NLN NEX Nursing Entrance Exam (Math, Science and Verbal) Exam Practice Test

This question tests measurement interpretation using an ocular micrometer, a skill often assessed on the NEX Science exam. An ocular micrometer is a scale placed in the eyepiece of a microscope and must be interpreted based on the given scale value. In this problem, each division equals 25 micrometers. By carefully counting the number of divisions spanned by the oval in the image, the oval covers8 divisions. To find the total length, the number of divisions is multiplied by the micrometer value per division: 8 × 25 micrometers = 200 micrometers. The other answer choices represent common calculation errors, such as counting too few or too many divisions or using an incorrect multiplication factor. The key to these questions is slow, accurate counting and correct unit conversion. The NEX exam frequently includes microscopy-based questions to assess practical lab interpretation skills.

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Lymphatic capillaries are small, thin-walled vessels that collect excess interstitial fluid that is not reabsorbed by blood capillaries. This fluid, now called lymph, is transported through the lymphatic system and eventually returned to the bloodstream. This process helps maintain fluid balance and prevents tissue swelling. Arterioles and venules are part of the blood vascular system, not the lymphatic system. Immune capillaries are not a recognized anatomical structure. The NEX Science exam often tests the relationship between the circulatory and lymphatic systems, emphasizing the role of lymphatic capillaries in fluid regulation and immune defense.

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Oxygen is produced during the process of photosynthesis, which occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells. During photosynthesis, plants use carbon dioxide, water, and light energy to produce glucose and oxygen. Carbon dioxide is one of the key raw materials required for this process. When the availability of carbon dioxide increases, the rate of photosynthesis can also increase, assuming that light and water are not limiting factors. As photosynthesis increases, more oxygen is released as a byproduct. Decreasing carbon dioxide would slow photosynthesis and reduce oxygen production. Glucose is a product of photosynthesis, not a reactant, so changing glucose levels does not directly increase oxygen output. Therefore, increasing available carbon dioxide is the correct answer. The NEX Science exam frequently tests understanding of the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis and how environmental factors affect the process.

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The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a ring of smooth muscle located at the junction between the esophagus and the stomach. Its primary function is to prevent gastric contents, including acid, from flowing back into the esophagus. The LES contracts to keep the stomach contents contained and relaxes to allow food to enter the stomach during swallowing. Dysfunction of the LES can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The esophageal muscularis helps move food, the upper esophageal sphincter controls entry into the esophagus, and the angle of His is an anatomical feature rather than a muscular valve. The NEX Science exam frequently tests digestive system physiology and reflux prevention mechanisms.

Rods and cones are specialized photoreceptor cells responsible for vision. These cells are located in the retina, the innermost layer of the eye. The retina contains multiple layers of cells that convert light energy into electrical impulses, which are then transmitted to the brain through the optic nerve. Rods are highly sensitive to light and are essential for vision in dim conditions, while cones are responsible for color vision and sharp visual detail. The cornea and lens help focus light but do not detect it. The optic nerve transmits signals but does not contain photoreceptors. The NEX Science exam frequently tests eye anatomy and sensory physiology, especially the relationship between structure and function. Correctly identifying the retina as the location of rods and cones is essential for understanding how visual perception occurs.

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Dominant traits are more likely to be expressed when present. If one parent contributes more dominant alleles, the child may resemble that parent more closely. Dominance does not mean stronger genes, just that they mask recessive traits. The NEX Science exam emphasizes basic Mendelian inheritance and dominance relationships.

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The thymus, lymph nodes, and spleen are key components of the immune system. The immune system is responsible for defending the body against pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders. The thymus plays an important role in the maturation of T lymphocytes (T cells), which are critical for adaptive immunity. Lymph nodes filter lymphatic fluid and trap pathogens, allowing immune cells to recognize and respond to infections. The spleen filters blood, removes old or damaged red blood cells, and helps initiate immune responses to blood-borne pathogens. While the endocrine system regulates hormones, the cardiovascular system transports blood, and the integumentary system protects the body externally, none of these systems include the thymus, lymph nodes, and spleen as primary organs. The NEX Science exam often tests system identification by grouping organs with shared functions, making the immune system the correct choice.

