to ambulate in the hallway C. Assessing pain level after administration of an opioid D. Evaluating a client’s understanding of post-discharge wound care

Question 10

The nurse is preparing to administer NPH insulin and regular insulin using a single syringe. Which action should the nurse take first when drawing up these medications?

A. Draw up the NPH insulin, then the regular insulin into the same syringe B. Inject air into the regular insulin vial, then withdraw the NPH insulin C. Inject air into both vials, then withdraw the regular insulin before the NPH insulin D. Shake both insulin vials thoroughly, then draw up the doses