Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination by Linda Anne Silvestri Summary

Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination by Linda Anne Silvestri is a top-rated NCLEX preparation guide featuring 5,200+ practice questions, detailed rationales, and test-taking strategies. It aligns with the latest NCLEX test plan, covering Safe and Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion, Psychosocial Integrity, and Physiological Integrity. The book includes a 75-question comprehensive exam mirroring NCLEX weighting and emphasizes clinical judgment through Priority Nursing Action boxes.

This book is ideal for nursing students and graduates preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam, particularly those seeking practice with alternate item formats like hot spots, chart/exhibit questions, and drag-and-drop. It’s also valuable for educators teaching NCLEX review courses or learners needing remediation in pharmacology, fluids/electrolytes, or prioritization skills.

Yes—it’s frequently called the “best NCLEX review book ever” due to its rigorous question bank, clinical judgment focus, and proven success rates. The Evolve companion site adds 4,600+ digital questions, audio reviews, and pharmacology modules, making it a holistic resource for overcoming test anxiety and building exam confidence.

Key features include:

• Pyramid Alerts highlighting high-yield NCLEX concepts.
• Priority Nursing Action boxes teaching clinical prioritization.
• 75-question mock exam simulating NCLEX weighting.
• Detailed rationales explaining correct/incorrect answers.
• Alternate item formats (hot spots, audio, video) mirroring the exam.

Every question includes step-by-step rationales and strategies like eliminating incorrect options, identifying keywords, and managing time. Unique Pyramid to Success notes clarify commonly tested topics, while the “Pyramid Terms” glossary reinforces critical terminology.

Unlike generic competitors, this book emphasizes clinical judgment through real-world scenarios and prioritization exercises. Its questions are vetted for cognitive complexity, and the Evolve platform offers customizable quizzes. Linda Silvestri’s research-based approach ensures alignment with NCLEX’s evolving emphasis on decision-making.

Yes—the 9th edition integrates NGN-style items like matrix grids and bowtie questions. Silvestri co-authored a companion text (Strategies for Student Success on the Next Generation NCLEX®), ensuring learners master clinical judgment measurement models.

Pharmacology content is centralized in Evolve modules, covering drug classifications, dosage calculations, and toxicity management. The main text links these concepts to case studies, reinforcing their application in clinical scenarios.

This framework directs learners to focus on high-priority topics using Pyramid Alerts (critical concepts) and Pyramid Terms (key definitions). It streamlines study time by highlighting areas most likely to appear on the exam, such as delegation, triage, and infection control.

Absolutely—its structured units, self-assessment quizzes, and cross-referenced rationales make it ideal for self-paced learning. The comprehensive test in Unit XX identifies weak areas, while Evolve’s analytics track progress.

Silvestri, a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, integrates 30+ years of NCLEX research into the book’s design. Her studies on self-efficacy and test anxiety inform its holistic approach, balancing content review with mindset coaching.

Yes—the Evolve site provides 4,600+ additional questions, 600+ image-based items, and timed exams. It also offers audio summaries for on-the-go review and video tutorials explaining complex concepts like acid-base balance.

Priority Nursing Action boxes simulate real-world scenarios requiring rapid decision-making, such as triaging emergency cases or delegating tasks. These exercises align with the NCLEX’s increased focus on clinical judgment and risk management.