Preparing for the Exam

As you prepare to take the National Council Licensure Examination, you may feel overwhelmed and frustrated. There is so much material to review and so many decisions to make. Where do I begin? Most graduates feel that way. This chapter will help you to become aware of the NCLEX® test plan and to know the types of questions you will encounter on the exam.

The NCLEX-PN® consists of questions from the cognitive levels of knowledge, comprehension, application, and analysis. The majority of questions are written at the application and analysis levels. Questions incorporate the five stages of the nursing process (assessment, analysis, planning, implementation, and evaluation) and the four categories of client needs. Client needs are divided into subcategories that define the content within each of the four major categories. These categories and subcategories as well as the percentages of questions allocated to each area are