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

This is a multi-step dosage and unit-conversion problem. Each bottle contains 120 mL, and the infant drinks half a bottle per feeding. Half of 120 mL is 60 mL. The infant has 6 feedings, so total intake is 60 × 6 = 360 mL. Convert milliliters to ounces using the given conversion: 360 ÷ 30 = 12 ounces. Therefore, option C is correct. Option D represents milliliters, not ounces. Option B incorrectly doubles the intake. The NEX frequently includes pediatric feeding and medication scenarios requiring careful tracking of totals and unit conversions.

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Mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration, which occurs in both plant and animal cells. Chloroplasts carry out photosynthesis and are found only in plant cells. Therefore, only plants can perform photosynthesis, while both plants and animals can perform cellular respiration. This distinction is a core concept in cell biology and is frequently tested on the NEX Science exam.

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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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This problem tests data interpretation and inference. The graphs show different patterns for each client. Some clients clearly show a decrease in systolic blood pressure after starting the medication, while others show little change or variability. Because not all clients show a decrease, options C and D are incorrect. Option B suggests increased variability, which is not consistently supported across all graphs. Option A accurately summarizes the data by stating thatsomeclients experienced a decrease. On the NEX exam, inference questions often require cautious conclusions rather than absolute statements. Words like “some” and “tended to” are important clues to correct answers.

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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.

The passage explains that vaccines stimulate the immune system so it can recognize pathogens and respond more quickly in the future. This means vaccines act as a training mechanism for the immune system. Option C correctly reflects this explanation. Option A is incorrect because vaccines do not eliminate all bacteria permanently. Option B is the opposite of what the passage states, as vaccines strengthen immune response. Option D is incorrect because vaccines are preventive, not treatments administered after symptoms appear. NEX reading comprehension questions often test understanding of scientific processes explained in simple language, and correct answers usually restate information using different wording rather than introducing new ideas.

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Bacterial cells are classified as prokaryotic cells, meaning they lack a membrane-bound nucleus. Instead of a nucleus, bacteria contain their genetic material in a region called the nucleoid. The nucleoid is not surrounded by a membrane and is unique to prokaryotic cells. In contrast, plant and animal cells are eukaryotic and store their DNA inside a true nucleus. Cell membranes, ribosomes, and DNA are found in all living cells, including bacteria, plants, and animals. Ribosomes in bacteria are smaller than those in eukaryotic cells, but they serve the same function of protein synthesis. Because the nucleoid region is exclusive to bacteria and other prokaryotes, option C is the correct answer. The NEX Science section frequently tests differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, making this an important concept to master.

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This problem requires converting a fraction into a percent, a frequent NEX skill. Begin by convertinginto a decimal. Divide 1 by 25:

1 ÷ 25 = 0.04.

Next, convert the decimal to a percent by multiplying by 100:

0.04 × 100 = 4%.

Thus, the correct answer is B. Option A (0.4%) results from moving the decimal only one place instead of two. Option C (1.25%) corresponds to, and option D (25%) equals. NEX exam questions like this emphasize accurate decimal placement and awareness that percent conversion always involves multiplying by 100.

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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This question tests interpretation of a line graph, a common NEX skill. To answer, focus on the infant whose weight increases the slowest, becauseallinfants must reach at least 30 pounds. By examining the graph, Infant A has the lowest growth curve and reaches 30 pounds later than the others. Tracing horizontally from 30 pounds to Infant A’s line and then down to the x-axis shows that this occurs at approximately 25 weeks. Although some infants reach 30 pounds earlier, the question asks whenallinfants reach that weight, which is determined by the slowest-growing infant. Therefore, option D is correct. The NEX often includes graph-based questions that require identifying minimums or maximums across multiple data sets, so it is important to carefully read qualifiers like “all,” “at least,” or “no more than.”

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The passage defines health literacy and explains why it is important for managing health and following medical instructions. Option B best captures the main focus. The other options address topics not discussed. On the NEX exam, purpose questions often begin with a definition followed by explanation, signaling that the passage is meant to inform rather than persuade or compare.

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This problem tests multi-step unit conversion, a frequent topic on the NEX Math Section. First, convert feet to inches. Since 1 foot equals 12 inches, 10 feet equals 10 × 12 = 120 inches. Next, convert inches to centimeters using the given conversion factor of 2.54 centimeters per inch. Multiply 120 × 2.54 = 304.8 centimeters. The question asks for an approximate value, so rounding is appropriate. Rounding 304.8 gives approximately 305 centimeters. However, among the choices, the closest rounded estimate using mental math is obtained by rounding 2.54 to about 3. Using estimation: 120 × 3 = 360 centimeters, which corresponds to option A. The NEX often expects estimation when the word “approximately” is used. Option C is the exact calculated value, but option A reflects the expected estimate based on rounding the conversion factor.

