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Free NCLEX-RN Prioritization & Delegation Practice Questions

Management of Care — including prioritization and delegation — is heavily tested on the NCLEX-RN. These free questions build the clinical judgment the exam rewards.

Q1

The nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?

AA client awaiting discharge teaching
A client with a new report of shortness of breath
CA client requesting pain medication
DA client whose family has questions

RATIONALE

Using the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation), a new report of shortness of breath is a potential breathing problem and takes priority over comfort, teaching, or family concerns.

Q2

Which task is appropriate for the RN to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

AAssessing a new admission
Obtaining routine vital signs on a stable client
CAdministering oral medications
DDeveloping the plan of care

RATIONALE

UAP can perform routine, standardized tasks on stable clients, such as vital signs. Assessment, medication administration, and care planning require a licensed nurse and cannot be delegated to UAP.

Q3SATA

Which of these clients can the charge nurse safely assign to a newly licensed RN? Select all that apply.

A stable client with pneumonia on oral antibiotics
BA client 1 hour post-op returning from PACU
A client with well-controlled type 2 diabetes
DAn unstable client requiring frequent titration of IV vasopressors
A client awaiting routine morning labs

RATIONALE

New nurses should receive stable, predictable clients. Fresh post-op clients and unstable clients requiring titration of vasoactive drips need experienced nurses.

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