NGN Matrix Item: Worked Walkthrough
Step-by-step walkthrough of matrix multiple-response and matrix multiple-choice items.
Matrix items present a grid. Multiple-response variants let you pick multiple per row; multiple-choice variants want one per row. Here's how each works.
Matrix multiple-response example
Header columns: 'Interventions appropriate for patient X.' Rows: pain, fluid status, infection control, medication. Select 1 or more interventions per row.
Matrix multiple-choice example
Header columns: 'Expected' vs 'Unexpected.' Rows: BP 110/68, urine output 25 mL/h, WBC 14K, glucose 180. Select exactly one per row.
Strategy
Read each row independently. Don't compare across rows. Don't try to balance 'expected' and 'unexpected' counts artificially.
Partial credit
Each row scored independently. Maximum credit for fully correct row, 0 for incorrect.
Frequently asked
Leave any rows blank?
No, best guess if unsure. Partial credit rewards attempts.
How many rows typically?
3-6 in most matrix items.
Quick check
Loading a question…
How ready are you right now?
10 real NCLEX questions, free, in your browser. See how close you are to ready and which subjects are costing you.
Try 10 questions free