2025/2026
NCLEX scores for the nursing program have been falling and the faculty are considering
implementing a required exit test. Which statement best reflects faculty understanding of fair
testing guidelines?
"We need to consider all the data before developing an exit test policy."
"NCLEX scores will go up if we require the students to retake the test to achieve the benchmark
score."
"Standardized tests have proven results and predict who will pass the NCLEX."
"Students should be able to demonstrate a high score on the standardized test before we let
them take the NCLEX." - ANS✔✔ Answer: A
Rationale: Faculty should consider all data when implementing a standardized test policy.
Options B and C are not supported by data, and Option D does not accurately reflect fair testing
policies.
A nurse faculty member on a clinical unit notices that the students are not correctly
documenting their patient's vital signs. He develops a short exercise to be used in that day's
post-conference to practice vital sign documentation. This is an example of which type of
assessment?
Criterion-referenced assessment
Summative assessment
Norm-referenced assessment
Formative assessment - ANS✔✔ Answer: D
Rationale: Formative assessment occurs during the assessment period and supports
modification of instruction. Options A, B, and C are not related.
Which best represents the purpose of a summative clinical evaluation tool?
Determination of the relative effect of education on the students' weekly clinical performance
, Assessment of students' acquisition of knowledge and skills during a particular clinical
experience
Determination that learning occurred and behavioral objectives were met during the semester
Assessment of all activities associated with students' clinical experience over the duration of the
program - ANS✔✔ Answer: C
Rationale: Guiding questions in summative evaluation include "Were behavioral objectives of
the clinical course met?" and "Did the individual(s) learn?" Options A and B assess learning
during one certain time and are not summative, and Option D is program evaluation.
Which best describes a criterion-referenced assessment activity?
Interpretation of data in terms of a norm or group
Evaluation of mastery of specified outcomes
Use of information for predictive purposes
Comparison of data between groups - ANS✔✔ Answer: B
Rationale: Options A, C, and D are examples of norm-referenced interpretation. Criterion-
referenced interpretation of data is used typically in competency-based models to achieve
competence in, or mastery of, specified learning outcomes.
The graduate nursing faculty are considering an evaluation method that demonstrates
summative end-of-program student achievement of program learning outcomes. Which
assessment method would be the best choice?
Cumulative portfolio assignments in each course
A comprehensive final course exam
A reflective journal
Self-evaluation reflection survey - ANS✔✔ Answer: A
Rationale: A comprehensive portfolio can best demonstrate overall achievement of program
learning outcomes. While Option B may address specific competencies, it is unlikely to reflect all
learning outcomes. Options C and D are both student reflections, which may not reflect
program outcomes.