NUR 138 – Transition to Professional Practice Complete Nursing Transition Study Guide Questions with Answers and Detailed Rationales

NUR 138 – Transition to Professional
Practice Complete Nursing Transition
Study Guide Questions with Answers and
Detailed Rationales

Question 1
A nursing graduate is preparing to take the NCLEX-RN examination. Which of the
following statements about the NCLEX-RN is correct?
A) The NCLEX-RN is a paper-and-pencil examination
B) The NCLEX-RN is administered only twice per year
C) The NCLEX-RN uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT)
D) The NCLEX-RN has a fixed number of questions for all candidates
Answer: C. The NCLEX-RN uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT)
Rationale: The NCLEX-RN uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), which
adjusts the difficulty of questions based on the candidate's performance. It is not
paper-and-pencil (A). It is administered year-round (B). The number of questions
varies (minimum 75, maximum 145) (D).


Question 2
A nursing graduate is planning to take the NCLEX-RN. Which of the following is
the minimum number of questions a candidate may receive on the NCLEX-RN?
A) 60 questions
B) 65 questions
C) 75 questions
D) 85 questions
Answer: C. 75 questions

,Rationale: The minimum number of questions on the NCLEX-RN is 75. The
maximum is 145. The examination uses CAT to determine the candidate's
competency. The examination also includes 15 unscored pretest questions.


Question 3
A nursing graduate is preparing for the NCLEX-RN. Which of the following is
true about the NCLEX-RN passing standard?
A) The passing standard is the same for all candidates
B) The passing standard is determined by the candidate's ability to answer
questions at or above the passing level
C) The passing standard is based on the number of questions answered
D) The passing standard is determined by the difficulty level of questions
answered
Answer: B. The passing standard is determined by the candidate's ability to
answer questions at or above the passing level
Rationale: The passing standard is based on the candidate's ability to answer
questions at or above the passing level. The passing standard is the same for all
candidates (A) but the determination is based on ability. The number of questions
(C) and difficulty level (D) are factors but not the sole determinants.


Question 4
A nursing graduate receives the NCLEX-RN results and learns they did not pass.
Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
A) Immediately retake the examination
B) Review the candidate performance report and develop a study plan
C) Apply for LPN licensure
D) Appeal the results
Answer: B. Review the candidate performance report and develop a study
plan
Rationale: The candidate should review the performance report to identify areas of
weakness and develop a study plan. Immediate retake (A) without preparation is

,not recommended. Applying for LPN licensure (C) is not appropriate for an RN
candidate. Appeals (D) are rarely successful and based on procedural errors only.


Question 5
A nursing graduate is applying for licensure. Which of the following is required for
initial RN licensure?
A) Completion of a practical nursing program
B) Graduation from an approved nursing program and passing the NCLEX-
RN
C) 2,000 hours of clinical experience
D) Completion of a graduate nursing degree
Answer: B. Graduation from an approved nursing program and passing the
NCLEX-RN
Rationale: Initial RN licensure requires graduation from an approved nursing
program and passing the NCLEX-RN. Practical nursing programs (A) lead to
LPN/LVN licensure. Clinical experience (C) is not required for initial licensure.
Graduate nursing degree (D) is not required for initial licensure.


Question 6
A nursing graduate is preparing for the NCLEX-RN. Which of the following is the
best strategy for managing test anxiety?
A) Study continuously until the day of the examination
B) Use relaxation techniques and get adequate sleep before the examination
C) Caffeine and energy drinks to stay alert
D) Skip meals to save time for studying
Answer: B. Use relaxation techniques and get adequate sleep before the
examination
Rationale: Relaxation techniques and adequate sleep help manage test anxiety.
Continuous studying (A) can increase anxiety. Caffeine (C) can increase anxiety
and disrupt sleep. Skipping meals (D) can affect concentration.

, Question 7
A nursing graduate is taking the NCLEX-RN. Which of the following is true about
the examination's scoring?
A) The score is based on the number of correct answers
B) The score is based on the number of questions answered
C) The score is based on the difficulty of questions answered correctly and the
candidate's ability level
D) The score is based on the time taken to complete the examination
Answer: C. The score is based on the difficulty of questions answered
correctly and the candidate's ability level
Rationale: The NCLEX-RN uses CAT to determine the candidate's ability level
based on the difficulty of questions answered correctly. It is not based solely on the
number correct (A), number of questions (B), or time taken (D).


Question 8
A nursing graduate is applying for licensure in a state other than where they
completed nursing school. Which of the following is the correct process?
A) Apply directly for licensure without additional steps
B) Apply for licensure by endorsement in the new state
C) Retake the NCLEX-RN in the new state
D) Complete another nursing program in the new state
Answer: B. Apply for licensure by endorsement in the new state
Rationale: Licensure by endorsement allows nurses licensed in one state to apply
for licensure in another state. Direct application (A) is not sufficient. Retaking the
NCLEX-RN (C) is not required. Completing another program (D) is not required.


Question 9
A nursing graduate is preparing for the NCLEX-RN. Which of the following is the
best approach to answer NCLEX-RN questions?