NCLEX Exam Question Types

NCLEX Exam Question Types

The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) has introduced new question formats to better assess higher-level thinking and clinical judgment skills. These include:

1. Drag-and-Drop Cloze:

• Description: Test-takers can drag an option to the answer box, acknowledging that multiple answers might be correct. Options can be dragged back to the original list or eliminated from the question.
• Purpose: Evaluates the ability to synthesize and apply information in a flexible manner.

2. Drop-Down Cloze:

• Description: This format presents a sentence or paragraph with several drop-down menus, each offering three to five potential answers.
• Purpose: Assesses the ability to complete statements accurately by choosing the best possible answer from a list.

3. Drag-and-Drop Rational:

• Description: Involves a question with a singular cause and effect or dual causes. Answers are selected from a list and placed over a specified target, with the option to drag the answer back or remove it.
• Purpose: Ensures an interactive approach to evaluating understanding by allowing dynamic answer selection and revision.

4. Drop-Down Rationale and Table:

• Description: This type of question involves one sentence outlining a cause and its effects, potentially leading to multiple outcomes. Responses can be a dyad (single sentence with two options) or a triad (single sentence with three options).
• Purpose: Measures the ability to discern cause and effect relationships and select the most accurate outcomes.

5. Matrix Multiple Choice and Response:

• Description: Consists of four to ten lines, each offering two or three choices. Participants must select one option per line and complete all selections before moving on.
• Purpose: Tests comprehensive understanding by requiring detailed answer selection for multiple related statements.

6. Multiple Response Select N:

• Description: Unlike other multiple-choice questions, this type specifies the number of options to select.
• Purpose: Ensures precision by limiting the number of choices, encouraging test-takers to select the most relevant options only.

7. Multiple Response Grouping:

• Description: Features a structured table with two to five categories, each containing two to four choices. Test-takers must make at least one selection per category.
• Purpose: Assesses the ability to categorize and select appropriate responses within structured groups.

8. Highlight Text and Table:

• Description: Test-takers highlight key parts of the text deemed crucial for the task. The question includes up to ten options, with the flexibility to choose or remove as needed.
• Purpose: Focuses on the ability to identify and highlight essential information.

9. Trend:

• Description: This question type aligns with the NCSBN Clinical Judgement Measurement Model (NCJMM), exploring steps to assess clinical judgment.
• Purpose: Evaluates the ability to recognize and interpret clinical trends and make informed decisions based on the observed data.

These diverse question formats enhance the NCLEX's ability to assess critical thinking, clinical judgment, and practical application of nursing knowledge in a more interactive and comprehensive manner.