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100+ Free Examen Estatal de Licenciatura en Enfermería Practice Questions

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Sample Examen Estatal de Licenciatura en Enfermería Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Examen Estatal de Licenciatura en Enfermería exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1During the initial assessment stage (valoración) of the Proceso de Atención de Enfermería (PAE), a nurse gathers baseline health data from a 54-year-old patient admitted to the medical ward. Which of the following findings is correctly classified as subjective data?
A.The patient describes a sharp, retrosternal chest pain radiating to the left shoulder rated 7 out of 10
B.An automated blood pressure reading of 150/95 mmHg measured in the right brachial artery
C.A dry cough with audible bilateral expiratory wheezes on pulmonary auscultation
D.A capillary blood glucose reading of 8.6 mmol/L recorded using a calibrated glucometer
Explanation: Subjective data consists of information reported directly by the patient regarding feelings, perceptions, sensations, and personal experiences that cannot be independently measured or observed by the healthcare examiner. The patient's verbal description and intensity rating of chest pain is subjective. In contrast, blood pressure, auscultated wheezes, and capillary glucose levels represent measurable objective data.
2A nurse is constructing a formal nursing diagnosis following the Cuban PAE methodology and PES structure (Problem, Etiology, Signs and Symptoms) for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which diagnostic statement follows the correct PES structure?
A.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease related to heavy cigarette smoking as evidenced by persistent productive cough
B.Ineffective airway clearance related to excessive tracheobronchial secretions as evidenced by audible rhonchi and persistent productive cough
C.Audible rhonchi and productive cough related to ineffective airway clearance as evidenced by chronic pulmonary disease
D.Excessive tracheobronchial secretions related to ineffective airway clearance as evidenced by dyspnea on exertion
Explanation: In the PES format used in nursing science, the diagnostic statement begins with the human response or Problem (Ineffective airway clearance), followed by the Etiology or contributing factor (excessive tracheobronchial secretions), and concludes with the Signs and Symptoms or defining characteristics (audible rhonchi and productive cough). Medical diagnoses like COPD must not be used as the nursing problem.
3When prioritizing nursing diagnoses for an elderly patient admitted with pneumonia, acute dehydration, urinary incontinence, and moderate anxiety about hospitalization, which diagnostic problem should the nurse rank as the highest priority according to Kalish and Maslow's human needs frameworks taught in Cuba?
A.Impaired skin integrity risk related to involuntary urinary incontinence and bedrest
B.Situational anxiety related to hospitalization and unfamiliar clinical surroundings
C.Impaired gas exchange related to alveolar-capillary membrane changes secondary to pulmonary infection
D.Knowledge deficit regarding antibiotic therapy and infection prevention
Explanation: According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Kalish's refinement of human needs used in Cuban nursing curricula, physiological survival needs—specifically oxygenation, circulation, and fluid balance—always take absolute precedence over safety, comfort, or psychological needs. Impaired gas exchange directly threatens cellular survival and airway/ventilation integrity, making it the primary nursing concern.
4In Cuban nursing practice, interventions within the PAE are classified into independent, interdependent, and dependent actions. Which of the following nursing interventions is categorized as an independent nursing action (acción independiente)?
A.Administering intravenous ampicillin 1 g every 6 hours according to the medical treatment sheet
B.Adjusting mechanical ventilator parameters based on arterial blood gas determinations
C.Administering subcutaneous enoxaparin 40 mg daily for postoperative thromboprophylaxis
D.Repositioning a bedridden hemiplegic patient every two hours and performing passive range-of-motion exercises
Explanation: Independent nursing actions (acciones independientes) are autonomous clinical interventions that registered nurses are legally and professionally empowered to initiate and execute based on their own diagnostic judgment and scientific knowledge, without requiring a medical prescription. Repositioning, skin care, hygiene, and mobility exercises are independent nursing responsibilities.
5A nurse is formulating an expected patient outcome (expectativa / objetivo del paciente) during the planning phase of the PAE for a patient with deficient fluid volume. Which of the following statements represents a correctly formulated, measurable, and time-bound expected outcome?
A.The patient will maintain a urine output of at least 30 to 50 mL per hour throughout the next 12 hours
B.The patient will understand the importance of drinking adequate fluids before being discharged
