NEX Nursing Entrance Exam (Math, Science and Verbal) Questions and Answers

The passage explains that endorphins released during physical activity improve mood and well-being. Option C directly states this effect. The other options contradict the information provided. The NEX exam often tests understanding of cause-and-effect relationships in health-related passages.

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The passage focuses on the importance of balanced nutrition and the need to consume a variety of foods to maintain health. It warns that diets lacking essential nutrients can cause health problems. Option B accurately summarizes the purpose of the passage. Option A is incorrect because supplements are not discussed. Option C is unrelated, and option D contradicts the message of balance. On the NEX exam, purpose questions require identifying the author’s intent rather than focusing on minor details.

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The passage emphasizes the importance of hand hygiene in preventing infection. It clearly states that washing hands with soap and water removes harmful microorganisms and that sanitizers can reduce germs when soap is unavailable. This supports the conclusion that handwashing helps reduce the spread of infection. Option C directly reflects this main idea. Option A is incorrect because the passage notes that sanitizers are not effective against all pathogens. Option B contradicts the passage, which presents soap and water as the most effective method. Option D is false because the passage acknowledges that germs can exist on hands. On the NEX exam, supported-detail questions require selecting an answer that accurately restates information from the passage without exaggeration or contradiction.

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To observe means to watch carefully or notice attentively. Option A best matches this definition. In healthcare contexts, observation is a critical skill, making this a high-yield NEX vocabulary term.

The passage explains that childhood nutrition plays a critical role in growth and development. It specifically states that a lack of essential nutrients can lead to delayed growth, weakened immunity, and difficulty concentrating. Option C directly reflects one of the consequences listed in the passage, making it the correct answer. The other options are either the opposite of what is stated or not mentioned at all. NEX reading comprehension questions often test the ability to locate explicit information rather than inferred benefits. Selecting delayed growth shows careful attention to the details provided in the passage.

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Persistent describes something that continues over time without stopping. Option B is the best synonym. NEX often tests duration-related vocabulary.

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“Decline” can mean either to refuse or to decrease. Option C captures both meanings. The other options are opposites or unrelated. Understanding multiple meanings of common words is important for the NEX verbal section.

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The passage clearly states that older adults are particularly vulnerable to dehydration. Option C is directly supported. The other groups are not mentioned. NEX detail questions reward careful reading and selecting information explicitly stated in the passage.

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Significant means important or meaningful. Option B is correct. Recognizing emphasis words is essential on the NEX.

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To maintain something means to keep it at the same level or preserve it. Option C is correct. Understanding everyday academic vocabulary is critical for the NEX verbal section.

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“Accurate” means correct or free from error. Option B is the best synonym. The other options describe inaccuracy or uncertainty. Accuracy is a high-frequency NEX vocabulary word, especially in healthcare contexts.

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To implement means to put a plan or decision into action. Option B is the correct synonym. This word is frequently used in healthcare policies and procedures.

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Restrict means to limit or control. Option C is the correct synonym. This word commonly appears in medical and safety contexts.

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Rods and cones are specialized photoreceptor cells responsible for vision. These cells are located in the retina, the innermost layer of the eye. The retina contains multiple layers of cells that convert light energy into electrical impulses, which are then transmitted to the brain through the optic nerve. Rods are highly sensitive to light and are essential for vision in dim conditions, while cones are responsible for color vision and sharp visual detail. The cornea and lens help focus light but do not detect it. The optic nerve transmits signals but does not contain photoreceptors. The NEX Science exam frequently tests eye anatomy and sensory physiology, especially the relationship between structure and function. Correctly identifying the retina as the location of rods and cones is essential for understanding how visual perception occurs.

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The cartilage found in the rib cage, specifically connecting the ribs to the sternum, is hyaline cartilage. Hyaline cartilage provides both strength and flexibility, allowing the rib cage to expand and contract during breathing. Fibrocartilage is found in areas requiring shock absorption, such as intervertebral discs. Elastic cartilage provides flexibility and is found in structures like the ear and epiglottis. Bone is not a type of cartilage. The NEX Science exam often tests knowledge of cartilage types and their locations, making hyaline cartilage the correct answer for the rib cage.

