12 Steps to Think Critically on the NCLEX Exam

The NCLEX can feel like a huge mountain to climb, but the key to conquering it lies in thinking critically every step of the way. It is not just about memorizing facts or formulas. Instead, it is about understanding what the question is asking, prioritizing patient needs, and making safe and confident decisions. Developing this skill takes time and practice, but it is absolutely possible. Below are 12 detailed steps to help you build your critical thinking skills and increase your chances of success on exam day.

1. Read the question carefully.

This might sound simple, but it is one of the most important steps. Many students rush through questions and miss important details. Make sure to read every word slowly and fully. Look out for keywords like “first,” “best,” “most appropriate,” or “except” because these words tell you exactly what the question wants you to focus on. Missing these small details can lead you to the wrong answer, so take your time.

2. Understand what the question is asking.

After reading the question, pause for a moment and think about what type of question this is. Is it asking about a nursing intervention? Medication side effects? Patient assessment? Or maybe it is testing your knowledge of prioritizing care. Knowing what the question truly wants will help you avoid being distracted by extra information and focus on what really matters.

3. Visualize the patient and the situation.

Imagine you are standing right there with the patient. Picture their condition, symptoms, and surroundings. What does the nurse need to do? Putting yourself in the scenario helps you grasp the problem better and understand the urgency or importance of certain actions. This mental image makes the question more real and easier to answer.

4. Identify the priority problem.

Nursing is about prioritizing care because you will never have enough time to do everything at once. Use frameworks like ABC—airway, breathing, circulation—or Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to decide what to address first. Usually, life-threatening issues come before comfort or education. Deciding what is most urgent keeps your focus sharp and safe.

5. Eliminate obviously wrong answers.

When you look at the answer choices, start by crossing out any options that clearly do not fit the patient’s condition or are unsafe. Narrowing down your choices reduces confusion and increases your chances of picking the right one. This step also helps you avoid second-guessing yourself too much.

6. Always think about patient safety first.

Safety is the top priority in nursing care. If one answer option could harm the patient or increase risk, it is usually not correct. Choose the answer that protects the patient from harm or prevents complications. This safety mindset helps you filter choices in high-pressure situations.

7. Connect the question to what you have learned. 

Use your knowledge from classes about anatomy, physiology, medications, nursing interventions, and patient education. Think about how these concepts apply to the scenario. This connection between theory and practice is what separates guessing from confident decision-making.

8. Consider the patient’s age, history, and context. 

Different patients have different normal ranges and needs. What is urgent for a child might not be urgent for an adult. Consider chronic illnesses or recent surgeries mentioned in the question. This helps tailor your answer to the specific patient instead of giving a generic response.

9. Look for clues within the question and answer choices.

Sometimes, the question gives subtle hints or contradictions. Look carefully for these clues. They might point you toward the correct answer or help you rule out incorrect options. Being attentive to these details can make a big difference.

10. Avoid overthinking or adding assumptions.

Stick to the information given in the question. Don’t bring in outside knowledge that is not relevant or make assumptions about the patient’s condition beyond what is presented. Overcomplicating things can lead you away from the correct answer.

11. Manage your time well.

The NCLEX is timed, so you cannot spend too long on any one question. If you find yourself stuck, mark the question and move on. You can come back to it later with a fresh perspective. Time management helps prevent stress and keeps you moving steadily through the exam.

12. Practice regularly and review your mistakes. 

Critical thinking is a skill that improves with practice. When you take practice tests or quizzes, always spend time reviewing both your correct and incorrect answers. Ask yourself why you chose the answer you did and whether there was a better option. Reflecting on your thought process builds stronger critical thinking over time.

Thinking critically on the NCLEX is not something you either have or don’t have. It is a skill you can learn and get better at with consistent effort and practice. Each question is an opportunity to think like a nurse and focus on what keeps patients safe and cared for. Keep practicing these steps, trust your knowledge, and approach the exam with confidence. You are capable of passing the NCLEX and stepping into your nursing career ready to make a difference.