C.The patient will appear noticeably less dehydrated and show good skin turgor soon
D.The nurse will infuse 1,000 mL of normal saline over the next 8 hours
Explanation: A correctly structured expected outcome must be patient-centered, specific, measurable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART). Maintaining a urine output of 30 to 50 mL/hour over a 12-hour timeframe provides an objective, quantifiable biometric criterion directly indicating resolution of the fluid volume deficit.
6When performing a systematic physical examination of the abdomen as part of the nursing clinical assessment, which sequence of examination techniques must the nurse follow?
A.Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
B.Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
C.Auscultation, inspection, palpation, percussion
D.Palpation, percussion, auscultation, inspection
Explanation: In abdominal physical assessment, the standard sequence is inspection, followed by auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Auscultation is performed before percussion and palpation because manual manipulation, pressure, or percussion of the abdominal wall alters baseline gastrointestinal motility and induces artifactual bowel sounds.
7A 72-year-old patient who suffered an acute ischemic stroke is admitted with stupor and expressive aphasia. When gathering the nursing history and baseline assessment, which source should the nurse utilize as the primary source of reliable clinical data?
A.The patient's verbal responses obtained through persistent questioning
B.The physical examination performed on the patient and observations by the nurse
C.The clinical history, family member reports, and inter-facility transfer documentation
D.The initial laboratory and diagnostic imaging reports exclusively
Explanation: When a patient is unable to communicate due to aphasia, cognitive impairment, or altered consciousness, the primary reliable sources for the nursing history become secondary sources: accompanying family members, legal caregivers, previous medical records, and official transfer documents. Direct physical examination provides objective baseline data, but historical context must come from family and documentation.
8A patient scheduled for elective inguinal hernia repair tells the nurse, 'I feel completely calm and ready for surgery,' but the nurse notes restless hand wringing, dilated pupils, diaphoresis, and a heart rate of 110 bpm. What is the most appropriate initial nursing action to validate this assessment data?
A.Document that the patient is calm and dismiss the physiological vital sign elevations as baseline variation
B.Administer a prescribed PRN oral sedative immediately without further conversation
C.Notify the surgical team immediately to cancel the scheduled surgical procedure
D.Acknowledge the discrepancy verbally and explore the patient's feelings and non-verbal signs of anxiety
Explanation: When there is an obvious discrepancy between subjective verbal statements and objective physiological or non-verbal observations, the nurse must validate the data by exploring the conflict with the patient. Gently pointing out physical manifestations (e.g., tachycardia, restlessness) encourages open dialogue and allows the patient to voice concealed fears.
9During the execution phase (ejecución) of the PAE, which action must the registered nurse perform immediately before initiating any planned nursing intervention on a hospitalized patient?
A.Reassess the patient's current physiological and psychological status to confirm the intervention remains indicated
B.Document the completion of the intervention in the clinical nursing record in advance
C.Request authorization from the head nurse to proceed with the planned care plan
D.Discharge the existing care plan and generate a completely new set of nursing diagnoses
Explanation: Before executing any planned nursing intervention, the nurse must reassess the patient's current condition. A patient's status can change rapidly; reassessment ensures that the scheduled action remains clinically appropriate, safe, and tailored to the patient's immediate physiological state.
10A nurse is evaluating the care plan for a postoperative patient whose expected outcome was: 'Patient will ambulate 20 meters in the hallway with assistance by postoperative day 2.' On day 2, the patient ambulated only 5 meters before experiencing dizziness and moderate incisional pain. How should the nurse interpret and document this outcome?
A.Outcome completely met, because the patient successfully initiated ambulation outside the bed
B.Outcome partially met; reassess pain control, cardiovascular tolerance, and revise the ambulation progression plan
C.Outcome completely unmet; discontinue all mobilization efforts and enforce strict bedrest for 48 hours
D.Outcome irrelevant; discharge the mobility diagnosis and replace it with a post-surgical infection diagnosis
Explanation: Outcome evaluation requires comparing actual patient performance against the specific criteria set in the goal. The patient achieved partial ambulation (5 meters vs 20 meters), indicating the goal was partially met. The appropriate nursing action is to investigate contributing factors (pain, orthostatic intolerance), adjust analgesia, and modify the mobilization plan accordingly.

