Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is like preparing for an epic adventure—one filled with endless learning and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. But just like any adventure, the journey to success needs the right preparation.
And that’s where the LPN practice exam comes in. It’s your trusty map, guiding you through the maze of nursing knowledge, so you’re ready to face whatever comes your way.
The LPN practice exam is your ticket to mastering:
- Patient care (because, hey, you’ll be the superhero taking care of everyone!)
- Medication safety (no room for mistakes here!)
- Medical terminology (don’t worry, you’ll become a term ninja!)
- Procedures and protocols (you’ll be as smooth as a seasoned pro)
- Infection control (keeping your patients safe is your superpower)
- Mental health (because every great nurse has empathy and a strong mind)
Whether you’re diving in for the first time or just giving your skills a final polish before the big day, practicing with real exam questions is a must.
Here at Ulosca.com, we totally get it—studying for the LPN exam can feel like you’re climbing a mountain. But guess what? We’re here to be your climbing partner! Our practice questions and detailed rationales are here to help you not only prep like a pro but also build the confidence you need to nail that exam.
By practicing and learning from your mistakes, you’ll quickly see where you shine and where you can level up. So when it’s finally exam day, you’ll be walking in like a rockstar ready to take on anything!
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LPN Practice Exam Questions & Answers
Here’s a quick look at some sample questions you might encounter on the LPN practice exam. Take your time, think critically, and don’t worry if you don’t get every answer right on the first try. With each question, you’ll learn something new that will help you on your journey.
Question 1:
Select all the possible opportunistic infections that adversely affect HIV/AIDS infected patients:
A. Visual losses
B. Kaposi’s sarcoma
C. Wilms’ sarcoma
D. Tuberculosis
E. Peripheral neuropathy
F. Toxoplasma gondii
Answer: B. Kaposi’s sarcoma, D. Tuberculosis, F. Toxoplasma gondii
Explanation: Opportunistic infections are infections that take advantage of a weakened immune system, as seen in HIV/AIDS patients. Kaposi’s sarcoma, tuberculosis, and toxoplasma gondii are common in these patients.
Why the others are incorrect:
- A. Visual losses: While vision issues can occur, they are not considered opportunistic infections.
- C. Wilms’ sarcoma: This is a type of kidney cancer in children, not a common opportunistic infection in HIV/AIDS.
Question 2:
The patient should be sitting when deep breathing and coughing because this position:
A. Is physically more comfortable for the patient
B. Helps the patient to support their incision with a pillow
C. Loosens respiratory secretions
D. Allows the patient to observe their area and relax
Answer: C. Loosens respiratory secretions
Explanation: Sitting helps to open the chest and promotes effective deep breathing and coughing, which loosens respiratory secretions and helps prevent complications like pneumonia.
Why the others are incorrect:
- A. Is physically more comfortable for the patient: While sitting may be comfortable, it’s not the main reason for the position during deep breathing.
- B. Helps the patient to support their incision with a pillow: This is helpful post-surgery but not the primary reason for sitting while breathing and coughing.
- D. Allows the patient to observe their area and relax: While this can happen, it’s not the main benefit of the sitting position.
Question 3:
The primary difference between practical nursing licensure and a nursing certification in an area of practice is that nursing licensure is:
A. Insures competency and a nursing certification validates years of experience.
B. Mandated by the American Nurses Association and a nursing certification is not.
C. Is legally mandated by the states and a nursing certification is not.
D. Renewed every two years and a nursing certification is renewed every five years.
Answer: C. Is legally mandated by the states and a nursing certification is not.
Explanation: Nursing licensure is a legal requirement to practice as an LPN, whereas certification in a specialized area is optional and shows proficiency in a specific area but is not required by law.
Why the others are incorrect:
- A. Insures competency: Licensure ensures competency, but certification is about specialized knowledge.
- B. Mandated by the American Nurses Association: While the ANA may support certification, licensure is legally mandated by the state.
- D. Renewed every two years: Both licensure and certifications have different renewal timelines, but renewal is not the key difference.
Question 4:
You are the LPN working on 2 east with adult medical-surgical patients. Your unit has been instructed to perform a horizontal evacuation of your patients because there is a fire on 1 east. Where will you evacuate your patients to?
A. 3 west
B. 3 east
C. 2 west
D. 1 west
Answer: C. 2 west
Explanation: Horizontal evacuation refers to moving patients to another area of the same floor or section, which is safer than moving them up or down to a different floor during a fire emergency.
Why the others are incorrect:
- A. 3 west: Moving to a different floor is not the purpose of horizontal evacuation.
- B. 3 east: This would be an incorrect direction since the evacuation should remain on the same floor.
- D. 1 west: This is on the same floor but near the fire, making it unsafe.
Question 5:
What is a major difference between a problem-oriented medical record and a source-oriented medical record?
