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Free Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination Practice Questions

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Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

  1. 1An LPN follows a verified medication order but makes an administration error. During the review, who remains accountable for the LPN's administration decision?

    1. A.The LPN who administered the medicationCorrect answer: A
    2. B.The prescriber who authorized the medication
    3. C.The pharmacist who supplied the medication
    4. D.The manager who assigned the medication round

    Explanation: The standard states, "Are accountable and responsible for their own practice, conduct, and ethical decision-making.". An authorized order does not transfer accountability for the nurse's own administration decision.

    Reference: CCPNR 2020 Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses in Canada — p. 5, indicator 1.8

  2. 2During an admission assessment, which finding is subjective information?

    1. A.The client describes burning pain during urinationCorrect answer: A
    2. B.The nurse measures a temperature of 38.2°C
    3. C.The laboratory reports an elevated leukocyte count
    4. D.The nurse observes cloudy urine in the specimen

    Explanation: OpenStax states, "Subjective data consist of information provided directly by the patient or their caretakers, including their personal experiences, feelings, and perceptions of their health and symptoms.". A symptom described by the client is subjective; temperature, laboratory values and observed appearance are objective.

    Reference: OpenStax Fundamentals of Nursing — 12.3, Collection of Assessment Data

  3. 3During care planning, an LPN wants to identify what a client can already do and what the client most wants to achieve. Which approach best obtains that information?

    1. A.Use the standard pathway's milestones as the client's stated priorities
    2. B.Ask the client to describe current abilities and personally important goalsCorrect answer: B
    3. C.Ask the family to define goals before inviting the capable client's input
    4. D.Use the admission diagnosis to infer the client's remaining strengths

    Explanation: The source states, "The primary focus of the outcome identification and planning phases is to develop with the patient a plan of care for the patient.". The client's abilities and goals require direct involvement rather than inference or replacement by others' priorities.

    Reference: OpenStax Fundamentals of Nursing — 13.4, Focus of the Planning Phase

  4. 4An LPN considers performing a procedure independently. Individual competence and employer authorization are established. Which remaining boundary must also permit the procedure?

    1. A.The client's preferred method of receiving care
    2. B.The profession's legislated scope of practiceCorrect answer: B
    3. C.The colleague's usual assignment of the procedure
    4. D.The department's average frequency of the procedure

    Explanation: The standard states, "Practice within LPN scope of practice and individual level of competence and consult and collaborate when necessary.". Independent practice must remain within the profession's scope as well as personal competence; preferences and frequency do not establish legal authority.

    Reference: CCPNR 2020 Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses in Canada — p. 5, indicator 1.4

  5. 5A client with advanced dementia cannot describe usual memory function. Which source is most useful for establishing the client's baseline before interpreting today's behaviour?

    1. A.A repeat of today's cognitive-screening test
    2. B.An interview with the client's usual caregiverCorrect answer: B
    3. C.A review of today's physical examination findings
    4. D.A comparison with population cognitive-screening norms

    Explanation: OpenStax states, "Family members can provide historical information, corroborate patient reports, and offer insights into the patient’s normal behavior and daily functioning.". The caregiver supplies individual historical baseline data; current tests and population norms cannot substitute for that history.

    Reference: OpenStax Fundamentals of Nursing — 12.3, The Family

  6. 6An LPN is giving an SBAR report about increasing breathlessness in a client admitted with pneumonia. Which statement belongs in the recommendation component?

    1. A.The client was admitted yesterday with pneumonia.
    2. B.The respiratory rate has increased over the last hour.
    3. C.Please review the client now and advise on further treatment.Correct answer: C
    4. D.The client is more breathless than at the start of the shift.

    Explanation: The source states, "ISBAR stands for introduction, situation, background, assessment, and recommendation.". A request for review and advice is a recommendation; the other statements provide assessment, background or the current situation.

    Reference: OpenStax Fundamentals of Nursing — 15.2, Foundations for Evidence-Based Decision-Making

  7. 7During a complex dressing change, an LPN encounters a wound feature outside their experience. The client is stable and immediate wound protection is maintained. What should the LPN do next?

    1. A.Request routine reassessment on the next shift
    2. B.Choose a dressing from the last similar case
    3. C.Ask an experienced nurse to assess it togetherCorrect answer: C
    4. D.Complete the change using the standard care plan

    Explanation: The standard states, "Practice within LPN scope of practice and individual level of competence and consult and collaborate when necessary.". Consultation addresses a recognized knowledge gap before selecting care; the other actions do not resolve the unfamiliar assessment finding.

    Reference: CCPNR 2020 Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses in Canada — p. 5, indicator 1.4

  8. 8An LPN observes a client's skin colour, posture and level of consciousness before touching the client. Which examination technique is being used?

