A cloze dropdown item may ask you to complete a sentence about the client’s priority problem, expected complication, safest action, or outcome that shows improvement.
What is this question type?
A cloze dropdown question presents a statement with one or more blanks. You choose from dropdown options to complete the statement accurately. The correct option must fit both the grammar and the clinical evidence.
The cloze-dropdown method
- Read the full sentence first. Do not open the dropdown before you understand the clinical claim.
- Identify what the blank controls. Is it naming the problem, action, risk, or evaluation outcome?
- Use the chart as proof. The best option is the one supported by the client data.
- Check grammar and logic. A choice may sound medical but still make the sentence clinically wrong.
- Reread the completed sentence. Make sure the final statement is safe, specific, and scenario-based.
Original sample cloze dropdown question
This original public sample is simplified for learning. It is not copied from NCLEX, NCSBN, or any protected NexusRN question bank.
Client scenario
A client with diabetes is awake, sweating, shaky, and reports sudden hunger. The blood glucose is 54 mg/dL. The client is able to swallow.
Complete the clinical statement
The nurse should first address hypoglycemia by giving a rapid-acting carbohydrate if the client can swallow safely.
Why this answer makes sense
The cues point to low blood glucose, and the client can swallow. The safest completed statement matches the current risk and avoids jumping to long-term teaching before stabilizing the client.
How this connects to clinical judgment
Recognize cues
Notice the symptoms, lab value, and safety condition in the scenario.
Analyze cues
Connect the cues to the most likely problem instead of choosing a familiar word.
Take action
Select the dropdown option that creates the safest complete statement.
Evaluate outcomes
Choose outcome language that would prove the intervention worked when asked.
Common mistakes
- Choosing by familiarity: selecting a dropdown because the word was seen in class.
- Ignoring the whole sentence: picking an option that does not fit the final statement.
- Missing qualifiers: words like first, priority, most likely, and expected change the answer.
- Using disease memory only: choosing a general disease fact instead of evidence from this client.
- Not rereading: failing to check whether the completed sentence is clinically safe.
Practice drill
Before you answer, ask:
- What does the blank control: problem, action, risk, or outcome?
- Which client data support the chosen option?
- Does the completed sentence answer the exact task?
- Is there a safer or more specific option?
- Would I defend this option in one sentence?
Where this fits in your NGN study path
Official sources and independence
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