KAPLAN NURSING ENTRANCE EXAM -
SCIENCE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains:
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• General Biology and Microbiology
• Chemistry Fundamentals
• Biochemistry and Metabolism
• Cell Biology and Genetics
• Immunology and Pathophysiology Basics
• Scientific Inquiry and Research Principles
• Homeostasis and Body Systems Integration
Introduction
This comprehensive science examination is designed to evaluate the
foundational knowledge required for success in nursing education
programs. The exam covers essential scientific concepts across anatomy
and physiology, biology, chemistry, and microbiology, with an emphasis
on understanding the structure and function of the human body at the
cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels. The multiple-choice questions
assess the candidate's ability to apply scientific principles to clinical
scenarios, integrate knowledge across disciplines, and demonstrate
critical thinking skills essential for nursing practice. Candidates are
expected to understand normal physiological processes, identify
deviations from homeostasis, and apply basic scientific principles to
,patient care situations. The exam emphasizes the connection between
scientific theory and clinical application, preparing students for the
rigorous science curriculum in nursing programs. This assessment
includes questions that test knowledge of major body systems, cellular
processes, biochemical reactions, and the principles of disease and
immunity.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-100
Question 1
Which organelle is responsible for the production of adenosine
triphosphate (ATP) through cellular respiration?
A. Ribosome
B. Golgi apparatus
C. Mitochondrion
D. Endoplasmic reticulum
C. Mitochondrion
RATIONALE: The mitochondrion is the powerhouse of the cell,
responsible for producing ATP through oxidative phosphorylation in
cellular respiration. Ribosomes synthesize proteins, the Golgi apparatus
packages proteins, and the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein
and lipid synthesis.
Question 2
In which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?
A. G1 phase
B. S phase
C. G2 phase
D. M phase
B. S phase
RATIONALE: DNA replication occurs during the S (synthesis) phase
of the cell cycle. The G1 phase involves cell growth and protein
,synthesis, the G2 phase involves preparation for mitosis, and the M
phase is mitosis itself.
Question 3
The pH of a solution is a measure of which of the following?
A. The concentration of hydrogen ions (H+)
B. The concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-)
C. The temperature of the solution
D. The electrical conductivity
A. The concentration of hydrogen ions (H+)
RATIONALE: pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion (H+) concentration
in a solution. A low pH indicates high H+ concentration (acidic), while a
high pH indicates low H+ concentration (alkaline/basic).
Question 4
Which blood type is considered the universal recipient?
A. Type A
B. Type B
C. Type AB
D. Type O
C. Type AB
RATIONALE: Type AB blood is the universal recipient because
individuals with type AB blood have no antibodies against A or B
antigens and can receive blood from any ABO type. Type O is the
universal donor.
Question 5
The function of red blood cells (erythrocytes) is to:
A. Fight infection
B. Transport oxygen
C. Initiate blood clotting
D. Regulate body temperature
B. Transport oxygen
, RATIONALE: Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which binds and
transports oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. White
blood cells fight infection, platelets initiate clotting, and the body
regulates temperature through other mechanisms.
Question 6
Which structure in the kidney is responsible for filtering blood?
A. Renal pelvis
B. Nephron
C. Ureter
D. Glomerulus
B. Nephron
RATIONALE: The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney
responsible for filtering blood and forming urine. The glomerulus is a
component of the nephron where filtration occurs. The renal pelvis
collects urine, and the ureter transports urine.
Question 7
Which of the following correctly describes the process of osmosis?
A. Movement of solute from an area of high concentration to low
concentration
B. Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from low
solute to high solute concentration
C. Active transport of ions across a membrane using ATP
D. Diffusion of gases across the alveolar membrane
B. Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from low
solute to high solute concentration
RATIONALE: Osmosis is the movement of water across a
semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration
(high water concentration) to an area of high solute concentration (low
water concentration). Diffusion is movement of solutes, active transport
requires energy, and gas exchange is a form of diffusion.
