,Saunders 9th Ed. NCLEX-RN® Companion:
Complete Test Bank by Chapter
Table of Contents
📘 NCLEX-RN® Preparation – Table of Contents
Unit & Chapter Title
UNIT I: NCLEX-RN®
Preparation
Clinical Judgment and the NCLEX-RN®
Chapter 1
Examination
– The Pyramid to Success
– The Examination Process
– Computer Adaptive Testing
– Development of the Test Plan
– The Test Plan
– Types of Questions and Scoring
– Registration and Authorization to
Test
– Changing Your Appointment
,Unit & Chapter Title
– Day of Examination & Testing
Accommodations
– Testing Center & NGN Test Design
– Pass-or-Fail Decisions & Results
– Candidate Performance Report
– Nurse Licensure Compact &
International Nurse
Chapter 2 Self-Efficacy and Profiles to Success
– Pyramid to Success
– Increasing Self-Efficacy
– Developing Control
– Building Confidence
The NCLEX-RN® Examination: A
Chapter 3
Graduate’s Perspective
– NGN Reflections by Madison Drew
Mahon, BSN, RN
Clinical Judgment and Test-Taking
Chapter 4
Strategies
,| UNIT II: Client Needs | |
| Chapter 5 | Client Needs and the NCLEX-RN® Test Plan |
| | – Physiological Integrity |
| | – Safe and Effective Care Environment |
| | – Health Promotion and Maintenance |
| | – Psychosocial Integrity |
| Chapter 6 | Physiological Integrity Practice Questions |
| Chapter 7 | Safe and Effective Care Environment Practice
Questions |
| Chapter 8 | Health Promotion and Maintenance Practice
Questions |
| Chapter 9 | Psychosocial Integrity Practice Questions |
| UNIT III: Integrated Processes | |
| Chapter 10 | Integrated Processes and the NCLEX-RN® Test
Plan |
| | – Caring |
| | – Clinical Judgment |
| | – Communication and Documentation |
| | – Culture and Spirituality |
| | – Nursing Process |
| | – Teaching and Learning |
| Chapter 11 | Integrated Processes Practice Questions |
| | – Caring |
| | – Communication and Documentation |
| | – Culture and Spirituality |
| | – Teaching and Learning |
| | – Nursing Process: Assessment |
,| | – Nursing Process: Analysis |
| | – Nursing Process: Planning |
| | – Nursing Process: Implementation |
| | – Nursing Process: Evaluation |
,Chapter 1: Clinical Judgment and the NCLEX-RN® Examination
(Saunders Q&A Review, 9th Ed., 2025).
1. The Pyramid to Success
Q1. A new graduate nurse is reviewing the “Pyramid to
Success” framework in preparation for NCLEX. Which tier of the
pyramid focuses on applying clinical judgment in complex,
unpredictable patient situations?
A. Foundational knowledge
B. Cognitive strategies
C. Test-taking strategies
D. Clinical judgment
Answer: D
Rationale:
D Correct: The top tier (“Clinical Judgment”) represents
applying knowledge and strategies to real-world scenarios.
A Incorrect: Foundational knowledge is the base level—
facts and basic concepts.
B Incorrect: Cognitive strategies involve thinking processes
(e.g., analysis, prioritization).
C Incorrect: Test-taking strategies pertain to exam tactics
(time management, reading stems).
2. The Pyramid to Success
,Q2. When studying for the NCLEX using the pyramid model,
which activity best strengthens the “cognitive strategies” tier?
A. Memorizing lab value normals
B. Practicing question-analysis algorithms
C. Reviewing testing policies
D. Recalling anatomical terms
Answer: B
Rationale:
B Correct: Question-analysis algorithms (e.g., identifying
cues, eliminating distractors) build cognitive strategies.
A & D Incorrect: Memorization reinforces foundational
knowledge, not thinking strategies.
C Incorrect: Reviewing policies aligns with test-taking
strategies.
3. The Pyramid to Success
Q3. A student uses flash cards to learn terminology and then
applies those terms in case studies. This study approach mainly
illustrates integration from which two pyramid tiers?
A. Foundational knowledge → Cognitive strategies
B. Cognitive strategies → Clinical judgment
C. Foundational knowledge → Clinical judgment
D. Test-taking strategies → Foundational knowledge
,Answer: A
Rationale:
A Correct: Flash cards build foundational knowledge, and
then applying in cases uses cognitive strategies.
