1|Page
NR 603 CEA EXAM AND PRACTICE EXAM NEWEST
2026/ 2027
Q1
A 62-year-old male with HTN and diabetes presents with BP 168/96
despite lifestyle changes. He is currently on lisinopril. What is the next
best step?
A. Increase lisinopril dose
B. Add thiazide diuretic
C. Add beta-blocker
D. Switch to ARB
Answer: B
Rationale: For uncontrolled HTN on ACE inhibitor, add a thiazide (or
CCB). Combination therapy is recommended before switching classes.
Q2 (SATA)
A patient with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)
should be prescribed:
A. ACE inhibitor
pg. 1
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B. Beta-blocker
C. NSAIDs
D. Aldosterone antagonist
Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: Guideline-directed therapy includes ACEi, beta-blocker, and
aldosterone antagonists. NSAIDs worsen HF.
Q3
A patient presents with crushing chest pain. ECG shows ST elevation in
leads II, III, aVF. What area is affected?
A. Anterior
B. Lateral
C. Inferior
D. Septal
Answer: C
Rationale: Inferior MI = leads II, III, aVF.
Q4
pg. 2
,3|Page
A diabetic patient has an A1C of 9.2% on metformin. What is the next
step?
A. Stop metformin
B. Add second agent
C. Lifestyle only
D. Start insulin immediately
Answer: B
Rationale: Add second agent unless severe hyperglycemia (>10% or
symptomatic).
Q5
A patient with COPD has worsening dyspnea and increased sputum
production. What indicates need for antibiotics?
A. Dyspnea only
B. Increased sputum only
C. Purulent sputum
D. Wheezing
Answer: C
pg. 3
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Rationale: Purulent sputum suggests bacterial infection.
Q6 (SATA)
Which findings indicate thyroid storm?
A. Fever
B. Tachycardia
C. Hypotension
D. Bradycardia
Answer: A, B
Rationale: Thyroid storm presents with hypermetabolic symptoms.
Q7
A patient with atrial fibrillation has a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of 3. What is
recommended?
A. Aspirin
B. No treatment
C. Anticoagulation
pg. 4
NR 603 CEA EXAM AND PRACTICE EXAM NEWEST
2026/ 2027
Q1
A 62-year-old male with HTN and diabetes presents with BP 168/96
despite lifestyle changes. He is currently on lisinopril. What is the next
best step?
A. Increase lisinopril dose
B. Add thiazide diuretic
C. Add beta-blocker
D. Switch to ARB
Answer: B
Rationale: For uncontrolled HTN on ACE inhibitor, add a thiazide (or
CCB). Combination therapy is recommended before switching classes.
Q2 (SATA)
A patient with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)
should be prescribed:
A. ACE inhibitor
pg. 1
,2|Page
B. Beta-blocker
C. NSAIDs
D. Aldosterone antagonist
Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: Guideline-directed therapy includes ACEi, beta-blocker, and
aldosterone antagonists. NSAIDs worsen HF.
Q3
A patient presents with crushing chest pain. ECG shows ST elevation in
leads II, III, aVF. What area is affected?
A. Anterior
B. Lateral
C. Inferior
D. Septal
Answer: C
Rationale: Inferior MI = leads II, III, aVF.
Q4
pg. 2
,3|Page
A diabetic patient has an A1C of 9.2% on metformin. What is the next
step?
A. Stop metformin
B. Add second agent
C. Lifestyle only
D. Start insulin immediately
Answer: B
Rationale: Add second agent unless severe hyperglycemia (>10% or
symptomatic).
Q5
A patient with COPD has worsening dyspnea and increased sputum
production. What indicates need for antibiotics?
A. Dyspnea only
B. Increased sputum only
C. Purulent sputum
D. Wheezing
Answer: C
pg. 3
, 4|Page
Rationale: Purulent sputum suggests bacterial infection.
Q6 (SATA)
Which findings indicate thyroid storm?
A. Fever
B. Tachycardia
C. Hypotension
D. Bradycardia
Answer: A, B
Rationale: Thyroid storm presents with hypermetabolic symptoms.
Q7
A patient with atrial fibrillation has a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of 3. What is
recommended?
A. Aspirin
B. No treatment
C. Anticoagulation
pg. 4
