LPN Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield LPN facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A patient cannot swallow oral medications due to dysphagia. Which alternative route is most appropriate for analgesic delivery? → Rectal suppository or IV route per order
2. Before administering a bolus enteral feeding via a nasogastric (NG) tube, what is the LPN's priority action? → Check for gastric residual volume.
3. Which non-pharmacological intervention is most appropriate for a patient experiencing mild musculoskeletal pain? → Applying a warm compress to the affected area
4. The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale is primarily designed for which patient population? → Children and patients who have difficulty with numeric scales
5. Which of the following best describes how doctors listen for bowel sounds? → Auscultation
6. An LPN is reviewing the morning labs for a patient and notes a serum potassium level of 6.1 mEq/L. What is the LPN's priority action? → Immediately notify the RN or healthcare provider
7. A patient taking NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) long-term should be monitored for which complication? → Gastrointestinal bleeding and renal impairment
8. What is women's studies? → Gynecology
9. A nurse is evaluating a client's understanding about the risk for cancer. Which of the following client statements indicates the need for further teaching? → I used to smoke but switched to chewing tobacco 3 years ago
10. Which breath sound indicates the presence of fluid in the alveoli or small airways? → Crackles (rales)
11. What condition slows down metabolic rate? → Hypothyroidism
12. What is the most reliable method for confirming the initial placement of a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube? → Obtaining a chest X-ray
13. Choose the healthcare team member whose primary responsibility corresponds to one of this team member's. → Speech and language therapist: The treatment of swallowing disorders
14. What is the correct positioning for a female patient during urinary catheterization? → Dorsal recumbent position with knees bent and thighs separated
15. An infection of a vein clot. → Thrombophlebitis
16. The unusual circumstance with blue extremities. → Acrocyanosis
17. What are the following hyperthyroidism warning signs and symptoms? → Cold Clammy Skin and Dry Skin
18. After a thoracentesis, which assessment finding requires the LPN to report immediately to the physician? → Sudden onset of dyspnea and tracheal deviation
19. Due to the maturity of ________________, WBCs in children aid in the battle against infection. → Thymosin
20. What is the most reliable early indicator of respiratory distress in an adult patient? → Restlessness and anxiety
21. What exactly are gonads? → Testis and Ovaries
22. For inactive elderly men, active adult women, and kids, the suggested daily calorie intake is: → 2000 calories
23. What one of the following is not a contributing cause to wound dehiscence? → Allergic reaction to sutures
24. A brain inflammation. → Encephalitis
25. Which nursing intervention best helps reduce pain and anxiety during a painful dressing change? → Administering PRN analgesic 30 minutes before the procedure
26. A patient refuses pain medication despite rating pain at 7/10. What is the appropriate nursing action? → Document the refusal, explore the patient's concerns, and notify the RN
27. Which statement best describes the 'Right Task' according to the Five Rights of Delegation? → The task is repetitive, non-invasive, and has a predictable outcome.
28. Which oxygen delivery device provides the most precise and controlled oxygen concentration? → Venturi mask
29. Surgical removal of the kidney → Nephrectomy
30. A client is receiving continuous enteral feeding. To prevent aspiration, the LPN should ensure the head of the bed is maintained at what minimum elevation? → 30 degrees