PN Level 1 study guide
PN Level 1 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The PN Level 1 credential - often shortened to PN1 or Practical Nursing Level 1 - is an entry-level nursing certification for candidates preparing to work as practical or vocational nurses under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. It signals that a candidate has mastered the foundational knowledge expected at the start of a practical nursing career: organizing and coordinating care, protecting patient safety, preventing infection, promoting health, supporting psychosocial needs, delivering basic comfort care, administering medications and parenteral therapy, reducing risk, adapting to changing physiological conditions, and practicing within ethical and legal boundaries. The PN Level 1 study guide has 9 sections and about 2,718 words.
01Safe and Effective Care Environment: Coordinated Care
The Coordinated Care domain tests how the PN organizes client care, communicates within the interprofessional team, delegates legally, and protects continuity and client rights. The PN collects focused data, contributes to the care plan, reinforces teaching, and implements interventions.
305 words, about 2 min02Safe and Effective Care Environment: Safety and Infection Control
Safety and Infection Control tests the PN's ability to prevent harm, apply precautions correctly, and respond to emergencies. Standard precautions apply to all clients: hand hygiene before and after contact, gloves for body fluids, and gown, mask, and eye protection when splash is likely.
314 words, about 2 min03Health Promotion and Maintenance
Health Promotion and Maintenance tests the PN's ability to teach health behaviors, identify risk, support normal growth and development, and apply screening and prevention. Primary prevention prevents disease: immunizations, folic acid before and during pregnancy, seat belts, sunscreen, and safe sleep.
293 words, about 1 min04Psychosocial Integrity
Psychosocial Integrity tests therapeutic communication, mental health assessment, coping support, and safety for clients with behavioral or emotional needs. Use active listening, open-ended questions, reflection, restatement, clarification, and silence.
297 words, about 1 min05Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort
Basic Care and Comfort tests the PN's ability to maintain hygiene, mobility, skin integrity, nutrition, elimination, rest, and pain relief. Reposition immobile clients at least every 2 hours; offload heels; keep skin clean and dry; use pressure-redistribution surfaces; do not massage reddened areas.
308 words, about 2 min06Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies tests safe medication administration, dosage calculation, IV and blood therapy, and monitoring for effects. Verify the rights: right client, drug, dose, route, time, reason, and documentation.
314 words, about 2 min07Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
Reduction of Risk Potential tests the PN's ability to spot complications early, interpret common lab and diagnostic findings, and act before harm occurs. Know common ranges: potassium 3.5-5.0 mEq/L, sodium 135-145 mEq/L, and INR 2-3 for most warfarin therapy.
290 words, about 1 min08Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation
Physiological Adaptation tests the PN's ability to care for clients with acute and chronic illness, recognize system changes, and respond to emergencies. Use ABCs: airway, breathing, circulation.
316 words, about 2 min09Professional Practice and Ethical/Legal Responsibilities
Professional Practice and Ethical/Legal Responsibilities tests the PN's scope of practice, client advocacy, confidentiality, consent, and accountability. The Nurse Practice Act defines PN scope; practice under supervision and follow state rules.
281 words, about 1 min