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Updated for the 2026 NCSBN test plan

NCLEX-RN Practice Tests 2026

Free NCLEX-RN practice questions with detailed answer rationales, mapped to the 2026 NCSBN Client Needs test plan. Drill by category, work through a full-length adaptive mock, or preview sample questions from the printable 2026 pack.

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Testing in September 2026?

Walk into your 2026 NCLEX ready, calm and confident.

A one-time $29 printable pack of original exam-style questions written to the 2026 NCSBN test plan, covering every Client Needs category and Next Gen item type, with answers, rationales and study tips. It is separate from the $19/month Pro study dashboard. Pro members get the same bank inside a personalized dashboard for $19/mo.

Practice the question styles and reasoning patterns before test day, so the real exam feels familiar.

Preview 10 sample questions before you buy — no download, no email

Browse printable RN resources and planned PN workbooks

Nurseclex study collection

Choose your study track

NCLEXVault / Nurseclex2026

“Think like a nurse. Answer with confidence.”

NCLEX-RN 2026 · 40 pages

September – December study edition

Clinical Judgment
Study Workbook

Original NCLEX-style study resource

RN workbook

40 pages · $29

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NCLEXVault / Nurseclex2026

“Made for PN candidates. Safe care, step by step.”

NCLEX-PN 2026 · 32 pages

September – December study edition

Safe Care &
Clinical Judgment

Original NCLEX-style study resource

PN workbook

32 pages · $24

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NCLEXVault / Nurseclex2026

“Every NCLEX track. One complete pack.”

NCLEX 2026 · 72 pages

September – December study edition

RN + PN Study
Collection

Original NCLEX-style study resource

RN + PN collection

72 pages · $39

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Read a question from every client-needs area

Sixteen new article examples, separate from the existing practice sets and the printable workbooks. Each includes a reasoned answer.

Read RN examples Read PN examples
1,500+
practice questions
8
Client Needs categories
7
Next-Gen item types
100%
items with full rationales

Three ways to practice

Pick the format that fits your study block — short drill, interactive bank, or the full exam-modeled pack.

Interactive Question Bank

Answer questions in an NCLEX-style interface. Reveal detailed tutored rationales instantly and track your accuracy by category.

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Drill by Category

Target your weak areas. Every Client Needs category has its own timed drill with instant answer rationales.

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September 2026 · free sample

8 free NCLEX-RN practice questions with rationales

Work these exactly as they are written — read the stem, choose, then open the rationale. They use the same formats and reasoning patterns as the September 2026 question pack.

1. Enteral Feeding Safety & ToleranceSelect all that apply
Provider Prescriptions

Day 1, 1600: Insert nasogastric feeding tube. Chest x-ray to confirm placement. Day 1, 1800: Administer enteral formula 120 mL every 6 hr while awake via NG tube. Correction insulin: Regular insulin SUBQ PRN 4 times daily — 151–180 mg/dL: 2 units; 181–200 mg/dL: 4 units; >200 mg/dL: notify provider.

Which findings suggest the nurse should hold the tube feeding and notify the provider? (Select all that apply.)

  1. AAbsent bowel sounds and firm, distended abdomen
  2. BGastric residual volume of 350 mL
  3. CpH of gastric aspirate 4.5
  4. DBlood glucose 165 mg/dL
  5. EOxygen saturation 96% on room air
  6. FEmesis of undigested formula

Answer: Absent bowel sounds with distention, gastric residual 350 mL, and emesis.

Absent bowel sounds with distention, a high gastric residual, and vomiting indicate intolerance and are indications to hold the feeding. Gastric pH of 4.5 confirms gastric placement. Glucose 165 is treated per correction scale. SpO₂ 96% is normal.

Study tip: Any single sign of GI intolerance = hold and reassess. Aspiration is a top NCLEX-tested harm.

2. Anticoagulation Teaching — WarfarinSingle answer

A client prescribed warfarin for atrial fibrillation states the following. Which statement indicates a need for further teaching?

  1. A"I will report bruising, black stools, or bleeding gums."
  2. B"I will keep my leafy green vegetable intake consistent from week to week."
  3. C"I will take ibuprofen if I get a headache."
  4. D"I will use an electric razor and a soft-bristle toothbrush."

Answer: "I will take ibuprofen if I get a headache."

NSAIDs inhibit platelet aggregation and irritate the gastric mucosa, potentiating bleeding with warfarin. Acetaminophen is preferred. The other statements demonstrate correct bleeding precautions and consistent vitamin K intake.

