NCLEX STRATEGIES Reviewed Questions and
Detailed Answers 2026
What is the purpose of strategic words used in NCLEX questions? - correct answers Strategic
words focus your attention on a critical point to consider when answering the question and will
assist you in eliminating the incorrect options. These words can be located in either the event or
the query of the question.
What does the strategic word "Early" indicate? - correct answers The need to prioritize
Often times with prioritization questions, all options provided as answers are correct and that it
will be necessary to prioritize to select the correct option.
What does the strategic word "Monitor" indicate? - correct answers The need to Assess
(Assessment usually indicates the need tt look for an option that is first step)
What does the strategic phrase "Most likely" indicate? - correct answers The need to prioritize
What does the strategic word "Best" indicate? - correct answers The need to prioritize
, What does the strategic word "Observe" indicate? - correct answers The need to Assess
What does the strategic word "Determine" indicate? - correct answers The need to assess
The nurse is caring for a client who just returned from the recovery room after undergoing
abdominal surgery. The nurse would monitor for which early sign of hypovolemic shock?
1. Sleepiness
2. Increased Pulse Rate
3. Increased Depth of Respirations
4. Increased Orientation to Surrounding - correct answers Answer: Increased Pulse Rate
Rational: The strategic word Early indicates the need to prioritize. When evaluating the S/Sx of
shock, Restlessness would be the first sign (which is not an option), the next earlier signs of
shock is cardiovascular changes (increased HR compensates for low BP). Increased depth of
respirations does occur with shock but is not an early sign.
When prioritizing, what tools should we always use to determine the correct order of action? -
correct answers 1. ABC's (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
the only time we do not use the ABC's is with CPR. The priority with CPR is CAB
(compressions/circulation, Airway, Breathing)
2. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
3. The steps of the nursing process, CJMM, and cognitive skills
When prioritizing, you should always assess and collect information if the patient is... - correct
answers stable
Detailed Answers 2026
What is the purpose of strategic words used in NCLEX questions? - correct answers Strategic
words focus your attention on a critical point to consider when answering the question and will
assist you in eliminating the incorrect options. These words can be located in either the event or
the query of the question.
What does the strategic word "Early" indicate? - correct answers The need to prioritize
Often times with prioritization questions, all options provided as answers are correct and that it
will be necessary to prioritize to select the correct option.
What does the strategic word "Monitor" indicate? - correct answers The need to Assess
(Assessment usually indicates the need tt look for an option that is first step)
What does the strategic phrase "Most likely" indicate? - correct answers The need to prioritize
What does the strategic word "Best" indicate? - correct answers The need to prioritize
, What does the strategic word "Observe" indicate? - correct answers The need to Assess
What does the strategic word "Determine" indicate? - correct answers The need to assess
The nurse is caring for a client who just returned from the recovery room after undergoing
abdominal surgery. The nurse would monitor for which early sign of hypovolemic shock?
1. Sleepiness
2. Increased Pulse Rate
3. Increased Depth of Respirations
4. Increased Orientation to Surrounding - correct answers Answer: Increased Pulse Rate
Rational: The strategic word Early indicates the need to prioritize. When evaluating the S/Sx of
shock, Restlessness would be the first sign (which is not an option), the next earlier signs of
shock is cardiovascular changes (increased HR compensates for low BP). Increased depth of
respirations does occur with shock but is not an early sign.
When prioritizing, what tools should we always use to determine the correct order of action? -
correct answers 1. ABC's (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
the only time we do not use the ABC's is with CPR. The priority with CPR is CAB
(compressions/circulation, Airway, Breathing)
2. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
3. The steps of the nursing process, CJMM, and cognitive skills
When prioritizing, you should always assess and collect information if the patient is... - correct
answers stable
