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 nurse in the outpatient cardiology clinic is reviewing the chart of a 28-year-old woman who was diagnosed with Raynaud's phenomenon two months ago. She reports that her fingers turn white and then blue in cold temperatures and she experiences significant pain and numbness. Her vital signs are: blood pressure 112/70 mmHg, heart rate 74 beats/min, SpO₂ 99%. She has no other cardiac or pulmonary history and does not smoke. The nurse reviews the client's home medication list and newly prescribed medications. For each medication or intervention below, classify it as Expected, Unexpected, or Non-Essential for this client's current management.
Nifedipine (calcium channel blocker) prescribed for vasodilation
Propranolol (non-selective beta-blocker) prescribed for symptom control
Education on wearing warm gloves and avoiding cold triggers
Continuous cardiac telemetry monitoring ordered
Smoking cessation counseling provided
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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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