The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is an essential test for nursing candidates. Understanding the different question types can improve your test-taking skills and increase your chances of success. This article covers the 9 NCLEX question types and tips for approaching them.
Identifying NCLEX Question Types Before the Exam
Understanding the various NCLEX question types before the exam is crucial for success. Familiarity with the formats helps you develop effective test-taking strategies, manage your time efficiently, and reduce stress during the examination. A solid grasp of question types allows you to focus on applying your nursing knowledge and critical thinking skills, ultimately increasing your chances of passing the NCLEX.
9 NCLEX Question Types
The types of questions you may encounter on the NCLEX exam include the following:
1. Multiple-Choice Questions
The most common type of question on the NCLEX exam is multiple-choice questions. You will be presented with a scenario and four options and must select the best answer. These questions require you to analyze the situation and use critical thinking skills to arrive at the correct answer.
- Common question format
- A client situation followed by four answer options
- Choose the best answer based on the information provided
2. Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
Fill-in-the-blank questions may ask you to perform calculations or provide numerical values. You will need to type your answer in the answer box, and the rules for rounding and formatting your answer will be provided in the question.
- Requires calculations or numerical inputs
- Type only a number in the answer box
- Follow rounding rules and include decimal points when necessary
3. Multiple-Response Questions
Multiple-response questions ask you to select all the options that apply to the question. You need to carefully read the question and select all the correct options.
- Select all options that apply
- May have one, multiple, or all options as correct answers
- No partial credit was awarded for incomplete selections
4. Ordered-Response Questions (Drag and Drop)
In ordered-response questions, you will be asked to arrange the options in order of priority. You will be presented with a scenario and options, and you must use critical thinking skills to determine the order of priority.
- Prioritize nursing actions based on given data
- Drag options from left-side boxes to right-side ordered-response boxes
- Follow the specific directions provided in the question
5. Figure or Hot Spot Questions
In figure or hot spot questions, you will be presented with an image or graphic and asked to answer the question based on the image or graphic. You may also be asked to click on specific areas in the image or graphic to answer the question.
- Based on a picture, chart, table, or illustration
- Answer questions by using the mouse to point and click on specific areas
- Visual elements may appear in other question types as well
6. Chart/Exhibit Questions
In chart/exhibit questions, you will be presented with a problem and a chart or exhibit. You will be required to click on tabs or buttons to obtain the information needed to answer the question.
- Problem-solving questions with a chart or exhibit
- Click on tabs or buttons to obtain information needed for answering
- Follow prompts or messages to navigate the question
7. Graphic Item Option Questions
In graphic item option questions, the options will be presented as pictures rather than text. You will need to select the option that represents your answer choice.
- Answer choices are images instead of text
- Use the computer mouse to click on the correct option
8. Audio Questions
Audio questions require you to listen to a sound to answer the question. You must use the headset provided and click on the sound icon to listen to the sound.
- Listen to a sound to answer the question
- Use a provided headset and adjust the volume as needed
- Examples: lung sounds, heart sounds, bowel sounds
9. Video Questions
Video questions require you to watch an animation or video clip to answer the question. You will need to click on the video icon to watch the clip.
- Watch an animation or video clip to answer the question
- Click on the video icon and use the headset if needed
- Examples: assessment techniques, nursing procedures, communication skills
Next Gen NCLEX (NGN) Questions
The Next Generation NCLEX® (NGN) questions are a new type of question that evaluates your clinical judgment and critical thinking skills. As stated by the NCSBN, the NGN questions may include CLOZE items, enhanced multiple responses, hot spots, extended drag and drop, dynamic exhibits, and constructed responses. These questions may be a part of the NCSBN research study and do not count toward your final score. However, you must focus and use critical thinking skills to answer them correctly.
Practicing Next-Gen NCLEX Question Types
NCLEX Academy offers one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of NCLEX questions, including the latest Next-Generation NCLEX (NGN) questions. With a focus on helping nursing candidates excel, NCLEX Academy provides an invaluable resource to enhance NCLEX test preparation and boost future nurses’ confidence. Read more here to discover more about the extensive next-gen questions bank and how it can benefit your study process.
Conclusion
The NCLEX examination assesses your critical thinking and clinical judgment skills through various question types. Familiarizing yourself with these 9 NCLEX question types can help you prepare and perform better on the exam. Ensure you read the instructions carefully and apply your knowledge and skills effectively to ace the test.
