1
NCLEX RN Exam Bank on Health Screening
Guidelines, Cancer, Diabetes & Lipid
Panels
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Cancer Screening Guidelines Across the Lifespan ......................................... 2
Subtopic 2: Diabetes Screening Criteria, Risk Groups & Intervals ................................... 10
Subtopic 3: Lipid Profile Testing—Guidelines by Age, Risk & Frequency ........................... 17
Subtopic 4: Integrated Screening Approaches in Primary Care Settings ........................... 25
Subtopic 5: Diabetes Risk Factors, Ethnic Disparities & Prevention Programs .................. 33
Subtopic 6: Screening and Risk Management in Special Populations (Ethnicities, Genetic
Predispositions, and Gender-Specific Concerns) .......................................................... 42
Subtopic 7: Gestational Diabetes Screening, GDM Risk Factors & Maternal-Fetal
Implications ............................................................................................................... 49
, 2
Subtopic 1: Cancer Screening Guidelines Across the
Lifespan
(Questions 1–20)
Question 1
At what age should a woman with an average risk for breast cancer begin annual
mammogram screening according to the American Cancer Society (ACS)?
A. 35 years
B. 40 years
C. 45 years
D. 50 years
Correct answer: C. 45 years
Rationale: The ACS recommends annual mammograms starting at age 45 for women at
average risk, with the option to begin at age 40.
Question 2
Which of the following clients is at highest risk for developing colorectal cancer?
A. A 30-year-old male with high cholesterol
B. A 45-year-old female who exercises regularly
C. A 55-year-old male with a family history of colon cancer
D. A 50-year-old female with no GI complaints
Correct answer: C. A 55-year-old male with a family history of colon cancer
Rationale: Family history is a significant risk factor, especially after age 50, increasing the
importance of earlier and frequent screening.
Question 3
, 3
A 50-year-old male client asks when he should get a colonoscopy. What is the nurse’s best
response?
A. "Only if you develop symptoms like blood in stool."
B. "At age 50, colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years for average risk individuals."
C. "Colonoscopy is done only after age 65."
D. "It’s not necessary unless you have diarrhea."
Correct answer: B. "At age 50, colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years for average risk
individuals."
Rationale: For average-risk adults, screening typically begins at age 50 and is repeated
every 10 years unless abnormalities are found.
Question 4
What is the recommended screening for lung cancer in a 60-year-old patient with a 35
pack-year smoking history?
A. Annual chest x-ray
B. Annual low-dose CT scan
C. Sputum culture every 6 months
D. MRI of the chest
Correct answer: B. Annual low-dose CT scan
Rationale: Low-dose CT screening is recommended for adults 50–80 years with a 20+ pack-
year smoking history and who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years.
Question 5
Which screening method is preferred for early detection of cervical cancer in women aged
30–65?
A. Annual pelvic exam
B. Pap smear with HPV co-testing every 5 years
C. HPV test only every 10 years
, 4
D. Pap smear annually without HPV
Correct answer: B. Pap smear with HPV co-testing every 5 years
Rationale: Co-testing (Pap + HPV) every 5 years is the preferred method for women aged
30–65 years.
Question 6
When should a woman begin clinical breast exams (CBE) according to current guidelines?
A. At puberty
B. Every 3 years beginning in their 20s, annually after 40
C. Not needed if self-exams are done
D. Only when there's a lump
Correct answer: B. Every 3 years beginning in their 20s, annually after 40
Rationale: Clinical breast exams help identify abnormalities and are part of comprehensive
breast screening guidelines.
Question 7
Which group should be screened for prostate cancer using PSA levels and DRE after shared
decision-making?
A. Men under 40 years
B. Men aged 50 and above at average risk
C. All males over 25 years
D. Only symptomatic men
Correct answer: B. Men aged 50 and above at average risk
Rationale: PSA screening is typically offered starting at age 50 after discussion of risks and
benefits.
