C 5

Chapter 05: NCLEX-RN Examination and the New Graduate
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The graduate nurse understands the purpose of the NCLEX-RN exam when stating which of
the following?
a. The exam provides feedback to the candidate regarding areas of weakness in
nursing practice.
b. The exam determines the candidates ability or inability to meet minimum
standards for safe practice.

c. The exam gives employers an opportunity to hire graduates who have scored
highest among first-time licensure candidates.
d. The exam prepares new graduates as efficient, effective staff nurses.
ANS: B
The purpose of the NCLEX-RN Exam is to determine whether a candidate is competent to

perform safe, effective, entry-level nursing care. It does not prepare nurses but rather
measures their performance on a test. Candidates who are unsuccessful receive information
about their weak areas on the test, but this is not the purpose of it. Employers want to know if
the person has passed because there is no specific score given other than pass or fail.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
REF: p. 97
OBJ: Discuss the role of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
TOP: NCLEX
MSC: NCLEX: Not applicable
2. Which statement by the nursing professor is accurate about the NCLEX-RN exam? The
purpose of the NCLEX-RN test plan is to ensure that all

test takers answer items of comparable difficulty.
test takers answer approximately the same number of items.
test items are job related.
clinical specialties will be equally represented.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: C
The content of the NCLEX Exam is based on a test plan that is determined by the National
Council. The test plan reflects entry-level nursing practice as identified by research and the
job analysis study of newly licensed registered nurses. Each candidate will receive different
levels of questions in a computer adaptive format. The focus of the exam is not on clinical
specialties. The test has a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 265 questions, so a
test taker can answer any number of questions between these two numbers until they either
reaches a passing standard or fails.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application
REF: pp. 98-99
TOP: NCLEX test plan
3. In trends class, a student tells the instructor, I dont think I can possibly pass the NCLEX-
RN. I hated psych nursing, but now Ive heard that a huge amount of the NCLEX is psych
related. What is the best response from the instructor?
a. Perhaps you should consider retaking the psychiatric nursing course.
b. There are equal numbers of questions related to each aspect of client needs.
c. Psychosocial integrity is the basis for 6% to 12% of the examination.

d. You will need to take a review course in which they teach psychiatric nursing
principles.
ANS: C
The last detailed test plan (2013) from the National Council designated from 6% to 12% of
the total questions to be from the area of psychosocial integrity. The student may not be able
to retake nursing courses or a review course. Stating that content area has the same amount of
questions would be inaccurate. Each of the categories of client needs has a different
percentage, so questions are based on that percentage from the detailed test plan, not on equal
numbers from each area. Students often hear incorrect information and rumors about NCLEX.
PTS: 1
REF: pp. 98-99
OBJ: Identify the process and steps for preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination
for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN Examination). TOP:
NCLEX
4. Which statement indicates the graduate nurses understanding of the process at the NCLEX
testing site?
I will be thumbprinted and photographed.
I will be placed in a locked testing cubicle.
I will answer 300 test questions.
I will be given some questions as a paper-and-pencil test.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: A
Read the Candidate Bulletin and the instruction packet carefully. An Authorization to Test
(ATT) will be required for admission into the testing center; however, after January 1, 2014,
the NCLEX will be going paperless, so the ATT will not have to be brought to the testing
center. All candidates will be thumbprinted and photographed and will have a palm vein
reader as part of the identification process at the testing location. Candidates are not locked in
a testing cubicle or given a paper-and-pencil test. The number of questions on each candidates
test may vary with a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 265 questions.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 103
NCLEX
5. Which statement made by the graduate nurse indicates understanding of the NCLEX-RN
exam passing score?

a. Candidates seeking licensure in California and New York must score higher.
b. The passing score is the same for licensure in all states.
c. Candidates from BSN programs must score one standard deviation higher than the
ADN graduates.
d. ADN graduates must answer 80% of the 265 questions correctly to pass.
ANS: B
Every state has the same passing criteria. There is no percentage identified as to the number to
get correct. The test has a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 265 questions. When
the student reaches a passing level of competency or has not reached the passing competency,
the test turns off. There is no differentiation in education level or state requirements.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 102
NCLEX
6. What type of nursing position would most likely provide experience in the type of nursing
situations upon which the NCLEX Exam questions are based?

