Using NCLEX Practice Questions to Avoid 10 Common Mistakes

Preparing for the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a critical step in becoming a licensed nurse. It's a challenging test that assesses your ability to apply knowledge and make clinical decisions under pressure. For many nursing students, the NCLEX can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating its unique format and high expectations. 

At Archer Review, we are committed to your success! Read on as we reveal 10 common mistakes that we see nursing students make and give tips on how to avoid them with NCLEX practice questions. By identifying and addressing these common pitfalls, you can enhance your study strategies, improve your test-taking skills, and increase your chances of NCLEX success.

1. Not Using a Study Plan

Studying without a structured plan can lead to missed content areas and inefficient use of your time. Create a study plan that includes specific goals for each day or week. 

Your plan should allocate time for reviewing content, completing NCLEX practice questions, and taking mock exams. Stick to your schedule and track your progress to ensure you cover all areas before the exam. 

At Archer Review, we have three main study calendars that students can use, including the three, six, and twelve-week NCLEX study plans. For students who have recently graduated nursing school and feel like the content is still fresh in their mind, the three-week calendar will typically be very effective. 

For students who have been out of school for a while and need a more comprehensive review, the six-week calendar will cover the most high-yield concepts that are likely to show up on the NCLEX exam. 

Finally, for students who have tested multiple times for the NCLEX without success, the twelve-week study calendar will be most effective, as this plan allows the student to review a wide array of topics at a slower pace, allowing for a better understanding of the materials.

2. Overloading with Content

Trying to cram too much content into your study sessions can lead to burnout and ineffective learning. In our experience at Archer Review, students have often shown up to private NCLEX tutoring sessions proudly explaining that they study for 8-10 hours per day. While this effort is to be commended, it often is not the most effective way to actually retain the material that is being reviewed.  

At Archer Review, we recommend studying in 1-2 hour chunks to ensure that you feel alert and fully retain the complex concepts being reviewed. Students can maintain better focus and reduce mental fatigue by breaking the study schedule into 2-3 study blocks per day with breaks built in between. 

This approach allows for more active learning during each session, as shorter, focused study periods are proven to enhance retention and comprehension. Additionally, the breaks between study blocks give your brain the time it needs to process and consolidate information. 

Instead of overloading your brain with hours of non-stop studying, you allow yourself to approach each new chunk of material with fresh energy and a clearer mind. It’s important to remember that quality is far more important than quantity when it comes to studying for the NCLEX. 

By adopting this method, you’re not only preventing burnout, but you’re also setting yourself up for more efficient and lasting learning, making it easier to recall key concepts on test day.

3. Focusing Only on Memorization

It's easy to fall into the trap of memorizing facts, lists, and procedures when studying for the NCLEX. However, the exam is less about memorization and more about your ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios. 

Focus on understanding underlying principles and concepts. For example, instead of falling into the NCLEX mistake of simply memorizing specific drug names, try to understand drug classes, mechanisms of action, side effects, and nursing interventions. 

The NCLEX tests your ability to apply knowledge in various contexts, so aim for deeper conceptual understanding. Once you can teach a concept to someone else in a way they understand, that’s when you know it well enough for the NCLEX.

4. Lack of Familiarity with NCLEX Question Format

One of the biggest NCLEX mistakes students make is not understanding the format of NCLEX-style questions. The test assesses your critical thinking, prioritization, and clinical judgment abilities, not just your nursing content knowledge. 

Many students focus too much on memorization and are unprepared for the higher-level thinking the NCLEX requires. 

Familiarize yourself with the structure of NCLEX questions, especially the types of questions you'll encounter, such as prioritization, select all that apply, and NGN-style case studies.  

Use NCLEX practice questions in the Archer Review question bank to understand how to approach different questions and develop strategies for critical thinking. Doing NCLEX practice questions consistently while preparing for your exam will train your brain to be familiar with the different question styles and to recognize those questions on the exam.

5. Not Practicing Enough Questions

Another mistake students make is neglecting the importance of practicing NCLEX-style questions. While reviewing content is important, NCLEX practice questions help you apply what you've learned and get comfortable with the exam format. 

Incorporate question practice into your study plan and aim to complete several thousand NCLEX practice questions before your exam. Archer Review’s NCLEX Qbank features over 2,900 NCLEX practice questions to help you master the material. 

After answering questions, review the rationales for both the correct and incorrect answers to reinforce your understanding. 

If you choose to utilize one of the NCLEX study calendars previously mentioned, it will guide you as to how many and what types of questions you should be doing each day to ensure that you are ready by your NCLEX test date.

