P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
NR CEA Exam Questions
& Answers 2026-2027 | Latest
Verified Certification Study
Guide | Practice Test (Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
149 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 149 verified exam questions with correct answers and detailed rationales, focusing
on advanced clinical nursing concepts. Each question is designed to reinforce understanding and ensure
mastery of essential material for certification exams. It is suitable for study, review, and preparation for
professional certification in nursing.
CONTENTS
01 • Cardiac Assessment 02 • Pulmonary Function 03 • Endocrine Disorders
04 • Gastrointestinal Disorders 05 • Hematology 06 • Infectious Diseases
07 • Dermatological Conditions 08 • Neurological Conditions 09 • Psychiatric Disorders
10 • Renal Pathophysiology 11 • Women’s Health 12 • Pharmacology
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 149
Page 1
,S3 or S4 heart sound phase
CORRECT ANSWER
Diastole
RATIONALE
S3 and S4 heart sounds occur during diastole, with S3 reflecting rapid ventricular filling and S4 indicating atrial contraction against a stiff
ventricle. Their presence can signal underlying cardiac conditions, making diastolic function assessment critical in evaluating heart health.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 149
PMI location in a healthy adult
CORRECT ANSWER
Left 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line
RATIONALE
The point of maximal impulse (PMI) is typically located at the left 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line due to the anatomical
positioning of the heart's apex, which is directed anteriorly and laterally. This location is crucial for assessing cardiac function and
detecting abnormalities such as left ventricular hypertrophy.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 149
Non-priority decision for ST depression and chest discomfort
CORRECT ANSWER
Check for thyroid dysfunction
RATIONALE
Evaluating thyroid dysfunction is a non-priority decision in the context of ST depression and chest discomfort, as immediate cardiac
issues such as ischemia or infarction take precedence over endocrine evaluations. Focusing on acute symptoms ensures timely
intervention for potentially life-threatening conditions.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 149
"Ee" to "a" sound on chest auscultation
CORRECT ANSWER
Positive for egophony
Page 2
, RATIONALE
Egophony occurs when the voice sounds change due to fluid or consolidation in the lungs, resulting in a distinct "Ee" to "A" transformation
during auscultation. This phenomenon indicates underlying lung pathology, such as pneumonia, which alters normal lung sounds.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 149
Purpose of thorax percussion
CORRECT ANSWER
Identify air-filled, fluid-filled, or consolidated tissue
RATIONALE
Thorax percussion assesses the presence of air, fluid, or solid masses within the thoracic cavity by producing characteristic sounds that
reflect underlying tissue density. This technique aids clinicians in diagnosing conditions such as pleural effusion, pneumothorax, or lung
consolidation.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 149
S1 heart sound correlation on EKG
CORRECT ANSWER
Peak of the R wave
RATIONALE
S1 heart sound coincides with the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves, which occurs just after ventricular depolarization; thus, it
aligns with the peak of the R wave on the EKG. This relationship illustrates the timing of electrical events in the heart corresponding to
mechanical actions.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 149
Most common co-diagnosis in self-harm
CORRECT ANSWER
Depression
RATIONALE
Depression frequently co-occurs with self-harm behaviors due to its association with emotional dysregulation, hopelessness, and feelings
of worthlessness, which can drive individuals to seek relief through self-injury. Understanding this link is critical for effective assessment
and intervention strategies in mental health care.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 149
Page 3
, Priority for irregularly irregular heart rate of 100
CORRECT ANSWER
Maintain rate control and anticoagulate
RATIONALE
Rate control is necessary to prevent complications from tachycardia, while anticoagulation reduces the risk of thromboembolic events
associated with atrial fibrillation. Together, these interventions address the immediate risks of an irregularly irregular heart rhythm and
promote hemodynamic stability.
Q9 QUESTION 9 OF 149
Diagnosis and plan for chest pressure relieved by rest
CORRECT ANSWER
Stable angina, initiate long-acting nitrate
RATIONALE
Stable angina is characterized by predictable chest pressure that resolves with rest, indicating myocardial ischemia due to transient
coronary artery obstruction. Long-acting nitrates are effective for this condition as they reduce myocardial oxygen demand by
vasodilating coronary arteries and improving blood flow.
Q10 QUESTION 10 OF 149
Cardiac complication for near syncope post-porcine valve
CORRECT ANSWER
Bioprosthetic aortic valve stenosis
RATIONALE
Bioprosthetic aortic valve stenosis can develop due to calcification or degeneration of the valve over time, leading to increased left
ventricular outflow obstruction and resulting in near syncope or syncope during exertion. This complication underscores the need for
ongoing monitoring of bioprosthetic valves to detect hemodynamic changes.
Q11 QUESTION 11 OF 149
Symptom for TSH 5.9, Free T4 0.3
CORRECT ANSWER
Cold intolerance
Page 4