Nursing school graduates must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN to legally practice as a registered nurse. Such a crucial exam is, understandably, anxiety-inducing for those who must endure it, but resources abound to help nursing school graduates prepare for it.
Each version of the NCLEX-RN is cultivated using a detailed test plan that is released to the public to aid in preparing for boards. Read on to find a breakdown of the information you will likely see on the NCLEX-RN to guide your study as well as sample questions to test your current knowledge.
The test asks the question, “What is the minimum amount a novice nurse must know in order to safely practice at a beginning level of nursing?” Think of the passing standard as the ground floor of a building. Correctly answering a question at the ground floor prompts the next question to be above the passing standard. If you answer the more difficult question correctly as well, a more complicated question comes next. You move up a floor with each correct answer.
This trend continues until you get a question wrong, which drops the next question closer to the passing standard. Once the test algorithm has determined that, based on the test taker’s responses, it is 95% confident that the test taker is either above the passing standard (or on a higher floor in our analogy) or below it (in the basement!), the exam ends. This could occur at any point between 75 and 265 questions.
To practice effectively as a nurse, you must be able to apply your knowledge of disease processes and pharmacology to patient care. As such, most questions on the NCLEX-RN are at the application level of Bloom’s taxonomy of cognitive ability or higher, which includes analyzing, evaluating, and creating.
The exam is centered around client needs, which are separated into four categories: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, and Physiologic Integrity. Physiological Integrity is further separated into four subcategories: Physiological Adaptation, Reduction of Risk Potential, Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies, and Basic Care and Comfort.
Additionally, nearly all questions incorporate one of the Integrated Processes, which include Nursing Process, Caring, Communication and Documentation, Teaching/Learning, and Culture and Spirituality.
Arguably the most significant role of the registered nurse is the Management of Care. This crucial part of nursing is reflected in the percentage of questions it represents: roughly 20%, which is more than any other category. You will likely see questions about the legalities associated with nursing: advanced directives, confidentiality, client rights, informed consent, and legal rights and responsibilities. End-of-life care issues such as life planning, self-determination, and organ donation are sure to be covered as well. Case management, advocacy, referrals, and interdisciplinary collaboration are important topics in this section. Also, you will see quite a few questions covering prioritization of care, task delegation, and supervising other team members. Be prepared to answer questions about performance/quality improvement processes.
There will certainly be questions regarding end-of-life care as well as supporting patients and family members through grief and loss. Concepts associated with abuse and neglect might make an appearance. Chemical dependencies and substance abuse disorders, among other mental health topics, will be covered as well.
You might see questions that deal with family dynamics and support systems. Coping mechanisms and stress management make great NCLEX-RN questions. Surprisingly, sensory and perceptual alterations are also included in this section.
Read the full article → https://snip.ly/a2tzj8
Each version of the NCLEX-RN is cultivated using a detailed test plan that is released to the public to aid in preparing for boards. Read on to find a breakdown of the information you will likely see on the NCLEX-RN to guide your study as well as sample questions to test your current knowledge.
NCLEX-RN Overview
The NCLEX-RN is a computer-adaptive test based on a “passing standard.” This passing standard helps the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) determine the graduate nurses who have the necessary knowledge to practice at (or above) a minimum competency level.The test asks the question, “What is the minimum amount a novice nurse must know in order to safely practice at a beginning level of nursing?” Think of the passing standard as the ground floor of a building. Correctly answering a question at the ground floor prompts the next question to be above the passing standard. If you answer the more difficult question correctly as well, a more complicated question comes next. You move up a floor with each correct answer.
This trend continues until you get a question wrong, which drops the next question closer to the passing standard. Once the test algorithm has determined that, based on the test taker’s responses, it is 95% confident that the test taker is either above the passing standard (or on a higher floor in our analogy) or below it (in the basement!), the exam ends. This could occur at any point between 75 and 265 questions.
To practice effectively as a nurse, you must be able to apply your knowledge of disease processes and pharmacology to patient care. As such, most questions on the NCLEX-RN are at the application level of Bloom’s taxonomy of cognitive ability or higher, which includes analyzing, evaluating, and creating.
The exam is centered around client needs, which are separated into four categories: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, and Physiologic Integrity. Physiological Integrity is further separated into four subcategories: Physiological Adaptation, Reduction of Risk Potential, Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies, and Basic Care and Comfort.
