NEX NLN Nursing Entrance Exam (Math, Science and Verbal) Free Practice Exam Questions (2026 Updated)

Monitor means to watch, observe, or check regularly. Option A best matches this meaning. Monitoring is a common healthcare term.

======

“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.

======

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.

======

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.

======

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.

======

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.

======

The passage specifically mentions weight-bearing activities as being important for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis. Walking is a weight-bearing exercise because the bones must support the body’s weight during movement. Option C is therefore correct. The passage does not mention stretching, swimming, or meditation. While swimming is good for cardiovascular health, it is not weight-bearing. On the NEX exam, detail questions often require recognizing examples given directly in the passage rather than applying outside knowledge. Selecting walking demonstrates accurate reading and attention to detail.

======

This question asks for themain idea, which is the central message of the passage. The passage discusses several roles of water in the body, including temperature regulation, nutrient transport, and waste removal. It also highlights the effects of dehydration and the importance of monitoring fluid intake, particularly in older adults. All these details support one central idea: hydration is vital for maintaining overall health and proper body function. Option C correctly summarizes this main point. Option A is incorrect because the passage actually suggests older adults are at increased risk of dehydration. Option B contradicts the passage, which emphasizes water’s importance. Option D is incorrect because the passage notes that thirst may decrease with age and is not the only indicator. On the NEX exam, main-idea questions often require recognizing repeated themes across the passage rather than focusing on one detail.

======

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

======

The passage explicitly states that physical therapy helps patients regain strength and mobility. Option C is directly supported. The other options introduce claims not made in the passage. On the NEX exam, direct-statement questions require selecting information that is clearly mentioned, not inferred.

======

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.

======

“Essential” means absolutely necessary or vital. Option C is the correct synonym. The other options are opposites or unrelated. Essential is a high-frequency NEX word, especially in health and science contexts.

“Abundant” means existing in large quantities or more than enough. Option B, “plentiful,” is the closest synonym. Scarce and limited are opposites, and fragile refers to being easily broken. NEX word knowledge questions focus on synonyms used in common academic and healthcare contexts.

======

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.

======

The passage emphasizes the importance of clear communication between healthcare professionals and patients. It explains that when communication is poor, negative consequences such as medication errors and missed appointments can occur, ultimately affecting health outcomes. These supporting details all point to one central idea: effective communication in healthcare is essential for positive patient outcomes. Option B accurately summarizes this main idea. Option A shifts responsibility entirely to patients, which is not stated. Option C focuses on one consequence rather than the overall message. Option D is incorrect because the passage implies errors can be prevented with better communication. On the NEX exam, main-idea questions require identifying the broad message supported by multiple details rather than focusing on a single example.

======

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.

The pH scale measures acidity and alkalinity, ranging from 0 to 14. Lower pH values indicate higher acidity, while higher pH values indicate greater alkalinity. A pH of 7 is considered neutral. In the chart provided, gastric juice has a pH of 1, which is the lowest value listed, making it the most acidic substance. Lemon juice, with a pH of 2, is also acidic but less so than gastric juice. Milk is slightly acidic, and pure water is neutral. Gastric juice contains hydrochloric acid, which aids digestion and destroys harmful microorganisms in the stomach. The NEX Science exam frequently tests understanding of the pH scale and its physiological relevance, particularly in digestive processes.

======

The pancreas produces insulin, which regulates blood glucose levels. Without insulin, glucose cannot efficiently enter cells, leading to hyperglycemia. Removing the pancreas would therefore cause blood glucose levels to rise. This concept is directly related to diabetes physiology and is a common topic on the NEX Science exam.

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.

======