1. Preparation for the NCLEX-PN examination should include
a. cramming difficult concepts the night before the examination.
b. rereading each textbook used in the program of study.
c. going to a party the evening before the test.
d. reviewing content summaries and focusing on identified areas of weakness.
ANS: D
Identifying areas of weakness and undertaking a systematic study program is a good strategy for preparing for the
NCLEX-PN examination. Cramming is rarely effective. Rereading all texts is time-consuming and lacks focus. Relaxing
is a good idea, but partying may lead to fatigue and lack of clarity in thinking the next day.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 315 OBJ: 4
TOP: NCLEX-PN examination preparation KEY: Nursing Process Step: N/A MSC: NCLEX: N/A
2. LPN/LVN licensure by endorsement in the United States and its territories is possible because
a. English is the spoken language of each locale.
b. the NCLEX-PN examination is used by the board of nursing of each locale.
c. computer-adaptive testing maximizes testing efficiency.
d. the NCLEX-PN examination test plan reflects current practice.
ANS: B
When the same examination is used, the boards of nursing can be assured that those who pass have the knowledge
to practice practical/vocational nursing at a minimally safe and effective level.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 314 OBJ: 8 TOP: Endorsement KEY: Nursing Process
Step: N/A MSC: NCLEX: N/A
3. What advice should the testing candidate consider the best method for preparing to take the NCLEX-
PN examination?
a. “Participate in an all-night cram session the night before the test.”
b. “Rely on your intuition to answer questions when you do not know the answer.”
c. “Study throughout the year and review systematically before the exam.”
d. “Quiz previous graduates about test content and study what they mention.”
ANS: C
,Studying for each nursing examination and passing it provide a firm foundation for the NCLEX-PN examination.
Systematic review over a number of weeks prior to the NCLEX-PN examination will refresh one’s knowledge.
Cramming is usually counterproductive because it results in fatigue and lowers the ability to think clearly during the
examination. Better advice is to rule out wrong answers and consider clues and key words found in the stem of the
question. With CAT, the topics covered in the questions answered by one person may be quite different from those
selected for another person.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis REF: p. 315 OBJ: 4
TOP: NCLEX-PN examination preparation KEY: Nursing Process Step: N/A MSC: NCLEX: N/A
4. The practical/vocational nursing student tells a colleague, “I know I’m going to fail the NCLEX-PN
examination. I’ve heard that a huge amount of the examination is psychology related, and I hated
psychology!” The reply that shows the best understanding of the NCLEX-
PN examination is
a. “You’d better retake the psychology course.”
b. “There are equal numbers of questions related to each aspect of patient needs.”
c. “Psychosocial integrity is the basis for 8% to 14% of the questions.”
d. “I’ve heard there’s more emphasis on care planning than anything else.”
ANS: C
Psychosocial integrity is the basis for 8% to 14% of the questions of the NCLEX-PN examination test plan. The other
options do not show understanding of the current test plan.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 312 OBJ: 3 | 4 TOP: Framework of test plan KEY: Nursing Process
Step: N/A MSC: NCLEX: N/A
5. The SP/VN reviewing for the NCLEX-PN examination should study based on an understanding that the
category of patient need that is most heavily tested is
a. the clinical problem-solving process.
b. safe, effective care environment.
c. health promotion and maintenance.
d. physiologic integrity.
ANS: D
The physiological integrity category of patient needs includes basic care and comfort, pharmacological therapies,
reduction of risk potential, and physiological adaptation. It comprises 35% to 59% of the questions. Questions from
the other three categories make up the remainder of the test. The clinical problem-solving process is not a category
of patient needs.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 312 OBJ: 3 | 4
, TOP: Test plan: Category of patient need KEY: Nursing Process Step: N/A
MSC: NCLEX: N/A
6. One practical/vocational nursing student tells another student, “I’m computer phobic! I never
understand what keys I’m supposed to use to get the thing to work.” The reply that shows the best
understanding about NCLEX-PN examination testing is:
a. “No problem! The question comes up on the screen, and you speak the letter of the
, correct answer aloud to the voice-activated computer.”
b. “You answer practice questions before the examination begins to get you used to using the
computer.”
c. “You’ll be able to ask the test proctor for help if you get mixed up.”
d. “If you can’t get the hang of the computer, they’ll let you use paper and pencil.”
