100+ Free NLN ACE PN-RN Practice Questions

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An LPN bridging to RN is collecting an admission history. Which finding is the most important to document and report first?

Patient prefers a vegetarian diet

Patient reports new-onset chest pain rated 8/10

Patient takes a daily multivitamin at home

Patient walks two blocks daily for exercise

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NLN ACE PN-RN Exam

100

Questions

NLN

2.5 hrs

Time Limit

NLN

$86 / $70

Remote / In-Person Fee

NLN

Maximum Attempts

NLN policy

29%

Largest Domain (Implementation)

NLN content outline

0-200

Score Scale

NLN

The NLN ACE I PN-RN: Foundations of Nursing exam is a 100-question, 2.5-hour standardized challenge exam that licensed practical nurses (LPNs/LVNs) take to earn college credit when bridging into RN programs. Content is organized around the nursing process: Assessment (24%), Planning (24%), Implementation (29%), and Evaluation (23%). NLN does not set the passing cut score - each nursing program defines its own minimum (commonly 100-120 on the 0-200 scale). Each NLN exam may be attempted up to three times.

Sample NLN ACE PN-RN Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NLN ACE PN-RN exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1An LPN bridging to RN is collecting an admission history. Which finding is the most important to document and report first?

A.Patient prefers a vegetarian diet

B.Patient reports new-onset chest pain rated 8/10

C.Patient takes a daily multivitamin at home

D.Patient walks two blocks daily for exercise

Explanation: New-onset 8/10 chest pain is a potentially life-threatening symptom that demands immediate assessment, vital signs, ECG, and provider notification. Per ABCs and Maslow's, circulatory and oxygenation problems take priority over routine intake data.

2Which technique is correct when assessing the abdomen?

A.Palpate before auscultation to localize tenderness

B.Inspect, auscultate, percuss, then palpate

C.Percuss first to assess for tympany

D.Begin with deep palpation in all four quadrants

Explanation: The abdomen is the only body region assessed in the order Inspect, Auscultate, Percuss, Palpate. Auscultating before palpation prevents stimulation of bowel sounds, which would alter the auscultatory findings.

3An adult client's blood pressure is 138/86 mm Hg on routine assessment. According to current ACC/AHA guidelines, this reading is best classified as:

A.Normal

B.Elevated

C.Stage 1 hypertension

D.Stage 2 hypertension

Explanation: ACC/AHA classifies BP as Normal (<120/<80), Elevated (120-129/<80), Stage 1 hypertension (130-139 or 80-89), and Stage 2 (>=140 or >=90). 138/86 falls within Stage 1.

4Which finding obtained during a head-to-toe assessment is the priority concern?

A.Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min in a postoperative client

B.Sinus rhythm with rate of 78 beats/min

C.Bowel sounds present in all four quadrants

D.Capillary refill less than 3 seconds in the fingers

Explanation: A respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min indicates respiratory depression, especially concerning after surgery when opioid-induced hypoventilation is common. Airway and breathing problems are immediate priorities.

5When assessing a client's pain, which approach is most appropriate?

A.Estimate the pain level based on observed behavior

B.Use the client's self-report as the primary indicator

C.Compare the client's pain to other clients with similar diagnoses

D.Rely on vital sign changes to determine severity

Explanation: Pain is what the client says it is. Self-report is the gold standard for pain assessment in any client able to communicate, regardless of behavior or vital signs.

6A client reports a productive cough with thick green sputum. Which additional assessment data is most important to obtain?

A.Family history of asthma

B.Oxygen saturation and lung sounds

C.Childhood immunization history

D.Dietary preferences

Explanation: Productive green sputum suggests possible respiratory infection. Oxygen saturation and auscultation of lung sounds yield immediate physiologic data essential to identify hypoxemia, adventitious sounds, or consolidation.

7Which client behavior best supports a finding of effective coping during an admission interview?

A.Refuses to discuss diagnosis or feelings

B.Identifies social supports and uses problem-solving strategies

C.Reports increased alcohol use to manage stress

D.Expresses no concerns about hospitalization despite recent loss

Explanation: Effective coping is demonstrated by identifying support systems and using problem-focused strategies. This indicates adaptive psychosocial functioning.

8When obtaining an orthostatic blood pressure measurement, the nurse should:

A.Take readings only when the client is supine

B.Measure BP and pulse supine, then sitting, then standing with at least 1-3 minutes between positions

C.Measure BP standing first, then sitting

D.Take three measurements in the same position 5 minutes apart

Explanation: Orthostatic vital signs are obtained supine, then sitting, then standing, with 1-3 minutes between position changes. A drop of 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic, or a sustained pulse increase of >=20 bpm, indicates orthostatic hypotension.

9Which sign indicates fluid volume deficit in an adult client?

A.Bounding pulse and bibasilar crackles

B.Distended neck veins at 45 degrees

C.Dry mucous membranes and urine specific gravity 1.035

D.Pitting edema in the lower extremities

Explanation: Dry mucous membranes and concentrated urine (specific gravity >1.030) reflect fluid volume deficit. Other classic signs include weight loss, tachycardia, hypotension, and decreased skin turgor.

