CJE Benchmark Clinical Judgment Exam #1
2026–2027: 200 Practice Questions &
Rationales for Nursing Students
EXAM OVERVIEW & STRUCTURE
The Clinical Judgment Exam (CJE) Benchmark exams are
comprehensive assessments designed to measure nursing students'
clinical judgment and readiness for the NCLEX-RN. According to
recent research, students who achieve 70% or higher on the CJE-
RN Readiness Examinations have a 99% chance of passing the
NCLEX-RN on their first attempt . The CJE is aligned with the
NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM),
focusing on recognizing cues, analyzing data, prioritizing
hypotheses, and evaluating outcomes .
,Exam Content Areas Cover:
• Fundamentals & Foundational Care
• Pharmacology & Medication Administration
• Respiratory Disorders
• Cardiovascular & Hemodynamic Management
• Neurological & Critical Care
• Renal, Fluids & Electrolytes
• Clinical Prioritization & Safety
SECTION 1: FUNDAMENTALS & FOUNDATIONAL CARE
(Questions 1-40)
,Question 1: A nurse is preparing to perform hand hygiene
before caring for a client. Which of the following is the most
effective method to reduce microbial counts on the hands?
A) Using an alcohol-based hand rub for 10 seconds
B) Washing with soap and water for 15 seconds
C) Washing with soap and water for 40 seconds
D) Using an alcohol-based hand rub for 20 seconds
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Alcohol-based hand rubs are highly effective when
applied for at least 20 seconds, provided the hands are not
visibly soiled. Soap and water is effective but requires longer
duration and is preferred when hands are visibly dirty .
Question 2: A client is receiving a continuous enteral feeding
through a nasogastric tube. Which action is most important to
prevent aspiration?
, A) Flush the tube with 30 mL of water every 4 hours
B) Keep the head of the bed elevated to at least 30 degrees
C) Check gastric residual volume every 2 hours
D) Change the feeding bag every 24 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees
reduces the risk of aspiration. Residual checks and flushing are
important but do not directly prevent aspiration as effectively as
proper positioning .
Question 3: A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day post-
operative following a total knee arthroplasty. The client
reports pain of 7 on a 0-10 scale. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A) Administer the prescribed PRN analgesic
B) Reposition the client
2026–2027: 200 Practice Questions &
Rationales for Nursing Students
EXAM OVERVIEW & STRUCTURE
The Clinical Judgment Exam (CJE) Benchmark exams are
comprehensive assessments designed to measure nursing students'
clinical judgment and readiness for the NCLEX-RN. According to
recent research, students who achieve 70% or higher on the CJE-
RN Readiness Examinations have a 99% chance of passing the
NCLEX-RN on their first attempt . The CJE is aligned with the
NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM),
focusing on recognizing cues, analyzing data, prioritizing
hypotheses, and evaluating outcomes .
,Exam Content Areas Cover:
• Fundamentals & Foundational Care
• Pharmacology & Medication Administration
• Respiratory Disorders
• Cardiovascular & Hemodynamic Management
• Neurological & Critical Care
• Renal, Fluids & Electrolytes
• Clinical Prioritization & Safety
SECTION 1: FUNDAMENTALS & FOUNDATIONAL CARE
(Questions 1-40)
,Question 1: A nurse is preparing to perform hand hygiene
before caring for a client. Which of the following is the most
effective method to reduce microbial counts on the hands?
A) Using an alcohol-based hand rub for 10 seconds
B) Washing with soap and water for 15 seconds
C) Washing with soap and water for 40 seconds
D) Using an alcohol-based hand rub for 20 seconds
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Alcohol-based hand rubs are highly effective when
applied for at least 20 seconds, provided the hands are not
visibly soiled. Soap and water is effective but requires longer
duration and is preferred when hands are visibly dirty .
Question 2: A client is receiving a continuous enteral feeding
through a nasogastric tube. Which action is most important to
prevent aspiration?
, A) Flush the tube with 30 mL of water every 4 hours
B) Keep the head of the bed elevated to at least 30 degrees
C) Check gastric residual volume every 2 hours
D) Change the feeding bag every 24 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees
reduces the risk of aspiration. Residual checks and flushing are
important but do not directly prevent aspiration as effectively as
proper positioning .
Question 3: A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day post-
operative following a total knee arthroplasty. The client
reports pain of 7 on a 0-10 scale. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A) Administer the prescribed PRN analgesic
B) Reposition the client