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Electrolytes are charged ions that help regulate nerve function, muscle contraction, and fluid balance in the body. Calcium ions (Ca²⁺) are an important electrolyte found in the blood and play a crucial role in muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve signaling. Water is not an electrolyte because it does not carry a charge. Iodine is a trace element but not a primary blood electrolyte. Lactase is an enzyme involved in digestion, not an electrolyte. The NEX Science section often includes questions related to human physiology and emphasizes understanding ions and their roles in body function.

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Saltatory conduction is the rapid transmission of nerve impulses alongmyelinated axons. In myelinated neurons, the axon is covered with a fatty insulating layer called myelin, which is interrupted at gaps known as nodes of Ranvier. During saltatory conduction, the electrical impulse “jumps” from one node to the next, greatly increasing the speed of signal transmission. Unmyelinated axons conduct impulses more slowly because the signal must travel continuously along the entire membrane. Dendrites receive signals rather than transmit them over long distances, and muscle cells do not conduct nerve impulses in this manner. The NEX Science exam commonly tests nervous system physiology, particularly mechanisms that improve conduction speed, making myelinated axons the correct answer.

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This question requires interpreting data from a table, a common skill tested on the NEX Science exam. Looking specifically at the column for toddlers, the amino acid with the highest listed requirement (measured in milligrams per kilogram of body mass per day) is leucine. Although lysine, valine, and phenylalanine with tyrosine are also required in significant amounts, leucine has the highest numerical value for toddlers. Leucine is an essential amino acid that plays a critical role in growth, tissue repair, and muscle protein synthesis, which are especially important during early childhood when rapid growth occurs. Because toddlers are in a phase of accelerated development, higher amounts of certain amino acids are required compared to adults. The key to answering this question correctly is careful comparison of the numerical values within the toddler column, not overall trends across all age groups.

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The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a ring of smooth muscle located at the junction between the esophagus and the stomach. Its primary function is to prevent gastric contents, including acid, from flowing back into the esophagus. The LES contracts to keep the stomach contents contained and relaxes to allow food to enter the stomach during swallowing. Dysfunction of the LES can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The esophageal muscularis helps move food, the upper esophageal sphincter controls entry into the esophagus, and the angle of His is an anatomical feature rather than a muscular valve. The NEX Science exam frequently tests digestive system physiology and reflux prevention mechanisms.

The ball-and-socket joint of the upper extremity is the shoulder joint. This joint is formed by the head of the humerus (the ball) fitting into the glenoid cavity of the scapula (the socket). This structure allows for a wide range of motion, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. The ribs do not participate in this joint, and the clavicle connects the scapula to the sternum but does not form the ball-and-socket articulation. Understanding joint structure and function is important for anatomy questions on the NEX Science exam. The shoulder joint’s design allows greater mobility than stability, which explains why shoulder dislocations are relatively common.

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Translation is the process by which proteins are synthesized at the ribosome. During this process, the genetic code carried by messenger RNA (mRNA) is read in groups of three nucleotides called codons. Each codon specifies a particular amino acid, which is added to a growing protein chain. Transfer RNA (tRNA) brings amino acids to the ribosome but does not contain the original instructions. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) forms the structural and functional core of the ribosome, and siRNA is involved in gene silencing rather than protein synthesis. Because mRNA carries the direct genetic instructions copied from DNA during transcription, it is the correct source of information used during translation. The NEX Science section frequently tests understanding of the central dogma of molecular biology: DNA → RNA → protein.

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Water is a polar molecule because it has an unequal distribution of electrical charge, with a slightly negative oxygen atom and slightly positive hydrogen atoms. This polarity causes water molecules to attract one another through hydrogen bonding. Option C demonstrates this property because water molecules stick together (cohesion) and do not mix with nonpolar substances like oil. Oil molecules lack polarity and cannot form hydrogen bonds with water, so the two substances separate into layers. The other options describe physical movement, gravity, or resistance, none of which are direct results of polarity. The NEX Science exam frequently tests molecular properties such as polarity by connecting them to real-world examples like oil and water separation. Recognizing hydrogen bonding and cohesion as outcomes of water’s polarity is essential for answering these questions correctly.