10While assessing a postpartum client 2 hours after vaginal birth, the nurse notes a boggy uterus displaced to the right. The most likely cause is:

A.Retained placental fragments

B.A full bladder

C.Postpartum hemorrhage

D.Uterine rupture

Explanation: A full bladder is the most common cause of a uterus that is displaced (usually to the right of midline) and boggy in the early postpartum period. Bladder distention prevents the uterus from contracting and increases bleeding risk.

About the NLN ACE PN-RN Exam

The NLN ACE I PN-RN Foundations of Nursing exam is a credit-by-exam used by LPN-to-RN bridge programs. It awards prior-learning credit so LPN/LVN graduates can skip introductory nursing coursework and accelerate the RN curriculum.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours 30 minutes

Passing Score

Set by institution (typical cut score 100-120 on 0-200 scale)

Exam Fee

$86 remote / $70 in-person (NLN (National League for Nursing))

NLN ACE PN-RN Exam Content Outline

24%

Assessment

Data collection, physical assessment, vital signs, psychosocial and cultural assessment, and prioritization of findings

24%

Planning

Nursing diagnoses, SMART outcomes, prioritization (Maslow/ABCs), delegation, and interdisciplinary discharge planning

29%

Implementation

Safe medication administration, infection control, mobility, oxygenation, wound care, and emergency response

23%

Evaluation

Comparing client response with expected outcomes, lab interpretation, teach-back, and revising the care plan

How to Pass the NLN ACE PN-RN Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Set by institution (typical cut score 100-120 on 0-200 scale)
Exam length: 100 questions
Time limit: 2 hours 30 minutes
Exam fee: $86 remote / $70 in-person

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NLN ACE PN-RN Study Tips from Top Performers

1Anchor every question to the nursing process - Assessment > Planning > Implementation > Evaluation - the exam is built on it

2Master Maslow's hierarchy and ABC priorities - prioritization questions are the largest single source of missed points

3Drill dosage calculations, IV drip rates, and the rights of medication administration daily

4Memorize core lab values (Na, K, Hgb, INR, aPTT, BUN/Cr, glucose) and the nursing actions they trigger

5Use teach-back: read each rationale aloud in your own words to lock in retention before test day

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NLN ACE I PN-RN exam used for?

The NLN ACE I PN-RN: Foundations of Nursing exam is a credit-by-exam (also called a challenge exam) administered by the National League for Nursing. LPNs and LVNs who graduated from accredited practical nursing programs take it to earn nursing course credit when entering an RN bridge program. Many bridge programs award 6-18 transfer credits for passing this exam.

How many questions are on the NLN ACE PN-RN exam and how long is it?

The Foundations of Nursing exam contains 100 questions and you have 2 hours 30 minutes (2.5 hours) to complete it. The exam is delivered by computer, with multiple-choice items grouped under the four phases of the nursing process: Assessment, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation.

What is the passing score for the NLN ACE exam?

NLN does not set a national passing cut score. Each individual nursing program defines its own minimum acceptable score, most commonly 100-120 on the 0-200 score scale. Always confirm the cut score with your bridge program before testing because it determines whether you receive credit.

How much does the NLN ACE PN-RN exam cost?

The Foundations of Nursing exam is $86 when taken remotely (online proctored) and $70 when taken in person at a testing site. The other two ACE exams in the series (Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family and Nursing Care of the Child) are each $63 remote / $47 in person. Fees are paid directly to NLN.

How many times can I take the NLN ACE exam?

Each NLN ACE exam may be taken a maximum of three times. NLN typically requires at least 30 days between attempts unless your school has a different policy. Scores remain on file with NLN for three years; after that you must retest. Plan your study window carefully because attempts are limited.

What content domains does the Foundations of Nursing exam cover?

The exam is organized by the nursing process. Published weightings are Assessment 24%, Planning 24%, Implementation 29%, and Evaluation 23%. Within those phases, content includes basic health needs, communication and documentation, medication administration, infection control, moral/ethical/legal issues, and care of adults, children, and childbearing families.

How long should I study for the NLN ACE PN-RN exam?

Most LPN/LVN candidates spend 4-8 weeks studying, totaling 30-60 hours. Because the content is core nursing fundamentals you already used in PN practice, the goal is reorganizing knowledge around the nursing process and reviewing dosage calculations, lab values, and prioritization. Aim to consistently score 80%+ on practice tests before scheduling.

Is the NLN ACE the same as the NCLEX-RN?

No. NCLEX-RN is the licensing exam every RN must pass to practice. The NLN ACE I PN-RN is a credit-by-exam that LPN/LVNs take during admission to a bridge program to skip introductory coursework. Passing the ACE earns college credit; passing NCLEX-RN earns the RN license. Many candidates use the ACE as an early checkpoint on the way to NCLEX-RN.