FNP 652 Family Primary Care I Final Practice Exam 2026 |
Grand Canyon University (GCU) Questions, Answers &
Detailed Rationales 70+ QA
Question 1
A family nurse practitioner evaluates a patient during a routine primary care visit
and identifies elevated blood pressure readings on multiple occasions. Which
approach is most appropriate before establishing a diagnosis of hypertension?
A. Begin antihypertensive medication immediately based on one elevated reading
B. Confirm elevated readings using appropriate repeated measurements and
clinical assessment
C. Diagnose hypertension only if symptoms such as headaches are present
D. Delay evaluation until the patient develops cardiovascular complications
Correct Answer:
B. Confirm elevated readings using appropriate repeated measurements and
clinical assessment
Rationale:
Hypertension is often asymptomatic and requires accurate blood pressure
measurement and confirmation over time unless the situation requires urgent
treatment. Diagnosis should be based on clinical assessment rather than a single
isolated reading.
Question 2
,A nurse practitioner is counseling a patient with type 2 diabetes about lifestyle
modifications. Which intervention has the greatest impact on improving insulin
sensitivity?
A. Increasing daily physical activity
B. Eliminating all carbohydrates permanently
C. Avoiding all dietary fats
D. Reducing sleep duration
Correct Answer:
A. Increasing daily physical activity
Rationale:
Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, assists with weight
management, and contributes to better glycemic control. Lifestyle modification is a
key component of diabetes management.
Question 3
During a pediatric wellness examination, which developmental assessment area is
most appropriate for identifying delays?
A. Social, language, cognitive, and motor development
B. Only physical growth measurements
C. Medication history only
D. Laboratory testing in every child
Correct Answer:
A. Social, language, cognitive, and motor development
,Rationale:
Developmental surveillance evaluates multiple domains, including gross motor,
fine motor, language, cognitive abilities, and social-emotional development.
Question 4
A patient presents with sore throat, fever, tonsillar exudates, and tender anterior
cervical lymph nodes. Which diagnostic approach is most appropriate?
A. Assume viral infection and provide antibiotics
B. Perform appropriate testing for streptococcal pharyngitis
C. Avoid evaluation because symptoms are self-limiting
D. Order imaging studies immediately
Correct Answer:
B. Perform appropriate testing for streptococcal pharyngitis
Rationale:
Clinical findings may suggest group A streptococcal infection, but diagnostic
testing helps confirm the diagnosis before antibiotic therapy.
Question 5
A family nurse practitioner reviews medication therapy with an older adult taking
multiple prescriptions. Which concern should receive priority?
A. Medication adherence and potential drug interactions
B. Eliminating all medications regardless of indication
, C. Increasing medication doses automatically
D. Avoiding discussion about adverse effects
Correct Answer:
A. Medication adherence and potential drug interactions
Rationale:
Older adults are at increased risk for polypharmacy complications. Reviewing
medication use, interactions, and adherence improves safety.
Question 6
A patient reports unilateral knee pain after increased physical activity. Which
assessment finding would suggest osteoarthritis rather than inflammatory arthritis?
A. Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
B. Prolonged morning stiffness lasting several hours
C. Symmetrical swelling of multiple joints
D. Systemic fever and fatigue
Correct Answer:
A. Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
Rationale:
Osteoarthritis is typically associated with mechanical pain that increases with use
and improves with rest. Inflammatory arthritis often includes prolonged morning
stiffness and systemic symptoms.
Question 7
Grand Canyon University (GCU) Questions, Answers &
Detailed Rationales 70+ QA
Question 1
A family nurse practitioner evaluates a patient during a routine primary care visit
and identifies elevated blood pressure readings on multiple occasions. Which
approach is most appropriate before establishing a diagnosis of hypertension?
A. Begin antihypertensive medication immediately based on one elevated reading
B. Confirm elevated readings using appropriate repeated measurements and
clinical assessment
C. Diagnose hypertension only if symptoms such as headaches are present
D. Delay evaluation until the patient develops cardiovascular complications
Correct Answer:
B. Confirm elevated readings using appropriate repeated measurements and
clinical assessment
Rationale:
Hypertension is often asymptomatic and requires accurate blood pressure
measurement and confirmation over time unless the situation requires urgent
treatment. Diagnosis should be based on clinical assessment rather than a single
isolated reading.
Question 2
,A nurse practitioner is counseling a patient with type 2 diabetes about lifestyle
modifications. Which intervention has the greatest impact on improving insulin
sensitivity?
A. Increasing daily physical activity
B. Eliminating all carbohydrates permanently
C. Avoiding all dietary fats
D. Reducing sleep duration
Correct Answer:
A. Increasing daily physical activity
Rationale:
Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, assists with weight
management, and contributes to better glycemic control. Lifestyle modification is a
key component of diabetes management.
Question 3
During a pediatric wellness examination, which developmental assessment area is
most appropriate for identifying delays?
A. Social, language, cognitive, and motor development
B. Only physical growth measurements
C. Medication history only
D. Laboratory testing in every child
Correct Answer:
A. Social, language, cognitive, and motor development
,Rationale:
Developmental surveillance evaluates multiple domains, including gross motor,
fine motor, language, cognitive abilities, and social-emotional development.
Question 4
A patient presents with sore throat, fever, tonsillar exudates, and tender anterior
cervical lymph nodes. Which diagnostic approach is most appropriate?
A. Assume viral infection and provide antibiotics
B. Perform appropriate testing for streptococcal pharyngitis
C. Avoid evaluation because symptoms are self-limiting
D. Order imaging studies immediately
Correct Answer:
B. Perform appropriate testing for streptococcal pharyngitis
Rationale:
Clinical findings may suggest group A streptococcal infection, but diagnostic
testing helps confirm the diagnosis before antibiotic therapy.
Question 5
A family nurse practitioner reviews medication therapy with an older adult taking
multiple prescriptions. Which concern should receive priority?
A. Medication adherence and potential drug interactions
B. Eliminating all medications regardless of indication
, C. Increasing medication doses automatically
D. Avoiding discussion about adverse effects
Correct Answer:
A. Medication adherence and potential drug interactions
Rationale:
Older adults are at increased risk for polypharmacy complications. Reviewing
medication use, interactions, and adherence improves safety.
Question 6
A patient reports unilateral knee pain after increased physical activity. Which
assessment finding would suggest osteoarthritis rather than inflammatory arthritis?
A. Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
B. Prolonged morning stiffness lasting several hours
C. Symmetrical swelling of multiple joints
D. Systemic fever and fatigue
Correct Answer:
A. Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
Rationale:
Osteoarthritis is typically associated with mechanical pain that increases with use
and improves with rest. Inflammatory arthritis often includes prolonged morning
stiffness and systemic symptoms.
Question 7
