“Always” and “Never”: When These Words Are Actually Correct
The rule to cross out any answer containing always, never, all, or none is only half true: those strong words are usually wrong in ordinary client care but are often the correct answer in safety, infection control, scope of practice, and client rights, because some rules never bend. The better test is not the word but the question "can I think of a real case where this is not true?" If yes, the answer is wrong; if no, it is probably right.
Free sample lesson on the precautions, where the rules really are absolute.
From the Intensive NCLEX Course. This lesson is a free sample: watch it with a free account.
You have heard the rule: cross out any answer with always, never, all, or none.
That rule is only half true. Using it every time will cost you points.
Why the rule exists
Nursing care changes with each client. So strong words are often too strong.
Example: “The nurse should always raise the head of the bed for breathing problems.”
Always? What if the blood pressure is very low? What if they just had spine surgery?
Test writers know these words look wrong. So they use them in wrong answers.
That part is true. But it is a tendency, not a law.
Where “always” and “never” are RIGHT
Some rules never bend. In these areas, strong words are often the correct answer.
Safety
- Never leave a client in restraints without checking on them
- Always use two identifiers before giving medication
- Never recap a used needle
Infection control
- Always wash your hands before and after client contact
- Airborne precautions always need a negative pressure room and an N95 mask
- Never enter an airborne isolation room without the right mask
Scope of practice
- Never give assessment, teaching, or evaluation to a UAP
- Always check an order that looks unsafe before giving it
- Never give a medication you did not prepare yourself
Client rights
- Always get consent before a procedure
- Never share client information with people not caring for them
- Clients always have the right to refuse
See the pattern? Strong words are right when breaking the rule would be very dangerous. Safety. Infection. Scope. Rights.
Where they are usually WRONG
Client findings. “All clients with pneumonia have a fever.” Not true. Older adults often do not.
Positioning. It depends on the client.
Teaching. “Never eat any vitamin K on warfarin.” Wrong. The rule is be consistent, not avoid it.
Timelines. “The client will always walk by day one after surgery.” People heal differently.
Feelings. Grief and coping do not follow a fixed order.
The better rule
Do not look at the word. Ask this instead:
“Can I think of a real case where this is not true?”
- Yes → the answer is wrong
- No → the answer is probably right (especially for safety, infection, scope, or rights)
Four examples
Strong word — CORRECT “The nurse should always wash hands before entering the room.” Any exception? No. Correct.
Strong word — WRONG “Clients with diabetes should never eat carbohydrates.” Any exception? Yes, many. Diabetes care is about counting carbs, not avoiding them. Wrong.
Strong word — CORRECT “The nurse should never let a UAP teach the client.” Any exception? No. Teaching is RN work. Correct.
Strong word — WRONG “All clients with chest pain should sit up high.” Any exception? Yes, if blood pressure is low. Wrong.
Soft words are not proof either
Some people say soft words like usually, may, often, some are more likely correct.
Also only half true. Test writers know you think this. So they write nice-sounding soft answers that are wrong.
Neither strong nor soft words tell you the answer. Your knowledge does.
When to use the old rule
Only if you truly do not know, and you must choose between two options.
Then the one with an unbending word (outside safety topics) is the slightly worse bet.
That is a last resort. Not a strategy.
Short version
Strong words point to wrong in normal client care. Strong words point to right in safety, infection control, scope, and client rights.
Ask: can I think of an exception? Let that decide.
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Frequently asked questions
Common follow-up questions on Test-Taking Strategy.
Where are "always" and "never" usually the correct answer?
Strong words are often correct in four areas where breaking the rule would be very dangerous: safety, infection control, scope of practice, and client rights. Examples include always washing your hands before and after client contact, airborne precautions always needing a negative pressure room and an N95 mask, never giving assessment or teaching to a UAP, and always getting consent before a procedure.
Where are absolute words usually wrong?
They are usually wrong for client findings, positioning, teaching, timelines, and feelings, because these depend on the individual client. For example, "all clients with pneumonia have a fever" is untrue since older adults often do not, and "never eat any vitamin K on warfarin" is wrong because the rule is to be consistent, not to avoid it.
What is the better rule than crossing out strong words?
Do not look at the word; instead ask whether you can think of a real case where the statement is not true. If yes, the answer is wrong. If no, the answer is probably right, especially for safety, infection, scope, or rights. Your knowledge decides the answer, not the strength of the wording.
Are soft words like "usually" and "may" more likely to be correct?
That is also only half true. Test writers know students think soft words signal correct answers, so they write nice-sounding soft answers that are wrong. Neither strong nor soft words tell you the answer; your knowledge does.
When can I fall back on the old cross-it-out rule?
Only if you truly do not know and must choose between two options. Then the one with an unbending word, outside safety topics, is the slightly worse bet. That is a last resort, not a strategy.
Sources and references
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing. 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan (effective April 1, 2026). Chicago, IL: NCSBN; 2026. nclex.com, Test Plans.
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Clinical Judgment Measurement Model. nclex.com; accessed October 2026.
Reviewed by the NCLEXPace team, October 2026.
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