1000+ Practice Questions & Verified
Answers for Nurse Practitioner Exam
Prep
Question 1
A 58-year-old patient presents with crushing substernal chest pain radiating to the left arm,
diaphoresis, and nausea. Which diagnosis should the NP suspect FIRST?
A. Gastroesophageal reflux disease
B. Acute coronary syndrome
C. Costochondritis
D. Panic disorder
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Acute coronary syndrome
Rationale: Crushing substernal chest pain with radiation, diaphoresis, and nausea is highly
concerning for acute coronary syndrome. Immediate evaluation with ECG and appropriate
emergency management is required.
Question 2
Which ECG finding is most characteristic of an acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction?
A. ST-segment elevation in anatomically contiguous leads
B. Prolonged PR interval only
C. Isolated U waves
D. Shortened QT interval
CORRECT ANSWER: A. ST-segment elevation in anatomically contiguous leads
Rationale: Acute transmural myocardial injury can produce ST-segment elevation in leads
corresponding to the affected coronary territory.
Question 3
,A patient with hypertension has a blood pressure of 186/122 mmHg but denies chest pain,
neurologic symptoms, dyspnea, or visual changes. What is the MOST appropriate approach?
A. Assume hypertensive emergency
B. Assess for end-organ damage and confirm the measurement
C. Immediately administer IV antihypertensive medication to every patient
D. Ignore the blood pressure
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Assess for end-organ damage and confirm the measurement
Rationale: Severe blood pressure elevation without evidence of acute target-organ injury is
distinguished from hypertensive emergency by the absence of acute end-organ damage. The
measurement should be confirmed and the patient assessed appropriately.
Question 4
Which patient is at greatest risk for developing atrial fibrillation?
A. A healthy 19-year-old
B. A patient with long-standing hypertension and structural heart disease
C. A patient with an isolated ankle sprain
D. A patient with seasonal allergies
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A patient with long-standing hypertension and structural heart disease
Rationale: Atrial fibrillation is associated with conditions such as hypertension, structural heart
disease, heart failure, and increasing age.
Question 5
A patient with atrial fibrillation is at increased risk for which complication?
A. Ischemic stroke
B. Appendicitis
C. Pneumothorax
D. Nephrolithiasis
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Ischemic stroke
Rationale: Atrial fibrillation can cause blood stasis in the atria, particularly the left atrial
appendage, promoting thrombus formation and systemic embolization.
, ENDOCRINOLOGY
Question 6
A patient presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and unexplained weight loss. Which condition
should be suspected?
A. Diabetes mellitus
B. Hypothyroidism
C. Iron-deficiency anemia
D. Osteoarthritis
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Diabetes mellitus
Rationale: Polyuria and polydipsia are classic symptoms of hyperglycemia. Unintentional weight
loss can occur with significant insulin deficiency or uncontrolled diabetes.
Question 7
Which laboratory test reflects average blood glucose control over approximately the previous 2–
3 months?
A. Random glucose
B. Hemoglobin A1c
C. Serum sodium
D. Serum amylase
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Hemoglobin A1c
Rationale: Hemoglobin A1c reflects glycemic exposure over the lifespan of circulating red blood
cells, approximately 2–3 months.
Question 8
A patient with type 2 diabetes develops sweating, tremors, and confusion. What should the NP
suspect?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Hypercalcemia