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APEA Pre-Predictor Exam 2026/2027 |
Questions and Answers | Advanced Practice
Education Associates NP Certification
Readiness (GRADED A)
Advanced Practice Education Associates (APEA) – NP Certification Readiness Assessment
Verified Questions & Correct Answers
Edition | Advanced Practice Nursing Review
Core Clinical Areas:
Advanced Health Assessment, Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan, Advanced Pharmacology,
Primary Care Management, Diagnostic Reasoning, Evidence-Based Practice, Health Promotion &
Disease Prevention, Differential Diagnosis, Clinical Decision-Making | APEA-Aligned Blueprint
Exam Structure
The APEA Pre-Predictor Exam is a computer-based readiness assessment consisting of board-
style multiple-choice questions designed to mirror the difficulty and scope of NP certification
exams. The assessment evaluates a candidate’s clinical knowledge, diagnostic accuracy, and
readiness for national certification testing.
Introduction
This APEA Pre-Predictor Exam (2026/2027 Edition) reflects current APEA standards used to
prepare nurse practitioner students for FNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP, and related certification
pathways. The content emphasizes clinical reasoning, guideline-based management, and test-
taking strategy aligned with national board expectations.
Answer Format
• Correct answers are clearly highlighted in bold
• Each item includes a concise, exam-focused rationale
• Rationales emphasize diagnostic logic, guideline alignment, and safety
• Structured for efficient review, remediation, and exam readiness
,Question:
In the majority of children, the first permanent teeth start to erupt at the age of 6 years. Which of
the following are the first permanent teeth to erupt in this time period?
A. First Molars
B. Second Molars
C. Lower or upper incisors
D. Canines
Answer
A. First Molars
Question:
All of the following are classified as activities of daily living (ADLs) except:
A. ability to feed self
B. Ability to manage bladder and bowel elimination
C. Personal hygiene and grooming
D. Grocery Shopping
Answer
D. Grocery shopping
Question:
You note the following result on a routine urinalysis of a 37-year old primigravida who is at 30
weeks gestation. Leukocyte=trace, nitrite=negative, protein=2+, blood=negative. Her weight has
increased by 5 lbs during the past week. Which of the following is most likely?
A.HELLP syndrome
B. Pregnancy-induced hypertension (pre-eclampsia)
C. Eclampsia of pregnancy
D. Primary hypertension
Answer
B. Pregnancy-induced hypertension (pre-eclampsia). Classic triad of symptoms of preeclampsia
include hypertension, edema (weight gain), and proteinuria.
Question:
The mother of a 12 month old infant reports to the nurse practitioner that her child had a high
fever for several days, which spontaneously resolved. After the fever resolved, the child
developed a maculopapular rash. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Fifth Disease (erythema infectiosum)
B. Roseola infantum (exanthema subitum)
C. Varicella
D. Infantile maculopapular rashes
Answer
B. Roseola Infantum (Exanthema subitum)
Question:
,A 70-year old male patient complains of a bright red-colored spot in his left eye for 2 days. He
denies eye pain, visual changes, or headaches. He has a new onset of cough from a recent viral
upper respiratory infection. The only medicine he is on Bayer aspirin, 1 tablet a day. Which of
the following is most likely?
A. Corneal abrasion
B. Acute bacterial conjunctivitis
C. Acute uveitis
D. Subconjunctival hemorrhage
Answer
D. Subconjunctival hemorrhage. Bright red blood in a sharply defined area surrounded by
normal-appearing conjunctiva indicates subconjunctival hemorrhage.
Question:
A woman is being evaluated by the nurse practitioner for complaints of dyspareunia. A
microscopy slide reveals a large number of atrophic squamous epithelial cells. The vaginal pH is
4.0. There are very few leukocytes and no RBCs are seen on the wet smear. Which of the
following is most likely?
A. Atrophic vaginitis
B. Bacterial Vaginosis
C. Trichomoniasis
D. This is a normal finding.
Answer
A. Atrophic vaginitis. Symptoms of atrophic vaginitis include painful intercourse, atrophic
squamous epithelial cells, and a decrease in pH. Vaginal atrophy is caused by lack of or
imbalance of estrogen. Normal pH of the vagina is 4.0-5.0 (acidic)
Question:
The most common type of skin malignancy is:
A. Squamous cell cancer
B. Basal skin cancer
C. Melanoma
D. Dysplastic nevi
Answer
B. Basal skin cancer. It is several times more common that squamous cell skin cancer according
to the NIH.