Home care nurse
Psychiatric staff nurse
Staff nurse in an ambulatory pediatric clinic
Staff nurse in a medical-surgical inpatient unit
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: D
The largest percentage of content on the test plan is based on physiologic integrity, which
includes basic care and comfort (6%12%), pharmacologic and parenteral therapies (12%
18%), reduction of risk potential (9%15%), and physiologic adaptation (11%17%).
Research also shows that the majority of new graduates begin their first job in a hospital
medical-surgical environment caring for adult clients.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 102
NCLEX
7. What is the best review strategy to use to prepare for the NCLEX-RN Exam?
a. Spend about 8 hours a day on your days off until you take the examination.
b. Study for 4 hours a night while taking a 2-week review course.
c. Review basic nursing content 2 to 3 hours a day 3 days a week for 5 to 6 weeks.
d. Study 10 hours on the day and evening before the examination.
ANS: C
Studying 2 to 3 hours a day for 2 or 3 days a week is realistic with frequent breaks during the
studying. The new graduate should consider taking the exam within 2 to 3 weeks of obtaining
your Authorization to Test. Cramming before the examination will not improve your pass rate.
Studying for 8 hours a day is fatiguing and does not necessarily promote retention of the
information.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 105
NCLEX
8. What are helpful strategies for dealing with test anxiety?
a. Put as much time as possible into studying.
b. Practice relaxation techniques and positive thinking.
c. Use review books and tapes.
d. Focus on test-taking skills and emphasize facts less.
ANS: B
Put yourself in charge of your feelings. Replace those negative thoughts and ideas with
positive ones. Practice relaxation and positive thinking and picture yourself succeeding.
Picture yourself succeeding. Give yourself permission to take some breaks; studying all of the
time will increase anxiety. Review books and tapes assist with the review of important content
and do not necessarily deal with test anxiety directly. They may discuss the concept and
provide strategies to use, such as the two mentioned in the correct response. Test-taking skills
are important for success on NCLEX but do not directly reduce test anxiety.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 112
NCLEX
9. Which of the following statements indicate the nurses understanding of the content of the
NCLEX Exam?
a. The exam is based on a practice analysis conducted by the National Council of
State Boards of Nursing.

b. The exam is a survey of nursing faculty regarding areas of importance for testing.
c. The exam includes questions based on the National League of Nursing survey
reports.
d. The exam includes contributions from all of the member boards of the National
Council.
ANS: A
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing conducts a practice analysis to determine
what is being required of new graduates in their place of employment. The test plan for the
NCLEX is based on this research. The test plan is not based on a survey of nursing faculty,
survey reports from the National League of Nursing, or contributions from member boards of
the National Council State Boards of Nursing.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 102
TOP: NCLEX
10. The graduate nurse is preparing to take the NCLEX-RN Exam. Which blueprint category is
interpreted as having the highest percentage of test items?

a. Safe, effective care environment
c. Psychosocial integrity
b. Physiological integrity
d. Health promotion and maintenance
ANS: B
The area of physiological integrity makes up about 50% of the test plan. This is the area that
covers basic nursing care and comfort, pharmacological and parenteral therapies, reduction of
risk potential, and physiological adaptation. Safe, effective care; psychological integrity; and
health promotion and maintenance will cover less than this.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis
REF: p. 98
TOP: NCLEX
11. The nurse interprets computer adaptive testing (CAT) to mean
a. questions are selected, and the exam is adapted to the candidates previous
responses.
b. the test has been adapted to be administered via the computer.
c. the test is adapted to decrease the total number of questions.
d. questions are adapted to meet the practice analysis survey of the graduates.
ANS: A
Questions are selected for each candidate based on the test plan. When a candidate misses a
question, the computer will present an easier question from that same category. Computer
adaptive testing (CAT) does not mean that the computer has been adapted for administration
via the computer. The test is not adapted to decrease the total number of questions. The
number of questions each candidate receives and the testing time for each candidate will vary.
As candidates answer questions correctly, the next question will be either a degree of
difficulty equal to the previous question or a higher level of difficulty The practice analysis
survey is the research basis for constructing the test plan. The test has a minimum of 75
questions and maximum number of 265 questions; it does not decrease the total number of
questions.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 99
OBJ: Discuss the implications of computer adaptive testing (CAT).
TOP: Computer testing
12. The graduate nurse has an adequate understanding of the Authorization to Test when stating:
a. The Authorization to Test arrives at the beginning of the last semester of nursing
school.
b. The Authorization to Test arrives when the last day of clinical experience is
complete.
c. The Authorization to Test arrives upon completion of all of the state and national
applications.
d. The Authorization to Test arrives when all course work and applications have been
completed and approved.
ANS: D
In the beginning of the semester in which the student will graduate, the school of nursing will
have each student (candidate) complete an application form and send it to the state board of
nursing. Upon completion of the nursing program, the school will verify the candidates
graduate status with the state board of nursing. After the forms have been processed, the
candidate will receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt of Registration. The candidate will
then receive the Authorization to Test (ATT) with instructions regarding how to schedule the
examination with Pearson VUE. The candidate cannot schedule the examination until the ATT
is received. Beginning January 1, 2014, the ATT process will become paperless.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 100
NCLEX
13. The nurse interprets the Nurse Licensure Compact as
a. an agreement between all states to recognize the license of all graduate nurses.
b. an intrastate agreement for the nurse to practice in any area within the state.
c. an agreement between the state boards of nursing and the National Council
regarding foreign nurses.
d. an agreement between compact states to recognize licensure from member states.

