AMSN Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the AMSN exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 AMSN Exam Format at a Glance
📚 AMSN Topics to Study (22)
✍️ Sample AMSN Questions & Answers
1. A patient with a draining wound has periwound skin breakdown from moisture. The nurse should apply which product to protect the surrounding skin?
Moisture barrier ointments or liquid skin protectants create a waterproof barrier over the periwound skin, preventing further maceration from wound exudate.
2. A patient returns from surgery for an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the femur. The nurse assesses the 5 Ps of neurovascular status. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
Pulselessness and pallor indicate arterial compromise or compartment syndrome, which are surgical emergencies requiring immediate action.
3. A patient with a recent ischemic stroke is on aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix) dual antiplatelet therapy. The nurse's priority teaching includes:
Dual antiplatelet therapy significantly increases bleeding risk; patients must recognize and report signs of bleeding including GI bleeding (melena).
4. A nurse is caring for a patient with a dehisced abdominal wound healing by secondary intention with a wound VAC. The nurse understands that the primary goal of secondary intention healing is:
Secondary intention healing allows wounds to fill from the base with granulation tissue; wound contraction and epithelialization occur over time without surgical closure.
5. In patients with Addison's disease, which hormone is deficient?
Addison's disease is a rare but serious condition characterized by the adrenal glands' inability to produce sufficient amounts of certain hormones. The most significant deficiency in Addison's disease is cortisol, a glucocorticoid vital for stress response, metabolism, and immune function. Aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid, may also be deficient, leading to electrolyte imbalances.
6. A patient with osteoporosis is starting alendronate (Fosamax). The nurse should instruct the patient to:
Bisphosphonates like alendronate must be taken with a full glass of water, and the patient must remain upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent esophageal irritation and ulceration.