    1. A.Percussion
    2. B.Palpation
    3. C.InspectionCorrect answer: C
    4. D.Auscultation

    Explanation: OpenStax states, "A fundamental nursing skill known as inspection is when the nurse visually examines the patient’s body for normal and abnormal findings". Visual assessment is inspection; the other techniques use touch, tapping or listening.

    Reference: OpenStax Fundamentals of Nursing — 12.3, Inspection

  9. 9A client is transferred before the next dose of an as-needed analgesic. Which handover detail is essential to prevent a dose being repeated too soon?

    1. A.The prescribed route and available concentration of the analgesic
    2. B.The indication and expected onset of action of the analgesic
    3. C.The storage requirements and expiry date of the analgesic
    4. D.The time and amount of the most recent analgesic doseCorrect answer: D

    Explanation: OpenStax identifies "right patient, right drug, right route, right time, and right dose." To avoid repeating a dose too soon, the receiving nurse needs the actual last administration time and amount. Route and concentration, indication and onset, and storage and expiry address other medication checks but cannot establish when the last dose was given.

    Reference: OpenStax Fundamentals of Nursing — 11.2, Rights of Medication Administration

  10. 10An LPN will provide care in a second Canadian jurisdiction. Which authorization governs whether the nurse may practise there?

    1. A.Coverage through the workplace bargaining unit
    2. B.Membership with the national nursing association
    3. C.Employment approval from the receiving hospital
    4. D.Registration with that jurisdiction's regulatorCorrect answer: D

    Explanation: The standard states, "Attain and maintain professional registration/licensure with the provincial/territorial regulatory authority in the jurisdiction(s) they practice.". Registration is jurisdictional. Professional membership, employment and union arrangements perform different functions.

    Reference: CCPNR 2020 Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses in Canada — p. 7, indicator 3.6

Exam Review

About Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination

Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination · CA

Key exam facts

Provider
Yardstick Assessment Strategies produces and scores the CPNRE on behalf of participating provincial/territorial regulatory authorities, which administer eligibility and communicate results.
Format
Computer-based examination with four-option single-answer multiple-choice questions, independent and case-based. Each presentation accounts for 40–60%. Unscored experimental questions may use other formats. Nova Scotia offers secure online proctoring; delivery arrangements vary by jurisdiction.
Exam questions
Total questions: 160–170.
Time limit
4 hours examination time, as stated under Exam Length & Format; separate check-in or tutorial time is not specified there.
Passing score
Criterion-referenced pass standard established by Canadian content experts using modified Angoff; forms are equated. Each scored question is worth one mark. A single fixed percentage is not stated; candidates must meet the form's pass mark.
Exam fee
Fees depend on the participating jurisdiction. Nova Scotia's current 2025–2026 fee schedule (November 1, 2025–October 31, 2026) lists CAD 610.00 plus CAD 85.40 HST, total CAD 695.40 for the CPNRE. This is a dated provincial fee, not a national or January 2027 fee quotation.

Topics covered

The authority publishes percentage ranges for each content area. The practice percentages below use the midpoint of each range, normalized to 100%; they are not exact percentages published by the authority. Practice question counts may differ slightly because of rounding.

  • Professional, ethical and legal practice — Official range: 15–25% (Practice allocation: 20%)

    • Demonstrates accountability and accepts responsibility for own decisions and actions.
    • Practises autonomously within legislated scope of practice.
    • Displays self-awareness and recognizes when to seek assistance and guidance.
    • Adheres to regulatory requirements of jurisdictional legislation.
    • Practises within own level of competence.
    • Initiates, maintains and terminates the therapeutic nurse–client relationship.
    • Provides client care in a non-judgmental manner.
    • Adapts practice in response to the spiritual beliefs and cultural practices of clients.
    • Supports clients in making informed decisions about their healthcare and respects their decisions.
    • Engages in self-reflection and continuous learning to maintain and enhance competence.
    • Integrates relevant evidence into practice.
    • Collaborates in the analysis, development, implementation and evaluation of practice and policy.
    • Integrates continuous quality improvement principles and activities into nursing practice.
    • Demonstrates a professional presence, honesty, integrity and respect in all interactions.
    • Demonstrates fitness to practise.
    • Maintains current knowledge about trends and issues that impact the client, the licensed practical nurse, the healthcare team and the delivery of health services.
    • Identifies and responds to inappropriate behaviour and incidents of professional misconduct.
    • Recognizes, responds and reports own and others’ near misses, errors and adverse events.
    • Distinguishes between the mandates of regulatory bodies, professional associations and unions.
    • Establishes and maintains professional boundaries.
    • Takes action to minimize the impact of personal values and assumptions on interactions and decisions.
    • Demonstrates respect for the values, opinions, needs and beliefs of others.
    • Applies ethical frameworks and reasoning to identify and respond to situations involving moral and ethical conflict, dilemma or distress.
    • Obtains knowledge of and responds to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
    • Preserves the dignity of clients in all personal and professional contexts.
    • Advocates for equitable access, treatment and allocation of resources, particularly for vulnerable and/or diverse clients and populations.
    • Advocates for clients or their representatives especially when they are unable to advocate for themselves.
    • Practises according to legislation, practice standards, ethics and organizational policies.
    • Practises according to relevant mandatory reporting legislation.
    • Recognizes, responds and reports questionable orders, actions or decisions made by others.
    • Adheres to the duty to report.
    • Protects clients’ rights by maintaining confidentiality and privacy in all personal and professional contexts.
    • Respond to the clients’ right to healthcare information in accordance with relevant privacy legislation.
    • Documents according to established legislation, practice standards, ethics and organizational policies.
    • Obtains informed consent to support the client’s informed decision-making.

  • Foundations of practice — Official range: 60–70% (Practice allocation: 65%)

    • Completes comprehensive health assessments of clients across the lifespan.
    • Selects and utilizes information and communications technologies (ICTs) in the delivery of client care.
    • Researches and responds to relevant clinical data.
    • Engages in evidence-informed practice by considering a variety of relevant sources of information.
    • Comprehends, responds to and reports assessment findings.
    • Formulates clinical decisions consistent with client needs and priorities.
    • Identifies nursing diagnoses.
    • Develops the plan of care with the client, healthcare team and others.
    • Implements nursing interventions based on assessment findings, client preferences and desired outcomes.
    • Responds to clients’ conditions by organizing competing priorities into actions.
    • Assesses clients’ health literacy, knowledge and readiness to learn.
    • Assesses, plans, implements and evaluates the teaching and learning process.
    • Provides information and access to resources to facilitate health education.
    • Evaluates the effectiveness of health education.
    • Applies principles of client safety.
    • Engages in quality improvement and risk management to promote a quality practice environment.
    • Evaluates the effectiveness of nursing interventions by comparing actual outcomes to expected outcomes.
    • Reviews and revises the plan of care and communicates accordingly.
    • Assesses implications of own decisions.
    • Uses critical thinking, critical inquiry and clinical judgment for decision-making.
    • Demonstrates professional judgment in utilizing information and communications technologies (ICTs) and social media.
    • Recognizes high-risk practices and integrates mitigation strategies that promote safe care.
    • Applies strategies to prevent, de-escalate and manage disruptive, aggressive or violent behaviour.
    • Recognizes and responds immediately when a client’s condition is deteriorating.
    • Demonstrates knowledge of nursing theory, pharmacology, health sciences, humanities and ethics.

  • Collaborative practice — Official range: 10–20% (Practice allocation: 15%)

    • Engages clients in identifying their health needs, strengths, capacities and goals.
    • Communicates collaboratively with the client and the healthcare team.
    • Provides essential client information to the client and the healthcare team.
    • Promotes effective interpersonal interaction.
    • Uses conflict resolution strategies to promote healthy relationships and optimal client outcomes.
    • Articulates own role based on legislated scope of practice, individual competence and care context including employer policies.
    • Determines own professional and interprofessional role within the team by considering the roles, responsibilities and scope of practice of others.
    • Advocates for the use of Indigenous health knowledge and healing practices in collaboration with the client.
    • Demonstrates leadership, direction and supervision to unregulated health workers and others.
    • Participates in emergency preparedness and disaster management.
    • Participates in creating and maintaining a quality practice environment that is healthy, respectful and psychologically safe.
    • Fosters an environment that encourages questioning and exchange of information.
    • Initiates and fosters mentoring relationships.
    • Applies the principles of team dynamics and group processes in interprofessional team collaboration.
    • Demonstrates formal and informal leadership in practice.
    • Organizes workload, assigns/coordinates nursing care, sets priorities and demonstrates effective time management skills.

How to prepare

Work through the topics, read the explanation after each answer, and revisit the areas where you miss questions. Use the official outline and reference materials below to guide your study.

These independent practice questions are not actual exam items and do not guarantee a passing result.

Frequently asked questions

What is the exam format?

Computer-based examination with four-option single-answer multiple-choice questions, independent and case-based. Each presentation accounts for 40–60%. Unscored experimental questions may use other formats. Nova Scotia offers secure online proctoring; delivery arrangements vary by jurisdiction.

How many questions are on the exam?

Total questions: 160–170.

How long is the exam?

4 hours examination time, as stated under Exam Length & Format; separate check-in or tutorial time is not specified there.

What is the passing score?

Criterion-referenced pass standard established by Canadian content experts using modified Angoff; forms are equated. Each scored question is worth one mark. A single fixed percentage is not stated; candidates must meet the form's pass mark.

How much does the exam cost?

Fees depend on the participating jurisdiction. Nova Scotia's current 2025–2026 fee schedule (November 1, 2025–October 31, 2026) lists CAD 610.00 plus CAD 85.40 HST, total CAD 695.40 for the CPNRE. This is a dated provincial fee, not a national or January 2027 fee quotation.

Official sources and references

Confirm current exam arrangements with the exam provider.