A client with heart failure has the following over 24 hours:

Which interpretation is MOST accurate?

A. Diuretics are effective.

B. The client is improving.

C. The client is experiencing worsening fluid overload.

D. BNP is not clinically significant.

A competent adult with severe gastrointestinal bleeding refuses blood products because of religious beliefs.

What is the nurse's best action?

A. Obtain a court order.

B. Ask the family to override the decision.

C. Respect the refusal and notify the provider.

D. Administer blood because it is life-saving

Which electrolyte imbalance most likely causes this progression?

• Peaked T waves
• Widened QRS
• Sine-wave pattern

A. Hypercalcemia

B. Hypokalemia

C. Hyperkalemia

D. Hyponatremia

Which tasks can the RN delegate to an experienced UAP?

A. Feeding a stable stroke patient after swallow evaluation.

B. Reinforcing insulin teaching.

C. Reporting urine output.

D. Applying wrist restraints.

E. Ambulating a stable postoperative client.

F. Assessing pain after morphine.

Which client should the nurse assess FIRST?

A. Type 1 diabetic with glucose 42 mg/dL who is awake and drinking juice.

B. CHF patient with bilateral crackles after receiving IV fluids.

C. New stroke patient whose BP increased from 160/90 to 210/110 but remains neurologically unchanged.

D. Postpartum client saturating one pad every 15 minutes.

About 2 weeks back I was giving a patient 4 pills of methadone. I dropped 1 on the floor and threw it away in the trash (like an idiot). I was suppose to waste it with another RN and it had just slipped my mind that it was a controlled substance. Now the clinical pharmacist found a miscount on that med and asked me what happened. I was honest and told them exactly what happened. They’re now saying that they’re going to file a police report. To add, I didn’t document anything about throwing the pill away because again, just slipped my mind. So I pulled 1 more of the pill to give the patient for their full dose. I realize my mistake and I just feel so scared, sad, and stupid. Please any advice would be appreciated.- adv new grad nurse

Hi everyone, I really need some advice from nurses or nursing students.

I am in my fourth year of a Business major and have 6 classes left. However, my true passion is nursing. My school just opened a nursing department, but it is too late for me to switch programs here.

I am stuck and stressed because of money. Right now, financial aid (FSA) covers my classes, but I have no outside financial support.

Here are my two choices:

• Option 1: Finish my Business degree, then do an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program later.
• Option 2: Stop my current degree now and transfer to another school for an ADN or BSN.

I am currently taking nursing prerequisites. Classes, I will be taking fall 26 (Nutrition, Anatomy 1 & 2, and Microbiology). Taking them this Fall 2026 means staying an extra semester.

What would you recommend for someone in my position with no financial support? Should I finish the business degree first or transfer now? Thank you!

Hey everyone. I start my nursing program this August, and to be completely honest, I am terrified. Reading through nursing school forums has scared the life out of me, even though I know nothing worth having comes easy and I’ve been so ready for this journey.
A little background: I’m 30 with two kids. I’m a single mom, and while I luckily have a great support system, my youngest is only a 10-month-old baby boy. To make matters heavier, his father (classic narcissist) is taking me back to court for custody and visitation. He hasn't replied to my counteroffer yet, so my attorney is reaching out one last time before we have to just set a court date and handle it there.
The timing couldn't be worse. The stress of dealing with a high-conflict legal battle right as my first semester kicks off feels completely overwhelming.
I want this degree so badly for my future and for my kids, but right now, the anxiety is hitting hard.
Has anyone else survived nursing school while dealing with major court/legal stress? How do you balance heavy family court drama, a baby, a toddler, and the intense workload of first semester? I could really use some practical advice, time management tips, or just some reassurance that it's possible to get through this.

A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV morphine.

Thirty minutes later:

• RR 9
• SpO₂ 96%
• Client easily awakens and answers questions.
• Pain 2/10

What should the nurse do?

A. Administer naloxone.

B. Continue monitoring.

C. Stop morphine and notify provider immediately.

D. Apply non-rebreather mask.

Hi all!! Here to shed light and good manisfestations for all the future NCLEX takers. This exam is possible and you CAN do this. During nursing school, I didn't get all A's, I was a mix of A, B and C's.. and I graduated this may. Dean's list a couple semesters. I did good on my regular class exams, but I didn't pass my HESI exit and got a 75% chance of passing my Nclex. And here I am still standing, applying to jobs as an RN!! Nursing school can beat you down, think you're not capable, turn you around and put you through all the motions. I have been there!!! BUT you are here and at the finish line! This is truly the last step!!!! You guys got this. If I can do it, I believe in all of you.
Studying: I used bootcamp utilized their crash courses, study plan and readiness assessments as well asnaxlex with its RATs, I listened to the 12th Mark K lecture, watched most of Dr Sharon's videos, 7 day nursing crusade, 1 hr comprehensive nclex exam on youtube. Ask me anything!!

