Free NCLEX quiz resources are one of the best ways to reinforce your knowledge and boost your confidence before exam day. Whether you’re deep into studying or just looking for a quick review, this free NCLEX quiz will help you practice applying what you’ve learned.
Let’s dive in.
NCLEX Prep Quiz
Question 1:
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic kidney disease. Which dietary recommendation is most appropriate?
A. Increase potassium-rich foods
B. Limit protein intake
C. Encourage fluid intake of 3 liters/day
D. Add extra dairy products to diet
✅ Correct Answer: B. Limit protein intake
Rationale: Excess protein increases nitrogenous waste, which the kidneys struggle to eliminate in CKD. Protein should be limited to reduce workload on the kidneys.
Question 2:
Which finding should the nurse report immediately after a thyroidectomy?
A. Hoarse voice
B. Sore throat
C. Difficulty swallowing
D. Stridor
✅ Correct Answer: D. Stridor
Rationale: Stridor indicates airway obstruction, which is a medical emergency. It can result from laryngeal edema or hematoma formation post-op.
Question 3:
A client with COPD is receiving oxygen at 4 L/min via nasal cannula. The nurse should:
A. Continue administration as ordered
B. Lower oxygen to 2 L/min
C. Switch to a non-rebreather mask
D. Increase oxygen to 6 L/min
✅ Correct Answer: B. Lower oxygen to 2 L/min
Rationale: Clients with COPD rely on hypoxic drive to breathe. Too much oxygen can suppress respiratory drive and lead to respiratory failure.
Question 4:
Which patient should the nurse see first?
A. Post-op appendectomy with mild nausea
B. Diabetic patient with blood glucose of 250 mg/dL
C. Asthma patient with audible wheezing
D. Stroke patient with new-onset confusion
✅ Correct Answer: D. Stroke patient with new-onset confusion
Rationale: New confusion in a stroke patient may indicate worsening cerebral perfusion. It is a priority assessment requiring immediate attention.
Keep track of how many you get right on this free NCLEX quiz—but remember, the real value is in learning from the rationales.
Question 5:
A nurse prepares to administer digoxin. The apical pulse is 56 bpm. What is the appropriate action?
A. Give the medication
B. Hold the dose and notify provider
C. Recheck pulse in 30 minutes
D. Give half the prescribed dose
✅ Correct Answer: B. Hold the dose and notify provider
Rationale: Digoxin should be held if the apical pulse is <60 bpm in adults. Bradycardia can indicate digoxin toxicity.
Question 6:
Which of the following is a sign of hypokalemia?
A. Diarrhea
B. Muscle weakness
C. Bradycardia
D. Moist skin
✅ Correct Answer: B. Muscle weakness
Rationale: Low potassium impairs neuromuscular function, often presenting as weakness, fatigue, and cramps.
Question 7:
What isolation precaution is needed for a patient with C. difficile?
A. Droplet
B. Airborne
C. Contact
D. Reverse isolation
✅ Correct Answer: C. Contact
Rationale: C. diff is spread through spores requiring contact precautions, including gown and gloves.
Question 8:
The most reliable way to confirm placement of a nasogastric (NG) tube is:
A. Injecting air and auscultating
B. Asking the patient to speak
C. Chest X-ray
D. Checking gastric pH
✅ Correct Answer: C. Chest X-ray
Rationale: X-ray is the gold standard to confirm NG placement. Auscultation is not reliable.
Question 9:
Which patient teaching is most important for a client starting warfarin?
A. Avoid sunlight exposure
B. Take medication with food
C. Monitor for signs of bleeding
D. Avoid potassium-rich foods
✅ Correct Answer: C. Monitor for signs of bleeding
Rationale: Warfarin increases bleeding risk. Patients should report easy bruising, blood in urine or stool, or excessive bleeding from cuts.
Question 10:
A nurse finds a patient slumped over in a chair, unresponsive. What is the priority action?
A. Check for a pulse
B. Begin chest compressions
C. Call the rapid response team
D. Shake the patient and shout their name
✅ Correct Answer: D. Shake the patient and shout their name
Rationale: The first step in BLS is to assess responsiveness. If unresponsive, then activate EMS and begin CPR if no pulse is found.
Use this free NCLEX quiz to identify weak areas, and revisit them in your next study session.
Why This Free NCLEX Quiz Matters
This free NCLEX quiz is just one tool in your NCLEX prep strategy, but it’s one of the most effective. You get the chance to practice real-world scenarios, improve your test endurance, and reinforce critical concepts. The more you engage with resources like this free NCLEX quiz, the more confident you’ll feel on test day.
Use rationales to guide your studying, and make note of any questions you struggled with. And don’t forget: confidence comes from practice.
You’ve got this—keep going.
Recommended NCLEX Prep Resources
- UWorld NCLEX QBank – Known for realistic questions and detailed rationales
- NCLEX Official Candidate Bulletin – From the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
- Kaplan NCLEX Review – Offers test strategies and live online classes
- NRSNG Academy – Comprehensive prep platform built by nurses
Emily Carter, RN, BSN is a seasoned registered nurse with over 15 years of clinical experience across acute care, med surg, and patient education. She is passionate about helping nursing students build confidence and succeed on the NCLEX through practical, real-world focused practice questions.