About the Examen Estatal de Licenciatura en Enfermería Exam

The Examen Estatal de la Licenciatura en Enfermería is Cuba's national certifying exit examination for graduates of the 5-year university nursing degree program. Established in 1993, it is the oldest state examination across all Cuban health sciences (ciencias de la salud). The examination is certificativo: successful completion authorizes the Centros de Educación Médica Superior (CEMS) to grant the official university title that legally qualifies the graduate to practice nursing nationwide. The assessment tests candidates on the Proceso de Atención de Enfermería (PAE), the Programa del Médico y Enfermera de la Familia at the primary health care level (Consultorios y Policlínicos), the Programa de Atención Materno Infantil (PAMI), adult medical-surgical nursing, critical and emergency care, and clinical pharmacology and biosafety. This practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation built from the official Cuban Licenciatura en Enfermería programme objectives issued by the Ministerio de Salud Pública (MINSAP). It is not an official translation, not a simulation of the practical clinical or oral defence exercises, and not a substitute for clinical performance practice.

Assessment

The examination is structured in two moments and three distinct exercises: (1) Actuación Profesional (the candidate directly assesses and provides nursing care for a real individual, family, or community health problem under tribunal observation for approximately 3 hours); (2) Defensa de la Actuación Profesional (oral defense where the candidate substantiates their diagnostic reasoning, scientific nursing interventions, and evaluation within the Proceso de Atención de Enfermería [PAE] framework); and (3) Ejercicio Teórico Escrito (a nationally standardized written exam designed by the Comisión Nacional de Examen Estatal within the Viceministerio de Docencia e Investigaciones, utilizing essay, short-answer, modified-essay, and objective items covering the 5-year Plan de Estudio).

Time Limit

Administered at the completion of the 5-year Licenciatura en Enfermería curriculum across two distinct evaluation sessions (practical case performance and oral defense, followed by the national written theoretical exam)

Passing Score

70% (70 points out of 100 on the national state evaluation scale)

Exam Fee

There is no candidate sitting fee for Cuban nationals (university nursing education in Cuba is fully state-funded). Self-financed international students pay degree tuition through Servicios Médicos Cubanos (SMC), which includes all evaluation fees including the state exit exam. (Ministerio de Salud Pública de Cuba (MINSAP) — Viceministerio de Docencia e Investigaciones / Comisión Nacional de Examen Estatal)

Examen Estatal de Licenciatura en Enfermería Exam Content Outline

~17% of this local bank

Nursing Process (PAE - Proceso de Atención de Enfermería)

Systematic clinical methodology: patient assessment, nursing diagnoses, prioritized goal setting, independent and interdependent nursing interventions, and outcome evaluation.

~18% of this local bank

Community and Family Health Nursing

Primary healthcare at Consultorios Médicos de la Familia: Dispensarización health risk classifications (Groups I to IV), community health analysis (ASIS), active epidemiological surveillance, home visits, and health education.

~17% of this local bank

Maternal and Child Health Nursing (PAMI)

National Maternal-Infant Care Program: prenatal tracking, obstetric risk stratification, labor and delivery support, neonatal care, exclusive breastfeeding, growth monitoring, and the national immunization schedule.

~18% of this local bank

Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing

Comprehensive nursing management of major non-communicable chronic conditions (hypertension, diabetes, asthma), preoperative and postoperative care, wound healing and sterile dressings, colostomy care, and geriatric support.

~15% of this local bank

Critical Care and Emergency Nursing

Emergency triage in Policlínicos and hospital emergency departments, basic and advanced life support, management of shock states, airway management, and hemodynamic stabilization.

~15% of this local bank

Clinical Pharmacology and Biosafety

Five rights of medication administration, weight-based pediatric and adult dosage calculations, biosecurity protocols, standard precautions, cold chain integrity, and disposal of hazardous bio-infectious waste.

