Management of Care NCLEX: Key Concepts & Sample Questions

The Management of Care category is one of the most critical sections on the NCLEX-RN exam, accounting for 17-23% of the test questions. This section evaluates your ability to coordinate patient care, prioritize nursing interventions, and make sound clinical judgments. Whether you’re preparing for the NCLEX or reviewing key nursing concepts, understanding Management of Care NCLEX principles is essential for success.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key concepts you need to know, provide sample NCLEX questions on the Management of Care, and offer test-taking strategies to help you excel on exam day.

What Is Management of Care on the NCLEX?

Management of Care focuses on the nurse’s role in coordinating, delegating, and prioritizing patient care. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) tests your ability to:

• Prioritize patient needs (triage, emergencies, acute vs. chronic conditions)
• Delegate tasks appropriately (assigning duties to LPNs, CNAs, and UAPs)
• Advocate for patient safety (preventing errors, ensuring informed consent)
• Understand legal and ethical responsibilities (confidentiality, advance directives)
• Coordinate interdisciplinary care (working with doctors, therapists, social workers)

Since Management of Care NCLEX questions often involve critical thinking and decision-making, they can be challenging. Let’s dive into the key topics you’ll encounter.

Key Concepts in Management of Care NCLEX

1. Prioritization & Triage (ABCs & Maslow’s Hierarchy)

• ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation): Always assess life-threatening issues first.
• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Physiological needs (oxygen, fluids) come before safety or psychosocial concerns.
• Acute vs. Chronic Conditions: Acute conditions (heart attack, stroke) take priority over chronic issues (diabetes management).

2. Delegation & Supervision

• RNs can delegate tasks to LPNs/LVNs and Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAPs) but retain accountability.
• Tasks You CAN Delegate:
  • Vital signs (UAP)
  • Bathing, feeding (UAP)
  • Routine medication administration (LPN)
• Tasks You CANNOT Delegate:
  • Nursing assessments (RN only)
  • IV push medications (RN only)
  • Patient education (RN only)

3. Ethical & Legal Responsibilities

• Informed Consent: The physician explains risks/benefits, but the nurse ensures understanding.
• Advance Directives: Know the difference between DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) and Living Wills.
• Confidentiality (HIPAA): Never share patient information without consent.

4. Patient Advocacy & Safety

• Reporting Errors: Follow facility protocols (incident reports, SBAR communication).
• Preventing Falls & Infections: Implement safety measures (bed alarms, hand hygiene).
• Discharge Planning: Ensure patients have resources (home health, medications).

5. Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• SBAR (Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation): Used for effective communication.
• Case Management: Coordinating with social workers, PT/OT, and dietitians.

Sample NCLEX Questions: Management of Care

Test your knowledge with this NCLEX-style Management of Care questions:

Question 1 (Prioritization)

A nurse is caring for four patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. A diabetic patient with a blood glucose of 180 mg/dL
B. A post-op patient reporting sudden shortness of breath
C. A patient with dementia who is agitated
D. A patient with chronic back pain requesting pain meds

Answer: B (Shortness of breath indicates a potential pulmonary embolism or hypoxia, requiring immediate attention.)

Question 2 (Delegation)

Which task is appropriate to delegate to a UAP (Unlicensed Assistive Personnel)?
A. Administering oral medications
B. Assisting a stable patient with ambulation
C. Assessing a postoperative wound
D. Educating a patient on insulin administration

Answer: B (UAPs can assist with mobility but cannot assess, educate, or give meds.)

Question 3 (Ethical/Legal)

A patient refuses a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs. What should the nurse do first?
A. Document the refusal and notify the provider
B. Convince the patient to accept the transfusion
C. Administer the transfusion anyway
D. Ask the family to persuade the patient

Answer: A (Patients have the right to refuse treatment; the nurse must respect autonomy and document.)

NCLEX Test-Taking Strategies for Management of Care

1. Use the ABCs & Maslow’s Hierarchy to prioritize patient needs.
2. Know Scope of Practice: Only RNs can assess, evaluate, and educate.
3. Safety First: Always choose the option that prevents harm.
4. Watch for “First” & “Best” Actions: NCLEX often asks what you should do first.
5. Eliminate Wrong Answers: Cross out choices that involve delegating unsafe tasks or violating patient rights.

Final Thoughts

Management of Care NCLEX questions require critical thinking, prioritization, and clinical judgment. By mastering delegation rules, ethical principles, and patient safety, you’ll be well-prepared for this crucial exam section.

Need more practice? Try NCLEX prep resources like UWorld, Kaplan, or Saunders for additional Management of Care NCLEX RN questions. Good luck with your exam!