ANS: D
Individual states must pass legislation to become members of the Nurse Licensure Compact
agreement. After approval within the state legislature, a nurse may practice in one state that
belongs to the compact but maintain his or her license in the state of residence.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 97
TOP: License
14. The nurse interprets the role of the individual state boards of nursing in the NCLEX Exam
as which of the following?

a. To coordinate with the National Council State Boards of Nursing in administering
the examination and licensing candidates to practice in respective states

b. To prepare a licensure examination that is reflective of entry-level practice in their
respective states
c. To grade the examination, advise students of the results, and transmit all results to
the National Council State Boards of Nursing for their files
d. To supervise and administer the examination to the candidates within their state
jurisdictions
ANS: A
Representatives from the state boards of nursing are members of the National Council State
Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The state boards of nursing determine the requirements to take
the NCLEX Exam in their state and serves on national committees to prepare the
examination. These representatives do not grade the examination, advise students of results, or
administer the examination. Pearson VUE administers the exam for the NCSBN.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 97
NCLEX
15. The graduate nurse understands the process of NCLEX-RN Exam scoring and reporting
when stating:
a. The NCLEX-RN Exam is scored on a pass/fail basis and is reported directly to
the candidate.
b. The candidate must score 80% or higher to be considered competent; scores are
reported to the school.

c. If the candidate must answer more than 365 questions, he or she will not pass the
examination; scores are reported to the board of nursing.

d. Scoring is based on the level of difficulty of the questions presented to the
candidate; scores are reported to the candidate.
ANS: A
The NCLEX-RN Examination is scored on a pass/fail basis (competent/noncompetent),

and the scores are reported directly to the candidate. There is no percentage assigned to the
passing score, and a candidate cannot take more than 265 questions. The level of difficulty is a
component of the scoring process.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 102
TOP: NCLEX scoring
16. A candidate has scheduled to take the NCLEX Exam and has a family emergency before the
scheduled date. What is the best action for the candidate to take?
a. Call the respective state board of nursing and request a change in the testing date.
b. Call the Candidate Services office at least 24 hours or 1 business day before the
scheduled testing day.
c. Call the school and request that someone notify the board of nursing regarding your
change in schedule.
d. It is not necessary to notify anyone regarding rescheduling the testing date; it will
be rescheduled automatically.
ANS: B
A candidate must notify by either calling or go to the website of the Pearson VUE NCLEX
Candidate Services office a full business day (24 hours) before the scheduled testing time to
request a change in testing time. The school and respective board of nursing do not participate
in the scheduling of the examination. If a candidate does not reschedule within this time frame
or does not come at the scheduled testing time, the ATT is invalidated, and the candidate will
be required to reregister and repay the $200 registration fee.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 103
TOP: Changing testing dates
17. A graduate nurse has arrived at the testing center when realizing that the required ATT form is
missing. Explain what events would happen next.

