Latest Update 2026 | Exam Prep | Comprehensive Study
Guide
INTRODUCTION TO NURS 5461
NURS 5461 is an advanced graduate-level nursing course.
The specific content of this course varies by institution,
focusing on either advanced pathophysiology,
acute/chronic illness management, or the business of
healthcare .
This study guide synthesizes verified exam questions,
clinical practice scenarios, and key concepts based on the
2026 curriculum. It is designed to help you prepare
effectively for your final exam with confidence .
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS & HEALTH
PROMOTION
Question 1
A 72-year-old male patient asks about the recommended
frequency for the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine. He
,received the live zoster vaccine (Zostavax) five years ago.
What is the most appropriate response?
A) "You do not need another shingles vaccine as Zostavax
provides lifelong immunity."
B) "You should receive the recombinant zoster vaccine
(Shingrix) now, as it is recommended regardless of prior
Zostavax vaccination."
C) "You need to wait until you are 75 years old to receive
the booster for Zostavax."
D) "You should receive a second dose of Zostavax to
boost your immunity."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The CDC recommends the recombinant zoster
vaccine (Shingrix, RZV) for all adults aged 50 years and
older, including those who previously received Zostavax.
Shingrix is a two-dose series (2-6 months apart) and has
over 90% efficacy. Zostavax is no longer available in the
U.S. .
Question 2
A 68-year-old African American female with a history of
hypertension is in your clinic for a wellness visit. Her
blood pressure is 132/80 mmHg. According to USPSTF
,guidelines on screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm
(AAA), what is the appropriate recommendation?
A) Recommend a one-time abdominal ultrasound due to
her age and history of hypertension.
B) No screening is indicated as her blood pressure is well-
controlled.
C) Recommend a one-time abdominal ultrasound due to
her age, gender, and smoking history; however, she is a
non-smoker.
D) Recommend screening every five years due to her
race and age.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The USPSTF recommends one-time screening
for AAA with ultrasonography in men aged 65-75 who
have ever smoked. Screening for women is only
recommended if they have a significant family history or
have ever smoked. The patient's lack of smoking history
makes screening not indicated .
Question 3
Which of the following preventive services is
recommended with an "A" or "B" rating by the USPSTF
and required as covered services by the ACA?
, A) Prostate cancer screening with PSA
B) Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening for all adults
over 65
C) Depression screening for all adults
D) Ovarian cancer screening for women over 50
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Depression screening for all adults is a USPSTF
Grade B recommendation (moderate net benefit) and is
covered as a preventive service without cost-sharing
under the ACA. PSA screening has a Grade D rating; AAA
screening is only for men aged 65-75 with a smoking
history; ovarian cancer screening is not recommended
for asymptomatic women .
Question 4
According to the USPSTF recommendation for lung
cancer screening, which patient qualifies for annual
screening with low-dose CT (LDCT)?
A) A 62-year-old with a 15-pack-year smoking history
who quit 5 years ago
B) A 55-year-old with a 30-pack-year smoking history
who currently smokes
C) A 68-year-old with a 20-pack-year smoking history