Nursing School Entrance Practice
Examination Original Questions with
Answers and Rationales
Passage 1
Many nursing students assume that memorizing large amounts
of information is the most effective way to prepare for
examinations. Although memorization has a role in learning
terminology and foundational facts, research on learning
suggests that students often retain information more effectively
when they actively retrieve it. For example, answering practice
questions without looking at notes requires the brain to recall
information, identify gaps in knowledge, and correct
misunderstandings. Spacing these practice sessions over several
days may also be more effective than studying the same
material for several hours in one sitting.
1. What is the central idea of the passage?
A. Memorization is never useful for nursing students.
B. Active retrieval and spaced practice can improve learning
,effectiveness.
C. Nursing students should study for several hours every day.
D. Practice questions are more important than attending class.
Answer: B
Rationale: The passage emphasizes active retrieval and spaced
practice as strategies that may improve retention. It does not
claim that memorization is useless or that practice questions
replace classroom instruction.
2. Which statement is directly supported by the passage?
A. Students should avoid reviewing notes.
B. Students retain all information after one practice session.
C. Retrieval practice can help identify gaps in knowledge.
D. Memorization is harmful to academic performance.
Answer: C
Rationale: The passage specifically states that answering
practice questions can help students identify gaps in their
knowledge.
3. The word “foundational” most nearly means:
A. Unnecessary
B. Basic
,C. Advanced
D. Temporary
Answer: B
Rationale: In context, foundational facts are basic facts that
provide a foundation for later learning.
4. Which organizational pattern is primarily used in the
passage?
A. Compare and contrast
B. Cause and effect
C. Problem and solution
D. Claim followed by supporting explanation
Answer: D
Rationale: The passage begins with a claim about memorization
and then explains why active retrieval and spacing may be more
effective.
Passage 2
A community health clinic noticed that many patients with
hypertension were missing follow-up appointments. Clinic
administrators initially assumed that patients were simply
forgetting their appointments. However, interviews revealed
, several other barriers. Some patients lacked reliable
transportation, while others could not easily take time away
from work. The clinic responded by offering reminder
messages, flexible appointment times, and selected telehealth
visits. After six months, the clinic reported an increase in
completed follow-up appointments.
5. What was the clinic's initial assumption?
A. Patients did not understand hypertension.
B. Patients were intentionally avoiding treatment.
C. Patients were forgetting their appointments.
D. Patients preferred telehealth appointments.
Answer: C
Rationale: The passage explicitly states that administrators
initially assumed patients were simply forgetting appointments.
6. Which intervention directly addresses transportation
barriers?
A. Reminder messages
B. Flexible appointment times
C. Telehealth visits
D. Longer clinic appointments
Answer: C