KAPLAN CLINICAL JUDGMENT EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
, *
*
CORE DOMAINS *
*
1. Recognize Cues *
2. Analyze Cues *
3. Prioritize Hypotheses *
4. Generate Solutions *
5. Take Actions *
6. Evaluate Outcomes *
7. Patient Safety *
8. Pharmacological Interventions *
9. Ethical & Legal Compliance *
0. Clinical Decision Making *
*
,INTRODUCTION *
*
This comprehensive assessment evaluates the clinical judgment*
capabilities essential for entry-level nursing practice. The*
exam measures six core cognitive functions aligned with the *
NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model. Candidates will *
demonstrate knowledge through multiple-choice and scenario-based*
items that reflect real-world clinical situations. Success *
requires critical thinking, prioritization skills, and the *
ability to apply theoretical knowledge to patient care decisions.*
Emphasis is placed on safety, evidence-based practice, and *
professional decision-making under clinically realistic conditions.*
*
*
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a patient who刚 arrived at the emergency department with complaints of shortness of breath, chest pain, and diaphoresis. Which
cue should the nurse prioritize as most critical?
A. The patient reports a history of smoking
B. The patient's oxygen saturation is 88%
C. The patient is worried about medical bills
D. The patient arrived via ambulance
, 🟢 B. The patient's oxygen saturation is 88%
🔴 RATIONALE: Hypoxia indicated by an oxygen saturation of 88% is an immediate life-threatening cue requiring urgent intervention. While
smoking history is relevant, and emotional concerns are important, airway and breathing take priority per ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation).
Question 2
A postoperative patient on day 2 after abdominal surgery has a temperature of 38.9°C, heart rate of 112 bpm, and purulent drainage from the incision
site. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Administer the scheduled antipyretic
B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
C. Change the surgical dressing every 4 hours
D. Encourage increased oral fluid intake
🟢 B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
🔴 RATIONALE: The combination of fever, tachycardia, and purulent drainage indicates a surgical site infection that requires prompt medical
evaluation and likely antibiotic therapy. Delaying notification could lead to sepsis.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for four patients. Which patient should be assessed first?
A. A patient with diabetes who needs insulin administration
B. A patient 2 hours post-total hip replacement reporting sudden shortness of breath
C. A patient requesting pain medication before physical therapy
D. A patient scheduled for discharge with new wound care instructions
🟢 B. A patient 2 hours post-total hip replacement reporting sudden shortness of breath
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
, *
*
CORE DOMAINS *
*
1. Recognize Cues *
2. Analyze Cues *
3. Prioritize Hypotheses *
4. Generate Solutions *
5. Take Actions *
6. Evaluate Outcomes *
7. Patient Safety *
8. Pharmacological Interventions *
9. Ethical & Legal Compliance *
0. Clinical Decision Making *
*
,INTRODUCTION *
*
This comprehensive assessment evaluates the clinical judgment*
capabilities essential for entry-level nursing practice. The*
exam measures six core cognitive functions aligned with the *
NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model. Candidates will *
demonstrate knowledge through multiple-choice and scenario-based*
items that reflect real-world clinical situations. Success *
requires critical thinking, prioritization skills, and the *
ability to apply theoretical knowledge to patient care decisions.*
Emphasis is placed on safety, evidence-based practice, and *
professional decision-making under clinically realistic conditions.*
*
*
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a patient who刚 arrived at the emergency department with complaints of shortness of breath, chest pain, and diaphoresis. Which
cue should the nurse prioritize as most critical?
A. The patient reports a history of smoking
B. The patient's oxygen saturation is 88%
C. The patient is worried about medical bills
D. The patient arrived via ambulance
, 🟢 B. The patient's oxygen saturation is 88%
🔴 RATIONALE: Hypoxia indicated by an oxygen saturation of 88% is an immediate life-threatening cue requiring urgent intervention. While
smoking history is relevant, and emotional concerns are important, airway and breathing take priority per ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation).
Question 2
A postoperative patient on day 2 after abdominal surgery has a temperature of 38.9°C, heart rate of 112 bpm, and purulent drainage from the incision
site. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Administer the scheduled antipyretic
B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
C. Change the surgical dressing every 4 hours
D. Encourage increased oral fluid intake
🟢 B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
🔴 RATIONALE: The combination of fever, tachycardia, and purulent drainage indicates a surgical site infection that requires prompt medical
evaluation and likely antibiotic therapy. Delaying notification could lead to sepsis.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for four patients. Which patient should be assessed first?
A. A patient with diabetes who needs insulin administration
B. A patient 2 hours post-total hip replacement reporting sudden shortness of breath
C. A patient requesting pain medication before physical therapy
D. A patient scheduled for discharge with new wound care instructions
🟢 B. A patient 2 hours post-total hip replacement reporting sudden shortness of breath
