,Saunders NCLEX-RN® Chapter Mastery:
Complete Q&A Collection with Success
Tips
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
,Unit & Chapter Title
– Changing Your Appointment
– 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).
1–8 The Pyramid to Success
1. A new nursing graduate is building foundational
knowledge for safe practice. Which layer of the Pyramid to
Success corresponds to integrating evidence into clinical
decisions?
A. Foundational Concepts
B. Clinical Judgment Skills
C. Application of Knowledge
D. Mastery of Content
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
o C is correct because “Application of Knowledge”
refers to using evidence to make decisions.
o A (Foundational Concepts) is about basic facts and
principles.
o B (Clinical Judgment Skills) denotes the decision-
making process itself, not yet grounded in evidence
application.
o D (Mastery of Content) implies deep expertise
beyond routine evidence‐based practice.
, 2. Which element sits at the very base of the Pyramid to
Success?
A. Critical Thinking
B. Clinical Judgment
C. Foundational Knowledge
D. Test-Taking Strategies
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
o C is correct; “Foundational Knowledge” underpins
everything else.
o A and B are higher-level cognitive skills built upon
that base.
o D (Test-Taking Strategies) is an overlay used to
optimize performance, not foundational.
3. A nurse applies knowledge of pharmacokinetics when
titrating an infusion. Which Pyramid layer is being used?
A. Test-Taking Strategies
B. Application of Knowledge
C. Mastery of Content
D. Clinical Judgment Skills
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
o C is correct: applying in‐depth content knowledge
(pharmacokinetics) reflects “Mastery of Content.”
, o B is broader evidence use, but mastery implies
deeper understanding.
o D is decision‐making process; content mastery feeds
into it.
o A is unrelated to clinical practice.
4. Incorporating simulation practice to improve
decision-making exemplifies:
A. Foundational Knowledge
B. Mastery of Content
C. Test-Taking Strategies
D. Clinical Judgment Skills
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
o D is correct, as simulation hones the steps of clinical
judgment.
o A and B address knowledge; simulation bridges
knowledge to action.
o C pertains to exam strategy, not simulation.
5. Using mnemonics to remember lab values falls under:
A. Test-Taking Strategies
B. Foundational Knowledge
C. Clinical Judgment Skills
D. Mastery of Content
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
o A is correct: mnemonics are study/test aids.
o B/ D are about the knowledge itself, not strategies to
retain it.
o C involves analyzing patient data; memorization isn’t
a decision skill.
6. A nurse manager encourages staff to read current
journals. This aligns best with which Pyramid principle?
A. Application of Knowledge
B. Foundational Knowledge
C. Clinical Judgment Skills
D. Mastery of Content
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
o A is correct: reading journals supports applying
up-to-date evidence.
o B covers basic principles; journals update beyond
basics.
o C/D require both process and depth, whereas this is
focused on applying evidence.
7. Which strategy strengthens the “Test-Taking Strategies”
layer?
A. Creating flashcards
, B. Practicing NCLEX‐style questions
C. Reviewing pathophysiology texts
D. Debriefing after clinical shifts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
o B is correct: direct practice with NCLEX items hones
strategy.
o A and C build knowledge; D enhances clinical insight
but not specific test tactics.
8. To climb to “Mastery of Content,” a student must first:
A. Apply evidence
B. Develop clinical judgment
C. Solidify foundational facts
D. Refine test strategies
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
o C is correct: without solid facts, mastery cannot
develop.
o A/B/D are higher levels built on foundational
knowledge.
9–16 The Examination Process
9. Which action is part of the NCLEX candidate registration
process?
Complete Q&A Collection with Success
Tips
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
,Unit & Chapter Title
– Changing Your Appointment
– 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).
1–8 The Pyramid to Success
1. A new nursing graduate is building foundational
knowledge for safe practice. Which layer of the Pyramid to
Success corresponds to integrating evidence into clinical
decisions?
A. Foundational Concepts
B. Clinical Judgment Skills
C. Application of Knowledge
D. Mastery of Content
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
o C is correct because “Application of Knowledge”
refers to using evidence to make decisions.
o A (Foundational Concepts) is about basic facts and
principles.
o B (Clinical Judgment Skills) denotes the decision-
making process itself, not yet grounded in evidence
application.
o D (Mastery of Content) implies deep expertise
beyond routine evidence‐based practice.
, 2. Which element sits at the very base of the Pyramid to
Success?
A. Critical Thinking
B. Clinical Judgment
C. Foundational Knowledge
D. Test-Taking Strategies
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
o C is correct; “Foundational Knowledge” underpins
everything else.
o A and B are higher-level cognitive skills built upon
that base.
o D (Test-Taking Strategies) is an overlay used to
optimize performance, not foundational.
3. A nurse applies knowledge of pharmacokinetics when
titrating an infusion. Which Pyramid layer is being used?
A. Test-Taking Strategies
B. Application of Knowledge
C. Mastery of Content
D. Clinical Judgment Skills
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
o C is correct: applying in‐depth content knowledge
(pharmacokinetics) reflects “Mastery of Content.”
, o B is broader evidence use, but mastery implies
deeper understanding.
o D is decision‐making process; content mastery feeds
into it.
o A is unrelated to clinical practice.
4. Incorporating simulation practice to improve
decision-making exemplifies:
A. Foundational Knowledge
B. Mastery of Content
C. Test-Taking Strategies
D. Clinical Judgment Skills
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
o D is correct, as simulation hones the steps of clinical
judgment.
o A and B address knowledge; simulation bridges
knowledge to action.
o C pertains to exam strategy, not simulation.
5. Using mnemonics to remember lab values falls under:
A. Test-Taking Strategies
B. Foundational Knowledge
C. Clinical Judgment Skills
D. Mastery of Content
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
o A is correct: mnemonics are study/test aids.
o B/ D are about the knowledge itself, not strategies to
retain it.
o C involves analyzing patient data; memorization isn’t
a decision skill.
6. A nurse manager encourages staff to read current
journals. This aligns best with which Pyramid principle?
A. Application of Knowledge
B. Foundational Knowledge
C. Clinical Judgment Skills
D. Mastery of Content
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
o A is correct: reading journals supports applying
up-to-date evidence.
o B covers basic principles; journals update beyond
basics.
o C/D require both process and depth, whereas this is
focused on applying evidence.
7. Which strategy strengthens the “Test-Taking Strategies”
layer?
A. Creating flashcards
, B. Practicing NCLEX‐style questions
C. Reviewing pathophysiology texts
D. Debriefing after clinical shifts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
o B is correct: direct practice with NCLEX items hones
strategy.
o A and C build knowledge; D enhances clinical insight
but not specific test tactics.
8. To climb to “Mastery of Content,” a student must first:
A. Apply evidence
B. Develop clinical judgment
C. Solidify foundational facts
D. Refine test strategies
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
o C is correct: without solid facts, mastery cannot
develop.
o A/B/D are higher levels built on foundational
knowledge.
9–16 The Examination Process
9. Which action is part of the NCLEX candidate registration
process?