Question 8
NCLEX RN Exam Bank on Health Screening
Guidelines, Cancer, Diabetes & Lipid
Panels
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Cancer Screening Guidelines Across the Lifespan ......................................... 2
Subtopic 2: Diabetes Screening Criteria, Risk Groups & Intervals ................................... 10
Subtopic 3: Lipid Profile Testing—Guidelines by Age, Risk & Frequency ........................... 17
Subtopic 4: Integrated Screening Approaches in Primary Care Settings ........................... 25
Subtopic 5: Diabetes Risk Factors, Ethnic Disparities & Prevention Programs .................. 33
Subtopic 6: Screening and Risk Management in Special Populations (Ethnicities, Genetic
Predispositions, and Gender-Specific Concerns) .......................................................... 42
Subtopic 7: Gestational Diabetes Screening, GDM Risk Factors & Maternal-Fetal
Implications ............................................................................................................... 49
, 2
Subtopic 1: Cancer Screening Guidelines Across the
Lifespan
(Questions 1–20)
Question 1
At what age should a woman with an average risk for breast cancer begin annual
mammogram screening according to the American Cancer Society (ACS)?
A. 35 years
B. 40 years
C. 45 years
D. 50 years
Correct answer: C. 45 years
Rationale: The ACS recommends annual mammograms starting at age 45 for women at
average risk, with the option to begin at age 40.
Question 2
Which of the following clients is at highest risk for developing colorectal cancer?
A. A 30-year-old male with high cholesterol
B. A 45-year-old female who exercises regularly
C. A 55-year-old male with a family history of colon cancer
D. A 50-year-old female with no GI complaints
Correct answer: C. A 55-year-old male with a family history of colon cancer
Rationale: Family history is a significant risk factor, especially after age 50, increasing the
importance of earlier and frequent screening.
Question 3
, 3
A 50-year-old male client asks when he should get a colonoscopy. What is the nurse’s best
response?
A. "Only if you develop symptoms like blood in stool."
B. "At age 50, colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years for average risk individuals."
C. "Colonoscopy is done only after age 65."
D. "It’s not necessary unless you have diarrhea."
Correct answer: B. "At age 50, colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years for average risk
individuals."
Rationale: For average-risk adults, screening typically begins at age 50 and is repeated
every 10 years unless abnormalities are found.
Question 4
What is the recommended screening for lung cancer in a 60-year-old patient with a 35
pack-year smoking history?
A. Annual chest x-ray
B. Annual low-dose CT scan
C. Sputum culture every 6 months
D. MRI of the chest
Correct answer: B. Annual low-dose CT scan
Rationale: Low-dose CT screening is recommended for adults 50–80 years with a 20+ pack-
year smoking history and who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years.
Question 5
Which screening method is preferred for early detection of cervical cancer in women aged
30–65?
A. Annual pelvic exam
B. Pap smear with HPV co-testing every 5 years
C. HPV test only every 10 years
, 4
D. Pap smear annually without HPV
Correct answer: B. Pap smear with HPV co-testing every 5 years
Rationale: Co-testing (Pap + HPV) every 5 years is the preferred method for women aged
30–65 years.
Question 6
When should a woman begin clinical breast exams (CBE) according to current guidelines?
A. At puberty
B. Every 3 years beginning in their 20s, annually after 40
C. Not needed if self-exams are done
D. Only when there's a lump
Correct answer: B. Every 3 years beginning in their 20s, annually after 40
Rationale: Clinical breast exams help identify abnormalities and are part of comprehensive
breast screening guidelines.
Question 7
Which group should be screened for prostate cancer using PSA levels and DRE after shared
decision-making?
A. Men under 40 years
B. Men aged 50 and above at average risk
C. All males over 25 years
D. Only symptomatic men
Correct answer: B. Men aged 50 and above at average risk
Rationale: PSA screening is typically offered starting at age 50 after discussion of risks and
benefits.
Question 8
