LVN Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. The LVN is preparing to give an enteric-coated tablet. Which action is correct? → Administer it whole without crushing or chewing
2. Which finding is characteristic of scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency? → Bleeding gums and perifollicular hemorrhages
3. A nurse notes that a surgical wound has separated along the suture line with intestines visible through the opening. This is termed: → Evisceration
4. A patient is ordered acetaminophen 650 mg PO q6h PRN for pain. Available are 325 mg tablets. How many tablets should the LVN administer per dose? → 2 tablets
5. When administering erythromycin ophthalmic ointment to a newborn, which is the correct technique? → Apply to the inner lower conjunctival sac from inner to outer canthus
6. A nurse is teaching a client about signs of postpartum depression (PPD). Which symptom most distinguishes PPD from baby blues? → Persistent feelings of worthlessness and inability to care for the infant lasting >2 weeks
7. Which characteristic distinguishes a partial-thickness wound from a full-thickness wound? → Partial-thickness wounds involve only the epidermis and possibly dermis
8. When performing range-of-motion exercises on a patient's shoulder, the nurse moves the arm in a large circle. This motion is called: → Circumduction
9. Which action by an LVN best demonstrates accountability in a team setting? → Documenting an error and reporting it through proper channels
10. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of left-sided heart failure? → Pulmonary crackles (rales)
11. What term refers to the failure to provide reasonable care resulting in harm? → Negligence
12. An LVN is administering a subcutaneous injection of insulin. At what angle should the needle be inserted for a patient with average adipose tissue? → Either 45 or 90 degrees depending on tissue depth
13. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for nutrition & diet therapy in LVN practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
14. The nurse is caring for a client with severe preeclampsia receiving magnesium sulfate. Which finding requires immediate intervention? → Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min
15. A patient with congestive heart failure is placed on a 2-gram sodium diet. Which food should the patient AVOID? → Canned soup
16. Which respiratory pattern alternates between cycles of increasing depth, decreasing depth, and apnea, commonly seen in heart failure and CNS disorders? → Cheyne-Stokes respiration
17. An LVN is asked by a physician to perform a task outside the LVN's scope of practice. The LVN should: → Refuse and explain that the task is outside their scope of practice
18. An LVN observes a colleague consistently arriving late, causing others to cover. The best professional response is to: → Discuss the concern with the colleague directly and respectfully
19. The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum. Which intervention takes priority? → Administer IV fluid and electrolyte replacement
20. Which nutritional concern is most prevalent in elderly long-term care residents? → Dehydration and malnutrition
21. Which leadership style involves the leader making all decisions without input from the team? → Autocratic
22. Which solution is hypertonic and draws fluid from cells into the vascular space? → 3% NaCl
23. A patient's family member asks why the nurse wears gloves when providing personal care even though the patient has no known infection. Which best explains this? → Standard precautions treat all body fluids as potentially infectious
24. Which approach to task prioritization is most effective for an LVN managing a high patient load? → Prioritize tasks by patient acuity and time sensitivity
25. What is the best way to verify a patient’s identity before administering medication? → Verify full name and date of birth
26. A nurse removes an N95 respirator after caring for a patient with TB. Which is the correct removal technique? → Lift the bottom strap over the head first, then the top strap
27. A patient with schizophrenia states, 'The television is sending me secret messages.' The LVN should document this as: → A delusion of reference
28. A newborn has an Apgar score of 4 at 1 minute. What is the priority nursing action? → Begin positive pressure ventilation
29. In the context of LVN certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing wound care & dressing techniques? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
30. Which practice best reduces the risk of catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) when maintaining a central line? → Use strict aseptic technique and chlorhexidine for site care