SNLE Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which level of Maslow's hierarchy must be met before safety needs can be addressed? → Physiological needs (food, water, shelter, air)
2. What is the correct PPE for entering a room with a patient on droplet precautions? → Surgical mask, gloves, and eye protection for close contact within 1 meter
3. Which position is most appropriate for a patient experiencing respiratory distress? → High Fowler's position (60–90 degrees)
4. Which therapeutic communication technique is most appropriate when a patient states 'I feel like nobody cares about me'? → Reflect feelings: 'It sounds like you are feeling very alone right now.'
5. Adequate postoperative protein intake is most critical for which physiological purpose? → Supporting wound healing and maintaining immune function
6. What is 'bioavailability' of a drug? → The fraction of an administered dose that reaches systemic circulation unchanged
7. Which observation indicates a toddler is experiencing normal separation anxiety? → Crying when the parent leaves but calming with a substitute caregiver
8. What is the normal range for adult body temperature measured orally? → 36.5–37.5°C (97.7–99.5°F)
9. What is the recommended frequency for repositioning bedridden patients to prevent pressure ulcers? → Every 2 hours
10. A patient with major depressive disorder refuses to get out of bed and states 'What is the point?' Which nursing diagnosis is the priority? → Risk for self-directed violence related to hopelessness
11. Which anthropometric measurement is used to estimate stature in elderly or bedridden patients when standing height cannot be obtained? → Knee height
12. A patient with chronic kidney disease is placed on a renal diet. Which nutrient is most commonly restricted? → Potassium, phosphorus, and sodium
13. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR? → 30:2
14. What is the primary purpose of the nursing diagnosis in the nursing process? → To identify actual or potential patient health problems that nurses can treat
15. Which method is used to test whether an autoclave has achieved sterilization? → Biological indicators (Geobacillus stearothermophilus spore strips)
16. The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) evaluates a patient based on which three components? → BMI, unintentional weight loss, and acute disease effect on intake
17. What is the normal range for adult serum sodium? → 135–145 mEq/L
18. Which medication requires a daily weight to be taken and reported? → Digoxin and diuretics
19. What concentration of alcohol-based handrub is effective against most healthcare pathogens? → 60–80% alcohol (ethanol or isopropanol)
20. A child with asthma is having a severe attack. Which medication is given first? → Short-acting beta-2 agonist (salbutamol/albuterol) via nebulizer
21. What is the normal range for adult respiratory rate? → 12–20 breaths per minute
22. What is the purpose of using a draw sheet when repositioning a patient? → To reduce friction and shear on the skin during repositioning
23. What does 'NPO' mean in a clinical context? → Nothing by mouth (nil per os)
24. What does a hemodynamic reading of CVP 2 mmHg indicate? → Hypovolemia (low intravascular volume) requiring fluid resuscitation
25. What is the primary goal of nasogastric tube decompression after abdominal surgery? → Remove gas and fluids to prevent abdominal distension and vomiting
26. A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic renal failure. Which dietary modification is most critical? → Restrict potassium and phosphorus
27. A patient has a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 45 mg/dL and creatinine of 3.2 mg/dL. What condition does this suggest? → Renal impairment
28. A patient has been involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric unit. Which right is retained? → The right to be treated with dignity and to communicate with an attorney
29. Which vaccine is mandatory for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah? → Meningococcal vaccine (ACWY)
30. Which statement by a patient taking MAO inhibitors requires immediate intervention? → 'I had red wine and cheese with dinner tonight.'