,NCLEX-RN® Focused Review: HESI Study
Companion
Table of Contents
Introduction to Test-Taking and the NGN-NCLEX-RN
Test-Taking Strategies
The Next Generation NCLEX-RN (NGN) Examination
Job Analysis Studies
Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM)
Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT)
General Principles to Remember
Leadership and Management
Leadership and Management Principles
Maintaining a Safe, Effective Work Environment
Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing
Legal Aspects of Nursing Practice (Review)
Disaster Nursing and Crisis Intervention
Advanced Clinical Concepts
Respiratory Failure (Adults and Children)
Review of Respiratory Failure
Shock and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
Review of Shock and DIC
Resuscitation and Airway Obstruction Management
Review of Resuscitation
,Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Determining Acid–Base Disorders
Review of Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Electrocardiogram Interpretation
Review of ECG
Perioperative Care
Review of Perioperative Nursing
HIV Infection (Adults and Pediatrics)
Review of HIV
Pain Management
Review of Pain
Death, Dying, and Grief
Review of Death and Grief
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Communication
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Teaching and Learning in Nursing
Spiritual and Cultural Assessment
Complementary and Alternative Therapies Body System Reviews:
Respiratory System
Renal System
Cardiovascular System
Gastrointestinal System
Endocrine System
Musculoskeletal System
Neurologic System
Hematology and Oncology
,Reproductive System
Burns
Pediatric Nursing
Growth and Development
Pain Assessment and Management
Child Health Promotion (Review) Pediatric Disorders and Reviews:
Respiratory Disorders
Cardiovascular Disorders
Neuromuscular Disorders
Renal Disorders
Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders
Hematologic Disorders
Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders
Skeletal Disorders
Maternity Nursing
The Menstrual Cycle
Psychosocial Responses to Pregnancy
Prenatal Nutrition
Anatomy & Physiology of Reproduction / Antepartum Care
(Review)
Fetal and Maternal Assessment Techniques
Chorionic Villus Sampling
Amniocentesis
Electronic Fetal Monitoring
Antepartum Complications
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Molar Pregnancy (Hydatidiform Mole)
,Abruptio Placentae and Placenta Previa
Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Intrapartum Nursing Care (Review)
Labor and Birth Complications
Normal Postpartum (Puerperium) Care (Review)
Postpartum Complications (Review)
Normal Newborn
Newborn Complications
Preterm Infant
Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Review of Newborn and Substance Use Disorders
Psychiatric Nursing
Safety, Structure, Support, and Self-Management
Therapeutic Modalities
Therapeutic Communication and Treatment (Review)
Common Mental Health Interventions
Brief Psychiatric Interventions
Psychiatric Assessment for Inpatients
Mood Disorders (Review)
Substance Abuse Disorders
Alcohol Withdrawal
Opioid Withdrawal
Gerontologic Nursing
Theories of Aging
Communication in the Older Adult
Gerontologic Nursing (Review)
,Appendices
Common Laboratory Tests
NCLEX Practice Questions (Answer Key)
Index
Let me know if you'd like this in a printable format or broken into
sections for flashcard creation, test prep organization, or study
guides.
,Chapter 1: Introduction to Test-Taking Strategies and the
NGN-NCLEX-RN
1. A candidate on the NCLEX-RN encounters a question stem
that includes a lengthy patient scenario. What is the best first
step?
A. Read all options first to anticipate content
B. Skim the scenario for key data (e.g., vitals, priority
diagnosis)
C. Answer based on gut feeling from experience
D. Skip to the next question and come back later
Answer: B
Rationale:
o B is correct: Identifying key data reduces cognitive load
and focuses your thinking (NGN strategy).
o A is incorrect: Options may mislead before
understanding the scenario.
o C is incorrect: Gut feeling can introduce bias.
o D is incorrect: Skipping wastes time and may increase
test anxiety.
2. Which question type on the NGN-NCLEX-RN evaluates
application of the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model
(CJMM)?
A. Multiple-response select-all-that-apply
B. Traditional single-best-answer only
C. Extended drag-and-drop scenario mapping
D. Basic recall of facts
Answer: C
Rationale:
o C is correct: Extended item types (e.g., drag-and-drop)
test multiple CJMM steps.
, o A is incorrect: While select-all-that-apply tests analysis,
it doesn’t capture the full CJMM.
o B and D are lower-level and don’t assess integrated
clinical judgment.
3. According to NGN CAT principles, how does the computer
select the next item?
A. Randomly from the pool
B. Based on the candidate’s previous answer performance
C. In strict numerical order
D. According to a preset difficulty sequence
Answer: B
Rationale:
o B is correct: CAT adapts in real time, selecting items to
pinpoint ability.
o A, C, D are incorrect: They describe linear testing, not
adaptive.
4. A test-taker reads an NGN scenario and identifies four
possible nursing diagnoses. Which CJMM step does this
exemplify?
