Page 1 of 123
NBCRNA PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS AND RATIONALES JUST
RELEASED THIS YEAR
Domain 1: Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology (Questions 1-45)
1. The functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtration is the:
• A) Collecting duct
• B) Loop of Henle
• C) Nephron
• D) Glomerulus
Answer: C (The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney. Each nephron consists of the
glomerulus, proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and collecting
duct.)
2. Normal cardiac output in a resting adult is approximately:
• A) 2-3 L/min
1
SUCCESS!
,Page 2 of 123
• B) 4-8 L/min
• C) 10-12 L/min
• D) 15-20 L/min
Answer: B (Normal cardiac output ranges from 4 to 8 L/min in a resting adult, with an average
of about 5 L/min. Cardiac index is cardiac output divided by body surface area, normally 2.5-4.0
L/min/m².)
3. The primary neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction is:
• A) Norepinephrine
• B) Dopamine
• C) Acetylcholine
• D) Serotonin
Answer: C (Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction,
released from the motor neuron to bind to nicotinic receptors on the muscle endplate.)
4. The minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of an inhaled anesthetic is defined as:
2
SUCCESS!
,Page 3 of 123
• A) The concentration that produces 50% of maximum effect
• B) The concentration that prevents movement in 50% of patients in response to a
surgical incision
• C) The concentration that produces anesthesia in 95% of patients
• D) The concentration that causes respiratory depression
Answer: B (MAC is defined as the alveolar concentration of an inhaled anesthetic that prevents
movement in 50% of patients in response to a standardized surgical incision.)
5. Which of the following is the primary determinant of myocardial oxygen demand?
• A) Heart rate
• B) Stroke volume
• C) Systolic blood pressure
• D) Wall tension
Answer: A (Heart rate is the primary determinant of myocardial oxygen demand. Tachycardia
significantly increases oxygen consumption and can precipitate ischemia in patients with
coronary artery disease.)
3
SUCCESS!
, Page 4 of 123
6. The structure that separates the right and left ventricles is the:
• A) Interatrial septum
• B) Interventricular septum
• C) Atrioventricular septum
• D) Fibrous skeleton
Answer: B (The interventricular septum separates the right and left ventricles. It is thick and
muscular, contributing to ventricular contraction.)
7. The parasympathetic nervous system uses which neurotransmitter at the ganglia?
• A) Norepinephrine
• B) Epinephrine
• C) Acetylcholine
• D) Dopamine
4
SUCCESS!
NBCRNA PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS AND RATIONALES JUST
RELEASED THIS YEAR
Domain 1: Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology (Questions 1-45)
1. The functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtration is the:
• A) Collecting duct
• B) Loop of Henle
• C) Nephron
• D) Glomerulus
Answer: C (The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney. Each nephron consists of the
glomerulus, proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and collecting
duct.)
2. Normal cardiac output in a resting adult is approximately:
• A) 2-3 L/min
1
SUCCESS!
,Page 2 of 123
• B) 4-8 L/min
• C) 10-12 L/min
• D) 15-20 L/min
Answer: B (Normal cardiac output ranges from 4 to 8 L/min in a resting adult, with an average
of about 5 L/min. Cardiac index is cardiac output divided by body surface area, normally 2.5-4.0
L/min/m².)
3. The primary neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction is:
• A) Norepinephrine
• B) Dopamine
• C) Acetylcholine
• D) Serotonin
Answer: C (Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction,
released from the motor neuron to bind to nicotinic receptors on the muscle endplate.)
4. The minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of an inhaled anesthetic is defined as:
2
SUCCESS!
,Page 3 of 123
• A) The concentration that produces 50% of maximum effect
• B) The concentration that prevents movement in 50% of patients in response to a
surgical incision
• C) The concentration that produces anesthesia in 95% of patients
• D) The concentration that causes respiratory depression
Answer: B (MAC is defined as the alveolar concentration of an inhaled anesthetic that prevents
movement in 50% of patients in response to a standardized surgical incision.)
5. Which of the following is the primary determinant of myocardial oxygen demand?
• A) Heart rate
• B) Stroke volume
• C) Systolic blood pressure
• D) Wall tension
Answer: A (Heart rate is the primary determinant of myocardial oxygen demand. Tachycardia
significantly increases oxygen consumption and can precipitate ischemia in patients with
coronary artery disease.)
3
SUCCESS!
, Page 4 of 123
6. The structure that separates the right and left ventricles is the:
• A) Interatrial septum
• B) Interventricular septum
• C) Atrioventricular septum
• D) Fibrous skeleton
Answer: B (The interventricular septum separates the right and left ventricles. It is thick and
muscular, contributing to ventricular contraction.)
7. The parasympathetic nervous system uses which neurotransmitter at the ganglia?
• A) Norepinephrine
• B) Epinephrine
• C) Acetylcholine
• D) Dopamine
4
SUCCESS!
