What Is a Drop-Down Table NGN Item?

A drop-down table NGN item is a Next Generation NCLEX question that presents a table with multiple rows and drop-down menus. You choose the best option for each cell — and you often earn partial credit for each correct row.

New to NGN? Review Cue Recognition, Analysis, Prioritization, and how NGN partial credit works. For official exam context, see the NCSBN NGN overview.

How Drop-Down Table NGN Items Work (Quick Breakdown)

Each table row functions like a mini-clinical decision:

• May involve assessment, intervention, medication, or monitoring

• Each cell asks for the most accurate, safe, and priority-aligned choice

• Partial credit is common — avoid unsafe or contraindicated options

Mindset:
✔ Think row-by-row, not column-by-column
✔ Confirm the current priority before selecting
✔ Link each choice to safety, effect, or protocol

The R.O.W.S. Method (Your 4-Step Routine)

1. R — Read the stem
   Identify the primary problem: oxygenation, perfusion, neuro, infection, metabolic, etc.

2. O — Omit unsafe options
   Immediately remove choices that are unsafe, contraindicated, or outside the RN scope.

3. W — Weigh each action
   Connect interventions to:

   • Desired effect

   • Monitoring target

   • Medication toxicity risk

   • Protocol parameters

4. S — Scan for contradictions
   Prevent duplicates, mutually exclusive options, or actions that conflict with priority.

High-Scoring Patterns (Memorize These)

• Choose specific devices/settings over vague actions

  Example: Venturi 35% beats “increase oxygen.”

• Use protocol-based language

  “Check aPTT per protocol” > “Monitor labs.”

• Monitor toxicity signs for high-alert meds

  MgSO₄ → RR, DTRs, urine output

• When two options seem correct:

  Pick the safest, least invasive option first.

Worked Examples (With Tables)

Example 1 — Oxygenation (COPD Exacerbation)

Stem: COPD; SpO₂ 88% on 2 L NC, RR 30, accessory muscle use.

Avoid: Humidification or “comfort” reasons — less relevant to acute priority.

Example 2 — Anticoagulation (Heparin Infusion)

Avoid: IM injections or vague “monitor closely.”

Example 3 — Preeclampsia (Magnesium Sulfate Infusion)

Avoid: Starting with teaching — stabilize first.

Common Pitfalls (and How to Fix Them)

1. Column Hopping → Contradictions

Fix: Evaluate one row at a time with ROWS.

2. Using Background Info Instead of Current Priority

Fix: Every choice MUST relate to current assessment.

3. Selecting Vague Options

Fix: Use specific tasks with exact monitoring targets.

4. Scope of Practice Errors

Fix:

• RN = assessment, education, IV meds

• LPN = stable patients, routine meds

• UAP = ADLs, vitals, positioning
  Avoid assigning RN tasks to UAP.

Quick Checklist (Printable)

• Primary priority identified

• Unsafe/out-of-scope options eliminated

• Each row linked to an effect, target, or toxicity

• No contradictions or duplicates

• Reassessment included in the plan

Mini-Drills (5-Second Picks)

• SpO₂ drops from 90 → 88 on same device: Venturi 35%

• Heparin started: must-have safety? Protamine available

• MgSO₄ running: critical trio? RR, DTRs, UO

Related NGN Skills

• Use with Trend Items to track direction of change

• Practice row logic with Matrix Multiple Response

• Improve phrasing with Cloze Items

• Review NCSBN NGN framework for exam context

Practice Drop-Down Table NGN With Instant Feedback

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