Help with taking NCLEX style questions

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Specializes in None.

Hi everyone,

Does anyone have any tips on taking nclex style test questions? I find myself able to get the answers down to two options. However, i'm picking the "distractor" question each time. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thank you in advance!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Get a NCLEX prep book to practice. Make sure the book includes rationales as to why one answer is better than the others.

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I 100% agree with JustBeachyNurse! Practice makes perfect (or at least better LOL) when it comes to NCKEX-style questions. The rationales are key for being able to see WHY that particular answer is the BEST answer. Practice, practice, practice! And don't sit once every two weeks and cram 100 questions in, do some every day. (I try to do 10-20, but I know some people who do upwards of 50/day.)

Good luck!! :D

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Specializes in None.

Thank you both for your responses! I have one NCLEX book, it's Pearsons. Do you all have any particular one that you guys really like?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

It's personal preference. Go to the book store and see which ones are best for your learning style. I used ATI during school and NCLEX questions available online from my required textbooks. I did not use any other NCLEX books for my prep as I found those resources sufficient. You need to see what works best for you.

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Specializes in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.

Like everyone else said, it's practice. You already know you're likely to pick the distractors so it's going to take time practicing not picking the distractors. When you do this, just try doing some practice questions where you don't care what score you get -- completely disregard the score. Since you can narrow it down to the two, when you feel yourself picking the distractor, just go for the other option instead. It'll train you to get out of that compulsion to talk yourself into picking the distractor. I'm currently going through that process as well and it seems to help. It's hard but I know eventually I'll get over it. >_

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.

I agree with the above. I just wanted to add…make sure you know what the question is asking. Sometimes the wording of the question can make it seem more complicated--try to make it more simple.

For example, a question might ask "When discharging a patient who was treated for diverticulitis, which statement by the patient indicates that the teaching has been affective?" Reword this as "'which of the following is true." That would make it easier to choose "I will choose a diet high in fiber."

OTOH, if the question asks"…what indicates the patient requires more teaching?" it can be reworded as "which statement is false." They the answer would be "If I want a snack, nuts are a good choice."

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I agree with the above. I just wanted to add…make sure you know what the question is asking. Sometimes the wording of the question can make it seem more complicated--try to make it more simple.

For example, a question might ask "When discharging a patient who was treated for diverticulitis, which statement by the patient indicates that the teaching has been affective?" Reword this as "'which of the following is true." That would make it easier to choose "I will choose a diet high in fiber."

OTOH, if the question asks"…what indicates the patient requires more teaching?" it can be reworded as "which statement is false." They the answer would be "If I want a snack, nuts are a good choice."

I like this! very true
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