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. Which of the following is an example of objective documentation? → 'Patient reports pain 7/10; grimaces with movement; heart rate 102 bpm.'
3. 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
4. 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
5. A nurse documents a patient's intake and output (I&O). Which patient population makes accurate I&O documentation most critical? → Patients with fluid and electrolyte imbalances or renal failure
6. 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
7. 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
8. Before administering a new medication, the RPN is uncertain about the correct dose. What is the safest action? → Consult a current drug reference or contact the pharmacist before administration
9. The RPN is developing a care plan for a post-surgical client. Which component of the nursing diagnosis identifies the cause of the problem? → Related factor (etiology)
10. 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
11. During which phase of the therapeutic relationship is the nurse most focused on reviewing accomplishments and managing feelings about ending? → Termination phase
12. Which nursing action is MOST effective in preventing hospital-acquired pressure injuries in an immobile patient? → Repositioning the patient at least every 2 hours
13. 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
14. 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
15. A client is admitted with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which assessment finding is MOST consistent with this diagnosis? → Unilateral calf pain, warmth, and redness
16. The nurse's use of 'self-disclosure' in a therapeutic context is BEST described as: → Sharing brief, purposeful personal information only when it benefits the client
17. The cause of ___________ and _____________ is an aberrant rise in growth hormones. → Gigantism
18. A nurse must perform a sterile dressing change. Which action breaks sterile technique? → Reaching across the sterile field to retrieve supplies
19. A nurse is caring for a patient with Clostridium difficile (C. diff). Which PPE is required upon entering the room? → Gown and gloves
20. 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
21. Which of the following describe hyperthyroidism symptoms and signs? → All of the above
22. 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
23. 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
24. A nurse is using the DAR charting format. What does the 'R' in DAR stand for? → Response
25. Which screening tool is most commonly used by nurses to assess for depression in adult clients? → PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9)
26. Which assessment technique is used to detect fluid in the lungs (consolidation)? → Auscultation
27. 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
28. 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
29. A patient with heart failure reports waking up at night feeling short of breath. This symptom is called: → Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
30. Which of the following BEST describes 'transference' in the context of a therapeutic nurse-client relationship? → The client unconsciously redirects feelings from past relationships onto the nurse