60 QUESTIONS · ANSWER KEY
NCLEX 2026 Clinical Judgment
180 min · Pass mark 75%
Section 1: Core Nursing Concepts 35 MIN
1 MULTIPLE CHOICE
A nurse reviews a patient’s new confusion, oxygen saturation, and medication history before deciding what
condition is most likely. Which Clinical Judgment Measurement Model function is the nurse using?
A Analyze cues
B Generate solutions
C Evaluate outcomes
D Recognize cues
ANSWER A
WHY Analyzing cues means interpreting collected information and identifying what it suggests. Recognizing cues is noticing relevant
information, while generating solutions and evaluating outcomes occur later.
2 MULTIPLE CHOICE
Which action best demonstrates the medication administration right of the correct patient?
A Checking the medication against the prescription after preparing it
B Asking whether the patient has taken the medication before
C Documenting the medication immediately after administration
D Using two approved identifiers before giving the medication
ANSWER D
WHY Using two approved identifiers helps verify that the medication is being given to the intended patient. The other actions address other
medication-safety steps but do not establish identity.
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, 3 SELECT ALL THAT APPLY
Which actions are components of standard precautions? Select all that apply.
A Using sterile gloves for every routine patient contact
B Performing hand hygiene at appropriate points of care
C Using a surgical mask for every patient regardless of exposure risk
D Selecting protective equipment according to the anticipated exposure
E Using gloves when contact with blood or body fluids is anticipated
ANSWER B, D, E
WHY Standard precautions include hand hygiene and use of appropriate personal protective equipment based on anticipated exposure. A
mask or sterile gloves are not required for every patient interaction.
4 SELECT ALL THAT APPLY
Which findings may be associated with hyperkalemia and require prompt assessment? Select all that apply.
A New muscle weakness
B A low serum potassium level
C Increased thirst with dry mucous membranes
D A change in the electrocardiogram
E Cardiac rhythm changes
ANSWER A, D, E
WHY Hyperkalemia can affect neuromuscular function and cardiac conduction, so weakness and rhythm or electrocardiogram changes are
concerning. Thirst and dry mucous membranes suggest fluid deficit, while low potassium indicates hypokalemia.
5 TRUE / FALSE
A competent adult patient’s right to make an informed treatment choice is an expression of autonomy.
ANSWER True
WHY Autonomy supports a capable patient’s right to make informed choices about care, including accepting or refusing treatment.
6 TRUE / FALSE
A nursing assistant may independently assess a newly admitted patient’s risk for falls and determine the
prevention plan.
ANSWER False
WHY Assessment and development of the nursing plan require nursing judgment. A nursing assistant may carry out delegated safety
measures and report observations.
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, 7 SHORT ANSWER
Name the six functions of the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model in their usual sequence.
MODEL ANSWER
Recognize cues, analyze cues, prioritize hypotheses, generate solutions, take action, and evaluate outcomes.
WHY The model moves from noticing and interpreting information through choosing priorities and interventions, then assessing the results.
8 SHORT ANSWER
A patient tells the nurse, “I do not want to be alive.” What is the priority direct question the nurse should ask to
assess immediate suicide risk?
MODEL ANSWER
Ask directly whether the patient is thinking about suicide or harming themself, and assess whether there is a plan, intent, and
access to means.
WHY Direct, clear questions help identify immediate risk and support timely safety interventions. Avoiding the topic or relying on vague
reassurance can miss urgent danger.
9 MATCHING
Match each nursing concept to its description.
CORRECT PAIRS
Autonomy → Respecting a capable patient’s informed choices
Beneficence → Acting to promote the patient’s well-being
Justice → Providing fair and equitable treatment
Confidentiality → Protecting private patient information
WHY These concepts describe distinct ethical and legal responsibilities: respecting choice, promoting good, treating people fairly, and
safeguarding private information.
10 MATCHING
Match each fluid or electrolyte concern to its general description.
CORRECT PAIRS
Dehydration → A deficit of body fluid
Hyperkalemia → An elevated potassium level
Hyponatremia → A low sodium level
Acid-base imbalance → A disturbance in the regulation of acids and bases
WHY The terms identify either a body-fluid deficit, an electrolyte concentration abnormality, or a disruption in acid-base regulation.
