NZ NURSING STATE LATEST
EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026 - 2027
The exam coverage includes the theoretical nursing knowledge and
clinical competence required for the New Zealand Nursing State Final
Examination, administered by the Nursing Council of New Zealand. The
exam is required for nursing graduates to qualify for registration as a
registered nurse or enrolled nurse in New Zealand. It consists of two
main parts: medicine calculations (about 10%) and nursing knowledge
(about 90%), with questions based on the Nursing Council's standards of
nursing competence. The exam assesses clinical decision-making, safe
medication administration, patient assessment, professional practice, and
application of evidence-based nursing care across various healthcare
settings.
What does inpatient surgical care mean? - ANSWERS-Admitted to
hospital (min 24 hours)
Surgery classifications? - ANSWERS-Elective
Diagnostic
Acute
What does Ambulatory mean? - ANSWERS-Day surgery (max stay 23
hours)
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PAGE
1
, NZ NURSING STATE LATEST
EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026 - 2027
List 3 patient orientated goals post surgery? - ANSWERS-Return to
normal physical function
Remain free from post op complications
Achieve emotional and physical comfort
What is included in a pre-op assessment? (5) - ANSWERS-Obtain
history
Physical assessment
Determine patient understanding
Identify emotional state and coping skills
Check consent, pre anaesthetic form complete, other pre anaesthetic
orders
What does atelectasis mean? - ANSWERS-Collapse or closure of lung
resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange
List 5 ways to safely care for post op patients? - ANSWERS-Fluid
balance input and output
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PAGE
2
, NZ NURSING STATE LATEST
EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026 - 2027
Pain management
Assessing wound
Vital signs every five minutes
Checking IV site
What is meningitis? - ANSWERS-A serious disease in which there is
inflammation of the meninges
Signs and symptoms of meningitis? - ANSWERS-Intense headache
Fever
Light sensitivity
Muscular rigidity
Main cause of meningitis? - ANSWERS-Bacterial: Streptococcus
pneumoniae
Viral: Enterovirus
Signs of raised intercranial pressure? (4) - ANSWERS-Headache
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PAGE
3
, NZ NURSING STATE LATEST
EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026 - 2027
Nausea
Increased bp
Confusion
What is the purpose of the nursing council? - ANSWERS-To protect the
health and safety of members of the public by ensuring RNs are
registered, fit to practise, and competent.
Signs of otitis? (Ear infection/inflammation) - ANSWERS-Ear pain
Fever
Difficulty hearing
What would you do if prescribed medication was not signed by the
doctor? - ANSWERS-Do not give until a signature or verbal consent has
been given with a witness
Signs of a patient on methamphetamine? (5) - ANSWERS-Dilated
pupils
Agitation
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PAGE
4
EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026 - 2027
The exam coverage includes the theoretical nursing knowledge and
clinical competence required for the New Zealand Nursing State Final
Examination, administered by the Nursing Council of New Zealand. The
exam is required for nursing graduates to qualify for registration as a
registered nurse or enrolled nurse in New Zealand. It consists of two
main parts: medicine calculations (about 10%) and nursing knowledge
(about 90%), with questions based on the Nursing Council's standards of
nursing competence. The exam assesses clinical decision-making, safe
medication administration, patient assessment, professional practice, and
application of evidence-based nursing care across various healthcare
settings.
What does inpatient surgical care mean? - ANSWERS-Admitted to
hospital (min 24 hours)
Surgery classifications? - ANSWERS-Elective
Diagnostic
Acute
What does Ambulatory mean? - ANSWERS-Day surgery (max stay 23
hours)
END OF
PAGE
1
, NZ NURSING STATE LATEST
EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026 - 2027
List 3 patient orientated goals post surgery? - ANSWERS-Return to
normal physical function
Remain free from post op complications
Achieve emotional and physical comfort
What is included in a pre-op assessment? (5) - ANSWERS-Obtain
history
Physical assessment
Determine patient understanding
Identify emotional state and coping skills
Check consent, pre anaesthetic form complete, other pre anaesthetic
orders
What does atelectasis mean? - ANSWERS-Collapse or closure of lung
resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange
List 5 ways to safely care for post op patients? - ANSWERS-Fluid
balance input and output
END OF
PAGE
2
, NZ NURSING STATE LATEST
EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026 - 2027
Pain management
Assessing wound
Vital signs every five minutes
Checking IV site
What is meningitis? - ANSWERS-A serious disease in which there is
inflammation of the meninges
Signs and symptoms of meningitis? - ANSWERS-Intense headache
Fever
Light sensitivity
Muscular rigidity
Main cause of meningitis? - ANSWERS-Bacterial: Streptococcus
pneumoniae
Viral: Enterovirus
Signs of raised intercranial pressure? (4) - ANSWERS-Headache
END OF
PAGE
3
, NZ NURSING STATE LATEST
EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026 - 2027
Nausea
Increased bp
Confusion
What is the purpose of the nursing council? - ANSWERS-To protect the
health and safety of members of the public by ensuring RNs are
registered, fit to practise, and competent.
Signs of otitis? (Ear infection/inflammation) - ANSWERS-Ear pain
Fever
Difficulty hearing
What would you do if prescribed medication was not signed by the
doctor? - ANSWERS-Do not give until a signature or verbal consent has
been given with a witness
Signs of a patient on methamphetamine? (5) - ANSWERS-Dilated
pupils
Agitation
END OF
PAGE
4
