AMB-BC: AMBULATORY CARE NURSING CERTIFICATION EXAM 2026/2027 |
VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | LATEST OFFICIAL ANCC BOARD PREP
VERSION | GUARANTEED PASS
Q1. A patient with type 2 diabetes presents for a routine visit with an HbA1c of
8.9%. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
A. Document and schedule follow-up in 6 months
B. Notify the provider and review medication adherence and lifestyle factors
[ANSWER]
C. Administer insulin per standing order
D. Discharge the patient with printed education materials
Explanation: An HbA1c of 8.9% indicates poor glycemic control. The nurse
should notify the provider and assess factors contributing to inadequate control,
including adherence, diet, and activity.
Q6. Which finding in an asthma patient warrants immediate provider
notification?
A. Peak flow at 85% of personal best
B. Use of rescue inhaler once in the past week
C. Peak flow at 45% of personal best with accessory muscle use [ANSWER]
D. Mild wheezing that resolves with bronchodilator
Explanation: A peak flow <50% of personal best with accessory muscle use
indicates a severe exacerbation requiring immediate medical attention.
Q11. Which blood pressure reading indicates hypertensive urgency in an
ambulatory setting?
A. 130/85 mmHg
B. 150/95 mmHg
C. 180/110 mmHg without end-organ damage [ANSWER]
AMB-BC Practice Questions | Page 1 of 81
, D. 145/90 mmHg
Explanation: Hypertensive urgency is defined as SBP >=180 or DBP >=110
without evidence of end-organ damage, requiring prompt treatment.
Q15. A patient on warfarin has an INR of 4.8. The nurse's priority action is:
A. Administer a supplemental dose of warfarin
B. Hold warfarin and notify the provider [ANSWER]
C. Schedule a repeat INR in 2 weeks
D. Continue current warfarin dose
Explanation: An INR of 4.8 is supratherapeutic and increases bleeding risk. The
warfarin should be held and the provider notified for dose adjustment.
Q19. A patient presents with a chief complaint of chest tightness and shortness of
breath. The ambulatory care nurse's first action is:
A. Schedule an echocardiogram
B. Perform a thorough health history
C. Assess vital signs and obtain an ECG [ANSWER]
D. Educate about anxiety management
Explanation: Chest tightness and shortness of breath may indicate a cardiac
emergency. The priority is rapid assessment of vital signs and ECG to rule out
acute coronary syndrome.
Q22. Which immunization is recommended annually for all ambulatory patients
>=6 months of age?
A. Pneumococcal (PPSV23)
B. Hepatitis B
C. Influenza [ANSWER]
D. Tdap
Explanation: Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone >=6
months of age by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Q26. Which laboratory result requires immediate action in a patient on
metformin?
A. Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL
B. GFR of 32 mL/min [ANSWER]
C. Fasting glucose 110 mg/dL
D. HbA1c 6.8%
AMB-BC Practice Questions | Page 2 of 81
, Explanation: Metformin is contraindicated when eGFR <30 and requires careful
consideration at eGFR 30-45. A GFR of 32 requires provider notification and
likely medication adjustment.
Q31. A nurse screens a patient for depression using the PHQ-9. A score of 15
indicates:
A. Minimal depression
B. Mild depression
C. Moderate depression
D. Moderately severe depression [ANSWER]
Explanation: PHQ-9 scoring: 0-4 minimal, 5-9 mild, 10-14 moderate, 15-19
moderately severe, 20-27 severe depression.
Q34. Which finding is a red flag for colorectal cancer in a 55-year-old patient?
A. Annual influenza vaccination
B. Colonoscopy 5 years ago with no polyps
C. Rectal bleeding and unintentional weight loss [ANSWER]
D. Mild constipation for 2 days
Explanation: Rectal bleeding combined with unintentional weight loss in a patient
>=50 are red flag symptoms requiring urgent evaluation for colorectal cancer.
Q39. A patient's body mass index (BMI) is 32. This is classified as:
A. Normal weight
B. Overweight
C. Obese class I [ANSWER]
D. Obese class II
Explanation: BMI classification: <18.5 underweight, 18.5-24.9 normal, 25-29.9
overweight, 30-34.9 obese class I, 35-39.9 obese class II, >=40 obese class III.