How to Pass the Examen Estatal de Licenciatura en Enfermería Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% (70 points out of 100 on the national state evaluation scale)
  • Assessment: The examination is structured in two moments and three distinct exercises: (1) Actuación Profesional (the candidate directly assesses and provides nursing care for a real individual, family, or community health problem under tribunal observation for approximately 3 hours); (2) Defensa de la Actuación Profesional (oral defense where the candidate substantiates their diagnostic reasoning, scientific nursing interventions, and evaluation within the Proceso de Atención de Enfermería [PAE] framework); and (3) Ejercicio Teórico Escrito (a nationally standardized written exam designed by the Comisión Nacional de Examen Estatal within the Viceministerio de Docencia e Investigaciones, utilizing essay, short-answer, modified-essay, and objective items covering the 5-year Plan de Estudio).
  • Time limit: Administered at the completion of the 5-year Licenciatura en Enfermería curriculum across two distinct evaluation sessions (practical case performance and oral defense, followed by the national written theoretical exam)
  • Exam fee: There is no candidate sitting fee for Cuban nationals (university nursing education in Cuba is fully state-funded). Self-financed international students pay degree tuition through Servicios Médicos Cubanos (SMC), which includes all evaluation fees including the state exit exam.

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Examen Estatal de Licenciatura en Enfermería Study Tips from Top Performers

1Structure all clinical case analyses strictly around the five stages of the Proceso de Atención de Enfermería (PAE): assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning with independent/interdependent interventions, execution, and evaluation.
2Thoroughly review the Programa del Médico y Enfermera de la Familia, particularly the criteria for Dispensarización classification into Groups I (Healthy), II (At Risk), III (Sick/Chronic), and IV (Deficient/Disabled).
3Master the clinical guidelines of the Programa de Atención Materno Infantil (PAMI), including high-risk prenatal tracking, preeclampsia warning signs, neonatal care protocols, and the Esquema Nacional de Vacunación.
4Consolidate pharmacological safety rules, calculating intravenous drip rates, verifying medication rights, and adhering to strict aseptic techniques and biosecurity precautions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Examen Estatal de la Licenciatura en Enfermería in Cuba?

Instituted in 1993, the Examen Estatal de la Licenciatura en Enfermería is Cuba's definitive national qualifying examination for nursing university graduates. It has a 'certificativo' character, meaning that passing it is the legal prerequisite for the Centros de Educación Médica Superior (CEMS) to confer the degree of Licenciado(a) en Enfermería and grant the legal license to practice nursing throughout the national health system. This practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation built from the official Cuban Licenciatura en Enfermería programme objectives issued by the Ministerio de Salud Pública (MINSAP). It is not an official translation, not a simulation of the practical clinical or oral defence exercises, and not a substitute for clinical performance practice.

What is the official structure of the Cuban nursing state examination?

The official examination is divided into two distinct evaluative moments covering three exercises: (1) Actuación Profesional, a 3-hour observed practical clinical examination where the student provides comprehensive nursing care to an assigned patient, family, or community group; (2) Defensa de la Actuación Profesional, an oral defense where the student presents and justifies their Proceso de Atención de Enfermería (PAE) documentation before an appointed state tribunal; and (3) Ejercicio Teórico Escrito, a standardized written theoretical examination designed by the Comisión Nacional de Examen Estatal covering the entire 5-year Plan de Estudio.

What is the passing score for the Examen Estatal de Enfermería?

The minimum passing grade is 70% (70 points out of 100 on the national state evaluation scale). Candidates must attain a passing grade on both the practical/oral performance component and the written theoretical examination to receive certification.

Are there fees to take the Cuban nursing state examination?

There is no candidate sitting fee for Cuban nationals (university nursing education in Cuba is fully state-funded). Self-financed international students pay degree tuition through Servicios Médicos Cubanos (SMC), which includes all evaluation fees including the state exit exam.

Does this question bank replace the official Cuban examination?

No. This practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation built from the official Cuban Licenciatura en Enfermería programme objectives issued by the Ministerio de Salud Pública (MINSAP). It is not an official translation, not a simulation of the practical clinical or oral defence exercises, and not a substitute for clinical performance practice. It is designed as an educational review resource for students preparing for licensing-level theoretical concepts.