A. The problem-oriented medical system has a centralized part of the chart for interdisciplinary progress notes and the source-oriented medical record has separate areas for each profession’s progress notes.
B. The problem-oriented medical system consists of narrative progress notes and the source-oriented medical record uses SOAP.
C. The source-oriented medical system uses charting by exception and the source-oriented medical record system does not.
D. The source-oriented medical system has a centralized part of the chart for interdisciplinary progress notes and the problem-oriented medical record has separate areas for each profession’s progress notes.
Answer: A. The problem-oriented medical system has a centralized part of the chart for interdisciplinary progress notes and the source-oriented medical record has separate areas for each profession’s progress notes.
Explanation: In problem-oriented records, the focus is on the client’s problems, with a centralized area for interdisciplinary input, while source-oriented records are divided by each professional’s input.
Why the others are incorrect:
- B. Narrative progress notes: This is more about the method of documentation, not the major structural difference.
- C. Charting by exception: This pertains to another type of documentation system, not the key difference between the two types.
- D. Separate areas: This describes the source-oriented system, but in the problem-oriented system, interdisciplinary notes are centralized.
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Question 6:
States throughout our nation vary somewhat in terms of things that nursing assistants can and cannot legally do. Which statements about these state-to-state differences are accurate? Select all that apply.
A. Nursing assistants can change catheter tubing but not catheters
B. Nursing assistants can change sterile dressings
C. Nursing assistants have an expanding role in many states
D. Nursing assistants cannot assess the physical status of the patients
E. Nursing assistants can apply topical medication lotions to intact skin
F. The trend is moving toward nurses-only staffing patterns
Answer: B. Nursing assistants can change sterile dressings,
C. Nursing assistants have an expanding role in many states,
E. Nursing assistants can apply topical medication lotions to intact skin
Explanation: Some states allow nursing assistants to perform tasks like changing dressings, applying topical medications, and expanding their roles in healthcare settings. The responsibilities vary based on state regulations.
Why the others are incorrect:
- A. Change catheter tubing: While they may assist with catheter care, changing catheters typically falls outside their scope.
- D. Assess the physical status: Nursing assistants typically don’t assess physical status; this falls under the role of nurses.
- F. Nurses-only staffing: The trend is not toward nurses-only staffing but rather working as a team with nursing assistants.
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LPN Practice Exam: Sample Questions & Answers
Sample Question 1
A client is admitted with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer prescribed analgesics
B. Encourage oral intake of fluids
C. Initiate intravenous (IV) fluids as ordered
D. Provide a low-fat diet
Answer: C. Initiate intravenous (IV) fluids as ordered
Explanation: The priority intervention for a client with acute pancreatitis is to initiate IV fluids to maintain hydration and support circulatory volume. This helps prevent complications such as hypovolemic shock.
Why the others are incorrect:
- A. Administer prescribed analgesics: Pain management is important but should be implemented after ensuring adequate hydration.
- B. Encourage oral intake of fluids: Oral intake is typically restricted in the early stages of acute pancreatitis to rest the pancreas.
- D. Provide a low-fat diet: Dietary modifications are considered later in the treatment plan once the acute phase has resolved.
Sample Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is experiencing increased shortness of breath. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer prescribed bronchodilators
B. Encourage the client to use pursed-lip breathing
C. Increase the oxygen flow rate
D. Assess the client’s respiratory status
Answer: D. Assess the client’s respiratory status
Explanation: The first step in managing a client with increased shortness of breath is to assess their respiratory status to determine the severity and underlying cause of the symptoms.
Why the others are incorrect:
- A. Administer prescribed bronchodilators: Medication administration is appropriate but should follow an assessment to ensure it’s the correct intervention.
- B. Encourage the client to use pursed-lip breathing: This technique can help improve ventilation but should be implemented after assessing the client’s condition.
- C. Increase the oxygen flow rate: Oxygen therapy adjustments should be based on the assessment findings and prescribed parameters.
Sample Question 3
A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take before starting the transfusion?
A. Obtain a blood pressure reading
B. Verify the client’s identity and blood compatibility
C. Administer an antihistamine
D. Warm the blood to body temperature
Answer: B. Verify the client’s identity and blood compatibility
Explanation: Ensuring the correct identification of the client and verifying blood compatibility are critical steps to prevent transfusion reactions.
Why the others are incorrect:
- A. Obtain a blood pressure reading: While monitoring vital signs is important, verifying identity and compatibility takes precedence.
- C. Administer an antihistamine: Pre-medication is not routinely required unless specified by the healthcare provider.
- D. Warm the blood to body temperature: Blood should not be warmed unless specifically ordered due to the risk of bacterial growth.
Sample Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client with a history of hypertension. Which of the following interventions is most important to include in the client’s plan of care?
