How to choose the CORRECT answer in the BOARD EXAM

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 21, 2012

With these tests, there may be multiple responses that are correct...but only one that is the BEST answer for that question. So be sure to read every response--don't just stop when you think you've found the correct one because there may be another one that is a better answer.

Read each response and see if it could correctly answer the question. If it can't, whack it out and go to the next response. If it can, make a note and move to the next response. Hopefully when you are done, you will have one response left and that ought to be the correct one. If you have more than one response left, you need to go back and look at each and see which one fits the question better.

Also, do not read into the questions. Go by what information is given and do not think, "but what if..." because if you start speculating "what if...", you are reading into the question.

dudette10, MSN, RN · Apr 21, 2012

If appropriate to the question, use Maslow's hierarchy of needs to determine the best answer.

Another way of looking at the questions: If you could do one thing and one thing only, what would benefit your patient the most?

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 21, 2012

Another tip: patient safety ALWAYS is the priority.

anonymousstudent · Apr 21, 2012

I prioritize based on ABC, then Maslow.

On ordering questions, I first stop the problem (if it's clear from the question what's going on), then assess, then procede with interventions listed. It doesn't always work, but many times it does.

Make sure you know expected outcomes for things - normal amount of bleeding after a surgery, etc. Those will throw you off in prioritizing. It seems like in those questions they're looking for you to pick up the weird neuro change that indicates a huge problem.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2012

You might want to consider investing in an NCLEX study guide from Kaplan. Kaplan contains a lot to test taking strategies with plenty of examples and practice questions to help you learn how to approach the questions. It's well worth the investment.

augustluv4 · Apr 21, 2012

I agree with previous post.

Kaplan's Decision Tree is a great method to practice NCLEX questions.

1. What is the topic?

2. Assessment vs. Implementation

3. Maslow - prioritize from the lowest level

4. ABC

5. What is the outcome?

brittanywatson · Apr 22, 2012

I prioritize based on ABC, then Maslow.
On ordering questions, I first stop the problem (if it's clear from the question what's going on), then assess, then procede with interventions listed. It doesn't always work, but many times it does.
Make sure you know expected outcomes for things - normal amount of bleeding after a surgery, etc. Those will throw you off in prioritizing. It seems like in those questions they're looking for you to pick up the weird neuro change that indicates a huge problem.

THIS! And I highly recommend Test Success by Nugent & Vitale. This breaks it down completely and will help you increase your chances of choosing the right answer even if you are unsure of the topic.

klouwey · Apr 22, 2012

Wow you guys are so helpful. Thanks a lot for all your tips and advices! And i will totally consider the NCLEX study & Test Success. Thanks so much. :)

mangopeach · Apr 23, 2012

I graduate in May as well. Congrats on making it through nursing school!

I am wondering why you are waiting until December to take the exam?

Why not get it out of the way sooner than later?

klouwey · Apr 23, 2012

I graduate in May as well. Congrats on making it through nursing school!
I am wondering why you are waiting until December to take the exam?
Why not get it out of the way sooner than later?

Idk it's sort of the most common approach we fresh graduates would take here in the Phils. We will take review classes after we graduate then we will take the exam on December. There are a few who will take it on July but they're so rare and prolly hve their own reasons as well. :)

mangopeach · Apr 23, 2012

Oh so you are not in the USA?

I was asking because it is generally said that you should take it sooner rather than later.

I plan to take mine within 3-4 weeks of graduating. Yikes. I graduate next week!

Good luck!