The testing center staff would not be able to look up his ATT online.
The testing center staff would not allow him to test without his ATT.
The graduate nurse could be admitted to the testing center with a photo ID.
The testing center staff would call the NCSBN for verbal approval to let the
graduate nurse test.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: B
To test, the graduate nurse must present the ATT and photo ID to test. This process will
change on January 1, 2014, when the NCLEX testing services will go paperless. The testing
center staff will be able to look up the ATT online when the process is paperless. The testing
center staff would not call the NCSBN for an approval to test.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 103
What does CAT mean?
18. What would happen if the graduate nurse failed the NCLEX-RN on the first testing attempt?
a. The graduate nurse would be required to take an additional nursing course before
retesting.
b. The graduate nurse would be required to wait 9 months to retest.
c. The graduate nurse would be required to wait 45 to 90 days before retesting.
d. The graduate nurse would not be allowed to test again.
ANS: C
After failing the NCLEX-RN on the first testing attempt, the graduate nurse would be required
to wait 45 to 90 days before retesting. This retake time frame is determined by each state
board of nursing and the NCSBN.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Synthesis
REF: p. 102
for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN Examination).
TOP: What Are Some of the Other Things I Really Need to Know About the NCLEX Examination?
19. A graduate nurse is planning to travel to a testing site and will need to have overnight
accommodations. Which of the following is the best action for this graduate nurse to take to
make the stay a success?
a. Share a room with the 4 other graduate nurses planning to test at the same testing
center.
b. Stay up late studying.
c. Room alone or with someone who is supportive of a positive environment.
d. Room with another graduate nurse who frequently complains.
ANS: C
The graduate nurse should consider rooming alone or with someone who is supportive of a
positive environment. The graduate nurse will want a good nights rest before the NCLEXRN examination. Staying up late studying defeats the purpose of having a restful night
before taking the NCLEX-RN examination.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 105
TOP: Preparing for the NCLEX-RN examination
20. To adequately prepare for the NCLEX-RN examination, which action by the graduate nurse
is advised?
Begin planning early at least 6 months ahead.
Begin planning no more than 3 months ahead.
Wait for the state board of nursing to contact the applicant about filing deadlines.
Call the state board of nursing every week to set up a testing time.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: A
To adequately prepare for the NCLEX-RN examination, the graduate nurse should begin
planning early, at least 6 months in advance. The graduate nurse will have received from their
nursing program a listing of the filing deadlines for taking the examination. The state board of
nursing does not set up the testing time because that is handled by Pearson VUE.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 103
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. A nursing professor is preparing students for the NCLEX-RN Exam. Which of the following
items should the professor inform the students to expect on the exam? (Select all that apply.)
Multiple choice questions with one correct answer
Drag and drop questions into an ordered response
True/false questions
Graphic questions with a hot spot to identify an area
Questions with an audio component where you need to wear a headset to listen
Questions where you select the correct answer from the graphics presented at the
end of the question
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
ANS: A, B, D, E, F
There are, in addition to multiple-choice questions, alternate format items which consist of the
following:
Fill in the blankshort answer usually requires a drug calculation, an intake and output
calculation, or an assessment scoring. In these cases, only the numbers should be entered in
the space provided.
Multiple-response itemmore than four options are presented, and the question will very
clearly ask you to select all of the options that correctly answer the question.
Hot spotpresents a diagram or a graphic and requires you to select an area on the diagram
to answer the question.
Drag and dropasked to click on each item and drag it to another area of the screen,
placing the items, for instance, in the order in which they would be performed or in order of
priority of care.
Exhibit itempresent a problem and then provide exhibit information stored in tabs. You
will click on each tab to find information that will assist you in solving the problem that is
presented. The tabs frequently contain information from a chart or data collection from the
client.
Audio itempresented with a question that has an audio component in which the test taker
puts on the headset provided and click the Play button to listen to the audio for the
information required to answer the question.
Graphic optionspresent you with graphics instead of text for the answer options where you
will be required to select the correct answer from the graphics presented at the end of the
question.
Questions are selected for each candidate based on the test plan. When a candidate misses a
question, the computer will present an easier question from that same category.
There are no true/false type questions. Questions are selected for each candidate based on
the test plan. When a candidate misses a question, the computer will present an easier question
from that same category.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 113
2. Which actions by the graduate nurse can help reduce anxiety on testing day? (Select all that
apply.)
Drive to the testing site the day before.
Evaluate traffic.
Wait until testing day to drive to the testing site.
Drive to the hotel the day before.
Locate the parking area at the testing site.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
ANS: A, B, D, E
The day before the exam, the student should drive to the testing site, evaluate the traffic, find
the parking area, and drive to the hotel (if required to have overnight accommodations) to ease
anxiety.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 112
3. What actions will help prepare the graduate nurse for testing success? (Select all that apply.)
a. Dress comfortably.
b. Stay up late for last-minute studying.
c. Eat a balanced breakfast.
d. Have identification needed for entrance into the exam.
e. Celebrate your success with friends the night before.
ANS: A, C, D
To prepare for a successful testing day, the graduate nurse should dress comfortably, eat a
balanced breakfast, and have appropriate identification needed for entrance into the exam.
Staying up late and celebrating with friends the night before could leave the graduate nurse
feeling tired and not prepared for testing.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 106
4. What questions should the graduate nurse ask themself when determining which NCLEX-
RN examination review course is right for the graduate? (Select all that apply.)
What review courses are easily accessible?
What review courses will teach me what I need to know?
How well do I study at the computer?
Can I plan a study review schedule and stick to it?
Can I plan study time?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
ANS: A, C, D, E
When choosing an NCLEX-RN examination review courses, the graduate nurse should ask
themself the following questions: What review courses are easily accessible? How well do I
study at the computer? Can I plan a study review schedule and stick to it? and Can I plan
study time? The purpose of the review course is not to teach the material to students but to
serve as a review.
PTS: 1
REF: p. 109
5. What actions by the graduate nurse will assist with finding the best NCLEX-RN review
book for personal study needs? (Select all that apply.)

a. Check the number of pages in various subjects in the material.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Look up several common topics in the index.

Look for a book with information that has come out in the past month.
Look for a book that focuses on nursing concepts.
Look for a book that focuses on the delivery of safe patient care.
ANS: A, B, D, E
When determining which NCLEX-RN review book is best suited for the student, he or she
should check the number of pages in various subjects in the material, look up several common
topics in the index to see if information can be found in a timely manner, and look for a book
that focuses on nursing concepts and the delivery of safe patient care. Information that has
come out in the past month would not yet be available in review books.
PTS:
OBJ:
TOP:
MSC:
1
REF: p. 109
Identify criteria for selecting a NCLEX examination review book and review course.
NCLEX-RN Examination books: Which one is right for you?
NCLEX: Not applicable
6. What are acceptable forms of identification at the testing center? (Select all that apply.)
a. U.S. driver's license
b. U.S. state-issued identification
c. Credit or debit card with photo identification.
d. Passport
e. U.S. military identification
f. School or university picture identification
ANS: A, B, D, E
A U.S. driver's license, U.S. state-issued identification, passport, and U.S. military
identification are acceptable forms of identification. (They must be in English, valid, and not
expired with a photograph and a signature.) A credit or debit card and school or university
identification (even though they have photos) are not acceptable forms of identification at the
testing centers.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge
REF: p. 103
Computer testing
Zerwekh: Nursing Today, 7th Edition

