NCSBN Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield NCSBN facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with a potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Which of the following assessments is the nurse's priority? → Assessing the client's cardiac rhythm
2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client newly prescribed warfarin. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further education? → "I will start taking ibuprofen for my occasional headaches."
3. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of influenza. Which of the following transmission-based precautions should the nurse initiate? → Droplet precautions
4. What does the NCLEX stand for? → National Council Licensure Examination
5. Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates the most effective method for preventing the spread of infection among clients? → Performing consistent and thorough hand hygiene.
6. A nurse is creating a plan of care to promote rest and sleep for a client in a busy hospital setting. Which nursing intervention is most effective? → Cluster nursing tasks to minimize interruptions during the night.
7. A nurse uses the Bow-tie NGN item format. The center of the bow-tie represents which element of clinical judgment? → The most likely client condition
8. The nurse is caring for a client with a C. difficile infection. When exiting the room after providing care, which action is required? → Wash hands with soap and water.
9. Assessment Analysis (not RN Dx) Planning Implementation Evaluation → Integrated nursing process areas:
10. What are the Standards of Professional Practice? → specific to the practice of nursing
11. The NCLEX is written by: → nurses
12. When prioritizing hypotheses in the NCJMM, the nurse should rank potential patient problems based on which criteria? → Urgency, likelihood, and risk to the patient
13. Which NGN item type requires the nurse to select multiple assessment findings that require immediate follow-up from a list of patient data? → Highlight item
14. Med-Surg Peds Psych OB Fundamentals → Integrated content areas:
15. What has the ANA established standards for? → both nursing practice and professional performance
16. Which scenario BEST demonstrates the 'Take Action' cognitive skill in the NCJMM? → The nurse decides to increase IV fluid rate and notify the physician
17. A nurse is preparing to obtain informed consent from a client for a surgical procedure. Which of the following is a key element of informed consent? → A description of alternative treatments and the risks of no treatment.
18. A registered nurse (RN) is delegating tasks to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which of the following tasks is appropriate for the RN to delegate? → Assisting a stable client with ambulation to the bathroom.
19. What do registered nurses use the nursing process for? → the basis for decision making and actions taken
20. Which action demonstrates POOR clinical judgment when a patient's condition changes unexpectedly? → Continuing the original care plan without reassessment
21. A nurse is preparing to provide oral hygiene to an unconscious client. To minimize the risk of aspiration, the nurse should place the client in which position? → Side-lying with the head turned toward the mattress.
22. Name the priorities in Maslow's hierarchy of needs: → Physiologic needs Safety & security Love & belonging Self-esteem Self-actualization
23. A nurse is caring for a client who suddenly develops dyspnea, tachypnea, and uses accessory muscles to breathe. What is the nurse's priority action? → Raise the head of the bed to a high-Fowler's position.
24. A nurse discovers a fire in a client's room. After rescuing the client, which of the following actions should the nurse take next? → Activate the fire alarm.
25. Which internal factor in the NCJMM model most directly influences a new graduate nurse's clinical judgment compared to an experienced nurse? → Knowledge base and clinical experience
26. A nurse is prioritizing care for four clients at the beginning of the shift. Which client should the nurse assess first? → A client with a history of asthma who has a new onset of wheezing and shortness of breath.
27. When a question asks you about safety or when there is no urgent physiological need use this prioritization method: → client first equipment second
28. A nurse is caring for a client with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which laboratory finding is an expected physiological adaptation to this condition? → Hyperphosphatemia
29. What is the minimum number of questions on the NCLEX? → 75
30. What does the Standards of Professional Practice hold nurses accountable for? → following a code of conduct and upholding ethical values related to the profession