RPN Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A nurse prepares to perform a urinary catheter insertion. Which action is essential to prevent CAUTI? → Maintain a closed drainage system and keep the bag below bladder level
2. A nurse is caring for a client in preterm labor at 30 weeks who is receiving a betamethasone injection. What is the primary purpose of this medication? → Accelerate fetal lung maturity by stimulating surfactant production
3. An RPN signs off on care they did not personally perform in order to help a busy colleague. This constitutes: → Falsification of medical records, a form of fraud
4. A nurse discovers a patient on the floor after a fall. After calling for help, the nurse's next priority action is to: → Assess the patient for injury before moving them
5. Which is the safest method to confirm a patient's identity before medication administration? → Use two patient identifiers such as name and date of birth
6. Which action is required when wasting a controlled substance that was not fully administered? → Document the amount wasted and have a second nurse witness and co-sign
7. During which phase of the therapeutic relationship is the nurse most focused on reviewing accomplishments and managing feelings about ending? → Termination phase
8. Which nursing action is MOST effective in preventing hospital-acquired pressure injuries in an immobile patient? → Repositioning the patient at least every 2 hours
9. A nurse is teaching a patient with hypertension about lifestyle modifications. Which instruction has the greatest impact on blood pressure reduction? → Follow the DASH diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy
10. When performing postural drainage for a patient with secretions in the right lower lobe, what position should the nurse use? → Left lateral with foot of bed elevated
11. The cause of ___________ and _____________ is an aberrant rise in growth hormones. → Gigantism
12. A nurse must perform a sterile dressing change. Which action breaks sterile technique? → Reaching across the sterile field to retrieve supplies
13. A nurse is caring for a patient with Clostridium difficile (C. diff). Which PPE is required upon entering the room? → Gown and gloves
14. A nurse is preparing to ambulate a patient for the first time after three days of bed rest. Which action should the nurse take FIRST? → Have the patient sit upright at the bedside for several minutes before standing
15. Which of the following describe hyperthyroidism symptoms and signs? → All of the above
16. A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) asks why they should avoid sunlight. The nurse's best response is: → Sunlight causes photosensitivity and can trigger disease flares
17. A nurse applies wrist restraints to a confused patient. How often must the nurse re-evaluate and document the patient's response to the restraint? → Every 2 hours
18. Which screening tool is most commonly used by nurses to assess for depression in adult clients? → PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9)
19. Which statement best describes the legal concept of 'standard of care' as it applies to RPNs? → The level of care a reasonably competent RPN would provide in similar circumstances
20. A nurse is caring for a trauma patient who develops Beck's triad (hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and jugular venous distension). The nurse should suspect: → Cardiac tamponade
21. A patient with heart failure reports waking up at night feeling short of breath. This symptom is called: → Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
22. An RPN notices that a colleague has been charting vital signs without actually taking them. The RPN should FIRST: → Report the observation to the nurse manager or appropriate supervisor
23. A client asks the RPN, 'Do you think I should leave my husband?' The BEST therapeutic response is: → "That's a significant decision. What are your thoughts about it?"
24. A patient with Parkinson's disease has difficulty swallowing. Which nursing intervention best reduces aspiration risk? → Offer thickened liquids and small bite-sized foods
25. A patient with Crohn's disease is experiencing a flare. Which dietary approach is typically recommended during active disease? → Low-residue diet with small, frequent meals
26. A patient wearing a vest restraint needs to be repositioned. The nurse should: → Remove the restraint, reposition the patient, then reapply
27. A nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder who is in a manic phase. Which nursing intervention is the priority? → Provide a calm, low-stimulation environment and ensure adequate rest
28. A patient with Type 1 diabetes is found unresponsive with a blood glucose of 38 mg/dL. What is the nurse's first action? → Administer IV dextrose 50% as ordered
29. To promote a therapeutic environment, the RPN should schedule client interactions: → At consistent, pre-agreed times to build trust and predictability
30. Which of the following actions by an RPN demonstrates correct principles of body mechanics when preparing to transfer a client from a bed to a wheelchair? → Raising the bed to a comfortable working height.