Key Takeaways
- NCLEX-PN uses the Client Needs Framework with 4 major categories
- Physiological Integrity is the largest category (33-57%)
- Safe and Effective Care Environment is divided into Coordinated Care and Safety/Infection Control
- Content percentages are ranges, not fixed amounts
- Framework aligns with LPN/VN scope of practice across all states
The Client Needs Framework
The NCLEX-PN organizes content around the Client Needs Framework, which provides a universal structure for defining the knowledge and skills needed to care for diverse clients across all healthcare settings. This framework aligns with state nurse practice acts and reflects the scope of practice for LPN/VNs.
Four Major Categories
The NCLEX-PN content is divided into four major Client Needs categories, two of which have subcategories:
| Category | Subcategory | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Safe and Effective Care Environment | Coordinated Care | 18-24% |
| Safety and Infection Prevention and Control | 10-16% | |
| Health Promotion and Maintenance | — | 6-12% |
| Psychosocial Integrity | — | 9-15% |
| Physiological Integrity | Basic Care and Comfort | 7-13% |
| Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies | 10-16% | |
| Reduction of Risk Potential | 9-15% | |
| Physiological Adaptation | 7-13% |
Category Descriptions
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment (28-40%)
This category ensures LPN/VNs can deliver safe care in various settings:
Coordinated Care (18-24%) focuses on:
- Collaborating with healthcare team members
- Following the nursing process under RN supervision
- Maintaining continuity of care
- Documenting and reporting
- Understanding legal and ethical responsibilities
Safety and Infection Prevention and Control (10-16%) covers:
- Accident and injury prevention
- Emergency response
- Standard and transmission-based precautions
- Safe medication handling
- Surgical asepsis
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance (6-12%)
This category addresses preventive care and wellness:
- Developmental stages and transitions
- Health screening and disease prevention
- Lifestyle choices and modifications
- Self-care education
- Ante/intra/postpartum care
- High-risk behaviors
3. Psychosocial Integrity (9-15%)
This category covers mental health and psychosocial support:
- Therapeutic communication
- Coping mechanisms
- Crisis intervention
- Mental health concepts
- Cultural awareness
- End-of-life care
- Abuse and neglect recognition
4. Physiological Integrity (33-57%)
The largest category, divided into four subcategories:
Basic Care and Comfort (7-13%):
- Nutrition and hydration
- Mobility and positioning
- Rest and sleep
- Elimination
- Non-pharmacological comfort measures
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (10-16%):
- Medication administration
- Dosage calculations
- Expected and adverse effects
- Parenteral fluids
- Blood and blood products
Reduction of Risk Potential (9-15%):
- Laboratory values
- Diagnostic tests
- Vital signs
- Potential complications
- Therapeutic procedures
Physiological Adaptation (7-13%):
- Alterations in body systems
- Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
- Medical emergencies
- Unexpected responses to therapy
Which Client Needs category makes up the largest portion of the NCLEX-PN?