Kaplan Nursing - NCLEX-PN Content Review Guide: Preparation for the NCLEX-PN Examination (Kaplan Test Prep)

NCLEX-PN is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc., which neither sponsors nor endorses this book.

This book is solely intended for use as preparation for the Nursing Licensure Examination, NCLEX-PN examination. It is not a guide to the clinical treatment of clients. Neither the authors nor the publisher shall be responsible for any harm caused by the use of this book other than for its intended purpose. This book is just a small portion of the Kaplan materials available for you to prepare for the NCLEX-PN exam.

This publication is designed to provide accurate information in regard to the subject matter covered as of its publication date, with the understanding that knowledge and best practice constantly evolve. The publisher is not engaged in rendering medical, legal, accounting, or other professional service. If medical or legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. This publication is not intended for use in clinical practice or the delivery of medical care. To the fullest extent of the law, neither the Publisher nor the Editors assume any liability for any injury and/or damage to persons or property arising out of or related to any use of the material contained in this book.

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Susan Sanders, D.N.P, R.N.

Vice President, Kaplan Nursing

Barbara Arnoldussen, M.B.A., R.N.

Judith A. Burckhardt, Ph.D., R.N.

Barbara Dobish, M.S.N., R.N.

Cindy Finesilver, M.S.N., R.N.

Pamela Gardner, M.S.N., R.N.

Barbara J. Irwin, M.S.N., R.N.

Amy M. Kennedy, M.S.N., R.N.

Ellen Mahoney, C.S., D.N.S., R.N.

Marlene Redemske, M.S.N., M.A., R.N.

Welcome! By using Kaplan Nursing resources, youve taken an important step toward passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses ( NCLEX-PN ).

Our many years of experience indicate that your success on the NCLEX-PN examination is keyed to two specific factors: your educational background and your exam preparation. The amount and intensity of study you devote will bring about the greatest benefits from these resources. The best results come to those who actively participate in exam preparation. We will show you how the NCLEX-PN examination works, what you do and dont need to know, and the smartest way to take the NCLEX-PN examination. We provide you with data to help you analyze your practice performance and determine where you need to make improvements. We will give you all the help, advice, and encouragement we canbut only you can do the work. Get to know all the benefits that Kaplan Nursing has to offer so you can make the most of your study time.

After you complete your resources and take the NCLEX-PN examination, please tell us how you did. Kaplans Research and Curriculum Development Team works hard to ensure that our course materials employ the most effective and innovative teaching methods. In order to evolve and improve, we need your help. Please take a few moments to share your thoughts on how the materials helped you. Thank you in advance for choosing Kaplan for your studies.

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Our best wishes for an interesting and satisfying nursing career.

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Chapter 1

Sections

Have you talked to LPN/LVNs about their experiences taking the NCLEX-PN examination? If so, they probably told you it was unlike any nursing test they have ever taken. How can that be? Lets talk in detail about the NCLEX-PN examination.

NCLEX-PN stands for National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses and is prepared by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The purpose of the exam is to determine if you are safe to begin practice as an entry-level practical/vocational nurse. The NCLEX-PN examination is a test of minimum competency, and is based on the required knowledge and behavior for the entry-level practice of practical/vocational nursing. This exam tests not only your knowledge, but also your ability to make decisions.

The NCLEX-PN examination is a computer adaptive test, which means each test is assembled interactively based on the accuracy of the candidates responses to the questions. This ensures that the question you are answering will not be too hard or too easy for your skill level. The first question will be near the level of minimum competency (also referred to as the passing line). If you answer the question correctly, the next question will be slightly higher in critical thinking. If you miss the question, the next question will be slightly lower. As you answer questions, the computer is able to calculate your level of competence, as well as select questions that represent all areas of practical/vocational nursing as defined by the NCLEX-PN test plan.

You have a maximum of 5 hours to complete the exam, which includes the beginning tutorial, a break reminder after the first two hours of testing, a break reminder after an additional 90 minutes of testing, and any additional breaks you may take.

There is no time limit for each question. The NCLEX-PN examination is a variable-length adaptive test, which means that your test will be anywhere from 85 questions to 205 questions. Of the first 85 questions, 25 are experimental items that are not scored. Your test will end when the computer has determined your ability and you have taken at least 85 questions, or when you have reached the maximum testing time of 5 hours, or when you have answered 205 questions.

The NCLEX-PN exam does not want to test your body of nursing knowledge; it assumes you have a body of knowledge because you have graduated from nursing school. Likewise, it does not want to test your understanding of the material; it assumes you understand the nursing knowledge you learned in nursing school. So what does this exam test?

The NCLEX-PN exam primarily tests your nursing judgment and discretion. It tests your ability to think critically and solve problems. The test writers recognize that as a beginning practitioner, you will be managing nursing assistants to provide care to a group of clients. As a member of the nursing team, you are expected to make safe and competent judgments about client care.