Saunders comprehensive review examination 9th edition by silvestri chapter 1-
44.......
Unit I: NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation & Test-Taking Strategies
Question 1
A nursing student is reviewing the NCLEX-RN test plan. Which statement indicates
correct understanding of the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) format?
A. "The computer will randomly select questions from all content areas."
B. "The difficulty of questions will adjust based on my previous answers."
C. "I will receive the same number of questions as every other test-taker."
D. "The exam will end when I answer 75 questions correctly."
Answer: B
Rationale: The NCLEX uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), where the
computer selects questions based on the test-taker's ability level. If a question is
answered correctly, the next question is more difficult; if answered incorrectly,
the next is easier. This adaptive algorithm continues until a pass/fail decision can
be made with 95% confidence . Options A, C, and D are incorrect because
question selection is adaptive, not random; the number of questions varies
,between 75-145; and the exam ends when a confident decision is reached, not
simply after 75 correct answers .
Question 2
A candidate with a documented disability requests extra testing time. Which step
must the candidate complete to ensure accommodations are granted?
A. Bring documentation on exam day and request extra time at check-in.
B. Submit a formal accommodations request with current supporting
documentation to the board before scheduling the exam.
C. Assume the testing center will automatically provide time extensions.
D. Ask a family member to explain the disability to the test administrator.
Answer: B
Rationale: Formal preapproval with current supporting documentation must be
submitted to the licensing board or testing agency before scheduling the exam to
ensure accommodations are authorized. Providing documentation at check-in is
too late, testing centers do not automatically provide accommodations, and
family explanations are not a substitute for formal documentation .
Question 3
,A PN candidate asks why two candidates with similar raw scores might have
different pass/fail outcomes. What is the best explanation?
A. One candidate's name alphabetically earlier gives them an advantage.
B. Pass/fail is based on estimated ability relative to the passing standard, not raw
score alone, so item difficulty matters.
C. The test randomly assigns pass/fail to balance numbers.
D. Candidates are compared to each other directly; rank determines pass/fail.
Answer: B
Rationale: The NCLEX uses an ability estimate against a passing standard. Two
candidates with similar raw scores can have different outcomes depending on the
difficulty of questions answered and the statistical model's estimate of their
ability. Alphabetical order is irrelevant, pass/fail is not randomly assigned, and
candidates are not compared against each other—they are measured against a
standard .
Question 4
A candidate who did not pass the NCLEX receives a Candidate Performance
Report (CPR). Which action is the most appropriate first step?
, A. Ignore the CPR because it contains only generic information.
B. Review weak content areas shown on the CPR and plan focused remediation.
C. File a complaint with the testing center since the test was unfair.
D. Immediately retake the exam without reviewing the results.
Answer: B
Rationale: The Candidate Performance Report provides valuable diagnostic
information about content areas where the candidate performed below the
passing standard. The most appropriate first step is to review the weak areas
identified and develop a focused remediation plan to address those specific
content gaps before retesting .
Question 5
A nursing student is taking a practice exam and encounters a question with the
stem: "Which client is at highest risk for developing complications?" What should
the student prioritize when selecting the answer?
A. The client with a chronic condition that is well-managed
B. The client with an acute, life-threatening condition
C. The client who is most demanding of nursing staff attention
D. The client who has been hospitalized the longest
44.......
Unit I: NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation & Test-Taking Strategies
Question 1
A nursing student is reviewing the NCLEX-RN test plan. Which statement indicates
correct understanding of the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) format?
A. "The computer will randomly select questions from all content areas."
B. "The difficulty of questions will adjust based on my previous answers."
C. "I will receive the same number of questions as every other test-taker."
D. "The exam will end when I answer 75 questions correctly."
Answer: B
Rationale: The NCLEX uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), where the
computer selects questions based on the test-taker's ability level. If a question is
answered correctly, the next question is more difficult; if answered incorrectly,
the next is easier. This adaptive algorithm continues until a pass/fail decision can
be made with 95% confidence . Options A, C, and D are incorrect because
question selection is adaptive, not random; the number of questions varies
,between 75-145; and the exam ends when a confident decision is reached, not
simply after 75 correct answers .
Question 2
A candidate with a documented disability requests extra testing time. Which step
must the candidate complete to ensure accommodations are granted?
A. Bring documentation on exam day and request extra time at check-in.
B. Submit a formal accommodations request with current supporting
documentation to the board before scheduling the exam.
C. Assume the testing center will automatically provide time extensions.
D. Ask a family member to explain the disability to the test administrator.
Answer: B
Rationale: Formal preapproval with current supporting documentation must be
submitted to the licensing board or testing agency before scheduling the exam to
ensure accommodations are authorized. Providing documentation at check-in is
too late, testing centers do not automatically provide accommodations, and
family explanations are not a substitute for formal documentation .
Question 3
,A PN candidate asks why two candidates with similar raw scores might have
different pass/fail outcomes. What is the best explanation?
A. One candidate's name alphabetically earlier gives them an advantage.
B. Pass/fail is based on estimated ability relative to the passing standard, not raw
score alone, so item difficulty matters.
C. The test randomly assigns pass/fail to balance numbers.
D. Candidates are compared to each other directly; rank determines pass/fail.
Answer: B
Rationale: The NCLEX uses an ability estimate against a passing standard. Two
candidates with similar raw scores can have different outcomes depending on the
difficulty of questions answered and the statistical model's estimate of their
ability. Alphabetical order is irrelevant, pass/fail is not randomly assigned, and
candidates are not compared against each other—they are measured against a
standard .
Question 4
A candidate who did not pass the NCLEX receives a Candidate Performance
Report (CPR). Which action is the most appropriate first step?
, A. Ignore the CPR because it contains only generic information.
B. Review weak content areas shown on the CPR and plan focused remediation.
C. File a complaint with the testing center since the test was unfair.
D. Immediately retake the exam without reviewing the results.
Answer: B
Rationale: The Candidate Performance Report provides valuable diagnostic
information about content areas where the candidate performed below the
passing standard. The most appropriate first step is to review the weak areas
identified and develop a focused remediation plan to address those specific
content gaps before retesting .
Question 5
A nursing student is taking a practice exam and encounters a question with the
stem: "Which client is at highest risk for developing complications?" What should
the student prioritize when selecting the answer?
A. The client with a chronic condition that is well-managed
B. The client with an acute, life-threatening condition
C. The client who is most demanding of nursing staff attention
D. The client who has been hospitalized the longest
