NCLEX-PN case studies
NCLEX-PN · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The NCLEX-PN is the licensure examination that state boards of nursing use to decide whether a graduate of a practical or vocational nursing program is ready to practice as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN). It is a regulatory gate rather than a school final or a specialty certification: a passing result is one of several requirements a board of nursing weighs, alongside program completion, a licensure application, and a background check, before a license is issued. The NCLEX-PN case studies are 5 cases and about 3,360 words.
1Six Clients, One Float LPN: Prioritizing and Delegating on Night Shift
You are the LPN in charge of a 24-bed medical-surgical unit on the 2300-0700 shift. Staffing is one UAP, one float LPN who has never worked this unit, and you.
646 words, about 3 min2Warfarin, a GI Bleed, and a New NSAID Order
R, 68, is admitted with a 3-day history of dark, tarry stools and epigastric pain. His home medications include warfarin 5 mg PO daily for atrial fibrillation, metoprolol, and omeprazole.
651 words, about 3 min3POD 2 After Bowel Surgery: A Change in Mental Status
K, 74, is on postoperative day 2 after an emergency laparotomy for a perforated bowel. At 1400 her findings are: T 38.9 C (102 F), HR 124 and thready, RR 26, BP 86/50, SpO2 91% on 2 L/min nasal cannula Urine output 40 mL over the last 4 hours via indwelling catheter Confused; does not recognize her daughter, who arrived an hour ago Skin cool and mottled at the knees; capillary refill 4 seconds Lactate 4.1 mmol/L, WBC 19,000 Midline incision with staples, a Jackson-Pratt drain with scant serosanguineous output, and lactated Ringer's infusing at 75 mL/hr through a 22-gauge IV in the hand The UAP says, "She's just sleepy from the pain medicine - she was fine this morning.".
672 words, about 3 min4Day 3 After an Overdose: The Sudden Smile
J, 46, was admitted 3 days ago after an intentional overdose of his antidepressant. He has major depressive disorder, a recent job loss, and lives alone.
688 words, about 3 min535 Weeks, a Severe Headache, and RUQ Pain
T, 34, G1P0 at 35 weeks' gestation, is admitted to the obstetric unit with a blood pressure of 168/112 mmHg on two readings 15 minutes apart. She reports a pounding headache that "didn't touch" with acetaminophen and sees flashing lights in her right eye.
703 words, about 4 min