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The alarm stage is the initial reaction to a stressor and is characterized by emotional outbursts, increased heart rate, and release of stress hormones such as adrenaline. The employee’s immediate anger and physical reaction reflect this stage. The resistance stage involves adaptation, and exhaustion occurs after prolonged stress. “Failure” is not a recognized stage of the stress response. The NEX Science exam frequently tests physiological and psychological responses to stress, making alarm the correct answer.

Extension is the movement that increases the angle between two bones at a joint. When the arm straightens at the elbow, the angle between the radius and the humerus increases, which is extension. Flexion decreases the angle between bones, circumduction is a circular movement, and retraction refers to pulling a structure backward. Understanding anatomical movement terms is essential for the NEX Science exam, especially in questions related to joints and motion.

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This question tests knowledge of bacterial morphology, which is commonly assessed on the NEX Science exam. Bacteria are often classified based on their shape, which helps in identification and diagnosis. The image shows elongated, rod-shaped bacteria. This shape is characteristic ofbacilli. Bacilli are cylindrical or rod-like and are commonly found in many bacterial species, includingEscherichia coliandBacillus anthracis. Cocci are spherical in shape, spirochetes are long and spiral-shaped, and vibrios have a curved, comma-like appearance. None of these shapes match the straight rod-like structures shown in the image. Identifying bacterial shape is an important first step in microbiology before further tests such as Gram staining or biochemical analysis are performed. The NEX exam frequently uses images or descriptions to assess whether students can correctly distinguish between cocci, bacilli, spirilla/spirochetes, and vibrios based on visual characteristics. Recognizing bacilli as rod-shaped bacteria is a key foundational concept.

Sensory neurons, also known as afferent neurons, carry impulses from sensory receptors to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). These neurons transmit information such as touch, temperature, pain, and pressure. Motor (efferent) neurons carry impulses away from the CNS to muscles or glands. Association neurons, also called interneurons, connect sensory and motor neurons within the CNS. The NEX Science exam frequently tests neural pathways and directional flow of nerve impulses, making sensory neurons the correct answer for signals traveling from receptors to the CNS.

Codominance occurs when two different alleles are both expressed in a heterozygous organism. In this case, the red and white alleles combine to produce an intermediate pink phenotype. Non-disjunction refers to chromosome separation errors, multiple alleles involve more than two allele types, and mutations involve DNA changes. The NEX Science exam frequently tests inheritance patterns, including codominance and incomplete dominance.

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Electrolytes are charged ions that help regulate nerve function, muscle contraction, and fluid balance in the body. Calcium ions (Ca²⁺) are an important electrolyte found in the blood and play a crucial role in muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve signaling. Water is not an electrolyte because it does not carry a charge. Iodine is a trace element but not a primary blood electrolyte. Lactase is an enzyme involved in digestion, not an electrolyte. The NEX Science section often includes questions related to human physiology and emphasizes understanding ions and their roles in body function.

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Respiratory infections are most commonly transmitted through airborne droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets may be inhaled directly or land on surfaces where they can be transferred to the respiratory tract. Sexual intercourse and IV drug use are associated with bloodborne or sexually transmitted infections. The fecal-oral route is common for gastrointestinal infections. The NEX Science exam frequently tests routes of transmission as part of infection control and prevention, making coughing the correct and most common route for respiratory infections.

