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. The cause of ___________ and _____________ is an aberrant rise in growth hormones. → Gigantism
2. Which of the following describe hyperthyroidism symptoms and signs? → All of the above
3. Which screening tool is most commonly used by nurses to assess for depression in adult clients? → PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9)
4. 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
5. 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.
6. When attempting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an unconscious adult, what is the initial course of action? → Call for help
7. Childhood WBCs aid in the battle against infection because they assist ________________ mature. → Thymosin
8. An RPN is assessing a newborn and observes acrocyanosis. Which of the following best describes this finding? → A bluish discoloration of the hands and feet.
9. Which symptom is classified as a POSITIVE symptom of schizophrenia? → Delusions
10. A nurse is performing a suicide risk assessment. Which factor represents the HIGHEST risk for a completed suicide attempt? → A specific plan with access to a lethal method
11. An RPN must enter the room of a client on Droplet Precautions for influenza. What is the minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for routine care? → A procedure/surgical mask and eye protection.
12. A client with schizophrenia reports hearing voices telling them to harm others. What is the nurse's priority intervention? → Ensure the safety of the client and others by following facility protocols
13. An RPN is completing an admission assessment on a new client. Which of the following is the best example of objective data? → The client's respiratory rate is 24 breaths per minute and slightly labored.
14. When a patient appears to have suffered a head injury, what should be done first? → Check for responsiveness.
15. What is the first course of action for a patient who has overdosed on opioids? → Administer naloxone
16. Which of the following statements by an RPN best demonstrates the concept of empathy in a therapeutic nurse-client relationship? → "This must be a very difficult and frightening experience for you."
17. In what way is the head of a patient who may have had a spinal injury supposed to be positioned? → Maintain a neutral head posture.
18. Which of the following actions by an RPN is the MOST effective way to break the chain of infection at the 'mode of transmission' link? → Performing diligent hand hygiene between all client encounters.
19. A client with generalized anxiety disorder is taught diaphragmatic breathing. What is the primary goal of this technique? → Activate the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce physiological arousal
20. How should an automated external defibrillator (AED) be used correctly? → Make sure the patient is not touched while receiving shock therapy.
21. When providing foot care education to a client with type 2 diabetes, which of the following instructions is most crucial for the RPN to emphasize? → Visually inspect the entire surface of both feet every day.
22. Which defense mechanism is a client using when they say, 'My coworker is the one who is always angry, not me'? → Projection
23. A client with dementia becomes increasingly confused and agitated after sundown each evening. The nurse documents this as: → Sundowner's syndrome (sundowning)
24. What ratio of breathing to compression is ideal for adult CPR? → 30 compressions to 1 ventilation
25. Which of the following represents a correctly formulated nursing diagnosis? → Risk for Infection related to surgical incision.
26. When an RPN collaborates with a client to establish goals for their plan of care, which principle is essential for creating an effective goal statement? → The goal must be measurable and include a specific timeframe for achievement.
27. Which component is included in a comprehensive Mental Status Examination (MSE)? → Appearance, behavior, mood, affect, thought process, cognition, and insight
28. A client with major depressive disorder states, 'There is no point in anything anymore.' Which nursing response is most therapeutic? → 'It sounds like you are feeling hopeless. Can you tell me more?'
29. Which neurotransmitter deficiency is most closely associated with major depressive disorder? → Serotonin deficiency
30. According to the principles of Routine Practices, when is it mandatory for an RPN to perform hand hygiene? → Before initial client contact and after contact with the client's environment.