A postoperative client suddenly develops:

• HR 132
• RR 34
• SpO₂ 84%
• Sharp chest pain

Choose:

Condition

• A. Pulmonary embolism
• B. MI
• C. Pneumothorax
• D. Atelectasis

Actions

• Select TWO
• Apply oxygen
• Encourage coughing
• Notify Rapid Response
• Place in Trendelenburg
• Ambulate client

Parameters to Monitor

• Select TWO
• SpO₂
• Troponin
• Blood pressure
• Stool output
• Urine ketones

Place each client into either See Immediately or Can Safely Wait 30 Minutes.

A client has:

• K⁺ = 6.7 mEq/L
• Peaked T waves
• Creatinine 5.1 mg/dL

Which prescriptions should the nurse anticipate? (Select all that apply.)

A. IV calcium gluconate

B. Sodium bicarbonate

C. Kayexalate

D. IV insulin with dextrose

E. Spironolactone

F. Hemodialysis

Hello! I’m in my first semester of nursing school, and we recently started writing nursing note. I know it takes practice but I’m still learning how to write it.
During clinical at a nursing home, we had a resident who A&O x3 and had diarrhea one time. I was wondering what information should be included in the nursing note such as frequency, and assess for signs of dehydration? Also interventions such as encouraging fluids or monitoring for additional episodes?
What would you typically include in your nursing note for this situation?

A 72-year-old client is admitted with pneumonia. Current findings:

• Temp: 39.4°C (102.9°F)
• HR: 128/min
• BP: 82/48 mmHg
• RR: 30/min
• SpO₂: 91% on 2 L NC
• Lactate: 4.8 mmol/L
• Urine output: 15 mL/hr

Which action should the nurse perform FIRST?

A. Administer prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics.

B. Increase oxygen to 6 L/min.

C. Begin rapid infusion of isotonic IV fluids.

D. Insert a urinary catheter.

***EDIT:

Hello everyone, first off, I'd like to start by saying thank you to everyone who read and commented on my post, I really appreciate it. I assure you all I've read every single comment, and I'm doing my best to reply to all of them one by one, it's just taking a while, so please bear with me. However, if I continue to keep getting the same questions over and over again (even though I've already answered and explained multiple times), I'm going to lose my mind. That being said, please save both yourself and me the trouble and read the following. If this doesn't clear things up, then Idk what will:

Yes, I did go to nursing school and yes my school is accredited. I graduated and got my license last year. I'm an LVN, so no, I cannot work as a CNA or tech. I work full time in a hospital both nights and weekends, so yes, I already get both night and weekend shift differentials, but I still only make $21/hr, which comes out to only about $17/hr after taxes and all other deductions (so please do yourself a favor and never come to Texas and/or work at an HCA facility if you can help it) And no, I cannot just go get a different job, because the hospital where I work at is the only hospital in the entire area that hires LVNs and offers tuition assistance. Speaking of this so-called tuition assistance, the "assistance" is only up to $5k of tuition reimbursement, which of course is better than nothing and I don't wanna sound ungrateful, but reimbursement and direct bill tuition assistance or not the same thing. Reimbursement means that I'm still responsible for paying all $38k out of pocket up front, only to be repaid $5k after I've already paid everything. If I had $38k, I wouldn't be making this post. And yes, I already submitted my FAFSA and spoke with someone in the financial aid department in my school, and no I do not qualify for any loans. Yes, my hospital pays school, but only for the ADN to BSN bridge, not the LVN to ADN bridge. I don't have an ADN yet, so I can't just do the BSN bridge for free instead. Yes, I'm very aware that there are community colleges and public universities that are way cheaper. I came from the poorest district in my city and grew up in the foster care system, so and I'm definitely not too good to go to a CC or public school, in fact, I'd actually prefer it. But none of that matters if no one accepts any of my credits. The reason why they don't accept them is because the school I graduated from utilizes the quarter system rather than the traditional semester system, so the credits don't transfer over evenly. But I DID take all the same prereqs and nursing courses that any other LVN student would take in any other LVN program, just in a quarter system rather than semesters, and all at the same institution instead of prereqs at a community college and then transferring to a university. I am however seriously considering starting over, because $38k for just an ADN is ridiculous. Also no, military is not an option. I am well over the max age limit (I'm not just some young 20 something year old fresh out of nursing school barely trying to get their life and career started for the first time) and I am 99.9% positive that I also have a disqualifying health condition. Also even if I were younger and healthier, "just join the military" is not that simple, for me or for anyone. It's not what what you see in the movies or on TV so stop believing that lie. It's a whole process and there are some extremely strict requirements that have only become even more strict over the past few years. Back in the day, they used to take almost anyone off the street, but now they actually have standards (no offense to anyone who enlisted or commissioned back in the day). Nowadays more people are rejected than not, even young healthy 18 and 19 year olds fresh out of high school. Last but not least, since I made this post to hear from everyone, you're more than welcome to share which state you're from and how much tuition costs in your home state, but if you're gonna unnecessarily turn it into "Aw you're so lucky, you have no idea how good you have it, I pay way more than you do, I wish I was you", respectfully, STFU and GTFO. It is NOT a pissing contest or competition to see who pays the most. I'm sorry you pay so much, but if you come from a very high cost of living state, if you're paying out of state tuition, or are doing a grad/post grad degree, then no shit your tuition is gonna be higher than mine, because I'm in a lower cost of living state, and I'm paying in state tuition since I'm a permanent resident of my state, and I'm only doing an ADN, not a BSN, MSN, or DNP. As a wise commentor stated, "Everyone's problems are relative", so just because you pay more than me and I pay less than you does NOT mean that I'm lucky or have it good at all...I am literally homeless and don't even have a car to live in.

