NCLEX-RN Question Type

Drag and Drop Questions

Drag and Drop questions on the NCLEX-RN are interactive items that require the test-taker to click and drag on-screen objects to specific locations or sequences. These questions assess a candidate's ability to organize information, prioritize nursing actions, and demonstrate critical thinking skills. In a Drag and Drop item, the examinee may be asked to arrange nursing interventions in order of priority, categorize patient assessment findings, or match medical equipment with their appropriate uses.

Practice Drag and Drop Questions

How to Identify Drag and Drop Questions

The question stem will explicitly state that the examinee must 'drag and drop' items to complete the task.
The question will present a set of objects or options that need to be organized or matched.
The examinee will use the computer mouse to click on an object and drag it to the appropriate location on the screen.
Drag and Drop questions do not have traditional multiple-choice answer options.

Strategies for Drag and Drop Questions

1Read the Question Stem Carefully

Ensure you fully understand what the question is asking you to do by organizing or matching the presented items. Pay close attention to any specific instructions or criteria provided.

2Identify the Relationship Between Items

Analyze the items you need to drag and drop to determine how they are connected or related. This will help you decide on the appropriate placement or sequence.

3Use a Process of Elimination

If you are unsure of the correct placement of an item, try eliminating options that are clearly incorrect. This can help you narrow down the possibilities and make a more informed decision.

4Review Your Work

Before submitting your answer, carefully review the placement of all items to ensure you have completed the task correctly. Double-check that you have followed the instructions and that the final arrangement makes logical sense.

5Practice with Similar Question Types

Familiarize yourself with the Drag and Drop format by practicing with sample questions that utilize this format. This will help you become more comfortable with the interaction and improve your performance on the actual NCLEX-RN exam.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Rushing through the question and not reading the instructions carefully.
Failing to understand the relationship between the items and how they should be organized.
Accidentally dropping an item in the wrong location and not catching the error.
Feeling overwhelmed by the interactive nature of the question and becoming flustered.

How to Practice

To effectively practice Drag and Drop questions for the NCLEX-RN, seek out sample questions that mirror the format and content you expect to see on the exam. Carefully read each question stem, analyze the relationship between the items, and practice clicking and dragging the objects to the appropriate locations. Time yourself during these practice sessions to simulate the timed conditions of the actual exam. Additionally, review any incorrect responses to understand where you may have misinterpreted the instructions or made incorrect assumptions about the relationships between the items. Consistent practice with Drag and Drop questions will help build your confidence and improve your performance on this unique question type.