How to pick yourself up from a bad test score...

[Java Mama]

Hi,

I'm in my second semester of an ADN program. This semester we have 4 tests and 1 final exam. The first exam I got an 88.33% and our 2nd test, I got a 78.33%. The sad part is, I thought this test would have been a little harder, so I even made a 6 page focus sheet and put more study time in. How the heck did I end up with that grade? We will review the test this Monday, so I can see what I did wrong. It just really lets the air out of your tires when your get below an 80% (that is the lowest you can go). Luckily with my first test grade, I am still at an 83%. I just don't want to be "just keeping my head above water".

I plan on showing the teacher my study guide I made and get suggestions from her, but if anyone has any advice, I'd appreciate it. Our next test (next month) is on fluids & electrolytes. I have already started reading everything I can get my hands on!

[JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN]

Know your pathophys. Know your most important lab values. Just as important, know what your role is as the nurse. What assessments will you be doing for what conditions? What symptoms are you going to look for? What is considered an emergency situation - when do you call the doctor or ask for help? What is normal? What treatments would you expect? With one issue, what other things are going to be out of whack? What is your 1st priority? If drugs are a big part of this test (and they may not be) what are the side effects? Start thinking like a nurse or at least thinking about how the questions are going to be asked. You've seen the kind of crazy N-CLEX questions that are on your tests. Find or make up some of your own.

[Java Mama]

Thanks for response. I am reading a lot of different info to try and have a better understanding of the whole critical thinking process so I do better for the next test.