Chapter 05: NCLEX-RN Examination and the New Graduate
Test Bank
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. What is the purpose of the NCLEX-RN Exam?
a. To provide feedback to the candidate regarding areas of
weakness in nursing practice
b. To determine the candidates ability or inability to meet minimum
standards for safe practice
c. To give employers an opportunity to hire graduates who have
scored highest among first-time licensure candidates

d. To prepare new graduates as efficient, effective staff nurses
ANS: B
The purpose of the NCLEX-RN Exam is to determine whether the
candidate is competent to perform safe, effective, entry-level nursing care.
REF:
p. 89
TOP: NCLEX
2. The purpose of the NCLEX-RN test plan is to ensure that all:
a. Test takers answer items of comparable difficulty.
b. Test takers answer approximately the same number of items.
c. Test items are job-related.
d. Clinical specialties will be equally represented.
ANS: C
The content of the NCLEX Exam is based on a test plan that is determined
by the National Council. The test plan reflects entry-level nursing practice
as identified by research and the job analysis study of newly licensed
registered nurses. Different candidates will receive different levels of
questions.
REF:
p. 90
MSC:
NCLEX: Not
applicable
3. In trends class, a student tells the instructor, I dont think I can possibly
pass the NCLEX-RN. I hated psych nursing, but now Ive heard that a huge
amount of the NCLEX is psych-related. What is the best response from
the instructor?
a. Perhaps you should consider retaking the psychiatric nursing
course.
b. There are equal numbers of questions related to each aspect of
client needs.
c. Psychosocial integrity is the basis for 6% to 12% of the
examination.
d. You will need to take a review course in which they teach
psychiatric nursing principles.
ANS: C
The last test plan from the National Council designated from 6% to 12% of
the total questions to be from the area of psychosocial integrity.
REF:
p. 90
OBJ: Identify the process and steps for preparing to take the NCLEX-RN
Exam.
TOP: NCLEX
4. What can the candidate expect at the NCLEX testing site?

a. To be thumb-printed and photographed
b. To be placed in a locked testing cubicle
c. To answer 300 test questions
d. To be given some questions as a paper-and-pencil test
ANS: A
Read your Candidate Bulletin and the instruction packet carefully. An
Authorization to Test (ATT) will be required for admission into the testing
center. All candidates will be thumb-printed and photographed and may
have a palm vein reader as part of the identification process at the testing
location.
REF:
p. 92
Exam.
TOP: NCLEX
5. Which is a true statement about the NCLEX-RN Exam passing score?
a. Candidates seeking licensure in California and/or New York must
score higher.
c. Candidates from BSN programs must score one standard
deviation higher than the ADN graduates.
d. ADN graduates must answer 80% of the 265 questions correctly
to pass.
ANS: B
Every state has the same passing criteria. There is no differentiation in
education level or state requirements.
REF:
p. 93
Exam.
TOP: NCLEX
6. What type of nursing position would most likely provide experience in the
type of nursing situations upon which the NCLEX Exam questions are
based?
a. Home care nurse
b. Psychiatric staff nurse
c. Staff nurse in an ambulatory pediatric clinic
d. Staff nurse in a medical-surgical inpatient unit
ANS: D
The largest percentage of content on the test plan is based on
physiological integrity. Research also shows that the majority of new
graduates begin their first job in a hospital medical-surgical environment

caring for adult clients.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 90
Exam.
TOP: NCLEX
7. What is the best review strategy to use to prepare for the NCLEX-RN
Exam?
a. Spend about 8 hours a day on your days off until you take the
examination.
c. Review basic nursing content 2 to 3 hours a day 3 days a week
for 5 to 6 weeks.
ANS: C
Studying 2 to 3 hours a day for 2 or 3 days a week is realistic. You should
consider taking the exam within 2 to 3 weeks of obtaining your
Authorization to Test.
Exam.
TOP: NCLEX
a. Put as much time as possible into studying.
ANS: B
Put yourself in charge of your feelings. Replace those negative thoughts
and ideas with positive ones. Picture yourself succeeding. Give yourself
permission to take some breaksstudying all of the time will increase
anxiety.
Exam.
TOP: NCLEX
9. What is the content of the NCLEX Exam based on?
a. A practice analysis conducted by the National Council of State
Boards of Nursing
b. Survey of nursing faculty regarding areas of importance for
testing
c. National League of Accreditation survey reports
d. Contributions from all of the member boards of the National
Council
ANS: A
The National Council conducts a practice analysis to determine what is
being required of new graduates. The test plan for the NCLEX is based on
this research.
REF:
p. 90
TOP: NCLEX
10. Which NCLEX-RN Exam blueprint category has the highest percentage of
test items?
ANS: B
The area of physiology makes up about 50% of the test plan. This is the
area that covers basic nursing care, pharmacology, and prevention of
complications.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge REF: p. 90
TOP: NCLEX
11. What does computer adaptive testing (CAT) mean?
a. Questions are selected and the exam is adapted to the
candidates previous responses.
b. The test has been adapted to be administered via the
computer.
c. The test is adapted to decrease the total number of questions.
d. Questions are adapted to meet the job analysis survey of the
graduates.
ANS: A
Questions are selected for each candidate based on the test plan. When a
candidate misses a question, the computer will present an easier question
from that same category.
REF:
p. 91
12. When is the Authorization to Test received?
a.
b.
c.
d.
At the beginning of the last semester of nursing school