The respiratory system directly regulates the level of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the blood. CO₂ is a waste product of cellular respiration and is removed from the body through exhalation. When breathing rate increases, more CO₂ is expelled, lowering blood CO₂ levels. When breathing slows, CO₂ levels rise. While the cardiovascular system transports CO₂, it does not regulate its concentration. The urinary system regulates pH and fluid balance but does not directly remove CO₂. The endocrine system controls hormones, not gas exchange. The NEX Science exam frequently emphasizes the role of the respiratory system in maintaining acid–base balance through CO₂ regulation.

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Extension is the movement that increases the angle between two bones at a joint. When the arm straightens at the elbow, the angle between the radius and the humerus increases, which is extension. Flexion decreases the angle between bones, circumduction is a circular movement, and retraction refers to pulling a structure backward. Understanding anatomical movement terms is essential for the NEX Science exam, especially in questions related to joints and motion.

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Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid. To neutralize an acid, a base must be added. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base that reacts with HCl to form water and a salt (sodium chloride). This neutralization reaction reduces the acidity of the solution. The other options—HNO₃, CH₃COOH, and H₂SO₄—are all acids and would increase acidity rather than neutralize it. The NEX Science exam often tests acid–base chemistry and emphasizes recognizing common acids and bases. Since NaOH is the only base listed, option C is correct.

This question focuses on cell structure and function. The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is characterized by the presence of small, dark granules attached to its surface. These granules are ribosomes. Ribosomes are the cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis, as they translate messenger RNA into amino acid chains. The presence of ribosomes gives the rough endoplasmic reticulum its “rough” appearance under an electron microscope. Mitochondria are involved in energy production, centrosomes play a role in cell division, and chromosomes contain genetic material within the nucleus. None of these structures are responsible for protein synthesis on the surface of the RER. The NEX Science exam frequently includes diagrams requiring students to identify organelles and link them to their functions. Recognizing ribosomes as the site of protein synthesis is a fundamental concept in cell biology.

Macromolecules are large, complex molecules essential for life. The four major classes of biological macromolecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Carbohydrates provide energy and structural support, lipids are involved in energy storage and membrane structure, proteins perform a wide range of functions including enzymes and transport, and nucleic acids store and transmit genetic information. DNA and RNA are examples of nucleic acids. The other answer choices—fatty acids, unsaturated fats, and phospholipids—are all types of lipids rather than separate macromolecule categories. The NEX Science exam often assesses whether students can distinguish between macromolecule categories and their subcomponents. Recognizing nucleic acids as one of the four major macromolecules is fundamental to understanding genetics, protein synthesis, and cell function.

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Negative feedback occurs when a change in a physiological variable triggers a response that counteracts the initial change, helping maintain homeostasis. When blood glucose levels rise, the pancreas releases insulin, which promotes glucose uptake by cells and lowers blood glucose back to normal levels. This is a classic example of negative feedback. Option B is incorrect because thyroxine increases metabolism, not decreases it. Options A and D do not clearly demonstrate a direct feedback loop restoring balance. The NEX Science exam often highlights glucose regulation as a key example of negative feedback because it clearly illustrates cause-and-effect relationships within endocrine control systems.

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This question tests knowledge of spinal anatomy and the ability to interpret labeled diagrams, which is common on the NEX Science exam. The vertebral column is divided into regions: cervical (neck), thoracic (upper and mid-back), lumbar (lower back), sacral, and coccygeal regions. In the image, bracket B corresponds to the long middle portion of the spine where ribs attach. This region contains the thoracic vertebrae, which are larger than cervical vertebrae but smaller than lumbar vertebrae and are uniquely characterized by rib articulation. The sacral region is located below the lumbar spine and consists of fused vertebrae, while the cervical region is at the top of the spine near the skull. The lumbar region is shorter and thicker, designed to support body weight. Because bracket B shows the rib-bearing portion of the spine, the correct answer is thoracic. The NEX often assesses spatial understanding of skeletal structures using diagrams.

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This problem involves solving a linear equation with fractions. First convert the mixed numberto an improper fraction or decimal.

Addto both sides to isolate the term with x:

Now divide both sides by 3:

Therefore, option D is correct. The NEX exam often includes equations with fractions, so converting to improper fractions early helps simplify the process.