A. Recognize clues
B. Analyze cues
C. Prioritize hypotheses
D. Take action
Answer: B
Rationale:
o B is correct: Generating and interpreting clues to form
hypotheses is “analyze cues.”
o A is incorrect: Recognizing clues is initial data gathering.
o C is subsequent prioritization.
o D is the intervention phase.
5. During a long exam session, a candidate’s concentration
wanes. Which strategy best preserves mental stamina?
, A. Skip all difficult questions at first pass
B. Take scheduled brief stretch breaks between blocks
C. Answer quickly to finish early
D. Read each question twice by default
Answer: B
Rationale:
o B is correct: Brief, planned breaks help maintain focus
(test-taking strategy).
o A is partially helpful but doesn’t include rest.
o C risks careless errors.
o D may waste time if applied indiscriminately.
6. A question asks: “Which action demonstrates ‘taking action’
in the CJMM?” Which choice illustrates that?
A. Recognizing an elevated heart rate
B. Selecting the highest-priority nursing intervention
C. Listing all possible complications
D. Reflecting on outcomes after intervention
Answer: B
Rationale:
o B is correct: “Take action” means perform or select
interventions.
o A, C occur in earlier CJMM steps; D is “reflect.”
7. Job Analysis Studies inform NCLEX content by:
A. Randomly choosing topics each year
B. Surveying practicing nurses to determine relevant tasks
C. Limiting exam length
D. Defining passing score
Answer: B
Rationale:
o B is correct: Job analyses survey real-world roles to set
blueprint content.
o A, C, D are not derived from job analysis.
, 8. A candidate must decide which of four unstable patients to
see first. This tests which CJMM component?
A. Recognize cues
B. Prioritize hypotheses
C. Evaluate outcomes
D. Take action
Answer: B
Rationale:
o B is correct: Determining priority reflects prioritization
of hypotheses.
o A identifies the cues; C is post-intervention; D is
implementation.
9. Which describes the “Pyramid to Success” concept in test-
taking?
A. Foundation of basic knowledge supports higher-order
thinking
B. Always answer easy questions first
C. Narrowing options by elimination only
D. Guessing yields correct answers 25% of the time
Answer: A
Rationale:
o A is correct: Building from recall through application to
analysis.
o B–D are too simplistic or incorrect.
10. In NGN CAT, when a candidate answers items correctly
at a high ability level, subsequent items:
A. Become easier
B. Remain the same difficulty
C. Increase in difficulty
D. Alternate difficulty randomly
Answer: C
Rationale:
Companion
Table of Contents
Introduction to Test-Taking and the NGN-NCLEX-RN
Test-Taking Strategies
The Next Generation NCLEX-RN (NGN) Examination
Job Analysis Studies
Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM)
Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT)
General Principles to Remember
Leadership and Management
Leadership and Management Principles
Maintaining a Safe, Effective Work Environment
Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing
Legal Aspects of Nursing Practice (Review)
Disaster Nursing and Crisis Intervention
Advanced Clinical Concepts
Respiratory Failure (Adults and Children)
Review of Respiratory Failure
Shock and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
Review of Shock and DIC
Resuscitation and Airway Obstruction Management
Review of Resuscitation
,Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Determining Acid–Base Disorders
Review of Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Electrocardiogram Interpretation
Review of ECG
Perioperative Care
Review of Perioperative Nursing
HIV Infection (Adults and Pediatrics)
Review of HIV
Pain Management
Review of Pain
Death, Dying, and Grief
Review of Death and Grief
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Communication
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Teaching and Learning in Nursing
Spiritual and Cultural Assessment
Complementary and Alternative Therapies Body System Reviews:
Respiratory System
Renal System
Cardiovascular System
Gastrointestinal System
Endocrine System
Musculoskeletal System
Neurologic System
Hematology and Oncology
,Reproductive System
Burns
Pediatric Nursing
Growth and Development
Pain Assessment and Management
Child Health Promotion (Review) Pediatric Disorders and Reviews:
Respiratory Disorders
Cardiovascular Disorders
Neuromuscular Disorders
Renal Disorders
Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders
Hematologic Disorders
Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders
Skeletal Disorders
Maternity Nursing
The Menstrual Cycle
Psychosocial Responses to Pregnancy
Prenatal Nutrition
Anatomy & Physiology of Reproduction / Antepartum Care
(Review)
Fetal and Maternal Assessment Techniques
Chorionic Villus Sampling
Amniocentesis
Electronic Fetal Monitoring
Antepartum Complications
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Molar Pregnancy (Hydatidiform Mole)
,Abruptio Placentae and Placenta Previa
Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Intrapartum Nursing Care (Review)
Labor and Birth Complications
Normal Postpartum (Puerperium) Care (Review)
Postpartum Complications (Review)
Normal Newborn
Newborn Complications
Preterm Infant
Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Review of Newborn and Substance Use Disorders
Psychiatric Nursing
Safety, Structure, Support, and Self-Management
Therapeutic Modalities
Therapeutic Communication and Treatment (Review)
Common Mental Health Interventions
Brief Psychiatric Interventions
Psychiatric Assessment for Inpatients
Mood Disorders (Review)
Substance Abuse Disorders
Alcohol Withdrawal
Opioid Withdrawal
Gerontologic Nursing
Theories of Aging
Communication in the Older Adult
Gerontologic Nursing (Review)
,Appendices
Common Laboratory Tests
NCLEX Practice Questions (Answer Key)
Index
Let me know if you'd like this in a printable format or broken into
sections for flashcard creation, test prep organization, or study
guides.
