Key Takeaways

  • Preventive care decisions should be individualized by age, sex, risk profile, and prior results.
  • Screening questions often test correct initiation age, intervals, and modality selection.
  • Health promotion includes behavior change strategy, not just screening orders.
Last updated: February 2026

Prevention and Screening on the FNP Exam

Preventive care appears across multiple ANCC domains and is frequently embedded in routine follow-up cases.

High-Probability Board Themes

  • Cancer-screening intervals and modality choice
  • Cardiometabolic risk prevention
  • Immunization counseling
  • Tobacco and substance-use interventions
  • Obesity, nutrition, and activity counseling

Board-Style Prevention Logic

StepQuestion
Eligibility"Is this patient in the right age/risk group?"
Timing"Is screening due now, deferred, or no longer indicated?"
Modality"Which evidence-supported test fits this context?"
Follow-up"What should happen after normal or abnormal results?"

Counseling That Scores Well

High-quality ANCC answers usually include:

  • Specific behavior target
  • Measurable action step
  • Clear follow-up interval
  • Barrier discussion

This distinguishes comprehensive NP care from one-line recommendations.

Test Your Knowledge

Which preventive-care approach is most consistent with ANCC FNP expectations?

A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge

In prevention counseling, which is the best follow-through step?

A
B
C
D