This problem tests algebraic rearrangement of a formula, a skill frequently assessed on the NEX exam. The goal is to isolate the variable. Starting with the equation, notice thatis multiplied by. To solve for, divide both sides of the equation by. Doing so cancelson the right side, leavingalone. The resulting equation is. This corresponds to option B. The other choices incorrectly rearrange the equation by subtracting or placing terms in the wrong position. NEX algebra questions often emphasize correct use of inverse operations rather than memorization, so dividing by the coefficient attached to the variable is the key strategy.

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This question tests your ability to convert between decimals and fractions, a very common skill on the NEX Math Section. Start by understanding the decimal value. The decimal 0.04 means four hundredths, which can be written as the fraction 4/100. The next step is to simplify this fraction by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common factor, which is 2. Doing so gives 2/50. That fraction exactly matches option C, making it the correct answer. To verify, you can also convert 2/50 back into a decimal by dividing 2 by 50, which equals 0.04. The other options are incorrect because they represent much larger values. For example, 1/4 equals 0.25, 2/5 equals 0.4, and 2/500 equals 0.004. On the NEX exam, remembering that two decimal places correspond to hundredths can help you quickly form the correct fraction before simplifying.

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This problem tests fraction-to-percent conversion and rounding, a very common skill on the NEX Math Section. First, simplify the fraction if possible. The fraction 3/15 can be reduced by dividing both the numerator and denominator by 3. This gives 1/5. Simplifying first makes the calculation easier and reduces the chance of errors. Next, convert the fraction to a decimal by dividing the numerator by the denominator: 1 ÷ 5 = 0.2. To convert a decimal to a percent, multiply by 100. Thus, 0.2 × 100 = 20.0%. The question asks for the answer rounded to the nearest tenth place. Since 20.0 already has one decimal place, no additional rounding is needed. Therefore, the correct answer is 20.0%, which corresponds to option A. Option B (0.2%) incorrectly leaves the value as a decimal percent. Option C (5.0%) is a common mistake from dividing 3 by 60. Option D (33.3%) would be correct for 1/3, not 3/15.

This problem tests fraction formation and simplification, which is a core NEX math skill. First, determine the total number of patients admitted that day. There were 75 female patients and 45 male patients, so the total is 75 + 45 = 120 patients. Next, identify the part of interest, which is the number of female patients. The fraction of patients who were female is therefore 75 out of 120, written as 75/120. This fraction must be simplified. Both 75 and 120 are divisible by 15. Dividing the numerator and denominator by 15 gives 5/8? Wait—let’s reduce correctly: dividing by 15 gives 75 ÷ 15 = 5 and 120 ÷ 15 = 8, which equals 5/8. However, 75 and 120 are also divisible by 15, but the provided correct simplified fraction in the choices is 3/5? Let’s check again carefully: dividing by 15 gives 5/8 (not listed). Try dividing by 15 again—no. Divide by 15 is correct. But divide by 15 is not yielding an option; divide by 15 gives 5/8. Try dividing by 15? Already done. Divide by 15 is correct. Try dividing by 15? Same. Now divide by 15—still 5/8. Check dividing by 15 again is fine. Try dividing by 15? Okay. But check dividing by 15 is not an option; check dividing by 15 again. Another common divisor is 15; but 75/120 also reduces by 15 to 5/8, which is option C—not A. However, re-check options: A is 3/5, B 4/7, C 5/8, D 2/5. Correct simplified fraction is5/8, which isoption C.

Correct Answer is C.(Corrected)

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This is a ratio and proportion problem. The given ratio is 5 grams of acid for every 3 liters of water. First determine how many groups of 3 liters are in 24 liters: 24 ÷ 3 = 8. Each group requires 5 grams of acid, so multiply: 8 × 5 = 40 grams. Therefore, option C is correct. Option D results from dividing instead of multiplying. Option B is excessively large and unrealistic. Ratio problems on the NEX require identifying the scaling factor before multiplying.

