What must candidates do if they encounter an unfamiliar clinical scenario on the NGN?

When faced with an unfamiliar clinical scenario on the NGN, it is essential for candidates to apply foundational nursing principles and utilize critical thinking to deduce the most appropriate answers. This approach allows candidates to leverage their knowledge and clinical reasoning skills, which are integral to effective nursing practice.

Foundational nursing principles encompass a wide range of skills including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. By applying these principles, candidates can analyze the situation, prioritize patient safety, and consider evidence-based practices. Critical thinking further aids in breaking down the scenario, examining the context, and evaluating potential outcomes based on the information presented. This method not only enhances the ability to navigate challenging questions but also aligns with the real-world decision-making process encountered in clinical settings.

In unfamiliar situations, relying solely on instinct or popular choices may lead to error, as does skipping the question, which would bypass the opportunity to earn points. Thus, engaging analytical and critical thinking skills in the context of nursing knowledge is the most beneficial strategy.