When the last day of clinicals is complete
On completion of all of the state and national applications
When all course work and applications have been completed and
approved
ANS: D
After graduation, the nursing school will submit a final application
indicating that the candidate has completed all of the course work.
Exam.
TOP: NCLEX
13. What is the Nurse Licensure Compact?
a. An agreement between all states to recognize the license of all
graduate nurses
b. An intrastate agreement for the nurse to practice in any area
within the state
c. An agreement between the State Boards of Nursing and the
National Council regarding foreign nurses
d. An agreement between compact states to recognize licensure
from member states
ANS: D
Individual states must pass legislation to become members of the compact
agreement. After approval within the state legislature, a nurse may
practice in one state but maintain his or her license in the state of
residence.
REF:
p. 89
TOP: License
14. What is the role of the individual state boards of nursing in the NCLEX
Exam?
a. To coordinate with the National Council in administering the
examination and licensing candidates to practice in respective
states
b. To prepare an examination that is reflective of entry-level practice
in their respective states
c. To grade the examination, advise students of the results, and
transmit all results to the National Council for their files
d. To supervise and administer the examination to the candidates
within their state jurisdictions
ANS: A
Representatives from the state boards of nursing are members of the
National Council. They determine the requirements to take the NCLEX

Exam in their state, and they serve on national committees to prepare the
examination.
Exam.
TOP: NCLEX
15. How is the NCLEX-RN Exam scored and reported?
a. The NCLEX-RN Exam is scored on a pass/fail basis and is
reported directly to the candidate.
b. The candidate must score 80% or higher to be considered
competent; scores are reported to the school.
c. If the candidate must answer more than 365 questions, he or she
will not pass the examination; scores are reported to the board of
nursing.
d. Scoring is based on the level of difficulty of the questions
presented to the candidate; scores are reported to the candidate.
ANS: A
The examination is scored on a pass/fail basis (competent/noncompetent),
and the scores are reported directly to the candidate. There is no
percentage assigned to the passing score, and a candidate cannot take
more than 265 questions. The level of difficulty is a component of the
scoring process.
REF:
pp. 93, 94
TOP: NCLEX scoring
16. A candidate has scheduled to take the NCLEX Exam and has a family
emergency before the scheduled date. What should the candidate do?
a. Call the respective state board of nursing and request a change in
the testing date.
b. Call the Candidate Services office at least 24 hours or 1 business
day before the scheduled testing day.
c. Call the school and request that someone notify the board of
nursing regarding your change in schedule.
d. It is not necessary to notify anyone regarding rescheduling the
testing date; it will be rescheduled automatically.
ANS: B
A candidate must notify the Candidate Services office a full business day
(24 hours) before the scheduled testing time to request a change in testing
time. The school and respective board of nursing do not participate in the
scheduling of the examination.

REF:
p. 94
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. What type of questions might you see as part of the NCLEX computer
adaptive test?
Select all that apply.
a. Multiple choice questions with one correct answer
b. Drag and drop questions into an ordered response
c. True/False
d. Graphic questions with a hot spot to identify an area
e. Questions with an audio component where you need to wear a
headset to listen
f. Questions where you select the correct answer from the graphics
presented at the end of the question
ANS: A, B, D, E, F
There are, in addition to multiple-choice questions, alternate format items
which consist of the following:
Fill in the Blankshort answer usually requires a drug calculation,
or an intake and output calculation, or an assessment scoring. In
these cases, only the numbers should be entered in the space
provided.
Multiple-Response Itemmore than four options presented, and
the question will very clearly ask you to select all of the options that
correctly answer the question.
Hot Spotpresents a diagram or a graphic and requires you to
select an area on the diagram to answer the question.
Drag and Dropasked to click on each item and drag it to another
area of the screen, placing the items, for instance, in the order in
which they would be performed or in order of priority of care.
Exhibit Itempresent a problem, then provide exhibit information
stored in tabs. You will click on each tab to find information that will
assist you in solving the problem that is presented. The tabs
frequently contain information from a chart or data collection from the
client.
Audio Itempresented with a question that has an audio component
where you put on the headset provided and click the Play button to
listen to the audio for the information required to answer the question.
Graphic Optionspresents you with graphics instead of text for the
answer options where you will be required to select the correct
answer from the graphics presented at the end of the question.
Questions are selected for each candidate based on the test plan.
When a candidate misses a question, the computer will present an
easier question from that same category.

