HESI

[GuineaPigs, BSN, RN]

I have to pass my HESI with either a 77% or 800 in order to continue in the program. Formally we have 2 tries, first time I scored a 774 (70% conversion score) and the second time I scored a 597 (66% conversion score... wth).

In between these two tests, I had a few months to prepare. I went over the evolve guide book, reviewed previous powerpoints, and I did over 1,000 questions in "the point" from my school. I focused on what my HESI said my weak areas are: respiratory/endocrine/cardiovascular and I reached mastery in most of the topics. I also did questions from the evolve site.

I've secured a third attempt, but I'm not sure what else I can do. Usually I always score over 800 on these HESI's, but for some reason this time it won't happen. Does anyone have any advice on what else I can do?

[DayDreamin ER CRNP]

There is a strategy to these tests. I used to tutor students on the HESI and always focused on the strategy. You know the material. You just have to retrain your brain to test differently.

The number one thing to remember is your ABCs. From there, you must prioritize and do the most effective but most minimally invasive intervention possible.

My favorite example is:

"You walk into your patient's room while she is sleeping and see that her O2 saturation on the monitor reads 85%. The appropriate nursing intervention is _______"

a. Call the doctor

b. Raise the head of the bed

c. Place oxygen on the patient

d. check the monitor

How do you answer when all four answers are correct? You need to make sure that the answer you chose actually answers the questions. In the example above, does A even answer the question? It doesn't help the patient at all. Checking the monitor doesn't either. I mean, you would check the monitor but that isn't helping your patient. Right there you have narrowed the answers down to two choices.

The correct answer in this case would be B - raise the head of the bed. That is the most effective, least invasive answer for this patient with the given information. You might apply oxygen but that would be considered after raising the head of the bed. Could be all she needs!

You always want to chose the least invasive and most effective intervention but still keeping your patient safe.

Make sense?

m

[GuineaPigs, BSN, RN]

makes sense and I try to apply it. But it doesnt seem to work with prentice hall questions. I just bought a saunders book and hoping those questions will help.