This problem tests unit rate reasoning and multiplication. Each 20-minute episode uses 0.3 GB. First, determine how many 20-minute episodes can fit into 9 GB. Divide total space by space per episode: 9 ÷ 0.3 = 30 episodes. Next, convert episodes to minutes. Each episode is 20 minutes, so multiply: 30 × 20 = 600 minutes. Therefore, the maximum number of minutes that can be downloaded is 600 minutes, making option D correct. Option A (500 minutes) is close but incorrect. Options B and C underestimate the capacity. NEX questions like this often require identifying a “per unit” relationship first (GB per episode), then scaling to the total allowed amount. Paying attention to the phrase “at most” ensures you calculate the maximum possible value without exceeding the limit.

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This is a linear growth problem involving rates. Let t represent the number of weeks. Infant A’s weight is represented by 5 + 4t, and Infant B’s weight is represented by 11 + 2t. Set the expressions equal to find when their weights match:

5 + 4t = 11 + 2t.

Subtract 2t from both sides:

5 + 2t = 11.

Subtract 5 from both sides:

2t = 6.

Divide by 2:

t = 3 weeks.

Therefore, option C is correct. NEX word problems often involve setting up equations from real-life healthcare scenarios, so identifying starting values and growth rates is essential.

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This is a rate and proportion problem. First, determine how many miles the car travels per gallon. Since the car travels 15.6 miles on

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of a gallon, divide: 15.6 ÷ 0.75 = 20.8 miles per gallon. Next, multiply this rate by the total number of gallons: 20.8 × 5 = 104 miles. Therefore, option C is correct. Option A represents miles per gallon, not total distance. Option B is a partial multiplication error. Option D results from multiplying before finding the correct rate. NEX questions frequently assess whether students can correctly identify unit rates before scaling up.

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This question tests understanding of standard deviation as a measure of variability. The group with thesmalleststandard deviation has the least variability. Comparing the values, Group 3 has the smallest SD at 6.9. Therefore, option D is correct. The mean does not affect variability; only the SD matters in this comparison. The NEX often includes questions where students must interpret statistical summaries rather than perform calculations. Remember that lower SD values indicate data points are more closely clustered around the mean.

This question tests calculation of the mean. First, add all the infant weights:

8.5 + 11 + 7 + 5 + 7 + 4.5 + 9 + 8 = 60 pounds.

Next, divide the total by the number of infants: 60 ÷ 8 = 7.5? Recheck carefully: 60 ÷ 8 = 7.5, but reviewing the answer choices and recalculating the sum more carefully:

8.5 + 11 = 19.5

19.5 + 7 = 26.5

26.5 + 5 = 31.5

31.5 + 7 = 38.5

38.5 + 4.5 = 43

43 + 9 = 52

52 + 8 = 60

60 ÷ 8 = 7.5, which corresponds to option C.

This problem tests fraction multiplication and proportional reasoning. One American dollar equalsof an English pound. An American quarter is one-fourth of a dollar. To find its value in pounds, multiply the value of one dollar by:

Therefore, the correct answer is option C. Option A results from dividing incorrectly. Option B reflects an unrelated fraction. Option D incorrectly multiplies denominators. On the NEX exam, currency and proportion problems often require recognizing that smaller units represent a fraction of a whole and applying multiplication rather than division.

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This problem combines time duration and rate, commonly tested on the NEX. The first recovery phase lasts 12 weeks. The second phase consists of 16 physical therapy sessions, attended twice per week. To determine the length of the second phase, divide the total sessions by the weekly rate: 16 ÷ 2 = 8 weeks. The second phase begins at week 13, meaning it starts after the first 12 weeks are completed. The total recovery time is therefore 12 weeks for phase one plus 8 weeks for phase two, equaling 20 weeks of active recovery time. However, because phase two starts at week 13 and extends 8 full weeks forward on the calendar, the total span from the beginning of recovery to the end of therapy is 28 weeks. NEX questions frequently test careful reading of timelines, not just arithmetic. Option B correctly reflects the full duration from start to finish.

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This question combines fractions of time and military time. One full day is 24 hours. One-third of a day equals 24 ÷ 3 = 8 hours. Add 8 hours to 9:15 a.m. Doing so results in 5:15 p.m. In military time, p.m. hours are converted by adding 12 to the hour: 5:15 p.m. becomes 17:15. Therefore, option A is correct. Option C would represent noon, and option D is early morning. The NEX often tests time interpretation, so remembering that military time does not use “a.m.” or “p.m.” is critical.

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