Matrix
NCLEX® Practice Questions
4–6 rows · Radio per row · Polytomous 0/1 scoring
A grid of clinical items with one decision per row. You read the scenario, then classify each finding, medication, or intervention into the right category. Each row is scored independently, so partial credit is built in.
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Clinical judgment steps
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A 64-year-old patient with heart failure is admitted with increased shortness of breath, 2+ pitting edema, and crackles in the lower lung fields. For each item, decide whether it is Indicated, Contraindicated, or Non-Essential at this time.
Administer prescribed IV furosemide
Start a 1L 0.9% saline bolus
Record a daily weight at the same time each morning
Apply supplemental oxygen for SpO2 below 92%
Ambulate the patient in the hallway every hour
Reinforce a low-sodium diet before discharge
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Common questions
What is a Matrix question on the NCLEX®?
A Matrix/Grid question presents a clinical scenario and a table of 4 to 6 rows. Each row is a finding, medication, or intervention that you classify into one column, like Indicated, Contraindicated, or Non-Essential. You pick one column per row. Every row is a separate decision.
How is a Matrix question scored on the NCLEX®?
Matrix uses NCSBN polytomous 0/1 scoring. Each row is graded independently and earns 1 point for correct or 0 for incorrect. Your total is the sum across all rows, so partial credit is built into the format. You do not lose a whole question for one wrong row.
How is Matrix different from SATA?
SATA gives you one list and asks which options apply. Matrix gives you several items and asks you to sort each one into a category. SATA is one all-or-nothing judgment, Matrix is a series of small decisions you make row by row. Matrix mirrors the kind of chart review you do every shift.
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