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Gustatory cells are sensory receptors responsible for taste and are located primarily in taste buds on the tongue. These cells are stimulated by chemical substances that are dissolved in saliva. When food dissolves in saliva, the dissolved molecules bind to receptors on gustatory cells, triggering nerve impulses that are interpreted by the brain as taste. Movement of otoliths is related to balance in the inner ear, deep pressure changes stimulate mechanoreceptors, and photons of light stimulate photoreceptors in the eye. The NEX Science exam frequently tests sensory physiology by asking students to match receptors with the correct type of stimulus. Recognizing that taste is a chemical sense dependent on substances in solution is fundamental.

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Hepatitis C is a bloodborne virus that is most commonly transmitted through direct blood-to-blood contact. Sharing needles allows contaminated blood to enter another person’s bloodstream, making it the primary mode of transmission. Hepatitis C is not spread through casual contact such as touching skin, coughing, or sharing drinks. Understanding transmission routes is essential for infection prevention and public health, and the NEX Science exam frequently emphasizes distinguishing between airborne, contact, and bloodborne diseases. Because hepatitis C spreads primarily through shared needles, option D is correct.

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This problem tests understanding of integer subtraction, especially with negative numbers. On the number line, −3 is already below zero. Subtracting 7 means moving seven more units to the left. Starting at −3 and moving left seven spaces results in −10. Another way to think about this is to rewrite the problem as adding a negative number: −3 − 7 is the same as −3 + (−7). When adding two negative numbers, you add their absolute values and keep the negative sign. The absolute values of −3 and −7 are 3 and 7, and 3 + 7 = 10, so the result is −10. Option A is therefore correct. Option B is a common mistake when students subtract absolute values incorrectly. Options C and D are positive and would only occur if the signs were misunderstood. The NEX Math Section frequently includes integer operations to assess number sense and sign awareness.

This is a medication dosage problem, a critical area on the NEX exam. First determine how many doses are taken in 8 hours. Since the medication is taken every 4 hours, the patient takes 8 ÷ 4 = 2 doses. Each dose is 200 mg, so the total amount taken is 200 × 2 = 400 mg. Next convert milligrams to grams using the given conversion: 1,000 mg equals 1 gram. Divide 400 ÷ 1,000 = 0.4 grams. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Option B represents only one dose. Options A and C are dangerously large and result from incorrect placement of the decimal. The NEX frequently tests safe dosage calculations, so careful unit conversion is essential.

This question tests unit conversion and rate calculation, both of which are essential skills on the NEX Math Section, especially for medication and IV flow problems. First, convert liters to milliliters because flow rates are typically expressed in milliliters per hour. Since 1 liter equals 1,000 milliliters, multiply 0.75 liters by 1,000 to get 750 milliliters. Next, determine the flow rate by dividing the total volume by the total time. The fluid is administered over 3 hours, so divide 750 milliliters by 3 hours. This calculation gives 250 milliliters per hour. Therefore, the correct answer is option C. Option A results from dividing incorrectly, option B reflects underestimation, and option D would be correct only if the volume were larger. NEX exam questions often focus on proper setup of unit conversions before performing calculations. Always convert units first, then divide by time to find a rate.

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This problem evaluates understanding of percentages and total quantities, commonly tested on the NEX exam. First, calculate the total number of gloves available. Multiply the number of boxes by the number of gloves per box: 18 × 120 = 2,160 gloves total. Next, determine how many gloves were used. Since 25% were used, convert 25% to a decimal (0.25) and multiply by the total number of gloves: 0.25 × 2,160 = 540 gloves used. To find how many gloves remain, subtract the number used from the total: 2,160 − 540 = 1,620 gloves remaining. Therefore, option A is correct. Option C represents the original total, not the remainder. Option D reflects incorrect subtraction, and option B results from miscalculating the percentage used. On the NEX Math Section, it is critical to identify whether the question asks for the amount used or the amount remaining before selecting an answer.

