The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) is a revised exam developed by the National Council of the State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to evaluate nursing students' critical thinking and decision-making skills. The NGN will be implemented in April of 2023 and include several questions, including Highlight Text questions.

Thus, we have published a series of articles about these new question types to assist you in understanding and solving these questions. Hence, in this article, we will discuss how to solve Highlight Text questions in the NGN exam.

What are Highlight Text questions?

As a test taker preparing for the Next Generation NCLEX exam, you must be aware of Highlight Text questions. These questions are designed to evaluate your ability to critically think and make decisions. They present a case study or scenario with crucial information relevant to the question.

To solve Highlight Text questions, you need to carefully read the provided text and identify the parts of the text that are action-critical and require intervention. You can then select and highlight these parts of the text as necessary. It's important to remember that there may be up to 10 choices, and you may also un-highlight your selections if needed.

How to solve Highlight Text questions in the NGN exam?

You must follow a few key steps to solve Highlight Text questions in the NGN exam. Let's take a closer look at these steps:

1. Read the question and the case study carefully.
   
   The first step to solving a Highlight Text question is carefully reading the question and case study. Ensure you understand what the question is asking and what information is presented in the case study.
   
2. Identify the critical information in the case study.
   
   
   
   Once you have read the case study, identify the critical information relevant to the question. Look for details that are action critical and require intervention. These may include signs and symptoms, lab results, medications, and vital signs.
   
3. Highlight/ select the critical information.
   
   Select the option most relevant to the question from the highlight choices presented to you. There may be up to 10 options to select from. Still, you should only choose the most relevant ones because selecting the wrong option may lead to negative markings.
   
4. Review the highlighted information.
   
   After highlighting the critical information, review the highlighted text to ensure that you have highlighted all the relevant information. If you have missed anything, go back and add the highlights. You can also remove some highlighted text if it later seems to conflict with other selected text.
   

Tips for solving Highlight Text questions in the NGN exam

You can use the following tips to answer Highlight Text questions in the NGN exam:

1. Read the question first.
   
   By reading the question first, you can understand what information you need to focus on in the case study or scenario presented. The question prompt may include keywords and phrases that will guide you to the relevant information in the text.
   
   Once you have read the question prompt, you should read the case study or scenario carefully, paying close attention to the pertinent information. Refrain from getting sidetracked by extraneous information that is unnecessary to answer the question.
   
   By reading the question first, you can save time and avoid becoming overwhelmed by the information presented in the case study or scenario. In addition, this approach helps you stay focused on the essential information required to answer the question correctly.
   
2. Avoid highlighting extraneous information.
   
   Extraneous information is irrelevant to the question and can distract you from accurately identifying the critical details needed to answer the question.
   
   To avoid highlighting extraneous information, it is essential to read the case study or scenario carefully, paying close attention to the relevant details. Look for cues in the question prompt that will guide you to the critical information in the text. This can include keywords, phrases, or concepts directly related to the question.
   
   Additionally, it can be helpful to use a process of elimination to identify and exclude extraneous information. This involves recognizing information that is not necessary to answer the question and ignoring it.
   
3. Analyze the highlighted information carefully.
   
   
   
   Analyzing the information carefully can help you to identify the critical details needed to answer the question accurately and efficiently.
   
   It is essential to consider the context in which it is presented. Consider the question prompt and what it is asking you to do, and use this as a guide to focus your attention on the relevant details in the text.
   
   Once you have identified the highlighted information, read it carefully and consider what it tells you. Look for any connections or relationships between the highlighted details and any other information in the text that may be relevant to the question.
   
   It is also essential to consider the implications of the highlighted information. Ask yourself how the highlighted details impact the patient or situation presented in the case study or scenario. Consider the potential consequences of different courses of action and use this to guide your analysis of the highlighted information.
   
   When analyzing the highlighted information, it is also essential to keep in mind the Clinical Judgement model created by the National Council of the State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). This model involves collecting data, interpreting it, making a nursing diagnosis, and determining a course of action. This model can help you approach the highlighted information systematically and logically.
   
4. Don't rush.
   
   Rushing can lead to mistakes, misunderstandings, and missed critical details, leading to incorrect answers and a lower score on the exam.
   
   To avoid rushing, managing your time effectively during the exam is essential. Allocate enough time to read and analyze the case study or scenario and identify the necessary details before highlighting any information. In addition, it can be helpful to make a mental note about what you need to remember before answering the question.
   
   Taking breaks and managing your stress levels during the exam are also important. Take a few deep breaths, stretch, or do other relaxation techniques to help you stay calm and focused.
   
   Finally, trust in the knowledge and skills you have developed during your nursing education and training. Remember that the Next Generation NCLEX exam evaluates your critical thinking and decision-making skills, not just your ability to memorize information. Therefore, don't second-guess yourself or overthink the question. Remember to use the Clinical Judgement model to guide your analysis of the highlighted information.
   
5. Practice highlighting text questions
   
   By practicing Highlight Text questions, you can develop your skills in identifying and analyzing the critical details in a case study or scenario. In addition, this can help you to become more efficient and effective in solving Highlight Text questions on the Next Generation NCLEX exam.
   
   In addition to developing critical thinking and decision-making skills, practicing Highlight Text questions can also help you become more familiar with the exam format and types of questions you will encounter. This can help to reduce test anxiety and increase your confidence when taking the exam.
   
   If you are looking for a high-yield question bank that can help you practice with the new question types for the Next Generation NCLEX, check out our ArcherReview Qbanks for NCLEX.
   

In conclusion, if you are a nursing student preparing for the Next Generation NCLEX exam, you must be well-versed in Highlight Text questions. Remember, Highlight Text questions are designed to evaluate your ability to critically think and make decisions as a nursing professional. By practicing and honing your highlighting skills, you can develop the confidence and competency necessary to excel in this type of question format.

So, take the time to prepare thoroughly, practice diligently, and carefully consider each question. Then, you will be well on your way to success in the Next Generation NCLEX exam.