Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ)
State Examination – 2026/2027 Edition
– Verified Questions and Answers
Q: What does Ambulatory mean?
Answer
Day surgery (max stay 23 hours)
Q: What does inpatient surgical care mean?
Answer
Admitted to hospital (min 24 hours)
Q: Surgery classifications?
Answer
Elective
Diagnostic
Acute
Q: List 3 patient orientated goals post surgery?
Answer
Return to normal physical function
,Remain free from post op complications
Achieve emotional and physical comfort
Q: What is included in a pre-op assessment? (5)
Answer
Obtain history
Physical assessment
Determine patient understanding
Identify emotional state and coping skills
Check consent, pre anaesthetic form complete, other pre anaesthetic orders
Q: What does atelectasis mean?
Answer
Collapse or closure of lung resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange
Q: List 5 ways to safely care for post op patients?
Answer
Fluid balance input and output
Pain management
Assessing wound
Vital signs every five minutes
Checking IV site
,Q: What is meningitis?
Answer
A serious disease in which there is inflammation of the meninges
Q: Signs and symptoms of meningitis?
Answer
Intense headache
Fever
Light sensitivity
Muscular rigidity
Q: Main cause of meningitis?
Answer
Bacterial: Streptococcus pneumoniae
Viral: Enterovirus
Q: Signs of raised intercranial pressure? (4)
Answer
Headache
Nausea
Increased bp
Confusion
, Q: What is the purpose of the nursing council?
Answer
To protect the health and safety of members of the public by ensuring RNs are registered, fit to
practise, and competent.
Q: Signs of otitis? (Ear infection/inflammation)
Answer
Ear pain
Fever
Difficulty hearing
Q: What would you do if prescribed medication was not signed by the doctor?
Answer
Do not give until a signature or verbal consent has been given with a witness
Q: Signs of a patient on methamphetamine? (5)
Answer
Dilated pupils
Agitation
Increased bp
Loss of appetite