Published May 17, 2006
julesannfl
32 Posts
Hi. I have a question. I have been following Suzanne's tips and guide, but in the process I am finding that I have a small problem which actually can be a HUGE problem.
I am going through the questions and choose the correct answer only to find out I read the questions somewhat backwards!!!!!!!! For instance: If it said chose the one that would indicate the need for further teaching I would choose the one they did right. I am leaving out the KEY word to determine what it really wants me to tell them!!! My hubby told me to read the question super SLOW and still once I get on a roll I tend to do it again. Now I already took the test once and wonder HOW many I messed up because of this silliness!!!
Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do, how to read the questions without missing a word? I am not dyslexic, dont have any attention disorders where I am super hyper, but I wonder could nerves do this??? Thank you so much in advance.
PS In clinical settings I have never had any trouble reading charts, orders (along side an RN of course), etc.
Please someone must have some type of advice?
AmyD_RN
464 Posts
oh I have done that too!!!!!!!!!!! I am just taking the advice of reading super slow and telling myself what the question is asking. I will probably use the whole time limit that way but I would rather do that then mess up where I really knew the answers!!!!!!
TexasPediRN
898 Posts
When you read the question, read it slowly, and say it aloud in your head. Choose your answer, then go back and reread the question and make sure your answer is the right choice for what the question is asking.
If you find yourself getting panicked/stressed/worried/anything else, just take a deep breathe, close your eyes, and relax for a few seconds. Then let it all out and start again. You'll do fine.
Well its interesting.... I took up a lot of time, and you would think it was because I was changing answers as i went along, but it wasn't. I was just trying to slow myself down to read them correctly. But I still notice I am having a little trouble....
Thanks for replying.
Thank you.
At home I do prefer to read questions aloud (partially to torture my family and partially because it DOES help), but in the testing room you can't do that.....lol
I did think it helped A LOT to have the ear plugs in to block out the TAPPING of the computer keys!!!
Leda
157 Posts
One clue to you that you've misread the question is when you're having difficulty identifying one best answer. In the example you cited (select what the nurse would NOT do and you've read it as what the nurse WOULD do) when the test taker misrreads the question they typically find they are able to identify three of the four responses as correct. The test-taker in this situation is sure that two or more of the responses are correct in all circumstances, without exception. This is a big red flag to go back and read the question again to identify words such as except, would not do, is incorrect, requires further teaching, etc.
Hope this hint helps.
mmm cool idea: mental note to self.....................buy earplugs!
Thanks Leda!!~ That is a good tip. I can use as many tips as possible!!!
PS Amy, you dont have to buy ear plugs. Pearson Vue testing center has them ONLY if you ask for them. They are STERILE lol (in sealed packages)......
oh cool I didn't know that! thanks
crb613, BSN, RN
1,632 Posts
I am for reading the question slowly then I ask myself...what does this question want to know.....and is this a positive question= looking for a right response OR is this a negative question= looking for a wrong response. I usually choose my answer then re-read the question to be sure the answer makes sense. Hope this helps!
AngelaSPN
20 Posts
i did that sometimes when i was in school. what i would do is underline the key words in the sentence. since obviously you can't do that on a computer, seek out the key words to the question and keep them in mind. look at your choices, pick one, and then read the question again just to make sure.
I was just talking with my husband trying to figure out when I can pay to find out results......
If I test on a Thursday during the early morning time when do you think it will be available? Last time I tested on a Monday so the weekend wasn't a factor...
Thanks!!~