Study tip: Warfarin + NSAID = bleed. Warfarin + vitamin K = ↓INR. Keep both steady.

3. Heparin Monitoring in PESingle answer

A client is receiving a heparin infusion for pulmonary embolism. Which laboratory value should the nurse request to monitor therapeutic effect?

  1. APT
  2. BINR
  3. CaPTT
  4. DPlatelet count only

Answer: aPTT

aPTT is used to monitor unfractionated heparin (therapeutic 1.5–2.5× control). PT/INR monitor warfarin. Platelets are monitored for HIT but do not measure therapeutic effect.

Study tip: Heparin → aPTT. Warfarin → PT/INR. Memorize the pair.

4. Delegation to Assistive PersonnelSingle answer

Which client is MOST appropriate to assign to assistive personnel (AP)?

  1. AA client 1 day postoperative requiring initial ambulation
  2. BA stable client requiring assistance with a bed bath and oral care
  3. CA client who requires tracheostomy suctioning
  4. DA client receiving a blood transfusion

Answer: A stable client requiring assistance with a bed bath and oral care.

Delegate stable, predictable, uncomplicated tasks (bath, oral care, stable VS) to AP. First ambulation, sterile suctioning, and blood administration require RN assessment.

Study tip: Stable + predictable + non-invasive = delegatable. Anything with judgment stays with the RN.

5. Opioid Toxidrome RecognitionSingle answer

A nurse is caring for a client experiencing opioid overdose. Which finding is expected?

  1. APinpoint pupils, RR 6/min, decreased LOC
  2. BDilated pupils, tachycardia, hyperreflexia
  3. CFever, agitation, diaphoresis
  4. DTremors, seizure activity, hallucinations

Answer: Pinpoint pupils, RR 6/min, decreased LOC.

The opioid toxidrome is miosis, respiratory depression, and CNS depression. Other options describe sympathomimetic, serotonergic, or withdrawal syndromes.

Study tip: Opioid triad: pinpoint pupils, ↓RR, ↓LOC. Give naloxone.

6. Therapeutic Communication — Terminal DiagnosisSingle answer

A client newly diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer says, "I don't want to see anyone right now." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?

  1. A"You should focus on getting better."
  2. B"This is a lot to take in. I'll be nearby if you want to talk."
  3. C"Before you know it, your hair will grow back."
  4. D"Why don't you want visitors?"

Answer: "This is a lot to take in. I'll be nearby if you want to talk."

The nurse acknowledges feelings and offers presence without pressuring interaction. "Why" questions can feel confrontational; false reassurance and dismissive statements block communication.

Study tip: Therapeutic = acknowledge feelings + offer presence. Avoid "why", false reassurance, and advice.

7. Infant Bronchiolitis — Nursing PrioritiesSelect all that apply

A 6-month-old is admitted with bronchiolitis. RR 62, SpO₂ 91% on RA. Which interventions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply.)

  1. ASuction nares with bulb syringe before feeds
  2. BPlace on continuous pulse oximetry
  3. CAdminister supplemental oxygen to keep SpO₂ ≥ 90%
  4. DEncourage 8 oz feedings every 3 hours
  5. EElevate head of bed
  6. FGive oral antibiotics as first-line therapy

Answer: Suction, continuous SpO₂, O₂ for SpO₂ <90%, elevate HOB.

Bronchiolitis (usually RSV) is treated supportively: clear nares, monitor oxygenation, small frequent feeds if RR <60, elevate HOB. Antibiotics are not indicated (viral). Large volume feeds risk aspiration.

Study tip: Bronchiolitis is viral — support the airway, don't reach for antibiotics.

8. Acute Appendicitis Red FlagsSingle answer

An 18-year-old reports RLQ pain, fever 101.4°F, rebound tenderness, and WBC 16,000. Which is the priority nursing action?

  1. AApply a heating pad to the abdomen
  2. BAdminister an enema to relieve pain
  3. CKeep NPO and prepare for surgical consult
  4. DEncourage ambulation to move gas

Answer: Keep NPO and prepare for surgical consult.

Findings are classic for appendicitis. Keep NPO in anticipation of surgery. Heat, enemas, and laxatives can precipitate rupture and peritonitis.

Study tip: Suspected appendicitis: NPO, no heat, no laxatives — surgery is coming.

That was 8 questions. Want more practice?

The September 2026 question pack covers every Client Needs category for both the RN and the PN test plan, including Next Gen case studies, bow-tie, matrix, cloze and highlight items, each with the answer, a full rationale, and a study tip. One payment, yours to keep.

