NACE Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A nurse observes that a patient's Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain has changed from serosanguineous to bright red output. What should the nurse do? → Notify the surgeon, as this may indicate active bleeding
2. A registered nurse is delegating tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which task is appropriate to delegate? → Measuring and recording vital signs on a stable patient
3. Which of the following actions by a nurse represents a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)? → Accessing the electronic health record of a neighbor who is a patient on a different unit.
4. A PN-RN is providing anticipatory guidance to parents of a 2-year-old. Which developmental milestone should the nurse expect the child to have achieved? → Using a spoon with some spilling
5. Which immunization is recommended for all adults aged 65 and older to prevent pneumococcal disease? → PPSV23 (Pneumovax)
6. Which vital sign change should the nurse report immediately to the healthcare provider? → Blood pressure of 88/52 mmHg
7. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an adult. Which site accommodates the largest volume of medication? → Ventrogluteal site
8. A nurse suspects that an elderly patient is being financially exploited by a family member. What is the nurse's legal obligation? → Report the suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services
9. Which IV solution is considered isotonic and is commonly used for fluid replacement? → 0.9% Normal Saline (NS)
10. A competent adult patient refuses a recommended surgical procedure after being fully informed of the risks and benefits. What should the nurse document? → That the patient was informed and voluntarily refused, including the information provided
11. Which electrolyte is primarily responsible for maintaining cardiac rhythm and muscle function? → Potassium
12. The is measured using peak flow meters. → highest airflow during forced exhalation.
13. A patient is prescribed a clear liquid diet. Which item is appropriate for this diet? → Apple juice
14. A nurse is caring for a patient in septic shock. Which set of vital signs is most consistent with early (warm) septic shock? → BP 80/40, HR 120, Temp 103 degrees F, warm flushed skin
15. Which principle requires nurses to treat all patients equally regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or personal beliefs? → Justice
16. Which laboratory value requires the nurse to hold the next dose of warfarin and notify the provider? → INR of 5.8
17. Which assessment is most important before administering digoxin? → Apical heart rate for one full minute
18. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for preventing hospital-acquired pressure injuries? → Performing regular skin assessments using the Braden Scale
19. Which clinical finding is most consistent with severe dehydration in an adult patient? → Poor skin turgor and concentrated urine
20. A nurse is teaching a client about colon cancer screening. At what age should average-risk adults begin colorectal cancer screening? → 45 years
21. A patient with diabetes insipidus has a urine specific gravity of 1.001 and urinary output of 8 L/day. Which medication does the nurse anticipate administering? → Desmopressin (DDAVP)
22. A patient with diabetes mellitus has a fasting blood glucose of 52 mg/dL and is conscious. What is the nurse's priority intervention? → Give 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate orally
23. A nurse is preparing a client for a procedure that requires informed consent. The client states they don't understand the risks. What should the nurse do? → Notify the physician to re-explain the procedure to the client
24. A nurse notes that a patient's peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) reads 85%. What is the priority nursing intervention? → Apply supplemental oxygen and assess the patient
25. What is the main responsibility of young adults, according to Erikson? → intimacy versus isolation.
26. A registered nurse is delegating tasks to a nursing assistant (NA). Which task is appropriate to delegate to the NA? → Measuring and recording urine output for a stable client
27. A nurse is providing hygiene care to an unconscious client. Which action is essential to prevent injury? → Having another staff member present to help with turning and positioning.
28. A nurse is caring for a patient who speaks a different language. What is the most appropriate action to ensure effective communication? → Arrange for a certified medical interpreter
29. A patient reports pain at a level of 7 on a 0-10 scale following surgery. Which non-pharmacological intervention can the nurse implement independently? → Apply guided imagery and relaxation techniques
30. A nurse is developing a plan of care for an older adult client at risk for pressure injuries. Which of the following interventions should be included? → Keeping the skin clean and dry and using a moisturizer.