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NCLEX 2026 Clinical Judgment
180 min · Pass mark 75%
Section 1: Core Nursing Concepts 35 MIN
1 MULTIPLE CHOICE
A nurse reviews a patient’s new confusion, oxygen saturation, and medication history before deciding what
condition is most likely. Which Clinical Judgment Measurement Model function is the nurse using?
A Analyze cues
B Generate solutions
C Evaluate outcomes
D Recognize cues
ANSWER A
WHY Analyzing cues means interpreting collected information and identifying what it suggests. Recognizing cues is noticing relevant
information, while generating solutions and evaluating outcomes occur later.
2 MULTIPLE CHOICE
Which action best demonstrates the medication administration right of the correct patient?
A Checking the medication against the prescription after preparing it
B Asking whether the patient has taken the medication before
C Documenting the medication immediately after administration
D Using two approved identifiers before giving the medication
ANSWER D
WHY Using two approved identifiers helps verify that the medication is being given to the intended patient. The other actions address other
medication-safety steps but do not establish identity.
1/18
, 3 SELECT ALL THAT APPLY
Which actions are components of standard precautions? Select all that apply.
A Using sterile gloves for every routine patient contact
B Performing hand hygiene at appropriate points of care
C Using a surgical mask for every patient regardless of exposure risk
D Selecting protective equipment according to the anticipated exposure
E Using gloves when contact with blood or body fluids is anticipated
ANSWER B, D, E
WHY Standard precautions include hand hygiene and use of appropriate personal protective equipment based on anticipated exposure. A
mask or sterile gloves are not required for every patient interaction.
4 SELECT ALL THAT APPLY
Which findings may be associated with hyperkalemia and require prompt assessment? Select all that apply.
A New muscle weakness
B A low serum potassium level
C Increased thirst with dry mucous membranes
D A change in the electrocardiogram
E Cardiac rhythm changes
ANSWER A, D, E
WHY Hyperkalemia can affect neuromuscular function and cardiac conduction, so weakness and rhythm or electrocardiogram changes are
concerning. Thirst and dry mucous membranes suggest fluid deficit, while low potassium indicates hypokalemia.
5 TRUE / FALSE
A competent adult patient’s right to make an informed treatment choice is an expression of autonomy.
ANSWER True
WHY Autonomy supports a capable patient’s right to make informed choices about care, including accepting or refusing treatment.
6 TRUE / FALSE
A nursing assistant may independently assess a newly admitted patient’s risk for falls and determine the
prevention plan.
ANSWER False
WHY Assessment and development of the nursing plan require nursing judgment. A nursing assistant may carry out delegated safety
measures and report observations.
2/18
, 7 SHORT ANSWER
Name the six functions of the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model in their usual sequence.
MODEL ANSWER
Recognize cues, analyze cues, prioritize hypotheses, generate solutions, take action, and evaluate outcomes.
WHY The model moves from noticing and interpreting information through choosing priorities and interventions, then assessing the results.
8 SHORT ANSWER
A patient tells the nurse, “I do not want to be alive.” What is the priority direct question the nurse should ask to
assess immediate suicide risk?
MODEL ANSWER
Ask directly whether the patient is thinking about suicide or harming themself, and assess whether there is a plan, intent, and
access to means.
WHY Direct, clear questions help identify immediate risk and support timely safety interventions. Avoiding the topic or relying on vague
reassurance can miss urgent danger.
9 MATCHING
Match each nursing concept to its description.
CORRECT PAIRS
Autonomy → Respecting a capable patient’s informed choices
Beneficence → Acting to promote the patient’s well-being
Justice → Providing fair and equitable treatment
Confidentiality → Protecting private patient information
WHY These concepts describe distinct ethical and legal responsibilities: respecting choice, promoting good, treating people fairly, and
safeguarding private information.
10 MATCHING
Match each fluid or electrolyte concern to its general description.
CORRECT PAIRS
Dehydration → A deficit of body fluid
Hyperkalemia → An elevated potassium level
Hyponatremia → A low sodium level
Acid-base imbalance → A disturbance in the regulation of acids and bases
WHY The terms identify either a body-fluid deficit, an electrolyte concentration abnormality, or a disruption in acid-base regulation.
3/18