September 2026 · free sample

6 free NCLEX-PN practice questions (LPN / LVN)

Scope of practice, delegation, dosage calculation and precautions — with full rationales and the reasoning the PN exam rewards.

1. LPN/LVN assignment and scopeSingle answer

The charge nurse is assigning clients on a medical unit. Which client is most appropriate to assign to the LPN/LVN?

  1. AA client admitted 30 minutes ago with new-onset chest pain
  2. BA client with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receiving scheduled nebulizer treatments
  3. CA client who requires initial teaching about a new insulin pump
  4. DA client who is 2 hours post-operative from a thyroidectomy

Answer: The client with stable COPD receiving scheduled nebulizer treatments.

The LPN/LVN cares for clients whose condition is stable and whose outcomes are predictable. New-onset chest pain and the immediate post-thyroidectomy client are unstable and need registered-nurse assessment; initial teaching about a new device must be initiated by the RN, although the LPN/LVN may reinforce it afterwards.

Study tip: Stable + predictable = LPN. New, unstable, or first-time teaching = RN.

2. Assigning to unlicensed assistive personnelSelect all that apply

Which tasks may the LPN/LVN assign to unlicensed assistive personnel caring for stable clients? (Select all that apply.)

  1. AMeasuring and recording vital signs
  2. BAssisting a stable client to ambulate with a walker
  3. CReinforcing teaching about a low-sodium diet
  4. DRecording oral intake and urinary output
  5. EEvaluating whether a pain medication was effective
  6. FProviding a bed bath

Answer: Vital signs, assisted ambulation, intake and output, and a bed bath.

Unlicensed assistive personnel may perform standard, unchanging tasks on stable clients. Reinforcing teaching requires a licensed nurse, and evaluating the effect of a medication is nursing judgement that cannot be assigned.

Study tip: If the task needs teaching, judgement, or evaluation, it cannot go to a UAP.

3. Digoxin — data collection before administrationSingle answer

Before administering digoxin 0.125 mg orally to an older adult, which finding requires the LPN/LVN to hold the dose and notify the registered nurse?

  1. AApical pulse of 52 beats per minute
  2. BBlood pressure of 128/76 mm Hg
  3. CSerum potassium of 4.2 mEq/L
  4. DThe client reports the tablet looks different from yesterday's

Answer: Apical pulse of 52 beats per minute.

Digoxin slows conduction, and an apical rate below 60 beats per minute in an adult is the standard parameter for holding the dose and reporting. The blood pressure and potassium are within expected limits; a different-looking tablet should be verified but is not the priority hold parameter.

Study tip: Count the apical pulse for a full minute before every digoxin dose.

4. Transmission-based precautionsSingle answer

A client is admitted with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis. Which action should the LPN/LVN take first?

  1. APlace the client in a negative-pressure room and apply an N95 respirator before entering
  2. BPlace a surgical mask on the client and leave the door open for observation
  3. CWear a gown and gloves and place the client in a private room
  4. DCollect a sputum specimen before contacting the registered nurse

Answer: Negative-pressure room with an N95 respirator worn on entry.

Tuberculosis requires airborne precautions: an airborne-infection isolation room with negative pressure, the door kept closed, and a fit-tested N95 respirator for every person entering. A surgical mask on the client is used only for transport.

Study tip: Airborne = private negative-pressure room, door closed, N95 on the nurse.

5. Positioning after total hip replacementSelect all that apply

Which actions should the LPN/LVN take when caring for a client on the second day after a total hip arthroplasty with a posterior approach? (Select all that apply.)

  1. AKeep an abduction pillow between the legs while the client is in bed
  2. BHave the client sit in a low, soft armchair when out of bed
  3. CAvoid flexing the operative hip more than 90 degrees
  4. DEncourage the client to cross the ankles when resting
  5. EUse a raised toilet seat
  6. FTurn the client only toward the operative side

Answer: Abduction pillow, hip flexion kept under 90 degrees, and a raised toilet seat.

Posterior-approach precautions prevent dislocation: keep the legs abducted, avoid flexion beyond 90 degrees, and avoid internal rotation and adduction. Low soft chairs force excessive flexion, crossing the legs adducts the hip, and turning is normally toward the unaffected side unless prescribed otherwise.

Study tip: No bending past 90°, no crossing, no twisting inward.

6. Therapeutic communicationSingle answer

A client newly diagnosed with heart failure says, "I don't see the point in taking all these pills." Which response by the LPN/LVN is most therapeutic?