B Incorrect: They have not yet reached full clinical
judgment.
C Incorrect: Direct jump to clinical judgment requires more
complex application.
D Incorrect: Test-taking strategies are not involved here.
4. The Pyramid to Success
Q4. Which study behavior is LEAST aligned with the pyramid’s
test-taking strategies tier?
A. Skimming every answer choice before reading the stem
B. Managing time per question
C. Identifying keywords in the stem
D. Reviewing exit-strategy protocols
Answer: A
Rationale:
A Correct (LEAST aligned): Skimming answers before stem
often leads to bias; not recommended.
B, C, D Incorrect: All are valid test-taking techniques—time
management, cue identification, and knowing how to exit
when stuck.
,5. The Pyramid to Success
Q5. Which describes how the pyramid model promotes success
on NCLEX?
A. Emphasizes memorization of facts only
B. Encourages iterative layering of skills
C. Focuses solely on exam technique
D. Uses a linear rather than hierarchical approach
Answer: B
Rationale:
B Correct: The pyramid advocates building foundational
knowledge, then cognitive strategies, then test-taking
strategies, culminating in clinical judgment.
A & C Incorrect: It balances knowledge, thought processes,
and tactics.
D Incorrect: It is hierarchical, not linear.
6. The Examination Process
Q6. During NCLEX registration, a candidate must complete
which of the following FIRST?
A. Pay Pearson VUE testing fee
B. Register with state board of nursing
C. Schedule exam date
D. Complete background check
, Answer: B
Rationale:
B Correct: Registration with the state board is
prerequisite; board then authorizes test.
A Incorrect: Fee payment follows board authorization.
C Incorrect: Scheduling occurs after authorization and fee.
D Incorrect: Background checks vary by jurisdiction but
typically accompany board registration.
7. The Examination Process
Q7. A candidate is at the Pearson VUE center and experiences
computer failure mid-exam. According to test-center policies,
the nurse should:
A. Automatically receive a retake voucher
B. Continue exam on another machine after a short break
C. Be disqualified and forfeit fee
D. Contact state board for instructions
Answer: B
Rationale:
B Correct: Policies allow moving to another terminal with
minimal interruption.
A Incorrect: No automatic free retake unless fault is
Pearson’s.
Complete Test Bank by Chapter
Table of Contents
📘 NCLEX-RN® Preparation – Table of Contents
Unit & Chapter Title
UNIT I: NCLEX-RN®
Preparation
Clinical Judgment and the NCLEX-RN®
Chapter 1
Examination
– The Pyramid to Success
– The Examination Process
– Computer Adaptive Testing
– Development of the Test Plan
– The Test Plan
– Types of Questions and Scoring
– Registration and Authorization to
Test
– Changing Your Appointment
,Unit & Chapter Title
– Day of Examination & Testing
Accommodations
– Testing Center & NGN Test Design
– Pass-or-Fail Decisions & Results
– Candidate Performance Report
– Nurse Licensure Compact &
International Nurse
Chapter 2 Self-Efficacy and Profiles to Success
– Pyramid to Success
– Increasing Self-Efficacy
– Developing Control
– Building Confidence
The NCLEX-RN® Examination: A
Chapter 3
Graduate’s Perspective
– NGN Reflections by Madison Drew
Mahon, BSN, RN
Clinical Judgment and Test-Taking
Chapter 4
Strategies
,| UNIT II: Client Needs | |
| Chapter 5 | Client Needs and the NCLEX-RN® Test Plan |
| | – Physiological Integrity |
| | – Safe and Effective Care Environment |
| | – Health Promotion and Maintenance |
| | – Psychosocial Integrity |
| Chapter 6 | Physiological Integrity Practice Questions |
| Chapter 7 | Safe and Effective Care Environment Practice
Questions |
| Chapter 8 | Health Promotion and Maintenance Practice
Questions |
| Chapter 9 | Psychosocial Integrity Practice Questions |
| UNIT III: Integrated Processes | |
| Chapter 10 | Integrated Processes and the NCLEX-RN® Test
Plan |
| | – Caring |
| | – Clinical Judgment |
| | – Communication and Documentation |
| | – Culture and Spirituality |
| | – Nursing Process |
| | – Teaching and Learning |
| Chapter 11 | Integrated Processes Practice Questions |
| | – Caring |
| | – Communication and Documentation |
| | – Culture and Spirituality |
| | – Teaching and Learning |
| | – Nursing Process: Assessment |
,| | – Nursing Process: Analysis |
| | – Nursing Process: Planning |
| | – Nursing Process: Implementation |
| | – Nursing Process: Evaluation |
,Chapter 1: Clinical Judgment and the NCLEX-RN® Examination
(Saunders Q&A Review, 9th Ed., 2025).