Question:
Koplik's spots are associated with:
A. Poxvirius infections
B. Measles
C. Kawasaki's disease
D. Reye's syndrome
Answer
B. Measles. S/S include fever over 101, coryza, cough, conjunctivitis, rash, and koplik's spots on
buccal mucosa
, Question:
At what level of prevention would you classify for lung cancer?
A. Primary prevention
B. Secondary prevention
C. Tertiary prevention
D. Primordial prevention
Answer
D. primordial prevention. Screening for lung cancer is not currently recommended in the general
population, but it is secondary prevention.
Question:
A test called the visual fields by confrontation is used to evaluate for:
A. Peripheral vision
B. Central vision
C. Visual acuity
D. Accomodation
Answer
A. Peripheral vision
Question:
What is the most common cause of Cushing's syndrome?
Answer
Administration of a glucocorticoid or ACTH.
Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome is the most common type. Exogenous glucocorticoid
administration produces a Cushing's Syndrome that is reversible by discontinuation of the
medication.
Question:
A patient with no significant medical history has vericose veins. She complains of '"aching legs".
The intervention that will provide the greatest relief for her complaint is to:
Elevate her legs periodically.
Answer
The intervention that will provide the greatest relief for this patient is elevating her legs
periodically. This will facilitate venous return. Use of support stockings will prolong the length
of time she is able to stand in place, but will not provide relief after her legs begin aching.
Support stockings should be applied prior to getting out of bed.
Question:
A 25-yo female patient presents for a routine well-women exam. On physical exam, the NP notes
a scant nipple discharge, absence of palpable mass, and absence of lymph node enlargement.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer
Itraductal papilloma.
Intraductal papilloma often presents as a non-tender mass with serous or bloody nipple discharge
located in the ductal system near the areola. Breast cancer, although usually non-tender, may
present with pain. Chest wall syndrome may present in some women as breast pain. Fibrocystic
breast disease often presents with bilateral breast pain.
APEA Pre-Predictor Exam 2026/2027 |
Questions and Answers | Advanced Practice
Education Associates NP Certification
Readiness (GRADED A)
Advanced Practice Education Associates (APEA) – NP Certification Readiness Assessment
Verified Questions & Correct Answers
Edition | Advanced Practice Nursing Review
Core Clinical Areas:
Advanced Health Assessment, Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan, Advanced Pharmacology,
Primary Care Management, Diagnostic Reasoning, Evidence-Based Practice, Health Promotion &
Disease Prevention, Differential Diagnosis, Clinical Decision-Making | APEA-Aligned Blueprint
Exam Structure
The APEA Pre-Predictor Exam is a computer-based readiness assessment consisting of board-
style multiple-choice questions designed to mirror the difficulty and scope of NP certification
exams. The assessment evaluates a candidate’s clinical knowledge, diagnostic accuracy, and
readiness for national certification testing.
Introduction
This APEA Pre-Predictor Exam (2026/2027 Edition) reflects current APEA standards used to
prepare nurse practitioner students for FNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP, and related certification
pathways. The content emphasizes clinical reasoning, guideline-based management, and test-
taking strategy aligned with national board expectations.
Answer Format
• Correct answers are clearly highlighted in bold
• Each item includes a concise, exam-focused rationale
• Rationales emphasize diagnostic logic, guideline alignment, and safety
• Structured for efficient review, remediation, and exam readiness
,Question:
In the majority of children, the first permanent teeth start to erupt at the age of 6 years. Which of
the following are the first permanent teeth to erupt in this time period?
A. First Molars
B. Second Molars
C. Lower or upper incisors
D. Canines
Answer
A. First Molars
Question:
All of the following are classified as activities of daily living (ADLs) except:
A. ability to feed self
B. Ability to manage bladder and bowel elimination
C. Personal hygiene and grooming
D. Grocery Shopping
Answer
D. Grocery shopping
Question:
You note the following result on a routine urinalysis of a 37-year old primigravida who is at 30
weeks gestation. Leukocyte=trace, nitrite=negative, protein=2+, blood=negative. Her weight has
increased by 5 lbs during the past week. Which of the following is most likely?
