PSB-PN Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which blood type is known as the universal donor for red blood cell transfusions? → O negative
2. The trachea is a component of which body system? → Respiratory system
3. What distinguishes quality assurance from quality control? → QA is proactive and process-focused; QC is reactive and product-focused
4. How long should professional records typically be retained? → According to applicable laws, regulations, and organizational retention policies
5. What is active listening in a professional context? → Fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said
6. A patient has a pressure injury that shows a shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed and no slough. This is classified as which stage? → Stage II
7. How often should compliance procedures be reviewed and updated? → Regularly, and whenever regulations change or new risks are identified
8. Why is regular risk reassessment important? → Because the risk landscape changes as conditions, activities, and environments evolve
9. What defines a "best practice" in professional settings? → A method or technique that has consistently shown superior results through evidence
10. What is the most important element of effective professional communication? → Clarity and accuracy of the message tailored to the audience
11. A practical nurse is performing tracheostomy care. How should the inner cannula be cleaned? → Soak in hydrogen peroxide, then rinse with normal saline
12. How many bones does the average adult human skeleton contain? → 206
13. Why is it important to document and standardize best practices? → To ensure consistency, enable training, and facilitate continuous improvement
14. What is the primary purpose of industry regulations in this field? → To protect the public and ensure consistent professional standards
15. A practical nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication to a patient who is having difficulty swallowing. The FIRST action should be to: → Contact the prescribing provider to request an alternative form
16. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are produced in which location in healthy adults? → Red bone marrow
17. What is a key performance indicator (KPI) in quality management? → A measurable value that demonstrates how effectively objectives are being achieved
18. Which risk response strategy involves reducing the likelihood or impact of a risk? → Risk mitigation
19. Which organ is considered the largest organ of the human body? → Skin
20. How many chambers does the human heart have? → Four
21. When performing a bed bath for a patient, the practical nurse should wash in which order to prevent cross-contamination? → Face first, then move downward toward the feet
22. When applying a nitroglycerin transdermal patch, the practical nurse should: → Remove the old patch and rotate to a new hairless skin site
23. The practical nurse is preparing to apply a sequential compression device (SCD) to a post-operative patient. The PRIMARY purpose of SCDs is to: → Prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
24. When a patient is ordered to receive a subcutaneous heparin injection, the practical nurse should administer it at which angle? → 45–90 degrees
25. What does "informed consent" require in professional practice? → Providing complete, understandable information so individuals can make voluntary decisions
26. A patient is receiving IV potassium chloride. The practical nurse knows that IV potassium must NEVER be administered: → Undiluted as a direct IV push
27. What is the normal oral body temperature for an adult in degrees Fahrenheit? → 98.6°F
28. What is the foundation of professional ethics in this field? → Acting in the best interest of stakeholders while maintaining integrity
29. Which position is MOST appropriate for a patient experiencing difficulty breathing (dyspnea)? → High Fowler's (head of bed elevated 60–90°)
30. When measuring a patient's urinary output, the practical nurse should record the amount in which unit? → Milliliters (mL)