Study materials in Magstone RN
Magstone RN includes 3,500+ practice questions and 36 case studies. The 210+ questions within those cases are counted separately from the practice questions. Browse study materials or subjects and deck titles.
Anatomy of a Bowtie
The center holds one condition. The left wing holds two actions; the right wing holds two parameters to monitor.
| Slot | What you select | Typical count |
|---|---|---|
| Center | Most likely condition / priority hypothesis | 1 |
| Left wing | Actions to take now | 2 |
| Right wing | Parameters to monitor for response / deterioration | 2 |
That is five scored elements (five targets for five correct tokens).
How Bowtie scoring works (NCSBN 0/1)
Per NCSBN's current scoring-models article (Zendesk; page updated July 07, 2026):
- Bowtie uses 0/1 scoring per element.
- NCSBN: Bowtie items always have a maximum score of 5 points because there are 5 targets for the 5 correct tokens.
- Correct token on the correct target → point; incorrect → 0 (no penalty beyond missing that point).
- Action/Parameter tokens are interchangeable within their target pairs (per NCSBN scoring description).
This is different from multiple-response +/- scoring (correct +1, incorrect −1, negative totals floored at zero), which applies to item types like MR SATA, not to Bowtie.
Matrix caution: Do not collapse all "matrix" items into one rule. NCSBN Matrix Multiple Choice = 0/1 per row. Matrix Multiple Response = +/- with a zero floor per column/group. Trend is a presentation format, not its own scoring rule.
Sources for scoring: NCSBN Zendesk: current scoring models and NCSBN NGN News Summer 2021 (scoring models; see Sources).
Worked example from the study guide
This is the existing public R. Martinez sample, shown as a Bowtie answer key.
Patient: R. Martinez, 68M
Vitals: BP 168/94 mmHg · RR 28 breaths/min · SpO2 88%
Lungs: Bibasilar crackles · +2 edema
Lab: BNP 1,420 pg/mL (High)
Answer key (Bowtie layout)
| Wing | Selection |
|---|---|
| Actions to take | High-Fowler's position with oxygen; Furosemide 40 mg IV push, as prescribed |
| Condition most likely | Acute decompensated heart failure (fluid overload) |
| Parameters to monitor | Hourly urine output and daily weights; Pulse oximetry and respiratory effort |
Related priority MCQ: Why not D
On the related related multiple-choice stem, option D offers a rapid 500 mL 0.9% saline bolus "to support renal perfusion."
Why not D: A saline bolus adds volume to a patient who is already fluid overloaded and would worsen the pulmonary edema.
The full question bank is available in the app with a plan.
How to practice Bowtie questions
- Read the chart like a bedside handoff: abnormal vitals and labs first.
- Name the pathophysiology in one line before you look at options.
- Actions must treat that pathophysiology (here: reduce preload / support oxygenation, not antibiotics-first, not fluid bolus).
- Parameters must detect whether the action worked (urine output after loop diuretic; SpO2 / work of breathing).
- Score yourself the NCSBN way: five targets, 0/1 each, max 5. Missing one parameter costs one point; it does not fail the whole item the way a single-answer MCQ does, but it still matters.
A quick self-check script
- If your condition is infection but the chart is flash pulmonary edema, stop; actions will be wrong downstream.
- If an action would add volume to an overloaded patient, discard it.
- If a monitor does not change when your action works (or fails), it is probably the wrong parameter.
Bowtie and other NGN formats
| Format | What it tests | Scoring reminder |
|---|---|---|
| Bowtie | Condition + actions + monitors in one graphic | 0/1; max 5 |
| Trend | Change over time (flowsheets/vitals) | Scoring follows the underlying response type, not a unique Trend score |
| Matrix Multiple Choice | One choice per row | 0/1 per row |
| Matrix Multiple Response | Multiple selections in a grid | +/- with zero floor (per NCSBN column/group rules) |
| MR SATA | Select all that apply | +/- with zero floor |
Magstone RN practices Bowtie, Trend, Matrix, and Multiple response with partial-credit patterns where the exam model uses them.
What Magstone RN includes for NGN
- Bowtie, Trend, Matrix, and Multiple response practice
- Partial credit where the exam model uses it
- Explanations for each answer in practice questions
- 6,500+ flashcards with scheduled reviews and step-by-step dose math in the same subscription
- A curriculum covering pharmacology, med-surg, fundamentals, maternal-newborn, pediatrics and mental health
| Content | Figure | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Practice questions | 3,500+ | Questions outside case studies |
| Case studies | 36 | 210+ questions within cases, counted separately from the practice questions |
| Plan | Price | Billing |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly plan | $9.99/month | 3-day trial for first-time subscribers; payment method required. Renews monthly. |
| Annual plan | $79.99/year | 3-day trial for first-time subscribers; payment method required. Renews annually. |
| Lifetime access | $149.99 one time | One payment; no trial or renewal. |
For monthly and annual plans, cancel before the trial ends to avoid the first charge. Cancel anytime online. See subscription terms and billing help.
Connecting Bowtie judgment to dose math
The Martinez example focuses on clinical judgment. For dosage calculation practice, see dosage calculation, mcg/kg/min calculator, and IV flow rate calculator. These guides show units and calculation steps.
FAQ
Are Bowties only on RN NCLEX?
NGN item types appear on the current NCLEX framework; always follow the NCSBN test plan for your exam type and date.
Is Trend the same as Bowtie?
No. Trend focuses on change over time (flowsheets/vitals). Bowtie forces condition + actions + monitors in one graphic item.
Does missing one wing zero the whole Bowtie?
Under 0/1 scoring, each of the five targets is scored independently for correctness. Max is 5; one wrong target costs that point (see NCSBN Zendesk).
Can I practice only Bowties?
In-app filters/topic practice depend on the current Magstone RN UI; use the NGN practice areas after you start a plan. See the NCLEX practice guide.
Can this replace clinical guidance?
Magstone RN is a study product. Follow your instructors and facility policy for clinical care, and NCSBN materials for exam rules.
Continue studying
Review the worked example above, then continue NGN practice in Magstone RN with a 3-day trial for first-time subscribers (card required) on monthly/annual plans, or $149.99 lifetime.
Related guides: Dosage calculation · Flashcards · UWorld alternative · /ngn-prep
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Sources
Sources checked September 30, 2026.