Parenteral Medication
Test Taking Tips for the
Nursing Board Examination
[pic]
Sometimes pure hard work and mental preparedness is not enough. The ability to answers exams or any test faster is a must specially if it is bounded by time. Usually the pressure sets in if the time is working against you and even if you’ve prepared 100%, it can ruin entirely what you have poured in. We have outlined test taking tips and strategies applicable not only in the June 2009 Nursing Board Exam but also in any type of multiple-choice exams including NCLEX.
The Parts of a Question
The question contains several parts: • the case (sometimes called scenario) - the description of the client and what is happening to him/her • the stem - the part of the question that asks the question • the correct response • distracters - incorrect but feasible choices
Key Words
The most important skill for the test taker is the ability to read the question carefully and determine the key elements in each question. Each question has key words. Key words relate to the client; to the problem; and to specific aspects of the problem.
Client
Factors such as age, sex, and marital status may be relevant. When a child’s age is given it often is very relevant to the answer. Vital signs vary with age. Preoperative teaching methods vary with age. Appropriate toys and diversional activities vary with age. Always pay special attention to the age of a client when it is given. Also consider who is the client for this question. That is, who is the focus of the question. The client may be the identified sick person, or it might be a relative of the identified sick person, or even a staff member.
Problem/Behavior
The problem may be a disease, a symptom or a behavior.
Details of the Problem • Is the question asking for nursing actions or client symptoms or family responses? • Does the question ask about a specific aspect
Nursing Board Examination
[pic]
Sometimes pure hard work and mental preparedness is not enough. The ability to answers exams or any test faster is a must specially if it is bounded by time. Usually the pressure sets in if the time is working against you and even if you’ve prepared 100%, it can ruin entirely what you have poured in. We have outlined test taking tips and strategies applicable not only in the June 2009 Nursing Board Exam but also in any type of multiple-choice exams including NCLEX.
The Parts of a Question
The question contains several parts: • the case (sometimes called scenario) - the description of the client and what is happening to him/her • the stem - the part of the question that asks the question • the correct response • distracters - incorrect but feasible choices
Key Words
The most important skill for the test taker is the ability to read the question carefully and determine the key elements in each question. Each question has key words. Key words relate to the client; to the problem; and to specific aspects of the problem.
Client
Factors such as age, sex, and marital status may be relevant. When a child’s age is given it often is very relevant to the answer. Vital signs vary with age. Preoperative teaching methods vary with age. Appropriate toys and diversional activities vary with age. Always pay special attention to the age of a client when it is given. Also consider who is the client for this question. That is, who is the focus of the question. The client may be the identified sick person, or it might be a relative of the identified sick person, or even a staff member.
Problem/Behavior
The problem may be a disease, a symptom or a behavior.
Details of the Problem • Is the question asking for nursing actions or client symptoms or family responses? • Does the question ask about a specific aspect