NGN Partial Credit: Bank More Points on Every Case

Most NGN case sets don’t grade you all-or-nothing. With NGN partial credit, you can earn points for each safe, correct choice—especially on matrix multiple response and some cloze items. This guide shows a simple method to capture those points every time.

Building the full chain? Start here: Cue Recognition Patterns → Analysis & Prioritization.

Image: How NGN partial credit adds up

Alt: “NGN partial credit diagram showing row-by-row and component scoring on matrix items”

Where NGN partial credit shows up

• Matrix multiple response (MCSR): each row is scored separately

• Some cloze/drop-down sets: multi-component prompts may award partial credit

• Complex items with several actions/parameters: safe components still earn points

Key idea: Think component by component, not “get everything perfect.”

The 3-pass tactic (use it on every grid)

1. Sure — lock what’s obviously safe or unsafe

   • Monitoring required for a high-risk med? Yes.

   • An intervention outside scope or clearly dangerous? No.

2. Probable — add likely-safe picks grounded in the stem

   • If the cue cluster points to hypoxia, oxygen escalation steps are probable.

3. Eliminate — remove unsafe, duplicative, or off-timing options

   • “Massage injection site” with anticoagulants? Eliminate.

   • Two options that mean the same thing? Keep the best, drop the duplicate.

Move top-to-bottom by row, not scattered across the grid. It reduces mistakes.

Worked example (heparin safety, mini grid)

Stem (short): Patient on IV heparin for DVT. Which actions are indicated?

You may not choose every ideal line, but you’ll bank points on Rows 1, 2, and 4.

Timing and priority still matter

Partial credit doesn’t protect unsafe picks. If a row includes anything dangerous (e.g., “advance NG tube against resistance,” “ambulate suspected DVT”), your score for that component can drop to zero. Use your priority rules from Analysis & Prioritization.

Cloze items: precision without overthinking

Some cloze sets award partial credit when multiple blanks exist. Apply the same 3-pass logic:

• Sure: phrases that match device/status (“increase to venturi mask,” “high-Fowler’s”).

• Probable: supportive phrases that fit the current priority.

• Eliminate: absolutes (“always/never”), scope violations, duplicates.

For deeper technique, see: Cloze Items: Precision Without Overthinking.

Common traps (avoid these)

• Chasing perfection: spend 90 seconds to secure sure points, not 5 minutes hunting a unicorn.

• Row confusion: checking columns randomly → miss contradictions. Work row by row.

• Priority drift: choosing background care when the stem signals an acute threat.

• Scope slips: assigning RN tasks to UAP, or teaching to UAP/LPN inappropriately.

Image: Your 60-second grid checklist

Alt: “Checklist for NGN partial credit: mark sure picks, add probable, eliminate unsafe/duplicates, re-scan stem priority”

60-second checklist (print this)

• Re-read stem for current priority (oxygenation, perfusion, neuro)

• Mark SURE safe/unsafe first

• Add PROBABLE picks that match the priority

• ELIMINATE unsafe/duplicate/off-timing

• Quick row scan for contradictions before submitting

3 lightning drills (answer fast)

1. Anticoag patient needs injections: IM or SQ? → SQ only; avoid IM while anticoagulated.

2. Oxygen trend down on same device: increase flow or teach pursed-lip breathing? → Escalate device/flow first.

3. Suspected meningitis: delay antibiotics for MRI? → No. Start time-sensitive therapy per protocol.

FAQs

Does NGN partial credit guarantee points if I pick one right thing?
No. Unsafe choices can wipe out a row or component. Think safety first.

How many boxes per row should I tick?
As many as are safe and indicated—not a fixed number.

Should I guess on uncertain components?
Only after you’ve secured sure picks and removed unsafe ones. Then choose the best match to the stem’s current priority.

Keep learning (and interlink your knowledge)

• Cue Recognition Patterns: 7 You Must Spot Fast

• Analysis & Prioritization: Turn Cues into the Right First Action

• Matrix Multiple Response: Avoid the 3 Trap Rows

• Cloze Items: Precision Without Overthinking

Authoritative context: Explore item formats and the rationale behind NGN partial credit in official NGN resources from NCSBN.

Practice now

Try 3 matrix grids in guest mode and watch your component-level score breakdowns. Then jump into the Nurseclex QBank to practice partial-credit logic across cardio, resp, endo, and safety scenarios.