University:
West Coast University
Course:
NURS 110 | Introduction to Professional Nursing
Academic year:

2022
Views:

492

Pages:

1
Author:

Ean Mason

Test Taking Strategies In General: • Identify the key word (may relate to pt, a condition, etc.), which will help you focus on exactly what the questions wants you to answer • If 2 of the answers are opposite to one another, one of them is most likely the correct answer • Absolute answers (answers that include the words “all”, “never”, and “always”) are usually not the correct answer • Imagine you are in the “NCLEX world/hospital” – you are only 1 nurse with 1 patient, have all the orders written (only time you need to speak with a doctor is if an intervention fails and there is nothing else you can do) • Never “contact the provider” about an expected outcome/result from a disease process • Do not focus on background information in the question, however, you still need to read every single word of the question – don’t skim!! • Words: most, first, best, primary, and initial = you must establish priorities • Phrase: further teaching is necessary = the answer will contain incorrect information • Phrase: patient understands the teaching = the answer will contain correct information • For prioritization questions, remember your ABC’s, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and nursing process when choosing your answer • Eliminate incorrect answers • Some answers won’t be the “ideal” answer.. you need to pick the best possible answer from the options you have, even if your ideal answer isn’t listed • Pick the broadest + most comprehensive answer (umbrella effect) – this answer includes all of the other answers in it • Focus your answer on the patient • If you MUST guess, choose an answer that looks different from the other options • Do NOT look for patterns in your answers – if you’ve picked option A for the past 3 questions, do not avoid option A on your current question • Do not second guess yourself – usually your first/gut answer is the correct answer • With mental health questions, always promote open communication and acknowledge the pt’s feelings • Ultimately, the more you practice NCLEX style questions, the better you will get at answering them! Select All That Apply: • Treat each option as a true or false question (reword each answer into a statement and then determine if the answer is true or false) Hot Spot: • Know your anatomical landmarks for this type of question Fill in the Blank: • These questions are usually med calculations or calculating intake + output • Pay close attention to the unit of measurement you need for your final answer Drag and Drop/Ordered Response: • These questions are usually based on steps of performing a procedure or steps for donning/doffing PPE • Imagine yourself performing the procedure before and after you answer the question • All options must be used when putting the answer together 56