Next Core Knowledge and Fundamentals 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the NEXT exam?
- To assess readiness for graduate school admission
- To evaluate competency for entry-level nursing assistant practice (Correct answer)
- To certify licensed practical nurses for advanced roles
- To test medical knowledge for physician assistants
Correct answer: To evaluate competency for entry-level nursing assistant practice
The NEXT exam evaluates whether candidates have the minimum competency required for safe entry-level nursing assistant practice.
Question 2: A nursing assistant is performing a task that falls outside their scope of practice. What is the most appropriate action?
- Complete the task since the patient needs help immediately
- Refuse and report to the supervising nurse (Correct answer)
- Ask a coworker to observe while performing the task
- Document the task without informing the nurse
Correct answer: Refuse and report to the supervising nurse
Nursing assistants must refuse tasks outside their scope and notify the supervising nurse to protect patient safety.
Question 3: When a nursing assistant discovers a patient has fallen out of bed, the first priority is to:
- Help the patient back into bed immediately
- Call for the nurse before moving the patient (Correct answer)
- Document the incident in the medical record
- Reassure the patient that everything is fine
Correct answer: Call for the nurse before moving the patient
The nursing assistant should call for the nurse first because moving the patient without assessment could worsen injuries.
Question 4: Which vital sign range is considered a normal adult resting heart rate?
- 40–59 beats per minute
- 60–100 beats per minute (Correct answer)
- 101–120 beats per minute
- 121–140 beats per minute
Correct answer: 60–100 beats per minute
A normal adult resting heart rate is 60–100 beats per minute.
Question 5: The term 'supine position' refers to a patient lying:
- On their side with knees bent
- Face down on their abdomen
- Flat on their back facing upward (Correct answer)
- At a 45-degree angle with head elevated
Correct answer: Flat on their back facing upward
Supine position means lying flat on the back with the face upward.
Question 6: A nursing assistant notices a patient's skin is red and warm over a bony prominence. This is most likely a sign of:
- Normal skin variation
- Early-stage pressure injury (Correct answer)
- Fungal skin infection
- Surgical wound healing
Correct answer: Early-stage pressure injury
Redness and warmth over a bony prominence are classic early signs of a pressure injury (pressure ulcer).
Question 7: Which action best demonstrates respect for a patient's dignity during personal care?
- Completing care as quickly as possible to save time
- Exposing only the area being cared for and covering the rest (Correct answer)
- Discussing the patient's condition with visitors present
- Leaving the room door open for easy access
Correct answer: Exposing only the area being cared for and covering the rest
Covering the patient and exposing only the area being cared for protects modesty and preserves dignity.
Next Core Knowledge and Fundamentals 2
Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the NEXT exam?