SCIENCE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains:
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• General Biology and Microbiology
• Chemistry Fundamentals
• Biochemistry and Metabolism
• Cell Biology and Genetics
• Immunology and Pathophysiology Basics
• Scientific Inquiry and Research Principles
• Homeostasis and Body Systems Integration
Introduction
This comprehensive science examination is designed to evaluate the
foundational knowledge required for success in nursing education
programs. The exam covers essential scientific concepts across anatomy
and physiology, biology, chemistry, and microbiology, with an emphasis
on understanding the structure and function of the human body at the
cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels. The multiple-choice questions
assess the candidate's ability to apply scientific principles to clinical
scenarios, integrate knowledge across disciplines, and demonstrate
critical thinking skills essential for nursing practice. Candidates are
expected to understand normal physiological processes, identify
deviations from homeostasis, and apply basic scientific principles to
,patient care situations. The exam emphasizes the connection between
scientific theory and clinical application, preparing students for the
rigorous science curriculum in nursing programs. This assessment
includes questions that test knowledge of major body systems, cellular
processes, biochemical reactions, and the principles of disease and
immunity.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-100
Question 1
Which organelle is responsible for the production of adenosine
triphosphate (ATP) through cellular respiration?
A. Ribosome
B. Golgi apparatus
C. Mitochondrion
D. Endoplasmic reticulum
C. Mitochondrion
RATIONALE: The mitochondrion is the powerhouse of the cell,
responsible for producing ATP through oxidative phosphorylation in
cellular respiration. Ribosomes synthesize proteins, the Golgi apparatus
packages proteins, and the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein
and lipid synthesis.
Question 2
In which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?
A. G1 phase
B. S phase
C. G2 phase
D. M phase
B. S phase
RATIONALE: DNA replication occurs during the S (synthesis) phase
of the cell cycle. The G1 phase involves cell growth and protein
,synthesis, the G2 phase involves preparation for mitosis, and the M
phase is mitosis itself.
Question 3
The pH of a solution is a measure of which of the following?
A. The concentration of hydrogen ions (H+)
B. The concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-)
C. The temperature of the solution
D. The electrical conductivity
A. The concentration of hydrogen ions (H+)
RATIONALE: pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion (H+) concentration
in a solution. A low pH indicates high H+ concentration (acidic), while a
high pH indicates low H+ concentration (alkaline/basic).
Question 4
Which blood type is considered the universal recipient?
A. Type A
B. Type B
C. Type AB
D. Type O
C. Type AB
RATIONALE: Type AB blood is the universal recipient because
individuals with type AB blood have no antibodies against A or B
antigens and can receive blood from any ABO type. Type O is the
universal donor.
Question 5
The function of red blood cells (erythrocytes) is to:
A. Fight infection
B. Transport oxygen
C. Initiate blood clotting
D. Regulate body temperature
B. Transport oxygen
, RATIONALE: Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which binds and
transports oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. White
blood cells fight infection, platelets initiate clotting, and the body
regulates temperature through other mechanisms.
Question 6
Which structure in the kidney is responsible for filtering blood?
A. Renal pelvis
B. Nephron
C. Ureter
D. Glomerulus
B. Nephron
RATIONALE: The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney
responsible for filtering blood and forming urine. The glomerulus is a
component of the nephron where filtration occurs. The renal pelvis
collects urine, and the ureter transports urine.
Question 7
Which of the following correctly describes the process of osmosis?
A. Movement of solute from an area of high concentration to low
concentration
B. Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from low
solute to high solute concentration
C. Active transport of ions across a membrane using ATP
D. Diffusion of gases across the alveolar membrane
B. Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from low
solute to high solute concentration
RATIONALE: Osmosis is the movement of water across a
semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration
(high water concentration) to an area of high solute concentration (low
water concentration). Diffusion is movement of solutes, active transport
requires energy, and gas exchange is a form of diffusion.
