The 20 Must-Know NCLEX Questions

Essential Practice Questions to Boost Your Nursing Exam Confidence

  • By Alice Fields

Published: January 15, 2024

Preparing for the NCLEX is a rite of passage for every nursing student. This high-stakes exam tests your ability to think critically, apply knowledge, and make safe decisions as a future nurse. With test day looming, you might be wondering: Where do I focus my study time? The good news is you don’t have to guess. We’ve compiled 20 must-know NCLEX questions that cover critical topics like pharmacology, patient safety, prioritization, and physiology—areas that frequently appear on the exam. These questions aren’t just practice—they’re a roadmap to success. Pair them with effective study aids like nursing notes and flashcards, and you’ll be ready to tackle test day with confidence. Whether you’re cramming last-minute or building a solid foundation, this guide will help you master the essentials. Let’s dive in and get you exam-ready!

Why These Questions Matter

The NCLEX isn’t about memorizing every detail from nursing school—it’s about understanding key concepts and applying them in real-world scenarios. These 20 NCLEX questions target high-yield topics that reflect the exam’s focus on safe, effective care. From calculating medication dosages to prioritizing patient needs, these are the skills that define a competent nurse. Mastering these questions builds more than just knowledge; it boosts your critical thinking and test-taking confidence. Tools like nursing flashcards and concise study notes can simplify complex topics, making them easier to retain and apply. By practicing these examples, you’ll get a taste of what to expect and how to prepare smarter. Ready to see them? Let’s get started.

The 20 Must-Know NCLEX Questions

Pharmacology Questions

QUESTION 1: A patient is prescribed digoxin 0.25 mg daily.

Which symptom should the nurse monitor for potential toxicity?

  • A) Hyperactivity
  •  B) Bradycardia
  •  C) Increased appetite
  •  D) Hypertension          

Answer: B. Bradycardia. Digoxin slows the heart rate, and toxicity can cause severe bradycardia or arrhythmias.

Tip: Use flashcards to memorize common drug side effects like this one.

Question 2: The nurse is administering insulin lispro. When should the patient eat after the injection?

  • A) Immediately
  • B) 30 minutes 
  • C) 1 hour 
  • D) 2 hours 

Answer: A. Immediately. Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin, peaking within 15-30 minutes. 

Tip: Keep nursing notes handy for insulin types and timing.

Question 3:A patient receives 500 mL of IV fluid with 1 g of medication.

If the order is for 200 mg/hr, what rate should the nurse set the pump?

  • A) 50 mL/hr 
  • B) 100 mL/hr 
  • C) 200 mL/hr
  •  D) 250 mL/hr

Answer: B. 100 mL/hr. (500 mL / 1,000 mg = 0.5 mL/mg; 200 mg/hr × 0.5 mL/mg = 100 mL/hr.)

Tip: Practice dosage calculations with flashcards for speed.

Question 4:

Which medication should the nurse question for a patient with a sulfa allergy?

  • A) Acetaminophen 
  • B) Sulfamethoxazole 
  • C) Metformin 
  • D) Lisinopril

Answer: B. Sulfamethoxazole. It’s a sulfa drug and contraindicated for sulfa allergies. 

Tip: Highlight drug allergies in your study notes.

Question 5:

A patient on warfarin has an INR of 5.0. 

What should the nurse do first? 

  • A) Administer vitamin K
  • B) Hold the dose and notify the provider
  • C) Increase the dose 
  • D) Encourage green leafy vegetables

Answer: B. Hold the dose and notify the provider. An INR of 5.0 indicates a high bleeding risk. 

Tip: Use flashcards to memorize therapeutic INR ranges.

Patient Safety and Infection Control Questions

Question 6:

Which precaution is most appropriate for a patient with active tuberculosis?  

  • A) Contact
  •  B) Droplet
  •  C) Airborne 
  • D) Standard

Answer: C. Airborne. TB requires airborne precautions due to respiratory transmission. 

Tip: Review isolation types with nursing notes.

Question 7:

The nurse notices a sharps container is overflowing.

What is the priority action?

  • A) Dispose of it immediately 
  • B) Report it to the charge nurse 
  • C) Use a new container 
  • D) Ignore it until shift change

Answer: C. Use a new container. Safety is the priority to prevent needlestick injuries. 

Tip: Add safety protocols to your flashcards.

Question 8:

A patient with MRSA is on contact precautions. 

What must the nurse wear?

  • A) Mask only 
  • B) Gloves and gown
  •  C) Face shield 
  • D) N95 respirator

Answer: B. Gloves and gown. Contact precautions require barrier protection. 
Tip: Memorize precaution gear with study tools.

Question 9:

When should the nurse perform hand hygiene?

  • A) Before touching a patient 
  • B) After removing gloves 
  • C) Before a clean procedure 
  • D) All of the above

Answer: D. All of the above. Hand hygiene is critical at all these times. 

Tip: Reinforce this with nursing flashcards.

Question 10:

A patient’s IV site shows redness and swelling.

What should the nurse do first?

  • A) Apply a warm compress
  •  B) Discontinue the IV 
  • C) Administer antibiotics 
  • D) Notify the physician

Answer: B. Discontinue the IV. Signs of phlebitis require immediate removal.

Tip: Keep notes on IV complications.

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Prioritization and Delegation Questions

Question 11:

Which patient should the nurse assess first?

  • A) Post-op patient with stable vitals 
  • B) Patient with chest pain and diaphoresis 
  • C) Patient awaiting discharge
  • D) Patient with a fever of 100.4°F

Answer: B. Chest pain and diaphoresis suggest a cardiac emergency. 

Tip: Practice prioritization with flashcards.

Question 12:

The nurse delegates a task to a UAP.

Which task is appropriate?

  • A) Assessing a patient’s pain
  •  B) Taking routine vital signs
  •  C) Administering medication
  •  D) Developing a care plan

Answer: B. Taking routine vital signs. UAPs can perform basic tasks. 
Tip: Use notes to review delegation rules.

Burnout is the enemy of effective studying. Balance your NCLEX prep with self-care: get enough sleep, eat well, and take breaks to recharge. A healthy mind performs better, so don’t underestimate the power of rest in your journey to passing the NCLEX.

Boost Your NCLEX Success with the Right Tools

These top 10 NCLEX study tips are your roadmap to success as a nursing student. But why stop there? Supercharge your preparation with our premium nursing notes and flashcards, designed to simplify complex topics and help you ace the exam. Ready to take your NCLEX prep to the next level? Explore our collection today and study smarter, not harder.

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