NCLEX 101
Which type of testing format adjusts question difficulty based on the test-taker’s ability?
Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT); It is the length of the examination is determined by the candidate’s responses to the items.
These categories of NGN items are different. Which is which?
Unfolding: 3 with six items each; each item measures one of the steps of the CJMM; examples: drag and drop, drop down, multiple choice, multiple response, highlight
Standalone: Short clinical scenario that isn’t part of an unfolding case; independent of other questions/items; examples: trend and bowtie
Distribution (%) of content from the NCLEX Client Need Categories on the NCLEX.
Management of Care - 18%
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies - 16%
Physiological Adaptation - 14%
Safety and Infection Prevention and Control - 13%
Reduction of Risk Potential - 16%
Basic Care and Comfort - 9%
Health Promotion and Maintenance - 9%
Psychosocial Integrity - 9%
Match this item with the correct NCLEX Client Needs Category:
Implement and monitor phototherapy
Physiological Adaptation
What is the minimum and maximum number of questions a candidate may receive on the NCLEX-RN?
Minimum ~85, maximum ~150 (including NGN items)
A question where students must place findings into columns such as “supports” vs “does not support.”
Matrix / Table item; can be 2-10 columns and/or 4-7 rows; can be multiple response or multiple choice
Descriptions of the Management of Care, Safety and Infection Prevention and Control, Health Promotion and Maintenance, and Psychosocial Integrity section of the NCLEX Client Need Categories.
Management of Care - Providing and directing nursing care that enhances the care delivery setting to protect the client and health care personnel.
Safety and Infection Prevention and Control - Protecting clients and health care personnel from health and environmental hazards.
Health Promotion and Maintenance - The nurse provides and directs nursing care of the client that incorporates the knowledge of expected growth and development principles, prevention and/or early detection of health problems, and strategies to achieve optimal health.
Psychosocial Integrity - The nurse provides and directs nursing care that promotes and supports the emotional, mental and social well-being of the client experiencing stressful events as well as clients with acute or chronic mental illness.
Match this item with the correct NCLEX Client Needs Category:
Identify biohazardous, flammable and infectious materials
Safety and Infection Prevention and Control
How much total time does a candidate have to complete the NCLEX-RN?
Up to 5 hours (includes tutorial and breaks)
A visual diagram (that looks like apparel) where students identify a priority problem, assessment findings, and interventions.
Bow-tie; generally five options on the right and left side, and four options in the middle (priority problem/condition).
Descriptions of the Basic Care and Comfort, Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies, Reduction of Risk Potential, and Physiological Adaptation Client Needs Categories.
Basic Care and Comfort - Providing comfort and assistance in the performance of activities of daily living.
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies - Providing care related to the administration of medications and parenteral therapies.
Reduction of Risk Potential - Reducing the likelihood that clients will develop complications or health problems related to existing conditions, treatments or procedures.
Physiological Adaptation - Managing and providing care for clients with acute, chronic or life-threatening physical health conditions.
Match this item with the correct NCLEX Client Needs Category:
Provide education to client and staff members about expected age-related changes and age-specific growth and development (e.g., developmental stages)
Health Promotion and Maintenance
What is the difference between the 0/1 scoring rule, +/- scoring rule, and rationale scoring rule?
0/1 - Earn 1 point for a correct response, and 0 points for an incorrect response; used when given a specific number of responses to select
+/- - Earn points (+1) for a correct response, and lose points (-1) for selecting wrong info; no negative scoring; used for unspecified number to select
Rationale scoring - Both X and Y must be correct to earn a point; concepts require justification/rationale; triad or dyad
A question that includes a paragraph of information and the test taker must outline parts of the text based on what the question is asking.
Highlight; can be a maximum of 10 items to highlight. Usually used to recognize cues and evaluate outcomes. Can be highlighted in a text or table.
Match this item with the correct NCLEX Client Needs Category:
Recognize client’s right to refuse treatment/procedures
Management of Care
Match this item with the correct NCLEX Client Needs Category:
Provide a safe environment for the abused or neglected client
Psychosocial Integrity
True or False: A student must get a certain percentage of questions correct to pass NCLEX.
False; the computer will stop administering items when it is 95% certain that the candidate’s ability is either clearly above or clearly below the passing standard.
A question that includes one sentence with one cause and one effect OR one sentence with one cause and two effects.
Drag and Drop Rationale
Match this item with the correct NCLEX Client Needs Category:
Identify client with increased risk for insufficient vascular perfusion (e.g., immobilized limb, postsurgery, diabetes)
Reduction of Risk Potential
Match this item with the correct NCLEX Client Needs Category:
Respect client palliative care/symptom management or noncurative treatment choices
Basic Care and Comfort