Q42. Which finding in a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires
immediate action?
A. eGFR of 58 mL/min
B. Serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L [ANSWER]
C. Blood pressure 135/82 mmHg
D. Hemoglobin 11.2 g/dL
AMB-BC Practice Questions | Page 3 of 81
, Explanation: A serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L (hyperkalemia) is a life-threatening
emergency requiring immediate provider notification and intervention in CKD
patients.
Q47. A patient's ankle-brachial index (ABI) is 0.6. This finding indicates:
A. Normal peripheral arterial circulation
B. Mild peripheral artery disease
C. Moderate to severe peripheral artery disease [ANSWER]
D. Venous insufficiency
Explanation: ABI <0.9 indicates PAD; 0.71-0.9 mild, 0.41-0.70 moderate, <=0.40
severe. An ABI of 0.6 indicates moderate to severe peripheral artery disease.
Q50. Which vaccine is contraindicated in a patient who is 8 weeks pregnant?
A. Influenza (inactivated)
B. Tdap
C. MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) [ANSWER]
D. COVID-19 mRNA vaccine
Explanation: MMR is a live attenuated vaccine and is contraindicated during
pregnancy due to theoretical risk to the fetus.
Q53. A patient taking a statin reports new onset of muscle pain and dark urine.
The nurse should:
A. Reassure the patient this is a common side effect
B. Advise the patient to exercise less
C. Notify the provider urgently - possible rhabdomyolysis [ANSWER]
D. Schedule a routine follow-up in 4 weeks
Explanation: Muscle pain with dark urine (myoglobinuria) in a statin patient may
indicate rhabdomyolysis, a serious adverse effect requiring urgent evaluation.
Q56. A patient on bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis should be counseled
to:
A. Take the medication with milk
B. Take the medication with a full glass of water and remain upright for 30
minutes [ANSWER]
C. Take it at bedtime
D. Take it with food to prevent GI upset
AMB-BC Practice Questions | Page 4 of 81
VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | LATEST OFFICIAL ANCC BOARD PREP
VERSION | GUARANTEED PASS
Q1. A patient with type 2 diabetes presents for a routine visit with an HbA1c of
8.9%. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
A. Document and schedule follow-up in 6 months
B. Notify the provider and review medication adherence and lifestyle factors
[ANSWER]
C. Administer insulin per standing order
D. Discharge the patient with printed education materials
Explanation: An HbA1c of 8.9% indicates poor glycemic control. The nurse
should notify the provider and assess factors contributing to inadequate control,
including adherence, diet, and activity.
Q6. Which finding in an asthma patient warrants immediate provider
notification?
A. Peak flow at 85% of personal best
B. Use of rescue inhaler once in the past week
C. Peak flow at 45% of personal best with accessory muscle use [ANSWER]
D. Mild wheezing that resolves with bronchodilator
Explanation: A peak flow <50% of personal best with accessory muscle use
indicates a severe exacerbation requiring immediate medical attention.
Q11. Which blood pressure reading indicates hypertensive urgency in an
ambulatory setting?
A. 130/85 mmHg
B. 150/95 mmHg
C. 180/110 mmHg without end-organ damage [ANSWER]
AMB-BC Practice Questions | Page 1 of 81
, D. 145/90 mmHg
Explanation: Hypertensive urgency is defined as SBP >=180 or DBP >=110
without evidence of end-organ damage, requiring prompt treatment.
Q15. A patient on warfarin has an INR of 4.8. The nurse's priority action is:
A. Administer a supplemental dose of warfarin
B. Hold warfarin and notify the provider [ANSWER]
C. Schedule a repeat INR in 2 weeks
D. Continue current warfarin dose
Explanation: An INR of 4.8 is supratherapeutic and increases bleeding risk. The
warfarin should be held and the provider notified for dose adjustment.
