The NCLEX exam is designed to challenge your critical thinking—not to trick you. But let’s be honest: some questions can feel misleading, confusing, or downright sneaky. These are often what students call “trick questions.”

So how do you spot them? More importantly, how do you avoid falling into their traps?

In this post, we’ll teach you how to recognize and outsmart tricky NCLEX questions—so you can answer with clarity and confidence.

Are There Really Trick Questions on the NCLEX?

Technically, no. The NCLEX is not intended to deceive you. Every question is designed to assess your ability to apply nursing knowledge safely and correctly.

However, some questions:

• Contain distracting language
• Include similar answer choices
• Require multi-step reasoning
• Involve prioritization or delegation
• Force you to choose the “most correct” option among several “right” ones

These features can make questions feel tricky—even when they’re not meant to be.

Signs You’re Facing a Tricky NCLEX Question

1. All the Answer Choices Seem Correct

You may recognize every option as technically true. But NCLEX wants the most appropriate or most critical answer in a nursing context.

Tip: Ask yourself, Which option addresses safety or ABCs first?

2. Key Words Change the Entire Meaning

Words like:

• Always
• Never
• First
• Most important
• Best

These words require exact decision-making. Ignore them and you might pick a “right” answer that’s not the right priority.

Tip: Circle or mentally highlight those words before answering.

3. The Question is Vague or Broad

Questions that don’t specify patient details (age, condition, etc.) can feel unclear. But the NCLEX is testing whether you can use general nursing judgment when faced with limited info.

Tip: Stick to basic nursing principles like safety, ABCs, and the nursing process.

4. There’s Too Much Detail (a Wordy Question)

Sometimes, questions include long patient histories or multiple symptoms. This can overload you with info.

Tip: Identify the actual question first—read the stem and find what it’s really asking.

5. You’re Being Asked to Pick the Least or Exception

Be cautious when questions use negative phrasing like:

• Which of the following is NOT…
• All of the following EXCEPT…

Students often rush through these and answer the opposite of what’s being asked.

Tip: Slow down and rephrase the question in your own words.

How to Outsmart Trick Questions

1. Use the Nursing Process

Whenever you’re unsure, fall back on the steps: ADPIE

• Assessment
• Diagnosis
• Planning
• Implementation
• Evaluation

You should not implement before assessing unless it’s an emergency.

2. Prioritize Using ABCs and Maslow

When all answers seem valid, ask yourself:

• What’s the Airway, Breathing, Circulation status?
• Which need is most basic per Maslow’s hierarchy?

3. Don’t Add Information

Stick strictly to what’s in the question. Don’t bring in assumptions or “what-ifs.”

4. Watch for Safety and Scope of Practice

When delegation or prioritization is involved, always choose the option that:

• Keeps the patient safest
• Fits within the scope of the staff member assigned

5. Eliminate Wrong Answers First

Use process of elimination to remove obviously incorrect or unsafe answers. Then compare the remaining options critically.

Final Thoughts

“Trick questions” on the NCLEX are really critical thinking challenges in disguise. Once you understand how to break down what the test is asking, you’ll be able to spot traps, filter out distractions, and choose the best answer confidently.

Approach every question calmly. Read carefully. Trust your training.