REF:
p. 91
Zerwekh: Nursing Today, 6th Edition
Test Bank
Chapter 5: NCLEX-RN and the New Graduate
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. What is the purpose of the NCLEX-RN exam?

a. To provide feedback to the candidate regarding areas of weakness in
nursing practice
b. To determine the candidates ability/inability to meet minimum
standards for safe practice
c. To give employers an opportunity to hire graduates who have scored
highest among first-time licensure candidates
d. To prepare new graduates as efficient, effective staff nurses
ANS: B
The purpose of the exam is to determine whether the candidate is competent to
perform safe, effective, entry-level nursing care.
TOP: NCLEX
2. The purpose of the NCLEX-RN test plan is to ensure that all:

a. Test-takers answer items of comparable difficulty
b. Test-takers answer approximately the same number of items
c. Test items are job-related

d. Clinical specialties will be equally represented
ANS: C
The content of the NCLEX exam is based on a test plan that is determined by the
National Council. The test plan reflects entry-level nursing practice as identified
by research and the job analysis study of newly licensed registered nurses.
Different candidates will receive different levels of questions.
3. In trends class, a student tells the instructor, I dont think I can possibly pass the
NCLEX-RN. I hated psych nursing, but now Ive heard that a huge amount of the
NCLEX is psych-related. What is the best response from the instructor?
a. Perhaps you should consider retaking the psychiatric nursing course.
b. There are equal numbers of questions related to each aspect of client
needs.
c. Psychosocial integrity is the basis for 6% to 12% of the examination.
d. You will need to take a review course in which they teach psychiatric
nursing principles.
ANS: C
The last test plan from the National Council designated from 6% to 12% of the
total questions to be from the area of psychosocial integrity.
OBJ: Identify the process and steps for preparing to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
TOP: NCLEX
4. What can the candidate expect at the NCLEX testing site?
a. To be thumb-printed and photographed

b. To be placed in a locked testing cubicle
c. To answer 300 test questions
d. To be given some questions as a paper-and-pencil test
ANS: A
Read your Candidate Bulletin and the instruction packet carefully. An
Authorization to Test (ATT) will be required for admission into the testing center.
All candidates will be thumb-printed and photographed at the testing location.
TOP: NCLEX
5. Which is a true statement about the NCLEX-RN passing score?

a. Candidates seeking licensure in California and/or New York must score
higher.
c. Candidates from BSN programs must score one standard deviation
higher than the ADN graduates.
d. ADN graduates must answer 80% of the 265 questions correctly to pass.
ANS: B
Every state has the same passing criteria. There is no differentiation in education
level or state requirements.
TOP: NCLEX
6. What type of nursing position would most likely provide experience in the type of
nursing situations upon which the NCLEX test questions are based?
a. Home health nurse

b. Psychiatric staff nurse
c. Staff nurse in an ambulatory pediatric clinic
d. Staff nurse in a medical-surgical inpatient unit
ANS: D
The largest percentage of content on the test plan is based on physiological
integrity. Research also shows that the majority of new graduates begin their first
job in a hospital medical-surgical environment caring for adult clients.
TOP: NCLEX
7. What is the best review strategy to use to prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam??
a. Spend about 8 hours a day on your days off until you take the
examination.
c. Review basic nursing content 2 to 3 hours a day 3 days a week for 5 to 6
weeks.
ANS: C
Studying 2 to 3 hours a day for 2 or 3 days a week is realistic. You should consider
taking the exam within 2 to 3 weeks of obtaining your authorization to test.
TOP: NCLEX

a. Put as much time as possible in studying.

ANS: B
Put yourself in charge of your feelings. Replace those negative thoughts and
ideas with positive ones. Picture yourself succeeding. Give yourself permission to
take some breaksstudying all of the time will increase anxiety.
TOP: NCLEX
9. What is the content of the NCLEX exam based on?

a. A job analysis conducted by the National Council of State Boards of
Nursing
b. Survey of nursing faculty regarding areas of importance for testing
c. National League of Accreditation survey reports
d. Contributions from all of the member boards of the National Council
ANS: A
The National Council conducts a job task analysis to determine what is being
required of new graduates. The test plan for the NCLEX is based on this research.
OBJ: Discuss the role of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing
TOP: NCLEX
10. Which NCLEX-RN blueprint category has the highest percentage of test items?
ANS: B
The area of physiology makes up about 50% of the test plan. This is the area that
covers basic nursing care, pharmacology, and prevention of complications.
OBJ: Discuss the role of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing
TOP: NCLEX
11. What does computer adaptive testing (CAT) mean?

a. Questions are selected and the exam is adapted to the candidates
previous responses.
b. The test has been adapted to be administered via the computer.
c. The test is adapted to decrease the total number of questions.
d. Questions are adapted to meet the job analysis survey of the graduates.
ANS: A
Questions are selected for each candidate based on the test plan. When a
candidate misses a question, the computer will present an easier question from
that same category.
12. When is the Authorization to Test received?

a. At the beginning of the last semester of nursing school
b. When the last day of clinicals is complete
c. On completion of all of the state and national applications

d. When all course work and applications have been completed and
approved
ANS: D
After graduation, the nursing school will submit a final application indicating that
the candidate has completed all of the course work.
TOP: NCLEX
13. What is the Nurse Licensure Compact?