6. Not Reviewing Rationales

After completing a set of NCLEX practice questions, some students fail to review the rationales for both correct and incorrect answers, which means they miss opportunities to learn from their mistakes. 

After each NCLEX practice question session, carefully review the rationale for every answer, not just the ones marked incorrect. This reinforces why the correct answer is right and why the incorrect options are wrong. 

Reviewing rationales helps strengthen your critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills. 

Additionally, not only is it recommended to read the rationales for the questions that you’re doing, but many students find it incredibly helpful to write those rationales down. 

Writing the rationales by hand helps to reinforce your understanding by engaging different parts of your brain. This active recall technique improves retention and helps you internalize the logic behind each answer choice. 

By putting the explanation into your own words, you're more likely to remember it long-term. Additionally, writing out the rationales allows you to identify patterns in your thinking, pinpoint recurring mistakes, and see where your understanding may need further clarification. 

This step turns the review process into an interactive, reflective learning experience, transforming each NCLEX practice question into a valuable teaching moment that sharpens your knowledge and test-taking strategies for the exam.

7. Misinterpreting the Question Stem

Sometimes, students misinterpret the question stem and miss key phrases that could change the meaning of the question. For example, NCLEX questions that use words like "first action," "priority," or "most appropriate" require a different approach than those asking for a simple fact. 

Also, while some questions are looking for the correct or true answer, remember that some will look for the opposite–the incorrect, false answer.  

Read each question carefully, paying close attention to critical keywords. Words like "best," "first," "most appropriate," or "priority" indicate the type of response you should choose. 

Pay attention to the clinical context provided in the stem, as it will help guide your answer. It can be helpful for some students to actually call out to themselves what the question is asking for true vs. false answers, one answer vs. multiple.

8. Ignoring the Pacing and Time Management

Students often make the mistake of spending too much time on individual questions or panicking when they don’t know an answer immediately. This can lead to test anxiety and poor time management. 

Develop time management skills by taking timed practice tests. Set a pace that allows you to answer all the questions without rushing and lingering on any one question too long. 

As a rule of thumb, if you don’t know the answer within about 2 minutes, that is simply an area you are lacking knowledge in. Give it your best educated guess, and move on.

9. Not Managing Test Anxiety

Test anxiety is a common challenge for many NCLEX students, and it can significantly affect performance if not managed properly. When you're anxious, it can be difficult to concentrate, manage time effectively, and recall important information. 

To combat this, practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive visualization. These methods help calm your nerves, improve focus, and keep you grounded during the exam. 

Arriving early on test day, eating a healthy meal, and taking breaks when allowed will also help manage stress and maintain your energy throughout the exam. 

If you experience severe anxiety that impacts your ability to study or feel confident, it’s essential to seek support early on. 

Reaching out to a healthcare professional or counselor can help you develop effective coping strategies. Managing anxiety before the exam will allow you to approach the NCLEX with a clearer, more focused mind, improving your performance and overall well-being.

10. Not Getting Enough Sleep and Rest

Many students make the mistake of sacrificing sleep to study more, believing that cramming for the NCLEX will better prepare them. However, neglecting rest can actually impair cognitive function and memory retention. 

Sleep is crucial for consolidating information and maintaining mental sharpness, which are key for performing well on the exam. 

In fact, research shows that lack of sleep can lead to difficulties in concentration, memory recall, and decision-making—critical skills needed for answering NCLEX questions effectively. 

In the days leading up to your exam, prioritize rest. Aim for at least 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, especially during the final week of preparation. 

A well-rested brain performs better by retaining information more effectively and allowing you to think clearly under pressure. 

Avoid pulling all-nighters or cramming late into the night before the exam. Instead, plan your study sessions to finish early and get a full night’s rest. 

Establishing a consistent sleep routine can also help regulate your sleep cycle, allowing you to feel more refreshed and focused. 

Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day can improve the quality of your sleep, ensuring you wake up feeling ready and alert. 

Taking care of your body and mind with proper rest will not only benefit your NCLEX performance but will also set you up for long-term success in your nursing career.

Head into your NCLEX with Confidence

Preparing for the NCLEX can be a daunting task, but by avoiding common mistakes and following a structured study plan, you can increase your chances of success. Focus on understanding the content, practicing NCLEX-style questions, and effectively managing your time and stress. 

Remember...quality studying, consistent practice, and self-care are essential for a successful outcome. By staying calm, confident, and well-prepared, you’ll be ready to take on the NCLEX and begin your nursing career with confidence. Good luck!