Page 1 of 143
NURSING SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION
PRACTICE QUESTION BANK — 2026–2027
EDITION
250+ MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS WITH
VERIFIED ANSWERS & DETAILED
RATIONALES
SECTION I: VERBAL ABILITY
## A. Vocabulary & Word Knowledge
### Question 1
The nurse noted that the patient's condition was **deteriorating** rapidly. Which of the
following is the best synonym for the underlined word?
A. Improving
B. Worsening
C. Stabilizing
D. Fluctuating
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** "Deteriorating" means becoming progressively worse or declining in quality or
condition. Option B, "worsening," is the most accurate synonym. Option A is an antonym.
Option C suggests no change, and Option D suggests variation without indicating decline.
,Page 2 of 143
### Question 2
The physician's orders were **ambiguous**, causing confusion among the nursing staff. What
does "ambiguous" mean in this context?
A. Clear and precise
B. Open to multiple interpretations
C. Legally binding
D. Urgent and time-sensitive
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** "Ambiguous" means unclear or open to more than one interpretation. In a
healthcare setting, ambiguous orders can lead to medication errors or improper treatment,
highlighting the importance of clear communication.
---
### Question 3
The patient exhibited **apathy** toward her recovery, refusing to participate in physical therapy.
The term "apathy" most nearly means:
A. Enthusiasm
B. Indifference
C. Anxiety
D. Determination
**Correct Answer: B**
,Page 3 of 143
**Rationale:** Apathy is defined as a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern—essentially
indifference. This is clinically significant because apathetic patients may have poorer recovery
outcomes and may require additional psychosocial support.
---
### Question 4
The medication's **efficacy** was demonstrated in multiple clinical trials. "Efficacy" refers to:
A. Safety profile
B. Cost-effectiveness
C. Ability to produce a desired effect
D. Speed of action
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Efficacy is the capacity to produce a desired effect or result. In pharmacology,
efficacy differs from potency (amount needed to produce an effect) and safety (adverse effect
profile).
---
### Question 5
The nurse used a **tactful** approach when discussing the patient's weight with the family.
"Tactful" most nearly means:
A. Direct and blunt
B. Diplomatic and discreet
C. Authoritative
, Page 4 of 143
D. Indifferent
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Tactful means showing sensitivity and discretion in dealing with others,
especially in difficult situations. Therapeutic communication requires tact to maintain trust and
preserve patient dignity.
---
### Question 6
The patient's **prognosis** was favorable following the successful surgery. "Prognosis" refers
to:
A. The cause of the disease
B. The treatment plan
C. The likely course and outcome of the disease
D. The diagnostic test results
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Prognosis is the medical prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease.
It is distinct from diagnosis (identification of the disease) and treatment plan (interventions to
manage the disease).
---
### Question 7
NURSING SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION
PRACTICE QUESTION BANK — 2026–2027
EDITION
250+ MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS WITH
VERIFIED ANSWERS & DETAILED
RATIONALES
SECTION I: VERBAL ABILITY
## A. Vocabulary & Word Knowledge
### Question 1
The nurse noted that the patient's condition was **deteriorating** rapidly. Which of the
following is the best synonym for the underlined word?
A. Improving
B. Worsening
C. Stabilizing
D. Fluctuating
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** "Deteriorating" means becoming progressively worse or declining in quality or
condition. Option B, "worsening," is the most accurate synonym. Option A is an antonym.
Option C suggests no change, and Option D suggests variation without indicating decline.
,Page 2 of 143
### Question 2
The physician's orders were **ambiguous**, causing confusion among the nursing staff. What
does "ambiguous" mean in this context?
A. Clear and precise
B. Open to multiple interpretations
C. Legally binding
D. Urgent and time-sensitive
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** "Ambiguous" means unclear or open to more than one interpretation. In a
healthcare setting, ambiguous orders can lead to medication errors or improper treatment,
highlighting the importance of clear communication.
---
### Question 3
The patient exhibited **apathy** toward her recovery, refusing to participate in physical therapy.
The term "apathy" most nearly means:
A. Enthusiasm
B. Indifference
C. Anxiety
D. Determination
**Correct Answer: B**
,Page 3 of 143
**Rationale:** Apathy is defined as a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern—essentially
indifference. This is clinically significant because apathetic patients may have poorer recovery
outcomes and may require additional psychosocial support.
---
### Question 4
The medication's **efficacy** was demonstrated in multiple clinical trials. "Efficacy" refers to:
A. Safety profile
B. Cost-effectiveness
C. Ability to produce a desired effect
D. Speed of action
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Efficacy is the capacity to produce a desired effect or result. In pharmacology,
efficacy differs from potency (amount needed to produce an effect) and safety (adverse effect
profile).
---
### Question 5
The nurse used a **tactful** approach when discussing the patient's weight with the family.
"Tactful" most nearly means:
A. Direct and blunt
B. Diplomatic and discreet
C. Authoritative
, Page 4 of 143
D. Indifferent
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Tactful means showing sensitivity and discretion in dealing with others,
especially in difficult situations. Therapeutic communication requires tact to maintain trust and
preserve patient dignity.
---
### Question 6
The patient's **prognosis** was favorable following the successful surgery. "Prognosis" refers
to:
A. The cause of the disease
B. The treatment plan
C. The likely course and outcome of the disease
D. The diagnostic test results
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Prognosis is the medical prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease.
It is distinct from diagnosis (identification of the disease) and treatment plan (interventions to
manage the disease).
---
### Question 7
