NEX Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which of the following is the most effective strategy for preparing for a nursing entrance exam? → Studying in short, focused sessions over several months
2. Simplify: 4² × 3 - 2(5 + 3) → 32
3. Which of the following solutions has the highest concentration of hydrogen ions? → pH 2
4. Each of the patients in the semi-private room ___ given a specific dietary plan. → was
5. What is the difference between an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) and BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program in terms of eligibility and outcomes? → BSN programs typically take longer but provide more career advancement opportunities.
6. Which document is typically required during the admission process for nursing programs? → High school transcript or equivalent
7. Which sentence contains a semicolon used correctly? → The patient's vitals are stable; however, we should continue monitoring.
8. What types of questions are included in the Mathematics section of nursing entrance exams? → Arithmetic, algebra, measurement, and data interpretation
9. Which sentence has correct parallel structure? → The nurse administered medication, monitored vitals, and documented the results.
10. Select the sentence with correct comma usage. → The patient who is in room 204 needs medication.
11. Which section is commonly included in the general knowledge portion of nursing entrance exams? → Current affairs
12. A physician orders 500 mg of amoxicillin. The available supply is 250 mg per capsule. How many capsules should the nurse administer? → 2 capsules
13. In nursing entrance exams, which of the following topics is most commonly tested under the subject of Biology? → Anatomy and Physiology
14. The left anterior descending artery primarily supplies blood to which area of the heart? → Anterior wall of the left ventricle and interventricular septum
15. How many milliliters of a drug should be drawn up if the order is for 75 mg and the vial contains 100 mg/2 mL? → 1.5 mL
16. Which of the following best demonstrates the critical thinking disposition of intellectual courage? → Challenging a physician's order that appears to contradict evidence-based practice
17. A patient receives heparin at 1,200 units/hour. The IV bag contains 25,000 units in 500 mL. What is the infusion rate in mL/hour? → 24 mL/hr
18. The two ___ charts were accidentally switched at the front desk. → patients'
19. What is the term for programmed, regulated cell death that removes damaged or unwanted cells without causing inflammation? → Apoptosis
20. Which level of Bloom's Taxonomy does a nursing student demonstrate when they create a new care plan by integrating knowledge from multiple courses? → Synthesis/Create
21. What is the primary function of ribosomes in a cell? → Protein synthesis
22. Which subatomic particle has a negative charge and orbits the nucleus of an atom? → Electron
23. Blood leaving the left ventricle is pumped into which major blood vessel? → Aorta
24. For a nursing entrance exam, which of the following is typically not a requirement? → Previous work experience in a healthcare setting
25. Based on the passage about hand hygiene, which detail supports the main idea? → Pathogens are transmitted from patient to patient on the hands of healthcare workers.
26. How many chromosomes are found in a normal human somatic (body) cell? → 46
27. Which organelle is responsible for modifying, packaging, and shipping proteins to their final destinations? → Golgi apparatus
28. If a medication vial costs $12.50 and the hospital uses an average of 8 vials per day, what is the monthly cost for 30 days? → $3,000
29. Which of the following best describes the role of an admissions interview in the nursing program selection process? → To assess communication skills, professionalism, and interpersonal qualities
30. What is the pH of a neutral solution at 25°C? → 7