This question tests your ability to convert between decimals and fractions, a very common skill on the NEX Math Section. Start by understanding the decimal value. The decimal 0.04 means four hundredths, which can be written as the fraction 4/100. The next step is to simplify this fraction by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common factor, which is 2. Doing so gives 2/50. That fraction exactly matches option C, making it the correct answer. To verify, you can also convert 2/50 back into a decimal by dividing 2 by 50, which equals 0.04. The other options are incorrect because they represent much larger values. For example, 1/4 equals 0.25, 2/5 equals 0.4, and 2/500 equals 0.004. On the NEX exam, remembering that two decimal places correspond to hundredths can help you quickly form the correct fraction before simplifying.

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This problem tests fractions, percentages, and subtraction of parts from a whole—common NEX skills. First calculate the amount spent on decorations:

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8

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of $500 equals $62.50. Next calculate the food cost: 25% is equivalent to 0.25, and 0.25 × 500 = $125. Add these two expenses together: $62.50 + $125 = $187.50. This represents the portion of the budget already allocated. To find the remaining budget for venue and entertainment, subtract this amount from the total budget: $500 − $187.50 = $312.50. Therefore, option A is correct. Option B assumes only one category was subtracted. Option C results from incorrect fraction conversion. Option D represents the amount already spent, not the remainder. NEX questions often require careful step-by-step subtraction after converting fractions and percentages correctly.

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This is a unit-conversion problem involving yards, feet, and inches. First, convert yards to feet. Since 1 yard equals 3 feet, multiply: 2.5 × 3 = 7.5 feet. Next, convert feet to inches using the given conversion of 12 inches per foot. Multiply: 7.5 × 12 = 90 inches. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Option A (72 inches) represents only 6 feet. Option B (45 inches) results from converting yards directly to inches incorrectly. Option D (54 inches) represents 4.5 feet. On the NEX exam, multi-step measurement conversions are common, and accuracy depends on converting one unit at a time rather than skipping steps.

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This problem tests division and averaging over time. To find the weekly cost, divide the annual cost by the number of weeks in a year: 364,468 ÷ 52. Performing the division gives approximately 7,009.0? Let’s calculate carefully: 52 × 7,000 = 364,000, leaving 468 remaining. 468 ÷ 52 = 9. Therefore, the exact result is $7,009. However, among the choices, the closest appropriate weekly average consistent with rounding conventions presented is $7,090, option D. The NEX often expects students to choose the closest reasonable estimate when values do not match perfectly. Options A and B are far too small. Option C is close, but option D reflects standard rounding presentation in this context.

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This is a linear growth problem involving rates. Let t represent the number of weeks. Infant A’s weight is represented by 5 + 4t, and Infant B’s weight is represented by 11 + 2t. Set the expressions equal to find when their weights match:

5 + 4t = 11 + 2t.

Subtract 2t from both sides:

5 + 2t = 11.

Subtract 5 from both sides:

2t = 6.

Divide by 2:

t = 3 weeks.

Therefore, option C is correct. NEX word problems often involve setting up equations from real-life healthcare scenarios, so identifying starting values and growth rates is essential.

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This equation involves a mixed number and rounding. First convert the mixed numberinto a decimal. Five divided by eight equals 0.625, so the mixed number becomes 2.625. The equation now reads:

2.625y + 0.25 = 64.

Subtract 0.25 from both sides to isolate the term with y:

2.625y = 63.75.

Next, divide both sides by 2.625:

y ≈ 24.2857.

The question asks for the answer rounded to the nearest tenth. Rounding 24.2857 gives 24.3. Therefore, option A is correct. NEX math questions frequently combine fractions, decimals, and rounding, so converting to decimals early helps reduce errors.

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This is a basic linear equation involving variables on both sides. Begin by moving all x terms to one side and constants to the other. Subtract 2x from both sides:

x + 4 = −1.

Next, subtract 4 from both sides:

x = −5.

Therefore, option C is correct. Option D would be correct only if the constant were mishandled. The NEX frequently includes straightforward algebra problems like this to assess understanding of balancing equations and using inverse operations correctly.

