NLN PAX Nursing Entrance Prep practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q1Calculate the acceleration of a cyclist who increases their speed from 0 to 30 meters per second in 5 seconds.
✓ Correct answer: D. 6 m/$$s^{2}$$
The correct answer is 6 m/$$s^{2}$$. To find the acceleration, use the formula: $$\text{acceleration} = \frac{\text{change in velocity}}{\text{time taken}}$$. The change in velocity is calculated as: 30 m/s - 0 m/s = 30 m/s. The time taken is given as 5 seconds. Thus, $$\text{acceleration} = \frac{30\text{ m/s}}{5\text{ s}} = 6\text{ m/s}^2$$.
Q2A 700-g block of ice is initially at rest on a frictionless surface. A 70-g steel ball traveling at 4 m/sec strikes the block of ice and bounces backward at 1.5 m/sec. How fast will the block of ice be moving after the collision?
✓ Correct answer: C. 0.35 m/sec
Answer: 0.35 m/sec. Use the conservation of momentum equation to solve for the speed of the block of ice. $$m_1v_1 + m_2v_2 = m_1v_1' + m_2v_2'$$ Where: $$m_1$$ is the mass of the steel ball, $$v_1$$ is the initial velocity of the steel ball, $$v_2$$ is the initial velocity of the block of ice (which is 0), $$v_1'$$ is the final velocity of the steel ball, and $$v_2'$$ is the final velocity of the block of ice. $$m_1 = 70 \text{ g}, \ v_1 = 4 \text{ m/sec}, \ v_2 = 0 \text{ m/sec}, \ v_1' = -1.5 \text{ m/sec}$$ Solving for $$v_2'$$, we get: $$v_2' = \frac{(70 \text{ g} \times 4 \text{ m/sec}) + (700 \text{ g} \times 0 \text{ m/sec}) - (70 \text{ g} \times -1.5 \text{ m/sec})}{700 \text{ g}} = 0.35 \text{ m/sec}$$
Q3A chemical compound contains 20 hydrogen atoms and has a molecular mass of 34 amu. What is the molecular formula of this compound?
✓ Correct answer: A. $$H_{20}$$
Answer: $$H_{20}$$ The molecular formula represents the number of atoms of each element in a molecule. Here, the compound is composed entirely of hydrogen atoms (20 atoms).
Q4Which of the stages listed below denotes the final stage of the cell cycle in eukaryotic cells?
✓ Correct answer: D. Cytokinesis
Cytokinesis is the final stage of the cell cycle in eukaryotic cells. During cytokinesis, the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell divides to form two daughter cells, each containing one nucleus. G1 phase is the first stage in the cell cycle, where the cell grows and synthesizes proteins necessary for cell division. S phase is the part of the cell cycle in which DNA is replicated. G2 phase follows DNA replication; the cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis.
Q5What type of tissue is primarily responsible for coordinating body movements and producing force?
✓ Correct answer: B. Muscle
Answer: Muscle Muscle tissue is specialized for contraction and movement. It is responsible for generating force and facilitating movement in the body. Muscle tissue is found in skeletal muscles, the heart, and the walls of hollow organs like the intestines and blood vessels.
Q6To which bodily system do the kidneys and urinary bladder belong?
✓ Correct answer: D. Urinary system
Answer: Urinary system The urinary system, also known as the renal system, is responsible for the removal of waste products and excess substances from the bloodstream. This regulation is crucial to maintaining homeostasis. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.
Q7A nurse measures the pulse rate of a patient and records 72 beats per minute over a period of 15 minutes. What is the total number of heartbeats during this period?
✓ Correct answer: B. 1080 beats
To find the total number of heartbeats, multiply the pulse rate by the time period in minutes. Total number of heartbeats = Pulse rate $$\times$$ Time period Since the pulse rate is 72 beats per minute and the time period is 15 minutes: Total number of heartbeats = $$72 \times 15$$ Total number of heartbeats = 1080 beats
Q8According to Mendel's First Law, what is the outcome of a cross between two pea plants with differing alleles for flower color?
✓ Correct answer: D. Different alleles for one gene
Mendel's First Law, also known as the Law of Segregation or monohybrid inheritance, states that the cross between two pea plants with differing alleles for a single trait (such as flower color) results in offspring with different alleles for that single gene. This law does not apply to crosses involving two traits (genes) or those with equivalent alleles.
Q9A nurse is pushing a medical cart that has a mass of 80 kg down a hallway. Two forces are acting on the cart: one is pushing it forward with a force of 60 N, and the other is pushing it backward with a force of 40 N. What is the magnitude of the cart's acceleration?
✓ Correct answer: C. 0.25 m/sec^2
Answer: 0.25 m/sec^2 To find the cart's acceleration, start by calculating the net force acting on it. Net force = Forward force - Backward force Net force = 60 N - 40 N Net force = 20 N Next, use Newton's second law equation to determine the acceleration: $$\text{Force} = \text{mass} \times \text{acceleration}$$ 20 N = 80 kg \(\times\) Acceleration Acceleration = $$\frac{20}{80}$$ m/sec^2 Acceleration = 0.25 m/sec^2
Q10Which body system is primarily responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development?
✓ Correct answer: A. Endocrine system
The correct answer is the Endocrine system. The endocrine system includes glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands that secrete hormones directly into the blood. These hormones regulate various functions in the body, including metabolism, growth, and sexual development.
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