Q19. A patient presents with a chief complaint of chest tightness and shortness of
breath. The ambulatory care nurse's first action is:
A. Schedule an echocardiogram
B. Perform a thorough health history
C. Assess vital signs and obtain an ECG [ANSWER]
D. Educate about anxiety management
Explanation: Chest tightness and shortness of breath may indicate a cardiac
emergency. The priority is rapid assessment of vital signs and ECG to rule out
acute coronary syndrome.
Q22. Which immunization is recommended annually for all ambulatory patients
>=6 months of age?
A. Pneumococcal (PPSV23)
B. Hepatitis B
C. Influenza [ANSWER]
D. Tdap
Explanation: Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone >=6
months of age by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Q26. Which laboratory result requires immediate action in a patient on
metformin?
A. Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL
B. GFR of 32 mL/min [ANSWER]
C. Fasting glucose 110 mg/dL
D. HbA1c 6.8%
AMB-BC Practice Questions | Page 2 of 81
, Explanation: Metformin is contraindicated when eGFR <30 and requires careful
consideration at eGFR 30-45. A GFR of 32 requires provider notification and
likely medication adjustment.
Q31. A nurse screens a patient for depression using the PHQ-9. A score of 15
indicates:
A. Minimal depression
B. Mild depression
C. Moderate depression
D. Moderately severe depression [ANSWER]
Explanation: PHQ-9 scoring: 0-4 minimal, 5-9 mild, 10-14 moderate, 15-19
moderately severe, 20-27 severe depression.
Q34. Which finding is a red flag for colorectal cancer in a 55-year-old patient?
A. Annual influenza vaccination
B. Colonoscopy 5 years ago with no polyps
C. Rectal bleeding and unintentional weight loss [ANSWER]
D. Mild constipation for 2 days
Explanation: Rectal bleeding combined with unintentional weight loss in a patient
>=50 are red flag symptoms requiring urgent evaluation for colorectal cancer.
Q39. A patient's body mass index (BMI) is 32. This is classified as:
A. Normal weight
B. Overweight
C. Obese class I [ANSWER]
D. Obese class II
Explanation: BMI classification: <18.5 underweight, 18.5-24.9 normal, 25-29.9
overweight, 30-34.9 obese class I, 35-39.9 obese class II, >=40 obese class III.
Q42. Which finding in a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires
immediate action?
A. eGFR of 58 mL/min
B. Serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L [ANSWER]
C. Blood pressure 135/82 mmHg
D. Hemoglobin 11.2 g/dL
AMB-BC Practice Questions | Page 3 of 81
, Explanation: A serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L (hyperkalemia) is a life-threatening
emergency requiring immediate provider notification and intervention in CKD
patients.
Q47. A patient's ankle-brachial index (ABI) is 0.6. This finding indicates:
A. Normal peripheral arterial circulation
B. Mild peripheral artery disease
C. Moderate to severe peripheral artery disease [ANSWER]
D. Venous insufficiency
Explanation: ABI <0.9 indicates PAD; 0.71-0.9 mild, 0.41-0.70 moderate, <=0.40
severe. An ABI of 0.6 indicates moderate to severe peripheral artery disease.
Q50. Which vaccine is contraindicated in a patient who is 8 weeks pregnant?
A. Influenza (inactivated)
B. Tdap
C. MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) [ANSWER]
D. COVID-19 mRNA vaccine
Explanation: MMR is a live attenuated vaccine and is contraindicated during
pregnancy due to theoretical risk to the fetus.
Q53. A patient taking a statin reports new onset of muscle pain and dark urine.
The nurse should:
A. Reassure the patient this is a common side effect
B. Advise the patient to exercise less
C. Notify the provider urgently - possible rhabdomyolysis [ANSWER]
D. Schedule a routine follow-up in 4 weeks
Explanation: Muscle pain with dark urine (myoglobinuria) in a statin patient may
indicate rhabdomyolysis, a serious adverse effect requiring urgent evaluation.
Q56. A patient on bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis should be counseled
to:
A. Take the medication with milk
B. Take the medication with a full glass of water and remain upright for 30
minutes [ANSWER]
C. Take it at bedtime
D. Take it with food to prevent GI upset
AMB-BC Practice Questions | Page 4 of 81
