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Common MCQ Keywords and What They Really Mean for the NCK exams


  1. Most critical
    • Meaning: The most urgent or essential element.
    • Examiner is testing: Prioritization and evaluation in clinical or emergency settings.

  1. Best explains
    • Meaning: The clearest, most accurate reason or rationale.
    • Examiner is testing: Analytical reasoning and your ability to connect cause and effect.

  1. Primary goal
    • Meaning: The main objective or purpose of an action.
    • Examiner is testing: Understanding of purpose and correct application of care.

  1. Most reliable indicator
    • Meaning: The best sign or test that confirms a condition.
    • Examiner is testing: Diagnostic accuracy and clinical judgment.

  1. Indicated for
    • Meaning: Suitable or appropriate for the given condition.
    • Examiner is testing: Appropriate intervention based on evidence or guidelines.

  1. Effective tool
    • Meaning: A method that works well to achieve a desired outcome.
    • Examiner is testing: Evaluation of best practice and clinical effectiveness.

  1. Used to
    • Meaning: The purpose or use of a particular procedure or technique.
    • Examiner is testing: Knowledge application in practice-based contexts.

  1. At high risk for
    • Meaning: Likely to experience a complication or outcome.
    • Examiner is testing: Risk assessment and preventive nursing.

  1. Ensures
    • Meaning: Guarantees a result or effect.
    • Examiner is testing: Protocol adherence and safety assurance.

  1. Facilitates
    • Meaning: Helps or supports a process.
    • Examiner is testing: Understanding of supportive interventions, often in teaching or care planning.

  1. Initial action
    • Meaning: The first step or response in a situation.
    • Examiner is testing: Priority setting and correct order of nursing actions.

  1. Contraindicated
    • Meaning: Should not be used due to potential harm.
    • Examiner is testing: Safety knowledge and ability to avoid harmful interventions.

  1. Expected outcome
    • Meaning: The normal or desirable result.
    • Examiner is testing: Clinical expectations and effectiveness of care.

  1. Most appropriate
    • Meaning: The most suitable or fitting option.
    • Examiner is testing: Clinical judgment based on context.

  1. Characteristic feature
    • Meaning: A typical sign or symptom of a condition.
    • Examiner is testing: Recognition of key clinical signs.

  1. Key advantage
    • Meaning: The main benefit or positive feature.
    • Examiner is testing: Comparison and evaluation of interventions.

  1. Contributes to
    • Meaning: Helps cause or lead to something.
    • Examiner is testing: Understanding of risk factors or causal relationships.

  1. Demonstrates
    • Meaning: Shows or reveals clearly.
    • Examiner is testing: Interpretation of findings or behaviors.

  1. Supports
    • Meaning: Strengthens or backs up an intervention or decision.
    • Examiner is testing: Evidence-based practice and rationale for care.

  1. Indicates
    • Meaning: Suggests or points to a diagnosis or action.
    • Examiner is testing: Data interpretation and clinical reasoning.