MSN Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MSN facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A patient develops acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which pathophysiological change occurs first? → Diffuse alveolar damage with increased capillary permeability
2. Which adverse effect is most associated with long-term corticosteroid use that an MSN-prepared NP should monitor? → Hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, adrenal suppression, and immunosuppression
3. In a randomized controlled trial, blinding is used primarily to reduce which type of bias? → Performance and detection bias
4. What is the name of the chromosomal location of a particular gene? → The gene locus
5. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded Medicaid eligibility to adults earning up to what percentage of the federal poverty level? → 138%
6. In disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which paradox is observed? → Simultaneous thrombosis and hemorrhage due to consumption of clotting factors
7. The narrow therapeutic index of digoxin means that which monitoring parameter is most critical? → Serum digoxin level, renal function, and serum potassium
8. A nurse manager uses a Gantt chart during project planning. What does this tool primarily display? → Timeline of project tasks and milestones
9. Which regulatory body establishes national patient safety goals that accredited US hospitals must address? → The Joint Commission (TJC)
10. A root cause analysis (RCA) is performed after a sentinel event. What is its primary purpose? → Identify systemic factors contributing to the event to prevent recurrence
11. In Stetler's Model of Evidence-Based Practice, the final phase is best described as which activity? → Evaluating the outcome of the practice change
12. Which of the following is an illustration of an intravenous isotonic solution? → Ringer’s Lactate
13. What is the name of the entire set of chromosomes that make up an individual's genetic makeup? → Their genome
14. Which statistical measure is used in a meta-analysis to combine effect sizes across studies? → Pooled odds ratio or standardized mean difference
15. Which statistical test is appropriate for comparing means across three or more independent groups? → One-way ANOVA
16. Using the SOAP note documentation format, which of the following belongs in the Objective (O) section? → Vital signs, physical examination findings, and laboratory results
17. What is the primary focus of Hildegard Peplau's Interpersonal Relations Model? → Individual
18. Which pharmacokinetic parameter determines the dosing interval for a drug? → Half-life
19. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels are reported to be low in → Down syndrome
20. In obstructive lung disease, which change to the flow-volume loop is most characteristic? → Scooped-out (concave) expiratory curve with reduced peak expiratory flow
21. A positive Murphy's sign elicited during the abdominal assessment is most suggestive of: → Acute cholecystitis
22. Which receptor mechanism do beta-1 adrenergic antagonists (beta-blockers) use to reduce heart rate? → Competitively block catecholamine binding at beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the SA node
23. Atherosclerosis formation begins with which initial pathological event? → Endothelial dysfunction and LDL infiltration into the intima
24. The Allen test is performed prior to radial artery cannulation to assess: → Ulnar and radial artery collateral circulation patency
25. The Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) competencies emphasize which core skill for MSN-prepared nurses? → Collaborative team-based practice across professional disciplines
26. Which immunosuppressant used post-transplant inhibits calcineurin, thereby preventing T-cell cytokine production? → Cyclosporine and tacrolimus
27. When was the first Covid positive case reported in India? → Kerala
28. An MSN-prepared NP practicing in a full practice authority state has which key privilege? → Independent practice without physician collaboration or supervision requirements
29. Bronchial breath sounds auscultated over peripheral lung fields are abnormal and most commonly indicate: → Pulmonary consolidation
30. Which provision of the ACA is most directly credited with reducing the number of uninsured young adults? → Dependent coverage extension to age 26