a. An agreement between all states to recognize the license of all graduate
nurses
b. An intrastate agreement for the nurse to practice in any area within the
state
c. An agreement between the State Boards of Nursing and the National
Council regarding foreign nurses
d. An agreement between compact states to recognize licensure from
member states
ANS: D
Individual states must pass legislation to become members of the compact
agreement. After approval within the state legislature, a nurse may practice in
one state but maintain his or her license in the state of residence.
OBJ: Role of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing
TOP: License
14. What is the role of the individual state boards of nursing in the NCLEX exam?
a. To coordinate with the National Council in administering the examination
and licensing candidates to practice in respective states.

b. To prepare an NCLEX examination that is reflective of entry-level
practice in their respective states.
c. To grade the examination, advise students of the results, and transmit
all results to the National Council for their files.
d. To supervise and administer the examination to the candidates within
their state jurisdictions.
ANS: A
Representatives from the state boards of nursing are members of the National
Council. They determine the requirements to take the NCLEX in their state, and
they serve on national committees to prepare the examination.
TOP: NCLEX
15. How is the NCLEX-RN scored and reported?

a. The NCLEX-RN is scored on a pass/fail basis and is reported directly to
the candidate.
b. The candidate must score 80% or higher to be considered competent;
scores are reported to the school.
c. If the candidate must answer more than 365 questions, he or she will
not pass the examination; scores are reported to the board of nursing.
d. Scoring is based on the level of difficulty of the questions presented to
the candidate; scores are reported to the candidate.
ANS: A
The examination is scored on a pass/fail basis (competent/noncompetent), and
the scores are reported directly to the candidate. There is no percentage assigned
to the passing score, and a candidate cannot take more than 265 questions. The
level of difficulty is a component of the scoring process.
TOP: NCLEX scoring
16. A candidate has scheduled to take the NCLEX exam and has a family emergency
before the scheduled date. What should the candidate do?
a. Call the respective state board of nursing and request a change in the
testing date.
b. Call the Candidate Services office at least 24 hours or 1 business day
before the scheduled testing day.
c. Call the school and request that someone notify the board of nursing
regarding your change in schedule.
d. It is not necessary to notify anyone regarding rescheduling the testing
date; it will be rescheduled automatically.
ANS: B
A candidate must notify the Candidate Services office a full business day (24
hours) before the scheduled testing time to request a change in testing time. The
school and respective board of nursing do not participate in the scheduling of the
examination.

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Chapter 05: NCLEX-RN Examination and the New Graduate

standards for safe practice.

The purpose of the NCLEX-RN Exam is to determine whether a candidate is competent to

purpose of the NCLEX-RN test plan is to ensure that all

c. Psychosocial integrity is the basis for 6% to 12% of the examination.

exam passing score?

situations upon which the NCLEX Exam questions are based?

State Boards of Nursing.

interpreted as having the highest percentage of test items?

regarding foreign nurses.

d. an agreement between compact states to recognize licensure from member states.

as which of the following?

the examination and licensing candidates to practice in respective states

reported to the school.

examination; scores are reported to the board of nursing.

The NCLEX-RN Examination is scored on a pass/fail basis (competent/noncompetent),

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application

missing. Explain what events would happen next.

book for personal study needs? (Select all that apply.)

Look up several common topics in the index.

Zerwekh: Nursing Today, 7th Edition

scored highest among first-time licensure candidates

MSC: NCLEX: Not applicable

4. What can the candidate expect at the NCLEX testing site?

graduates begin their first job in a hospital medical-surgical environment

At the beginning of the last semester of nursing school

National Council. They determine the requirements to take the NCLEX

DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension

DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension

Zerwekh: Nursing Today, 6th Edition

Chapter 5: NCLEX-RN and the New Graduate

1. What is the purpose of the NCLEX-RN exam?

MSC: NCLEX: Not applicable

2. The purpose of the NCLEX-RN test plan is to ensure that all:

c. Test items are job-related

MSC: NCLEX: Not applicable

MSC: NCLEX: Not applicable

4. What can the candidate expect at the NCLEX testing site?

a. To be thumb-printed and photographed

MSC: NCLEX: Not applicable

5. Which is a true statement about the NCLEX-RN passing score?

MSC: NCLEX: Not applicable

a. Home health nurse

MSC: NCLEX: Not applicable

MSC: NCLEX: Not applicable

8. What are helpful strategies for dealing with test anxiety?

b. Practice relaxation techniques and positive thinking.

MSC: NCLEX: Not applicable

9. What is the content of the NCLEX exam based on?

MSC: NCLEX: Not applicable

MSC: NCLEX: Not applicable

11. What does computer adaptive testing (CAT) mean?

MSC: NCLEX: Not applicable

12. When is the Authorization to Test received?

c. On completion of all of the state and national applications

MSC: NCLEX: Not applicable

13. What is the Nurse Licensure Compact?