1. The Pyramid to Success
Q1. A new graduate nurse is reviewing the “Pyramid to
Success” framework in preparation for NCLEX. Which tier of the
pyramid focuses on applying clinical judgment in complex,
unpredictable patient situations?
A. Foundational knowledge
B. Cognitive strategies
C. Test-taking strategies
D. Clinical judgment
Answer: D
Rationale:
D Correct: The top tier (“Clinical Judgment”) represents
applying knowledge and strategies to real-world scenarios.
A Incorrect: Foundational knowledge is the base level—
facts and basic concepts.
B Incorrect: Cognitive strategies involve thinking processes
(e.g., analysis, prioritization).
C Incorrect: Test-taking strategies pertain to exam tactics
(time management, reading stems).
2. The Pyramid to Success
,Q2. When studying for the NCLEX using the pyramid model,
which activity best strengthens the “cognitive strategies” tier?
A. Memorizing lab value normals
B. Practicing question-analysis algorithms
C. Reviewing testing policies
D. Recalling anatomical terms
Answer: B
Rationale:
B Correct: Question-analysis algorithms (e.g., identifying
cues, eliminating distractors) build cognitive strategies.
A & D Incorrect: Memorization reinforces foundational
knowledge, not thinking strategies.
C Incorrect: Reviewing policies aligns with test-taking
strategies.
3. The Pyramid to Success
Q3. A student uses flash cards to learn terminology and then
applies those terms in case studies. This study approach mainly
illustrates integration from which two pyramid tiers?
A. Foundational knowledge → Cognitive strategies
B. Cognitive strategies → Clinical judgment
C. Foundational knowledge → Clinical judgment
D. Test-taking strategies → Foundational knowledge
,Answer: A
Rationale:
A Correct: Flash cards build foundational knowledge, and
then applying in cases uses cognitive strategies.
B Incorrect: They have not yet reached full clinical
judgment.
C Incorrect: Direct jump to clinical judgment requires more
complex application.
D Incorrect: Test-taking strategies are not involved here.
4. The Pyramid to Success
Q4. Which study behavior is LEAST aligned with the pyramid’s
test-taking strategies tier?
A. Skimming every answer choice before reading the stem
B. Managing time per question
C. Identifying keywords in the stem
D. Reviewing exit-strategy protocols
Answer: A
Rationale:
A Correct (LEAST aligned): Skimming answers before stem
often leads to bias; not recommended.
B, C, D Incorrect: All are valid test-taking techniques—time
management, cue identification, and knowing how to exit
when stuck.
,5. The Pyramid to Success
Q5. Which describes how the pyramid model promotes success
on NCLEX?
A. Emphasizes memorization of facts only
B. Encourages iterative layering of skills
C. Focuses solely on exam technique
D. Uses a linear rather than hierarchical approach
Answer: B
Rationale:
B Correct: The pyramid advocates building foundational
knowledge, then cognitive strategies, then test-taking
strategies, culminating in clinical judgment.
A & C Incorrect: It balances knowledge, thought processes,
and tactics.
D Incorrect: It is hierarchical, not linear.
6. The Examination Process
Q6. During NCLEX registration, a candidate must complete
which of the following FIRST?
A. Pay Pearson VUE testing fee
B. Register with state board of nursing
C. Schedule exam date
D. Complete background check
, Answer: B
Rationale:
B Correct: Registration with the state board is
prerequisite; board then authorizes test.
A Incorrect: Fee payment follows board authorization.
C Incorrect: Scheduling occurs after authorization and fee.
D Incorrect: Background checks vary by jurisdiction but
typically accompany board registration.
7. The Examination Process
Q7. A candidate is at the Pearson VUE center and experiences
computer failure mid-exam. According to test-center policies,
the nurse should:
A. Automatically receive a retake voucher
B. Continue exam on another machine after a short break
C. Be disqualified and forfeit fee
D. Contact state board for instructions
Answer: B
Rationale:
B Correct: Policies allow moving to another terminal with
minimal interruption.
A Incorrect: No automatic free retake unless fault is
Pearson’s.
