Comprehensive Review for the
NCLEX-RN® Examination, 9th
Edition by Linda Anne Silvestri
and Angela Silvestri – Complete
Questions and Answers Updated
2026
,TABLE OF CONTENTS
Question
Unit Title Chapters
Count
I NCLEX-RN® Preparation 1 50
II Professional Standards in Nursing 2 75
III Foundations of Care 3-8 300
Growth and Development Across the Life
IV 9-10 100
Span
V Maternity Nursing 11-15 250
VI Pediatric Nursing 16-21 300
VII Adult Health Nursing 22-38 800
VIII Psychosocial Integrity 39-44 200
IX Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 45-49 250
X Physiological Integrity 50-58 300
58 ~2,500
TOTAL
Chapters Questions
UNIT I: NCLEX-RN® PREPARATION
,Chapter 1: The NCLEX-RN® Examination
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
A nursing student is preparing to take the NCLEX-RN examination. Which statement by
the student indicates correct understanding of the exam's computer adaptive testing
(CAT) format?
A) "The exam will have a fixed number of questions for all candidates."
B) "If I answer a question correctly, the next question will be more difficult."
C) "I can skip questions and return to them later."
D) "The exam will stop after I answer 75 questions regardless of my performance."
Answer: B) "If I answer a question correctly, the next question will be more
difficult."
Client Needs: Safe and Effective Care Environment | Cognitive Level:
Comprehension | Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning | Page Reference: 2-4
Rationale: The NCLEX-RN uses computer adaptive testing (CAT), which selects
questions based on the candidate's ability. Correct answers lead to more difficult
questions; incorrect answers lead to easier questions. This allows the computer to
determine the candidate's level of competence with confidence. Option A is incorrect
because the number of questions varies between 75 and 145. Option C is incorrect
because questions cannot be skipped or revisited once answered. Option D is incorrect
because the exam may continue beyond 75 questions based on performance;
, candidates who perform inconsistently may receive more questions until the computer
can determine competence with 95% confidence.
Test-Taking Tip: Understanding CAT is essential for NCLEX success. The computer
adapts to your ability level, so do not be discouraged if questions become more
difficult—this indicates you are performing well.
Question 2
A nursing graduate is scheduled to take the NCLEX-RN examination. Which statement
indicates correct understanding of the examination's content?
A) "The exam focuses primarily on medical-surgical nursing content."
B) "The exam is organized into four major client needs categories."
C) "All questions are multiple choice with four answer options."
D) "The exam requires a passing score of 75% to pass."
Answer: B) "The exam is organized into four major client needs categories."
Client Needs: Safe and Effective Care Environment | Cognitive Level:
Comprehension | Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning | Page Reference: 4-5
Rationale: The NCLEX-RN test plan is organized into four major Client Needs
categories: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance,
Psychosocial Integrity, and Physiological Integrity. Each category has subcategories that
further define the content. Option A is incorrect because the exam covers all areas of
nursing practice, not just medical-surgical. Option C is incorrect because the exam
includes multiple question formats including select all that apply (SATA), ordered
response, fill-in-the-blank, hot spot, and graphic options. Option D is incorrect because
passing is based on the CAT algorithm's determination of competency, not a percentage
score.