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 client on TPN (total parenteral nutrition) via a central line has blood glucose of 380 mg/dL. The LPN should: → Notify the charge nurse and anticipate an order for insulin per sliding scale
2. A toddler is admitted with iron deficiency anemia. The LPN is teaching the parents about dietary iron sources. Which foods should be recommended? → Lean meats, fortified cereals, legumes, and dark leafy vegetables
3. A client with a history of hypertension presents with a blood pressure of 192/114 mmHg, severe headache, and blurred vision. The LPN recognizes this as: → Hypertensive emergency requiring immediate IV intervention
4. A client with Parkinson's disease is prescribed levodopa-carbidopa. The LPN should teach the client to: → Avoid vitamin B6 supplements which reduce levodopa effectiveness
5. A newborn has Apgar scores of 5 at 1 minute and 7 at 5 minutes. Based on these findings, the LPN should expect: → Some initial intervention at birth followed by continued monitoring as the infant improves
6. The LPN is caring for a client with a new diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Which nursing diagnosis takes the highest priority? → Risk for aspiration related to bulbar involvement
7. A client with hyperlipidemia asks about foods to reduce LDL cholesterol. The LPN should recommend: → Oatmeal, nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish
8. A client with hypertension is being discharged. Which dietary instruction is the priority? → Limit sodium intake to 2,300 mg/day or less
9. A client had a left-sided stroke with resulting right-sided hemiplegia. When assisting with meals, the LPN should: → Place food on the left side of the tray within the client's visual field
10. Which of the following is a non-pharmacological comfort measure that an LPN can implement to assist a client with anxiety and mild pain? → Applying a cold pack to the affected area.
11. An LPN is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection of heparin. Which of the following actions is appropriate for this procedure? → Administering the injection in the abdomen, at least 2 inches away from the umbilicus.
12. The nurse is teaching a client about taking sublingual nitroglycerin for angina. Which instruction is most important? → If pain persists after 3 doses 5 minutes apart, call 911
13. A client has a peripheral IV infusing. The nurse notices the infusion site is cool, pale, puffy, and non-painful. The LPN documents this as: → Infiltration
14. The LPN is preparing to administer an IV dose of adenosine for SVT. What is critical to know about this medication? → It is given as a rapid IV push followed immediately by a saline flush
15. A client post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) has a mediastinal drainage tube with output of 300 mL in the past hour. The LPN should: → Immediately notify the charge nurse
16. A client with heart failure has crackles in the bilateral lung bases, 3+ pitting edema, and a weight gain of 5 lb in 2 days. These findings indicate: → Decompensated heart failure with fluid overload
17. What is the primary role of a nurse in patient care? → To assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care
18. When removing an adherent wound dressing, which technique best minimizes patient discomfort and tissue trauma? → Moisten the dressing with normal saline to loosen adhesion before removal
19. A client with a recent MI is started on carvedilol. The LPN knows this medication is used to: → Reduce myocardial oxygen demand and prevent ventricular remodeling
20. The LPN is monitoring a laboring client and notes late decelerations on the fetal monitor. What is the appropriate intervention? → Reposition the client to her left side, administer oxygen, and stop Pitocin
21. When performing wound irrigation, which pressure range effectively removes debris without causing tissue damage? → 4–15 psi
22. A client is receiving potassium chloride (KCl) 40 mEq IV. The LPN knows that this infusion must: → Never exceed a rate of 10–20 mEq/hour for peripheral IV infusion
23. A client is admitted with influenza and is placed on droplet precautions. Which of the following interventions is a required component of droplet precautions? → Wearing a surgical mask when working within 3 feet of the client.
24. Which of the following clients is at the highest risk for developing accidental hypothermia? → An 82-year-old client with hypothyroidism who lives in a poorly heated home.
25. Which finding in a client taking spironolactone for heart failure requires immediate reporting? → Serum potassium of 5.8 mEq/L
26. A client at 28 weeks gestation with preterm labor is prescribed betamethasone. The LPN understands this medication is given to: → Accelerate fetal lung maturity by stimulating surfactant production
27. The LPN is preparing to administer an IV dose of adenosine for SVT. What is critical to know about this medication? → It is given as a rapid IV push followed immediately by a saline flush
28. What is the role of the nurse in medication administration? → To prepare, administer, and educate about medications
29. What should a nurse do before administering medication to a patient? → Verify identity, order, allergies, dosage, and route
30. A client recovering from a stroke develops left-sided neglect. The LPN documents this as the client's: → Unawareness and inattention to stimuli on the left side of the body