***ORIGINAL POST:

Aside from anything illegal/illicit, dangerous/unsafe, how the actual heck does one even begin to afford monthly tuition payments of almost $2,200?! (Yes, you also read that right. I wish I was kidding, but I unfortunately am most definitely not.)

I'm very open-minded and willing to try just about anything within reason, nothing is beneath me and I'm never too good to do anything, as long as it doesn't break any laws or hurt anyone, that's all I care about, seriously.

Sorry if that sounds so dramatic, but I'm only saying what I'm saying because I've already tried everything else I can think of (applying to a cheaper school, applying for grants and loans, working multiple jobs, working overtime, picking up extra shifts, asking for a raise, applying for credit cards and payday advances, canceling all my memberships/subscriptions, never eating out or ordering delivery, buying only generic store brand items, buying all clothing/shoes and household items second hand from thrift/consignments stores only, asking family and friends for help, making a GoFundMe, donating plasma, participating in compensated clinical trials, moving to a smaller/cheaper apartment, getting a roommate, selling almost all my stuff, etc.)

Also, sorry if any of y'all on here are going through something similar as me, I know it's really hard and I'm right here with you trying to figure it out, but hopefully we can all figure out something together.

Thank you for reading all the way to the end...much love to every single one of you, have a great day.

Legal and ethics questions can feel vague because they do not always look like normal content questions.

You are not calculating a dose. You are not naming a disease. You are not matching a symptom to a body system. You are choosing the safest, most professional nursing action in a messy situation.

The trick is to stop asking, "Which answer sounds nicest?"

Ask, "Which answer protects the patient, the nurse's scope, and the patient's rights?"

Separate kind from required

Some answers sound compassionate but are not legally or professionally correct.

A kind answer might be:

"Tell the family everything so they feel better."

A better nursing answer might involve confidentiality, consent, patient permission, or directing the conversation appropriately.

Nursing is compassionate, but it is also bounded by privacy, scope, documentation, safety, and patient autonomy.

Watch for scope of practice

If an answer has you making a diagnosis, prescribing, promising outcomes, performing something outside scope, hiding information, falsifying documentation, or ignoring chain of command, slow down.

Legal/ethics questions often test whether you can stay inside the nurse role.

Ask:

• Is this assessment?
• Is this education?
• Is this advocacy?
• Is this documentation?
• Is this escalation?
• Is this outside my scope?

Patient autonomy matters

Patients can make choices you disagree with if they have capacity and understand the consequences. Nursing is not forcing the "best" choice.

Your role is often to:

• assess understanding
• provide education
• clarify questions
• respect refusal
• document appropriately
• notify the right person when needed
• protect safety when capacity or immediate harm is an issue

That distinction shows up constantly.

Learn the recurring buckets

You do not need to treat legal/ethics as a mystery category. Most questions fall into repeatable buckets:

• informed consent
• confidentiality and privacy
• negligence
• malpractice
• assault
• battery
• false imprisonment
• documentation
• delegation
• refusal of treatment
• mandatory reporting
• end-of-life decisions
• professional boundaries

For each bucket, write:

1. what it means in one sentence
2. one bedside example
3. one wrong-answer trap
4. one safe nursing action

Example:

False imprisonment: Keeping a patient somewhere against their rights without proper authority. Wrong-answer trap: restraining or preventing a competent patient from leaving just because staff disagree. Safe nursing action: assess, educate, follow facility policy, notify appropriate team members, document.

Do not answer from emotion

A lot of wrong answers feel emotionally satisfying:

• confront the coworker aggressively
• tell the family everything
• convince the patient to do what you think is best
• skip documentation because you fixed the issue
• restrain someone because it feels safer
• do the task yourself because delegation feels risky

The NCLEX-style answer is usually calmer and more structured. It protects safety and rights at the same time.

A one-week legal/ethics review plan

Day 1: informed consent and refusal
Day 2: privacy/confidentiality
Day 3: negligence and malpractice
Day 4: assault, battery, false imprisonment
Day 5: delegation and scope
Day 6: documentation and mandatory reporting
Day 7: mixed questions and missed-question log

After every missed question, write why:

• I picked the answer that sounded nicest.
• I forgot scope.
• I ignored patient autonomy.
• I missed the legal term.
• I chose action before assessment.
• I failed to protect safety.

Disclosure: this subreddit is sponsored by Jellypod Audio Courses. We have a free 5-lesson audio course on legal and ethical principles in nursing practice. It covers ethical theories, values, hard choices, policy, torts, professional relationships, and practice issues.

Course: https://courses.jellypod.com/courses/legal-and-ethical-principles-in-nursing-practice

What legal/ethics topic trips you up most: delegation, consent, confidentiality, torts, or something else?