  1. A"You really do need to take them or you will end up back in the hospital."
  2. B"Tell me more about what is making you feel that way."
  3. C"Everyone feels like that at first — it gets easier."
  4. D"I will ask the provider to reduce the number of medications."

Answer: "Tell me more about what is making you feel that way."

An open-ended invitation explores the client's feelings and keeps the conversation going. Warning about rehospitalisation is a threat, false reassurance dismisses the concern, and promising a medication change is outside scope and may not be possible.

Study tip: Therapeutic answers explore feelings; they never advise, reassure, or judge.

That was 6 questions. Want more practice?

The September 2026 question pack covers every Client Needs category for both the RN and the PN test plan, including Next Gen case studies, bow-tie, matrix, cloze and highlight items, each with the answer, a full rationale, and a study tip. One payment, yours to keep.

What to expect

The 2026 NCLEX-RN at a glance

The exam is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) between 85 and 150 questions, with a five-hour time limit. Every question adapts to your ability — get one right and the next is harder, get one wrong and it eases off.

  • 85–150 scored questions plus 15 unscored pretest items
  • 5 hours total, two optional breaks (30 min at 2 hrs, 30 min at 3.5 hrs)
  • Passing standard: 0.00 logits (NCSBN, effective April 2023)
  • Next-Gen items: case studies, bow-tie, matrix, cloze, highlight, extended multiple response
  • Partial credit on all Next-Gen items — guessing costs you
2026 test plan weight

Client Needs breakdown

Management of Care
Delegation, ethics, informed consent
15–21%
Safety & Infection Control
Standard precautions, error prevention
10–16%
Health Promotion & Maintenance
Prevention, wellness, aging
6–12%
Psychosocial Integrity
Coping, crisis, therapeutic communication
6–12%
Basic Care & Comfort
ADLs, nutrition, mobility, sleep
6–12%
Pharmacological Therapies
Meds, adverse effects, IV therapy
13–19%
Reduction of Risk Potential
Labs, diagnostics, complications
9–15%
Physiological Adaptation
Acute, chronic, emergent conditions
11–17%

Practice by category

Drill the Client Needs categories that appear most on the 2026 exam.

17–23% + 10–16%

Safety & Coordination

Delegation, infection control, safe medication administration, ergonomic principles, and coordinating care across the interprofessional team.

6–12%

Health Promotion

Growth and development across the lifespan, immunizations, prenatal and newborn care, self-care, and lifestyle counseling.

6–12%

Psychosocial

Coping, mental health disorders, grief, substance use, therapeutic communication, and cultural care.

6–12%

Basic Care

Nutrition, hydration, elimination, mobility, sleep, hygiene, and non-pharmacologic comfort measures.

13–19%

Pharmacology

Medication administration, adverse effects, blood products, TPN, dosage calculation, and pain management.

9–15%

Reduction of Risk

Lab values, diagnostic tests, potential complications of procedures, and monitoring for changes in health status.

11–17%

Physiological Adaptation

Managing acute, chronic, and life-threatening physical conditions across systems, plus hemodynamics and medical emergencies.

17–23%

Management of Care

Prioritization, delegation, case management, informed consent, referrals, and quality improvement.

How to use these practice tests

1

Diagnose

Take a 30-question mixed drill first. Note your two weakest Client Needs categories.

2

Drill weak spots

Spend 60 minutes per day on your weak categories using the interactive bank. Read every rationale.

3

Simulate exam day

In your final week, take a full-length CAT-style mock in one sitting. Score by category and review.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the 2026 NCLEX-RN?Show

The 2026 NCLEX-RN is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) with 85 to 150 scored questions plus 15 unscored pretest items. The test ends when the algorithm is 95% confident in your ability level or you hit the five-hour time limit.

What is the 2026 NCLEX-RN passing standard?Show

NCSBN sets the passing standard at 0.00 on the logit scale (updated April 2023, reaffirmed for 2026). You must demonstrate ability at or above the standard on the Computer Adaptive Test to pass.

How are Next-Gen NCLEX (NGN) items scored?Show

NGN case studies and stand-alone items use partial credit. You earn points for every correct option picked and every wrong option avoided. Guessing hurts your score.

Is NCLEXVault's practice really free?Show

Yes — the full interactive question bank, all lessons, notes, flashcards and quizzes are free while you study. The $29 2026 Question Pack is optional and adds a printable set of exam-style questions with rationales.

How often are practice questions updated?Show

The 2026 pack is refreshed monthly using recall-based questions from candidates who just took the exam. The main question bank is updated weekly.

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