A. Monitor blood pressure regularly
B. Encourage a high-sodium diet
C. Limit physical activity
D. Administer antihypertensive medications as prescribed
Answer: A. Monitor blood pressure regularly
Explanation: Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential to assess the effectiveness of treatment and make necessary adjustments to prevent complications.
Why the others are incorrect:
- B. Encourage a high-sodium diet: A high-sodium diet can exacerbate hypertension and should be avoided.
- C. Limit physical activity: Physical activity should be encouraged as tolerated to promote overall health.
- D. Administer antihypertensive medications as prescribed: Medication adherence is important but should be part of a comprehensive plan that includes monitoring.
Sample Question 5
A nurse is assessing a client with diabetes mellitus. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?
A. Blood glucose level of 150 mg/dL
B. Complaints of increased thirst
C. Urine output of 50 mL/hour
D. Presence of ketones in the urine
Answer: D. Presence of ketones in the urine
Explanation: The presence of ketones in the urine indicates that the body is breaking down fat for energy due to insufficient insulin, which can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a medical emergency.
Why the others are incorrect:
- A. Blood glucose level of 150 mg/dL: This level is elevated but not immediately life-threatening.
- B. Complaints of increased thirst: This is a common symptom of hyperglycemia but does not require immediate intervention.
- C. Urine output of 50 mL/hour: This is within the normal range for urine output.
Sample Question 6
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total hip replacement. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent complications?
A. Encourage the client to cross their legs
B. Instruct the client to avoid weight-bearing on the affected leg
C. Maintain the affected leg in adduction
D. Use a raised toilet seat
Answer: D. Use a raised toilet seat
Explanation: A raised toilet seat helps prevent hip dislocation by keeping the hip joint in a safe position during toileting activities.
Why the others are incorrect:
- A. Encourage the client to cross their legs: Crossing the legs can increase the risk of hip dislocation.
- B. Instruct the client to avoid weight-bearing on the affected leg: Early weight-bearing as tolerated is encouraged to promote healing and mobility.
- C. Maintain the affected leg in adduction: The leg should be maintained in abduction to prevent dislocation.
Sample Question 7
A nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?
A. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
B. Fluctuation of the water level in the water seal chamber
C. Drainage of 50 mL of serosanguineous fluid in 8 hours
D. Presence of tidaling in the water seal chamber
Answer: A. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak in the system, which requires immediate attention to prevent complications.
Why the others are incorrect:
- B. Fluctuation of the water level in the water seal chamber: This is a normal finding indicating that the system is functioning properly.
- C. Drainage of 50 mL of serosanguineous fluid in 8 hours: This is within the expected range for postoperative drainage.
- D. Presence of tidaling in the water seal chamber: This is a normal finding indicating that the chest tube is patent.
Sample Question 8
A nurse is assessing a client with a history of stroke. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?
A. Slurred speech
B. Weakness on one side of the body
C. Sudden onset of severe headache
D. Difficulty swallowing
Answer: C. Sudden onset of severe headache
Explanation: A sudden onset of severe headache could indicate a hemorrhagic stroke or other serious complications and requires immediate medical evaluation.
Why the others are incorrect:
- A. Slurred speech: This can be a sign of a stroke but may not require immediate intervention unless it is sudden or worsening.
- B. Weakness on one side of the body: This is a common symptom of a stroke and should be evaluated but does not necessarily require immediate intervention.
- D. Difficulty swallowing: This can occur after a stroke and should be addressed to prevent aspiration but is not an immediate emergency.
Sample Question 9
A nurse is caring for a client with a history of asthma. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent an asthma attack?
A. Encourage the client to avoid known triggers
B. Administer bronchodilators before exercise
C. Instruct the client to use a peak flow meter daily
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: Preventing asthma attacks involves avoiding known triggers, using medications as prescribed, and monitoring lung function with tools like a peak flow meter.
Why the others are incorrect:
- None; all options are correct and contribute to asthma management.
Sample Question 10
A nurse is caring for a client with a history of heart failure. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to manage fluid volume?
A. Restrict fluid intake as prescribed
B. Monitor daily weight
C. Administer diuretics as ordered
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: Managing fluid volume in heart failure involves restricting fluids, monitoring weight for signs of fluid retention, and administering diuretics to remove excess fluid.
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LPN Practice Exam Final Word
Preparing for the LPN practice exam can feel overwhelming, but remember, each question you tackle brings you one step closer to your goal. By engaging with practice questions and understanding the rationale behind each answer, you’re building the critical thinking skills necessary for real-world nursing practice.
At Ulosca.com, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our comprehensive test banks and practice questions are designed to mirror the actual exam, helping you familiarize yourself with the format and content. Keep practicing, stay confident, and trust in your ability to succeed. You’ve got this!