ANS: B
Answering the practice questions provides orientation to the tester. Voice-activated computers are not used. Asking
the test proctor for help if you get mixed up and using paper and pencil are not permitted.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 315 OBJ: 3 TOP: Orientation to use of the computer KEY: Nursing
Process Step: N/A MSC: NCLEX: N/A
7. When an SP/VN asks for advice about how to “reduce anxiety before the NCLEX-PN examination,”
the LPN/LVN should respond, “An effective strategy for reducing test anxiety prior to the NCLEX-PN
examination is to
a. maintain a confident, positive attitude about your abilities and the outcome.”
b. drink 3 ounces of an alcoholic beverage 30 minutes before the test.”
c. prepare yourself for the worst by picturing yourself having to reapply.”
d. use scrap paper to keep track of the number of questions you think you answered correctly and
incorrectly.”
ANS: A
Positive thinking reduces anxiety. Testing with mild anxiety is more productive than testing with moderate to high
anxiety. Drinking alcohol will interfere with critical thinking. Preparing yourself for the worst by picturing yourself
having to reply is negative thinking and raises anxiety. Using scrap paper to keep track of the number of questions
you think you answered correctly and incorrectly takes the focus away from thinking critically about the questions
and wastes time that could better be used to consider question options.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 315 OBJ: 4 TOP: Anxiety reduction KEY: Nursing Process Step:
N/A MSC: NCLEX: N/A
8. The LPN/LVN tells a peer, “I want to be endorsed in state X. What step do you think I should take
first?” The best response would be:
a. “Ask our state board to send you a copy of your NCLEX-PN examination score.”
b. “Photocopy your license and current registration.”
c. “Write to the board of nursing in state X and ask for instructions.”
d. “Request our state board to inactivate your license.”
ANS: C
Endorsement to practice in another state begins by contacting the state board of nursing in that state and asking for
instructions about how to proceed. The board will send an application, instructions, fee schedules, and other
a. cramming difficult concepts the night before the examination.
b. rereading each textbook used in the program of study.
c. going to a party the evening before the test.
d. reviewing content summaries and focusing on identified areas of weakness.
ANS: D
Identifying areas of weakness and undertaking a systematic study program is a good strategy for preparing for the
NCLEX-PN examination. Cramming is rarely effective. Rereading all texts is time-consuming and lacks focus. Relaxing
is a good idea, but partying may lead to fatigue and lack of clarity in thinking the next day.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 315 OBJ: 4
TOP: NCLEX-PN examination preparation KEY: Nursing Process Step: N/A MSC: NCLEX: N/A
2. LPN/LVN licensure by endorsement in the United States and its territories is possible because
a. English is the spoken language of each locale.
b. the NCLEX-PN examination is used by the board of nursing of each locale.
c. computer-adaptive testing maximizes testing efficiency.
d. the NCLEX-PN examination test plan reflects current practice.
ANS: B
When the same examination is used, the boards of nursing can be assured that those who pass have the knowledge
to practice practical/vocational nursing at a minimally safe and effective level.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 314 OBJ: 8 TOP: Endorsement KEY: Nursing Process
Step: N/A MSC: NCLEX: N/A
3. What advice should the testing candidate consider the best method for preparing to take the NCLEX-
PN examination?
a. “Participate in an all-night cram session the night before the test.”
b. “Rely on your intuition to answer questions when you do not know the answer.”
c. “Study throughout the year and review systematically before the exam.”
d. “Quiz previous graduates about test content and study what they mention.”
ANS: C
,Studying for each nursing examination and passing it provide a firm foundation for the NCLEX-PN examination.
Systematic review over a number of weeks prior to the NCLEX-PN examination will refresh one’s knowledge.
