The next generation NCLEX is beginning from 1st April 2023. There will be new question types that will test nursing knowledge more effectively. This updated exam will ensure that nurses that acquire licensure have the necessary skills and knowledge to practice in today's dynamic healthcare environments.

Hence, ArcherReview is publishing a series of blogs to help our students understand the new question types of the NGN and educate them about the strategies for solving them.

What is a drag-and-drop question?

The drag-and-drop questions are like fill-in-the-blanks or match-the-pairs type questions in which you must drag the correct option to the appropriate target location.

In the Next Generation NCLEX, drag-and-drop questions will present more options than required, with one point awarded for each correct match and one point deducted for each incorrect match. The exam may also feature fill-in-the-blank and matching-type questions as part of the drag-and-drop format.

While solving this question type, it is essential to avoid getting sidetracked by the patient scenario as it may contain multiple issues and instead focus on the specific keywords. To solve these questions, it's crucial to carefully assess the information provided and determine what is essential to give an accurate response, similar to solving a word problem.

How to solve drag-and-drop questions in NGN?

1. Read the Question Carefully:
   
   The first step in solving a drag-and-drop question is to read the question carefully. Unfortunately, in a rush to complete the exam, many students fail to read and understand the question carefully. As a result, it often leads them to drag the wrong answers.
   
   Hence, ensure you understand the question before dragging and dropping answers. Additionally, you should look for keywords that help narrow down the options while reading. By identifying these keywords, you can better understand what the question is asking for and eliminate options that do not match the keywords. This process of elimination can help you focus on the remaining options and make a more informed decision.
   
   For example, if the question asks about a specific symptom or diagnosis, the keywords could be the name of the symptom or diagnosis. By focusing on these keywords, you can eliminate options that do not match and select the correct ones.
   

2. Prioritize your Options:
   
   
   
   If the question asks for multiple answers, start by matching the most crucial answer first and then work your way down to the less important ones.
   
   Prioritizing your options is critical in solving drag-and-drop questions in the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN). It involves determining the order in which you should match the answers with the items on the screen based on the importance or relevance of each option. This approach can help you ensure that you are selecting the most critical or relevant answers first, increasing your chances of getting a correct solution.

3. Use the Process of Elimination:
   
   The process of elimination is a valuable strategy for solving drag-and-drop questions in the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN). It involves systematically eliminating options that you know are incorrect, which can help you focus on the remaining options and make a more informed decision.
   
   If you are unsure about an answer, eliminate the options you know are incorrect and choose the answer that best matches the remaining options. By using the process of elimination, you can simplify the question and make a more informed decision.
   

4. Double-Check Your Work:
   
   After completing the matching, take a moment to review your work to ensure you have not made any mistakes. Double-checking involves reviewing your answers and ensuring they match the information provided in the question. This step can help you avoid mistakes and increase your chances of getting a correct solution.
   
5. Utilize Study Resources:
   
   There are a variety of study resources available, including textbooks, practice tests, review courses, and online forums, which can help you understand the exam format and provide you with the information and skills you need to succeed.
   
   But you must ensure that the resources you use will help you pass the next generation NCLEX. The resources you use must have good quality alternate-type questions to help you prepare for the NGN. Solving these question types will help you familiarize yourself with the drag-and-drop questions and make it easier and faster for you to solve them during the NGN. The more you train, the better you will solve drag-and-drop questions. So try taking as many practice exams as possible before taking the actual NGN.
   
   If you are looking for high-yield question banks that can help you crack Next Generation NCLEX in your first attempt, check out the ArcherReview NCLEX Course and Qbanks.
   
6. Time Management:
   
   
   
   Drag-and-drop questions can be time-consuming, so ensure you manage your time wisely during the NGN. By managing your time effectively, you can increase your chances of success on the NGN exam and make the most of your time.
   
   Remember, the NGN tests your critical thinking and decision-making skills, so use your time wisely and make informed decisions during the exam. Don't spend too much time on a single question, as you may run out of time before answering all the questions.
   

Wrap up:

In conclusion, the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) exam is a comprehensive test of your nursing knowledge and skills. Drag and drop questions are an essential part of the exam, and it's important to be prepared and confident when solving them.

Following these tips can increase your chances of success on the NGN exam and becoming a licensed nurse. Remember, the NGN is a comprehensive test of your skills and knowledge, so be sure to prepare thoroughly and stay focused during the exam. Good luck!

For some extra boost to your NGN preparation, check out our ArcherReview NCLEX Course and QBank.