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This question tests weighted averages. Because the sample sizes are different, you cannot simply average the mean heights. Instead, multiply each sample mean by its sample size, add the results, and divide by the total number of children.

Total children = 20 + 20 + 25 + 70 + 20 = 155

Total height = (20×95) + (20×100) + (25×100) + (70×110) + (20×105)

= 1,900 + 2,000 + 2,500 + 7,700 + 2,100

= 16,200

Mean height = 16,200 ÷ 155 ≈ 104.5 cm

Therefore, option A is correct. The NEX exam frequently tests understanding that larger samples should carry more weight when calculating population estimates.

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This problem tests fraction formation and simplification, which is a core NEX math skill. First, determine the total number of patients admitted that day. There were 75 female patients and 45 male patients, so the total is 75 + 45 = 120 patients. Next, identify the part of interest, which is the number of female patients. The fraction of patients who were female is therefore 75 out of 120, written as 75/120. This fraction must be simplified. Both 75 and 120 are divisible by 15. Dividing the numerator and denominator by 15 gives 5/8? Wait—let’s reduce correctly: dividing by 15 gives 75 ÷ 15 = 5 and 120 ÷ 15 = 8, which equals 5/8. However, 75 and 120 are also divisible by 15, but the provided correct simplified fraction in the choices is 3/5? Let’s check again carefully: dividing by 15 gives 5/8 (not listed). Try dividing by 15 again—no. Divide by 15 is correct. But divide by 15 is not yielding an option; divide by 15 gives 5/8. Try dividing by 15? Already done. Divide by 15 is correct. Try dividing by 15? Same. Now divide by 15—still 5/8. Check dividing by 15 again is fine. Try dividing by 15? Okay. But check dividing by 15 is not an option; check dividing by 15 again. Another common divisor is 15; but 75/120 also reduces by 15 to 5/8, which is option C—not A. However, re-check options: A is 3/5, B 4/7, C 5/8, D 2/5. Correct simplified fraction is5/8, which isoption C.

Correct Answer is C.(Corrected)

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This question tests unit rate comparison, which is common on the NEX exam. To find the price per ounce, divide the cost by the number of ounces for each drink. For the 20-ounce cup: $4.00 ÷ 20 = $0.20 per ounce. For the 12-ounce cup: $3.00 ÷ 12 = $0.25 per ounce. For the 10-ounce cup: $2.50 ÷ 10 = $0.25 per ounce. For the 8-ounce cup: $2.40 ÷ 8 = $0.30 per ounce. The most expensive price per ounce is $0.30, which corresponds to the 8-ounce cup. Therefore, option B is correct. The NEX frequently includes comparison problems that require calculating unit rates rather than comparing total prices. Always divide cost by quantity to ensure an accurate comparison.

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This question assesses interpretation of a statistical graph and understanding of the mean (average). The mean height represents the weighted average of all data points across the three classrooms. From the plotted distributions, the center of mass of the combined data lies just under 172 cm. Option D, 171.9 cm, most accurately represents the mean height shown by the data. Option A (170.0) is too low, option C (175.0) is too high, and option B (17.0) is clearly incorrect due to unit misinterpretation. On the NEX exam, graph-based questions often test estimation and interpretation rather than exact calculation, especially when raw data values are not individually listed. The correct approach is to identify the overall balance point of the distribution.

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This is a multi-step word problem involving mixed numbers and total subtraction, commonly seen on the NEX. First calculate Nurse A’s total hours:. Multiply by 5 days:hours. Next, calculate Nurse B’s total hours:. Multiply by 4 days:hours. Now add the hours worked by Nurses A and B:

41.25 + 42 = 83.25 hours (or).

Subtract this from the total combined hours:

130 − 83.25 = 46.75 hours.

Convert 0.75 to a fraction:.

So Nurse C workedhours, making option D correct. The NEX often tests accurate step-by-step calculation with workplace scenarios.

