NCLEX-RN Syllabus, Check Exam Pattern, Detailed Syllabus, Question type Example, Percentage Distribution
The NCLEX-RN syllabus is divided into four categories. Through this article, candidates can learn about the detailed syllabus, exam pattern, category percentage distribution, and more.
Priyanka Agarwal10 Sept, 2024
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NCLEX-RN Syllabus: The NCLEX-RN, or National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, is a computer-based test that nursing graduates must pass to become licensed as Registered Nurses in the US and Canada. To prepare well, it’s important to know the NCLEX-RN syllabus and the main topics it covers. This article gives an overview of the syllabus to help candidates study effectively and succeed on the exam.
NCLEX-RN Syllabus Overview
The NCLEX-RN exam is designed to assess the competencies required for safe and effective entry-level nursing practice. The test is computerized and uses a computer adaptive testing (CAT) format, which means the difficulty of questions adjusts based on the candidate's performance. The exam primarily tests critical thinking and clinical judgment in various nursing scenarios.| NCLEX-RN Syllabus Overview | |
|---|---|
| Category | Details |
| Exam Name | NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) |
| Regions | Canada / US |
| Post | RN (Registered Nurse), PN (Practical Nurse) |
| RN Exam Details | 75-265 questions, up to 5 hours |
| Question Types | MCQ, Charts, Fill-in-the-Blanks (F/B), Drag and Drop, Hotspot Questions |
| Annual Exams | 8 exams per year with a 45-day retake window |
| Result Availability | Results within 6 weeks of the exam |
| Number of Candidates | 280,279 (India: 2,907) |
| Experimental Questions | 15 |
| Syllabus |
Safe and Effective Environment
: Client Rights, Ethics, Home Safety, Accident Prevention
Health Promotion : Aging, Newborn Care, Developmental Stages, Lifestyle Choices Psychological Integrity : Social Issues, Emotions, Abuse, Clinical Dependencies Physiological Aspects : Therapeutic Procedures, Risk Management, Abnormal Responses to Therapies |
NCLEX-RN Exam Pattern
The NCLEX-RN exam is a crucial step for nursing graduates seeking licensure as Registered Nurses. The table below outlines the NCLEX-RN exam pattern, including the types of questions you’ll encounter, such as MCQs, Charts and Figures, Fill-in-the-Blanks, Drag and Drop, and Hotspot Questions. It also details the inclusion of 15 experimental questions meant for future exam development, and specifies that the exam consists of 75 to 265 questions to be completed within 5 hours.| NCLEX-RN Exam Pattern | |
| Aspect | Details |
| Question Types | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) Charts and Figures Fill-in-the-Blanks (F/B) Drag and Drop Hotspot Questions |
| Experimental Questions | Number: 15 Purpose: Testing new questions for future exams (not scored) |
| Total Questions | 75-265 |
| Duration | 5 Hours |
Example of NCLEX-RN Question Pattern
The example of the NCLEX-RN question pattern provides insights into the types of questions you will encounter on the exam. The images included illustrate various question formats, helping candidates understand the different question types and their patterns. By reviewing these examples, candidates can better prepare for the exam and tailor their study strategies to effectively address the specific question styles they will face.NCLEX-RN Question Type: Multiple Choice
NCLEX-RN Question Type: Chart Sample
NCLEX-RN Question Type: Drag & Drop
NCLEX-RN Question Type: Fill in Blanks
NCLEX-RN Question Type: Hotspot
NCLEX-RN Syllabus
The table below outlines the main content areas of the NCLEX-RN exam, categorized into key areas of nursing care. It provides a detailed breakdown of topics within each category, helping candidates understand the scope of the exam and focus their study efforts.| NCLEX-RN Syllabus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Subcategory | Topics |
| Safe and Effective Care Environment | Management of Care | Advance directives, Case management, Client rights, Collaboration with interdisciplinary team, Concepts of management, Confidentiality and information security, Continuity of care, Delegation, Establishing priorities, Ethical practice, Informed consent, Legal rights and responsibilities |
| Safety and Infection Control | Accident/error/injury prevention, Emergency response plan, Ergonomic principles, Handling hazardous materials, Home safety, Reporting of incident/event/irregular occurrence/variance, Safe use of equipment, Security plan, Standard precautions/transmission-based precautions/surgical asepsis | |