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The thymus, lymph nodes, and spleen are key components of the immune system. The immune system is responsible for defending the body against pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders. The thymus plays an important role in the maturation of T lymphocytes (T cells), which are critical for adaptive immunity. Lymph nodes filter lymphatic fluid and trap pathogens, allowing immune cells to recognize and respond to infections. The spleen filters blood, removes old or damaged red blood cells, and helps initiate immune responses to blood-borne pathogens. While the endocrine system regulates hormones, the cardiovascular system transports blood, and the integumentary system protects the body externally, none of these systems include the thymus, lymph nodes, and spleen as primary organs. The NEX Science exam often tests system identification by grouping organs with shared functions, making the immune system the correct choice.

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Stage A in the diagram represents fertilization, where a sperm cell fuses with an egg to form a zygote. In humans, fertilization normally occurs in the fallopian tube, not in the uterus or vagina. After fertilization, the zygote undergoes cell division as it travels toward the uterus for implantation. The ovary produces and releases the egg but is not the site of fertilization. The NEX Science exam commonly tests understanding of reproductive anatomy and sequence of events in human development. Correctly identifying the fallopian tube as the site of fertilization is essential for understanding pregnancy, contraception, and reproductive health.

Veins contain one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backward as it returns to the heart. These valves are especially important in veins of the arms and legs, where blood must move against gravity. When muscles contract, they push blood forward toward the heart, and the valves close behind it to prevent backflow. Without these valves, blood could pool in the veins, leading to conditions such as varicose veins. The valves do not obstruct blood flow under normal conditions, nor do they prevent blood from leaking into surrounding tissues—that function is related to capillary walls. The NEX Science exam often emphasizes understanding how anatomical structures support physiological function, making venous valves a key cardiovascular concept.

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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.

Sperm cells are produced in thetestes, specifically within tightly coiled structures called seminiferous tubules. The process of sperm production is known as spermatogenesis and requires hormones such as testosterone. Cowper’s glands and the prostate gland do not produce sperm; instead, they secrete fluids that contribute to semen and help protect and nourish sperm cells. The epididymis is responsible for sperm maturation and storage but does not produce sperm. The NEX Science exam often tests reproductive anatomy by asking students to distinguish between sperm production, maturation, and transport. Understanding the specific role of each male reproductive structure is essential. Since only the testes are responsible for the formation of sperm cells, option C is the correct answer.

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.

Ligaments are strong bands of connective tissue that connect bone to bone at joints. Their primary function is to stabilize joints and prevent excessive movement. When a ligament is torn, the connection between two bones is disrupted, leading to joint instability. Tendons, not ligaments, connect muscle to bone. Nerves transmit electrical signals, and arteries transport blood. The NEX Science exam frequently includes musculoskeletal system questions that require distinguishing between ligaments and tendons, making bone-to-bone the correct answer.

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This problem requires comparing fractions, percentages, and decimals by converting them to the same form. Convert each score to a decimal. Student A: 19 ÷ 26 ≈ 0.731. Student B: 75 ÷ 100 = 0.75. Student C: 71% = 0.71. Student D: already given as 0.719. Comparing these values, 0.75 is the highest. Therefore, Student B scored the highest. Option D (0.719) is close but still lower than 0.75. The NEX frequently tests comparison skills across different numerical formats, so converting everything to decimals is the safest approach.

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The passage clearly states that documentation ensures continuity of care by allowing healthcare providers to understand patient history and make informed decisions. Option B directly reflects this purpose. The passage does not claim that documentation replaces care, eliminates all errors, or reduces workload. NEX passages often emphasize communication and record-keeping as foundational healthcare skills, making continuity of care a key concept.

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Fatigue refers to extreme tiredness or exhaustion. Option C correctly matches this meaning. NEX exams often include common clinical terms like fatigue.

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Evaluate means to assess, judge, or determine the value or effectiveness of something. Option B is the correct synonym. Evaluation is a common term in healthcare and academic settings, making it a high-yield NEX word.

“Initial” refers to the first stage or beginning of something. Option B best matches this definition. NEX questions frequently test sequencing vocabulary.

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“Beneficial” describes something that produces a positive effect or advantage. “Helpful” is the closest synonym. The other options do not match the meaning. NEX vocabulary questions often test commonly used healthcare-related words.

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The passage states that regular exercise strengthens the heart muscle and increases endurance. Option B is therefore correct. The remaining options are not mentioned. The NEX exam frequently includes health-related passages that test recognition of stated benefits.

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The passage discusses both causes of falls in older adults and strategies to prevent them. Option B accurately summarizes this purpose. The other options focus on details not emphasized. Purpose questions on the NEX often involve identifying both the problem and the proposed solution.

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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 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 problem tests fractions, percentages, and subtraction of parts from a whole—common NEX skills. First calculate the amount spent on decorations:

1

8

8

1

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of $500 equals $62.50. Next calculate the food cost: 25% is equivalent to 0.25, and 0.25 × 500 = $125. Add these two expenses together: $62.50 + $125 = $187.50. This represents the portion of the budget already allocated. To find the remaining budget for venue and entertainment, subtract this amount from the total budget: $500 − $187.50 = $312.50. Therefore, option A is correct. Option B assumes only one category was subtracted. Option C results from incorrect fraction conversion. Option D represents the amount already spent, not the remainder. NEX questions often require careful step-by-step subtraction after converting fractions and percentages correctly.