Cramming is usually counterproductive because it results in fatigue and lowers the ability to think clearly during the
examination. Better advice is to rule out wrong answers and consider clues and key words found in the stem of the
question. With CAT, the topics covered in the questions answered by one person may be quite different from those
selected for another person.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis REF: p. 315 OBJ: 4
TOP: NCLEX-PN examination preparation KEY: Nursing Process Step: N/A MSC: NCLEX: N/A
4. The practical/vocational nursing student tells a colleague, “I know I’m going to fail the NCLEX-PN
examination. I’ve heard that a huge amount of the examination is psychology related, and I hated
psychology!” The reply that shows the best understanding of the NCLEX-
PN examination is
a. “You’d better retake the psychology course.”
b. “There are equal numbers of questions related to each aspect of patient needs.”
c. “Psychosocial integrity is the basis for 8% to 14% of the questions.”
d. “I’ve heard there’s more emphasis on care planning than anything else.”
ANS: C
Psychosocial integrity is the basis for 8% to 14% of the questions of the NCLEX-PN examination test plan. The other
options do not show understanding of the current test plan.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 312 OBJ: 3 | 4 TOP: Framework of test plan KEY: Nursing Process
Step: N/A MSC: NCLEX: N/A
5. The SP/VN reviewing for the NCLEX-PN examination should study based on an understanding that the
category of patient need that is most heavily tested is
a. the clinical problem-solving process.
b. safe, effective care environment.
c. health promotion and maintenance.
d. physiologic integrity.
ANS: D
The physiological integrity category of patient needs includes basic care and comfort, pharmacological therapies,
reduction of risk potential, and physiological adaptation. It comprises 35% to 59% of the questions. Questions from
the other three categories make up the remainder of the test. The clinical problem-solving process is not a category
of patient needs.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 312 OBJ: 3 | 4
, TOP: Test plan: Category of patient need KEY: Nursing Process Step: N/A
MSC: NCLEX: N/A
6. One practical/vocational nursing student tells another student, “I’m computer phobic! I never
understand what keys I’m supposed to use to get the thing to work.” The reply that shows the best
understanding about NCLEX-PN examination testing is:
a. “No problem! The question comes up on the screen, and you speak the letter of the
, correct answer aloud to the voice-activated computer.”
b. “You answer practice questions before the examination begins to get you used to using the
computer.”
c. “You’ll be able to ask the test proctor for help if you get mixed up.”
d. “If you can’t get the hang of the computer, they’ll let you use paper and pencil.”
ANS: B
Answering the practice questions provides orientation to the tester. Voice-activated computers are not used. Asking
the test proctor for help if you get mixed up and using paper and pencil are not permitted.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 315 OBJ: 3 TOP: Orientation to use of the computer KEY: Nursing
Process Step: N/A MSC: NCLEX: N/A
7. When an SP/VN asks for advice about how to “reduce anxiety before the NCLEX-PN examination,”
the LPN/LVN should respond, “An effective strategy for reducing test anxiety prior to the NCLEX-PN
examination is to
a. maintain a confident, positive attitude about your abilities and the outcome.”
b. drink 3 ounces of an alcoholic beverage 30 minutes before the test.”
c. prepare yourself for the worst by picturing yourself having to reapply.”
d. use scrap paper to keep track of the number of questions you think you answered correctly and
incorrectly.”
ANS: A
Positive thinking reduces anxiety. Testing with mild anxiety is more productive than testing with moderate to high
anxiety. Drinking alcohol will interfere with critical thinking. Preparing yourself for the worst by picturing yourself
having to reply is negative thinking and raises anxiety. Using scrap paper to keep track of the number of questions
you think you answered correctly and incorrectly takes the focus away from thinking critically about the questions
and wastes time that could better be used to consider question options.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 315 OBJ: 4 TOP: Anxiety reduction KEY: Nursing Process Step:
N/A MSC: NCLEX: N/A
8. The LPN/LVN tells a peer, “I want to be endorsed in state X. What step do you think I should take
first?” The best response would be:
a. “Ask our state board to send you a copy of your NCLEX-PN examination score.”
b. “Photocopy your license and current registration.”
c. “Write to the board of nursing in state X and ask for instructions.”
d. “Request our state board to inactivate your license.”
ANS: C
Endorsement to practice in another state begins by contacting the state board of nursing in that state and asking for
instructions about how to proceed. The board will send an application, instructions, fee schedules, and other