| Health Promotion and Maintenance | Growth and Development Through the Lifespan | Aging process, Developmental stages and transitions, Health promotion/disease prevention, Health screening, High-risk behaviors, Lifestyle choices, Self-care |
| Prevention and Early Detection of Disease | Immunizations, Physical assessment techniques, Risk factors | |
| Psychosocial Integrity | Coping and Adaptation | Coping mechanisms, Crisis intervention, Grief and loss, Stress management |
| Psychosocial Adaptation | Behavioral interventions, Chemical and other dependencies, Coping mechanisms, End-of-life care, Mental health concepts, Spiritual and religious influences on health | |
| Physiological Integrity | Basic Care and Comfort | Assistive devices, Elimination, Mobility/immobility, Non-pharmacological comfort interventions, Nutrition and oral hydration, Palliative/comfort care, Personal hygiene, Rest and sleep |
| Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies | Adverse effects/contraindications/side effects/interactions, Blood and blood products, Central venous access devices, Dosage calculation, Expected actions/outcomes, Medication administration, Parenteral/intravenous therapies, Pharmacological pain management | |
| Reduction of Risk Potential | Diagnostic tests, Laboratory values, Potential for complications from surgical procedures and health alterations, Therapeutic procedures | |
| Physiological Adaptation | Alterations in body systems, Fluid and electrolyte imbalances, Medical emergencies, Pathophysiology, Radiation therapy, Unexpected response to therapies | |
NCLEX-RN Syllabus Categories and Percentage Distribution
The NCLEX-RN syllabus is divided into four major categories, each encompassing specific content areas and nursing responsibilities. This table helps in understanding the distribution of questions across different categories and subcategories in the NCLEX-RN exam, along with the integrated processes and clinical judgment evaluations.| NCLEX-RN Syllabus Categories and Percentage Distribution | ||
| NCLEX-RN Syllabus Categories | Subcategories | Percentage of Items |
| Safe and Effective Care Environment | Management of Care Safety and Infection Control | 15-21% 10-16% |
| Health Promotion and Maintenance | Growth and Development Through the Lifespan Prevention and Early Detection of Disease | 6-12% |
| Psychosocial Integrity | Coping and Adaptation Psychosocial Adaptation | 6-12% |
| Physiological Integrity | Basic Care and Comfort Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies Reduction of Risk Potential Physiological Adaptation | 6-12% 13-19% 9-15% 11-17% |
Study Tips for NCLEX-RN Syllabus Preparation
- Understand the Test Format: Familiarize yourself with the CAT format and question types. Practice with NCLEX-style questions to become comfortable with the test's adaptive nature.
- Review Core Content Areas: Focus on the major categories and percentages outlined in the syllabus. Ensure you cover each topic thoroughly and understand key concepts.
- Use Study Resources: Utilize NCLEX review books, online courses, and practice exams. Resources like the NCLEX-RN test plan from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) can provide detailed insights into the exam content.
- Practice Critical Thinking: The NCLEX-RN tests your ability to apply knowledge in clinical scenarios. Practice critical thinking and decision-making skills to enhance your clinical judgment.
- Manage Your Time: Develop a study schedule that allows you to cover all content areas and review weak points. Regular practice and timed quizzes can help improve your time management during the exam.
NCLEX-RN Syllabus FAQs
What is the NCLEX-RN exam?
The NCLEX-RN is a computer-based test required for nursing graduates to obtain licensure as Registered Nurses in the US and Canada. It evaluates the competencies needed for safe and effective entry-level nursing practice.
How many questions are on the NCLEX-RN exam?
The NCLEX-RN exam includes between 75-265 questions, depending on the candidate's performance. The test is designed to adapt in difficulty based on responses.
What types of questions are on the NCLEX-RN?
The exam features Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Charts and Figures, Fill-in-the-Blanks, Drag and Drop, and Hotspot Questions. These formats test various aspects of nursing knowledge and skills.
How long is the NCLEX-RN exam?
Candidates have up to 5 hours to complete the NCLEX-RN exam. This duration includes time for breaks and the entire testing process.
When can I expect to receive my NCLEX-RN results?
Results for the NCLEX-RN are typically available within 6 weeks after the exam. This timeframe allows for thorough evaluation and processing of the test data.
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