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This question assesses understanding of the median, which is the middle value when data are ordered from least to greatest. First, list the refunds in ascending order:

$500, $500, $857, $1,500, $2,500, $3,000, $6,753.

There are seven values total, so the median is the fourth value in the ordered list. The fourth value is $1,500. Therefore, option D is correct. Option B represents the mode (most frequent value), not the median. Options A and C are averages or midpoints that do not correspond to the true median position. On the NEX exam, students are frequently tested on distinguishing mean, median, and mode, so remembering that the median is strictly positional—not calculated—is essential.

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The correct answer must be directly supported by the information in the passage. The passage clearly explains that sleep helps the brain process and store information, which is essential for memory consolidation. It also states that lack of sleep negatively affects cognitive abilities such as judgment and reaction time. Therefore, the conclusion that memory formation is affected by sleep is well supported. Option A is incorrect because the passage emphasizes mental and cognitive effects, not just physical health. Option C is directly contradicted by the passage’s mention of impaired functioning due to lack of sleep. Option D exaggerates the information; while sleep affects academic performance, the passage does not claim it is the sole factor. On the NEX exam, supported-conclusion questions require selecting an answer that is neither too extreme nor unsupported by 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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The passage lists several benefits of exercise, including improved cardiovascular health, stress management, improved mood, and reduced chronic disease risk. Option B is explicitly mentioned, making it the correct answer. The other options introduce benefits not discussed in the passage. On the NEX exam, detail-based questions require careful reading to identify information that is directly stated rather than inferred. Choosing only what is explicitly mentioned is key.

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Codominance occurs when two different alleles are both expressed in a heterozygous organism. In this case, the red and white alleles combine to produce an intermediate pink phenotype. Non-disjunction refers to chromosome separation errors, multiple alleles involve more than two allele types, and mutations involve DNA changes. The NEX Science exam frequently tests inheritance patterns, including codominance and incomplete dominance.

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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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Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits while the other is unaffected. An example is barnacles attaching to whales, where the barnacles gain transportation and access to food, while the whale is neither helped nor harmed. Mutualism benefits both organisms, parasitism benefits one while harming the other, and predation involves one organism killing another for food. Understanding ecological relationships is a key topic on the NEX Science exam, and recognizing the differences between types of symbiosis is essential.

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This question tests weighted averages. Because the sample sizes are different, you cannot simply average the mean heights. Instead, multiply each sample mean by its sample size, add the results, and divide by the total number of children.

Total children = 20 + 20 + 25 + 70 + 20 = 155

Total height = (20×95) + (20×100) + (25×100) + (70×110) + (20×105)

= 1,900 + 2,000 + 2,500 + 7,700 + 2,100

= 16,200

Mean height = 16,200 ÷ 155 ≈ 104.5 cm

Therefore, option A is correct. The NEX exam frequently tests understanding that larger samples should carry more weight when calculating population estimates.

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Hyperextension refers to movement at a joint that goes beyond the normal anatomical position in the sagittal plane, specifically in a posterior direction. For example, bending the head backward farther than upright posture is considered hyperextension. Option B correctly describes this movement. Option A describes abduction, which occurs in the frontal plane. Option C describes flexion, which is anterior movement. Option D describes extension back to anatomical position, not beyond it. The NEX Science exam frequently tests anatomical terminology related to joint movement, and understanding directional planes (sagittal, frontal, transverse) is essential. Hyperextension differs from extension because it exceeds the normal range of motion, which can increase injury risk.

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Sensory neurons, also known as afferent neurons, carry impulses from sensory receptors to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). These neurons transmit information such as touch, temperature, pain, and pressure. Motor (efferent) neurons carry impulses away from the CNS to muscles or glands. Association neurons, also called interneurons, connect sensory and motor neurons within the CNS. The NEX Science exam frequently tests neural pathways and directional flow of nerve impulses, making sensory neurons the correct answer for signals traveling from receptors to the CNS.

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.

Respiratory infections are most commonly transmitted through airborne droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets may be inhaled directly or land on surfaces where they can be transferred to the respiratory tract. Sexual intercourse and IV drug use are associated with bloodborne or sexually transmitted infections. The fecal-oral route is common for gastrointestinal infections. The NEX Science exam frequently tests routes of transmission as part of infection control and prevention, making coughing the correct and most common route for respiratory infections.

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This question assesses interpretation of a statistical graph and understanding of the mean (average). The mean height represents the weighted average of all data points across the three classrooms. From the plotted distributions, the center of mass of the combined data lies just under 172 cm. Option D, 171.9 cm, most accurately represents the mean height shown by the data. Option A (170.0) is too low, option C (175.0) is too high, and option B (17.0) is clearly incorrect due to unit misinterpretation. On the NEX exam, graph-based questions often test estimation and interpretation rather than exact calculation, especially when raw data values are not individually listed. The correct approach is to identify the overall balance point of the distribution.

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