NGN Clinical Judgment Model
The 6 steps the NCSBN uses to write NGN items: recognize cues, analyze, prioritize hypotheses, generate solutions, take action, evaluate.
Understanding the NCSBN clinical judgment model helps you recognize what an NGN item is asking. Six layers map to common item stems.
1. Recognize cues
Identify relevant patient data. 'Which findings require follow-up?'
2. Analyze cues
Interpret what data means. 'What is the client most likely experiencing?'
3. Prioritize hypotheses
Rank potential problems. 'Which is the most concerning?'
4. Generate solutions
Identify potential interventions. 'Which actions should be considered?'
5. Take action
Pick interventions. 'Which should the nurse implement first?'
6. Evaluate outcomes
Assess response. 'Which finding indicates improvement?'
Frequently asked
Why does this matter for prep?
Recognizing which step the item is testing helps you focus the right cognitive process.
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