Additionally, nearly all questions incorporate one of the Integrated Processes, which include Nursing Process, Caring, Communication and Documentation, Teaching/Learning, and Culture and Spirituality.
Safe and Effective Care Environment: 20%
Questions covering the creation of a Safe and Effective Care Environment fall into two categories: a) Management of Care and b) Safety and Infection Control.Arguably the most significant role of the registered nurse is the Management of Care. This crucial part of nursing is reflected in the percentage of questions it represents: roughly 20%, which is more than any other category. You will likely see questions about the legalities associated with nursing: advanced directives, confidentiality, client rights, informed consent, and legal rights and responsibilities. End-of-life care issues such as life planning, self-determination, and organ donation are sure to be covered as well. Case management, advocacy, referrals, and interdisciplinary collaboration are important topics in this section. Also, you will see quite a few questions covering prioritization of care, task delegation, and supervising other team members. Be prepared to answer questions about performance/quality improvement processes.
Health Promotion and Maintenance: 9%
A fairly self-explanatory topic, Health Promotion and Maintenance questions represent roughly 9% of the questions you will see on the NCLEX-RN. These questions deal with topics related to disease prevention, health optimization, and expected growth and development. Lifespan considerations such as developmental stages, maternity and newborn nursing, and the aging process are tested in this section. Be comfortable answering questions regarding risky behaviors and lifestyle choices. Physical assessment and health screening techniques make great test questions, also.Psychosocial Integrity: 9%
Another 9% of questions cover topics related to psychosocial integrity. Be prepared to identify aspects of therapeutic environments, crisis interventions, and behavioral interventions. You will need to know how to provide culturally sensitive care and be aware of how culture, religion, and spirituality influence health choices.There will certainly be questions regarding end-of-life care as well as supporting patients and family members through grief and loss. Concepts associated with abuse and neglect might make an appearance. Chemical dependencies and substance abuse disorders, among other mental health topics, will be covered as well.
You might see questions that deal with family dynamics and support systems. Coping mechanisms and stress management make great NCLEX-RN questions. Surprisingly, sensory and perceptual alterations are also included in this section.
Physiological Integrity – Basic Care and Comfort: 9%
Basic Care and Comfort questions make up another 9% of the NCLEX-RN. They cover assistance with daily living activities such as hygiene, nutrition, elimination, and sleep concepts. Questions regarding mobility and assistive devices fall in this category. Additionally, non-pharmacological interventions for pain and discomfort are frequently covered in the NCLEX-RN.Physiological Integrity – Physiological Adaptation: 14%
Physiological adaptation questions comprise about 14% of the NCLEX-RN. They cover alterations in body systems, the pathophysiology of disease, and the management of those illnesses. These alterations may include fluid and electrolyte imbalances, changes in hemodynamics, and medical emergencies. Additionally, you should be able to answer questions on any unexpected responses to therapies.Physiological Integrity – Reduction of Risk Potential: 12%
Questions that fall under the Reduction of Risk Potential heading (12% of the NCLEX-RN) are designed to test your knowledge of how to decrease complications related to procedures and treatments or existing health conditions. Diagnostic tests, lab tests and values, abnormal vital signs, and system-specific assessments may be encountered. Therapeutic procedures nurses perform or assist with are fair game as question topics. Be familiar with the potential for body system alterations, complications from tests/procedures/treatments, and health alterations.Physiological Integrity – Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies: 15%
A large part of nursing care is administering medications safely. Questions relating to Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (15% of exam) include the expected outcomes, adverse effects, contraindications, drug interactions, routes, and side effects of medications. Total parenteral nutrition and other intravenous therapies are covered also. Techniques of medication administration and dosage calculation make great NCLEX-RN questions. Don’t forget that pediatric dosing is by weight—as in, mg/kg. Be familiar with blood product administration and the use of central venous access.Final Thoughts
Nursing school has provided you with the necessary knowledge to pass the NCLEX-RN in 75 questions. The most crucial step now is to become comfortable with how the NCLEX-RN asks questions. Answer as many questions as you can get your hands on to prepare yourself for the big day. It’s sure to be challenging, but being able to add those two little letters (RN!) to your signature makes the struggle worthwhile!Read the full article → https://snip.ly/a2tzj8
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