NCLEX-PN Cheat Sheet.
The night-before summary, built like the exam.

NCLEX-PN Cheat Sheet — Fast Facts

• Questions: 85–150 (variable-length CAT — stops once your ability is measured)
• Time limit: up to 300 minutes (5 hours), including tutorial and breaks
• Scoring: Pass/Fail — no numeric score reported
• Registration fee: $200

How the CAT Engine Works (must-know)

• The test adapts: answer correctly and the next item gets harder; miss it and it gets easier.
• The exam ends when the computer is 95% confident your ability is clearly above or below the passing standard — this can happen at the minimum item count or run to the maximum.
• Because length varies, finishing early is not a signal of pass or fail — it only means the engine reached a confident decision.
• The three exit rules: the 95% Confidence Rule, the Maximum-Length Rule, and the Run-Out-of-Time Rule.

Test-Taking Rules of Thumb

• You cannot skip or go back. Every question must be answered in order, so commit before moving on.
• Budget roughly 1–2 minutes per item — with up to 150 questions across 300 minutes, pacing keeps the time-out rule from deciding for you.
• When two answers seem right, prioritize by ABCs → Maslow → Safety → Nursing Process (assess before act).
• Choose assessment before intervention unless the stem describes an emergency requiring immediate action.

Priority Frameworks (memorize the order)

1. ABC: Airway → Breathing → Circulation (always first in an unstable client)
2. Maslow: Physiological → Safety → Love/Belonging → Esteem → Self-Actualization
3. Nursing Process (ADPIE): Assess → Diagnose → Plan → Implement → Evaluate

Delegation for the PN Scope

• The PN can reinforce teaching, monitor stable clients, and perform routine care — but initial assessment, teaching, evaluation, and unstable clients stay with the RN.
• Delegate to the UAP only stable, predictable, routine tasks (vitals, hygiene, ambulation, intake/output).
• Use the 5 Rights of Delegation: right task, right circumstance, right person, right direction, right supervision.

Med-Math Formulas (drill these)

• Desired / Have × Quantity = Dose to give
• Drip rate (gtt/min) = (Volume mL × Drop factor gtt/mL) ÷ Time in minutes
• Flow rate (mL/hr) = Total volume mL ÷ Total time hr
• Convert before you calculate: 1 kg = 2.2 lb · 1 g = 1000 mg · 1 mg = 1000 mcg · 1 L = 1000 mL · 1 tsp = 5 mL

Day-Of Reminders

• Bring valid, unexpired government ID matching your ATT name exactly.
• Optional breaks count against the 5-hour total — plan them.
• You paid the $200 fee at registration; the ATT (Authorization to Test) is required to schedule and sit.