A.HELLP syndrome
B. Pregnancy-induced hypertension (pre-eclampsia)
C. Eclampsia of pregnancy
D. Primary hypertension
Answer
B. Pregnancy-induced hypertension (pre-eclampsia). Classic triad of symptoms of preeclampsia
include hypertension, edema (weight gain), and proteinuria.
Question:
The mother of a 12 month old infant reports to the nurse practitioner that her child had a high
fever for several days, which spontaneously resolved. After the fever resolved, the child
developed a maculopapular rash. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Fifth Disease (erythema infectiosum)
B. Roseola infantum (exanthema subitum)
C. Varicella
D. Infantile maculopapular rashes
Answer
B. Roseola Infantum (Exanthema subitum)
Question:
,A 70-year old male patient complains of a bright red-colored spot in his left eye for 2 days. He
denies eye pain, visual changes, or headaches. He has a new onset of cough from a recent viral
upper respiratory infection. The only medicine he is on Bayer aspirin, 1 tablet a day. Which of
the following is most likely?
A. Corneal abrasion
B. Acute bacterial conjunctivitis
C. Acute uveitis
D. Subconjunctival hemorrhage
Answer
D. Subconjunctival hemorrhage. Bright red blood in a sharply defined area surrounded by
normal-appearing conjunctiva indicates subconjunctival hemorrhage.
Question:
A woman is being evaluated by the nurse practitioner for complaints of dyspareunia. A
microscopy slide reveals a large number of atrophic squamous epithelial cells. The vaginal pH is
4.0. There are very few leukocytes and no RBCs are seen on the wet smear. Which of the
following is most likely?
A. Atrophic vaginitis
B. Bacterial Vaginosis
C. Trichomoniasis
D. This is a normal finding.
Answer
A. Atrophic vaginitis. Symptoms of atrophic vaginitis include painful intercourse, atrophic
squamous epithelial cells, and a decrease in pH. Vaginal atrophy is caused by lack of or
imbalance of estrogen. Normal pH of the vagina is 4.0-5.0 (acidic)
Question:
The most common type of skin malignancy is:
A. Squamous cell cancer
B. Basal skin cancer
C. Melanoma
D. Dysplastic nevi
Answer
B. Basal skin cancer. It is several times more common that squamous cell skin cancer according
to the NIH.
Question:
Koplik's spots are associated with:
A. Poxvirius infections
B. Measles
C. Kawasaki's disease
D. Reye's syndrome
Answer
B. Measles. S/S include fever over 101, coryza, cough, conjunctivitis, rash, and koplik's spots on
buccal mucosa
, Question:
At what level of prevention would you classify for lung cancer?
A. Primary prevention
B. Secondary prevention
C. Tertiary prevention
D. Primordial prevention
Answer
D. primordial prevention. Screening for lung cancer is not currently recommended in the general
population, but it is secondary prevention.
Question:
A test called the visual fields by confrontation is used to evaluate for:
A. Peripheral vision
B. Central vision
C. Visual acuity
D. Accomodation
Answer
A. Peripheral vision
Question:
What is the most common cause of Cushing's syndrome?
Answer
Administration of a glucocorticoid or ACTH.
Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome is the most common type. Exogenous glucocorticoid
administration produces a Cushing's Syndrome that is reversible by discontinuation of the
medication.
Question:
A patient with no significant medical history has vericose veins. She complains of '"aching legs".
The intervention that will provide the greatest relief for her complaint is to:
Elevate her legs periodically.
Answer
The intervention that will provide the greatest relief for this patient is elevating her legs
periodically. This will facilitate venous return. Use of support stockings will prolong the length
of time she is able to stand in place, but will not provide relief after her legs begin aching.
Support stockings should be applied prior to getting out of bed.
Question:
A 25-yo female patient presents for a routine well-women exam. On physical exam, the NP notes
a scant nipple discharge, absence of palpable mass, and absence of lymph node enlargement.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer
Itraductal papilloma.
Intraductal papilloma often presents as a non-tender mass with serous or bloody nipple discharge
located in the ductal system near the areola. Breast cancer, although usually non-tender, may
present with pain. Chest wall syndrome may present in some women as breast pain. Fibrocystic
breast disease often presents with bilateral breast pain.
