NLN Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) Review Notes

National League for Nursing Assessment Services Division

  • Focuses on the NLN Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX)
  • Review materials aim to supplement knowledge from high school science courses

General Science Knowledge for Nursing

  • Importance of general science knowledge for nursing skills and assessments
  • Five key subjects tested in NLN NEX: Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Health

General Biology

Cell Structure and Function

  • Definition of a cell as the smallest functional unit of life
  • Common features of cells: nucleus, plasma membrane, cytoplasm
  • Organelles with specific functions: mitochondria (ATP production), ribosomes (protein synthesis), Golgi complex (protein packaging)
  • Differences between plant cells (cell wall, chloroplasts) and animal cells

Levels of Organization

  • Tissues: groups of cells with similar structure/function
    • Types: muscle, epithelial, nervous, connective
  • Organs: structures made up of different tissues performing specific functions
    • Example: stomach (muscle, epithelial, connective tissues)
  • Organ systems: groups of organs working together
    • Example: circulatory system includes the heart, blood vessels
  • Organism: highest level of organization, e.g., human body

Diffusion and Osmosis

  • Mechanisms of movement across membranes
    • Active transport (requires ATP) vs. Passive transport (no energy required)
    • Definitions of isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic solutions

Evolution

  • Theory proposed by Charles Darwin based on natural selection
    • Mechanisms: variation among individuals, competition for resources, survival of the fittest
  • Supporting evidence from fossil records, biogeography, anatomy, and molecular biology

Classification of Organisms

  • Taxonomy: scientific classification of organisms
  • Hierarchical system: kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species

Microbiology

  • Study of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, protozoa)
  • Bacteria: shapes (cocci, bacillus, spirochetes), classification (gram-positive/gram-negative)
  • Viruses: acellular entities that require host cells to replicate

Ecology

  • Concepts: autotrophs and heterotrophs, food chains, biodiversity, ecosystems
  • Symbiosis types: mutualism, commensalism, parasitism

Photosynthesis

  • Process by which autotrophs convert light energy into chemical energy
  • Reaction: 6CO2 + 6H2O + ext{light energy}
    ightarrow C6H{12}O6 + 6O2

Genetics

  • Genes on chromosomes determine traits
  • Mendelian genetics: laws of dominance, segregation, independent assortment

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Cardiovascular System

  • Heart structure: atria, ventricles, valves
  • Blood circulation path through heart and body
  • Blood components: red blood cells (transport oxygen), white blood cells (defense), plasma (nutrients)

Respiratory System

  • Gas exchange in lungs (alveoli)
  • Breathing mechanics (diaphragm, rib cage)

Basic Chemistry

Atomic Structure

  • Atoms consist of protons, neutrons, electrons
  • Ions: cations (positive) and anions (negative)

Bonding

  • Types: ionic, covalent, and hydrogen bonding
  • Octet rule for chemical stability via valence electrons

States of Matter

  • Phases: solid, liquid, gas
  • Changes in state: melting, freezing, evaporation, condensation

Chemical Reactions

  • Types: synthesis, single replacement, double displacement, decomposition reactions
  • Law of conservation of mass in chemical equations

Health

Definition and Influences

  • Broader definition of health beyond the absence of disease

Levels of Health

  • Individual, community, population health

Factors Influencing Health

  • Lifestyle factors: diet, sleep, exercise, hygiene, substance avoidance

Health Threats

  • Substance abuse, environmental conditions, and health inequities

Prevention and Safety

  • Importance of vaccination and health screenings
  • Levels of prevention: primary, secondary, tertiary
  • Safety procedures for emergencies and food safety