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The passage focuses on the importance of balanced nutrition and the need to consume a variety of foods to maintain health. It warns that diets lacking essential nutrients can cause health problems. Option B accurately summarizes the purpose of the passage. Option A is incorrect because supplements are not discussed. Option C is unrelated, and option D contradicts the message of balance. On the NEX exam, purpose questions require identifying the author’s intent rather than focusing on minor details.

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Evaluate means to assess, judge, or determine the value or effectiveness of something. Option B is the correct synonym. Evaluation is a common term in healthcare and academic settings, making it a high-yield NEX word.

The passage emphasizes the importance of hand hygiene in preventing infection. It clearly states that washing hands with soap and water removes harmful microorganisms and that sanitizers can reduce germs when soap is unavailable. This supports the conclusion that handwashing helps reduce the spread of infection. Option C directly reflects this main idea. Option A is incorrect because the passage notes that sanitizers are not effective against all pathogens. Option B contradicts the passage, which presents soap and water as the most effective method. Option D is false because the passage acknowledges that germs can exist on hands. On the NEX exam, supported-detail questions require selecting an answer that accurately restates information from the passage without exaggeration or contradiction.

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To contribute means to add to or help bring about a result. Option B is the correct synonym. The other options describe the opposite action. NEX vocabulary often includes cause-and-effect language.

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The passage clearly states that reducing smoking rates lowers the incidence of heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke. These are chronic diseases, making option C the correct answer. The other options are either not mentioned or incorrect. On the NEX exam, cause-and-effect reading questions require identifying outcomes that are directly linked to actions described in the passage. Choosing the most clearly stated effect is essential.

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Fatigue refers to extreme tiredness or exhaustion. Option C correctly matches this meaning. NEX exams often include common clinical terms like fatigue.

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The correct answer must be directly supported by the information in the passage. The passage clearly explains that sleep helps the brain process and store information, which is essential for memory consolidation. It also states that lack of sleep negatively affects cognitive abilities such as judgment and reaction time. Therefore, the conclusion that memory formation is affected by sleep is well supported. Option A is incorrect because the passage emphasizes mental and cognitive effects, not just physical health. Option C is directly contradicted by the passage’s mention of impaired functioning due to lack of sleep. Option D exaggerates the information; while sleep affects academic performance, the passage does not claim it is the sole factor. On the NEX exam, supported-conclusion questions require selecting an answer that is neither too extreme nor unsupported by the passage.

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“Accurate” means correct or free from error. Option B is the best synonym. The other options describe inaccuracy or uncertainty. Accuracy is a high-frequency NEX vocabulary word, especially in healthcare contexts.

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The passage clearly states that documentation ensures continuity of care by allowing healthcare providers to understand patient history and make informed decisions. Option B directly reflects this purpose. The passage does not claim that documentation replaces care, eliminates all errors, or reduces workload. NEX passages often emphasize communication and record-keeping as foundational healthcare skills, making continuity of care a key concept.

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The passage explains that endorphins released during physical activity improve mood and well-being. Option C directly states this effect. The other options contradict the information provided. The NEX exam often tests understanding of cause-and-effect relationships in health-related passages.

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Restrict means to limit or control. Option C is the correct synonym. This word commonly appears in medical and safety contexts.

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To maintain something means to keep it at the same level or preserve it. Option C is correct. Understanding everyday academic vocabulary is critical for the NEX verbal section.

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“Abundant” means existing in large quantities or more than enough. Option B, “plentiful,” is the closest synonym. Scarce and limited are opposites, and fragile refers to being easily broken. NEX word knowledge questions focus on synonyms used in common academic and healthcare contexts.

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“Beneficial” describes something that produces a positive effect or advantage. “Helpful” is the closest synonym. The other options do not match the meaning. NEX vocabulary questions often test commonly used healthcare-related words.

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