,Chapter 1: Introduction to Test-Taking Strategies and the
NGN-NCLEX-RN
1. A candidate on the NCLEX-RN encounters a question stem
that includes a lengthy patient scenario. What is the best first
step?
A. Read all options first to anticipate content
B. Skim the scenario for key data (e.g., vitals, priority
diagnosis)
C. Answer based on gut feeling from experience
D. Skip to the next question and come back later
Answer: B
Rationale:
o B is correct: Identifying key data reduces cognitive load
and focuses your thinking (NGN strategy).
o A is incorrect: Options may mislead before
understanding the scenario.
o C is incorrect: Gut feeling can introduce bias.
o D is incorrect: Skipping wastes time and may increase
test anxiety.
2. Which question type on the NGN-NCLEX-RN evaluates
application of the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model
(CJMM)?
A. Multiple-response select-all-that-apply
B. Traditional single-best-answer only
C. Extended drag-and-drop scenario mapping
D. Basic recall of facts
Answer: C
Rationale:
o C is correct: Extended item types (e.g., drag-and-drop)
test multiple CJMM steps.
, o A is incorrect: While select-all-that-apply tests analysis,
it doesn’t capture the full CJMM.
o B and D are lower-level and don’t assess integrated
clinical judgment.
3. According to NGN CAT principles, how does the computer
select the next item?
A. Randomly from the pool
B. Based on the candidate’s previous answer performance
C. In strict numerical order
D. According to a preset difficulty sequence
Answer: B
Rationale:
o B is correct: CAT adapts in real time, selecting items to
pinpoint ability.
o A, C, D are incorrect: They describe linear testing, not
adaptive.
4. A test-taker reads an NGN scenario and identifies four
possible nursing diagnoses. Which CJMM step does this
exemplify?
A. Recognize clues
B. Analyze cues
C. Prioritize hypotheses
D. Take action
Answer: B
Rationale:
o B is correct: Generating and interpreting clues to form
hypotheses is “analyze cues.”
o A is incorrect: Recognizing clues is initial data gathering.
o C is subsequent prioritization.
o D is the intervention phase.
5. During a long exam session, a candidate’s concentration
wanes. Which strategy best preserves mental stamina?
, A. Skip all difficult questions at first pass
B. Take scheduled brief stretch breaks between blocks
C. Answer quickly to finish early
D. Read each question twice by default
Answer: B
Rationale:
o B is correct: Brief, planned breaks help maintain focus
(test-taking strategy).
o A is partially helpful but doesn’t include rest.
o C risks careless errors.
o D may waste time if applied indiscriminately.
6. A question asks: “Which action demonstrates ‘taking action’
in the CJMM?” Which choice illustrates that?
A. Recognizing an elevated heart rate
B. Selecting the highest-priority nursing intervention
C. Listing all possible complications
D. Reflecting on outcomes after intervention
Answer: B
Rationale:
o B is correct: “Take action” means perform or select
interventions.
o A, C occur in earlier CJMM steps; D is “reflect.”
7. Job Analysis Studies inform NCLEX content by:
A. Randomly choosing topics each year
B. Surveying practicing nurses to determine relevant tasks
C. Limiting exam length
D. Defining passing score
Answer: B
Rationale:
o B is correct: Job analyses survey real-world roles to set
blueprint content.
o A, C, D are not derived from job analysis.
, 8. A candidate must decide which of four unstable patients to
see first. This tests which CJMM component?
A. Recognize cues
B. Prioritize hypotheses
C. Evaluate outcomes
D. Take action
Answer: B
Rationale:
o B is correct: Determining priority reflects prioritization
of hypotheses.
o A identifies the cues; C is post-intervention; D is
implementation.
9. Which describes the “Pyramid to Success” concept in test-
taking?
A. Foundation of basic knowledge supports higher-order
thinking
B. Always answer easy questions first
C. Narrowing options by elimination only
D. Guessing yields correct answers 25% of the time
Answer: A
Rationale:
o A is correct: Building from recall through application to
analysis.
o B–D are too simplistic or incorrect.
10. In NGN CAT, when a candidate answers items correctly
at a high ability level, subsequent items:
A. Become easier
B. Remain the same difficulty
C. Increase in difficulty
D. Alternate difficulty randomly
Answer: C
Rationale:
