NCLEX-PN · Physiological Integrity

Physiological Adaptation Review

Review status: Draft. This NCLEX-PN content has not been reviewed by a licensed nursing professional. LPN/VN scope of practice varies by state, setting and facility policy; always follow your program, your state's nurse practice act and your facility's policies.

Acute, chronic and life-threatening conditions: recognizing changes, taking action and escalating.

2026 NCLEX-PN test plan:: 7–13% of the exam
Practice questions:: 22 original

Practice Physiological Adaptation questions

What this category covers

Physiological Adaptation covers caring for clients whose body systems are affected by acute, chronic or life-threatening illness. The practical/vocational nurse recognizes signs of worsening, provides focused care, responds to emergencies, reports changes to the RN or provider, and checks whether interventions worked.

Key concepts

Recognize and escalate

New confusion, breathing difficulty, falling blood pressure or a sudden change in the client's condition need prompt action and reporting.

Chronic conditions

Clients with diabetes, heart failure, kidney disease and lung disease need monitoring for flare-ups and complications.

Fluid and electrolyte balance

Weight changes, edema, intake and output, and lab values help show fluid and electrolyte problems.

Emergencies

In an emergency, call for help, stay with the client and begin the actions your training and facility policy allow, such as CPR.

Topics to review

Cardiovascular and respiratory conditions
Neurological changes and seizures
Endocrine conditions and glucose emergencies
Gastrointestinal and renal conditions
Musculoskeletal and integumentary conditions
Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
Infection and immune responses
Perioperative care
Medical emergencies

Related case studies

Sources

Educational Use & Safety

Educational exam preparation only. Questions and case studies use fictional clients and teach general nursing concepts. They are not medical advice and do not determine care for an actual patient. Always follow current clinical guidance, provider orders, and your program's and facility's policies.