I have a couple very helpful test taking tips...

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I was in tears yesterday as I was taking prep questions for the Hesi. I didn't know half of the q's - never heard of some of it.

Today I was looking at some "test taking tips" from the Kaplan book, and it said something along the lines of...if you have no clue what they are talking about and what the answer is, you can eliminate two of the answers this way...

If two of the answers are the exact opposite, like bradycardia or tachycardia...it's probaby between the 2 of them.

If two of the answers are similiar, it's probaby safe to eliminate them.

Since trying this method out, I have really improved my scores. The ones that I do end up missing, has always turned out to be the "other" answer of the 2 I was trying to decide upon. Not too bad.

Just wanted to share. Add some of your own if you have any!

Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry.

Great thought. I'll have to keep that in mind when I practice NCLEX questions this summer. The people I go to school with joke around because those questions that you're describing that you have no clue on are all too frequent sometimes, and we think you should just be able to write (e): none of the above!

The answers on the NCLEX are supposed to be alphabetized. if your choices are bradycardia, tachycardia, dyspnea, and SOB they will lay out like this:

a.bradycardia

b.dyspnea

c.SOB

d.tachycardia

One of my professors told me this and said that she lays her tests out the same way. I mentioned to her that I was concerned because most of my answers were 'A.' She said never ever ever worry about choosing a certain letter too many times.

Specializes in L&D.

I remember reading on a site that if one answer is very different from the other three interms of style, then it is probably the right answer. (The site has since been closed and, of course, I don't have a copy)

For example, if three of the answers are short, and the fourth one is long, then it is more than likely the longer one. Or if three of the answers are simple sounding, and the fourth is more complex, it is more than likely the more complex answer.

I have found this to be true on several questions in nursing school. Hope this helps!

Specializes in L&D.

Ok--here are some more tips. I like these b/c I see these words on tests ALL the time. (I am supposed to be studying for finals right now, and this is my way of justifying playing on the computer!!!)

"Often, by the way the question is worded, we are given clues as to what kind of information is being sought. Below are some of these:

"Further teaching is necessary"

You would look for negative information.

"patient understands"

You would look for information that is true.

The patient is first.

Take care of equipment second.

"Call the physician"

The NCLEX wants to know what the nurse will do. Consider hard before choosing this as ananswer. It is often incorrect."

http://fpb.cwru.edu/nurseweb/NCLEX/Test%20Tips.htm

Thanks for posting the website.

Ok--here are some more tips. I like these b/c I see these words on tests ALL the time. (I am supposed to be studying for finals right now, and this is my way of justifying playing on the computer!!!)

"Often, by the way the question is worded, we are given clues as to what kind of information is being sought. Below are some of these:

"Further teaching is necessary"

You would look for negative information.

"patient understands"

You would look for information that is true.

The patient is first.

Take care of equipment second.

"Call the physician"

The NCLEX wants to know what the nurse will do. Consider hard before choosing this as ananswer. It is often incorrect."

http://fpb.cwru.edu/nurseweb/NCLEX/Test%20Tips.htm

Specializes in Med/Surge.

Another thing that they stated and I have found to be true as far as the questions asking what you will do first is What is going to do the least harm to patient or what is least invasive.

For example: adjusting the HOB or inserting chest tube for a patient having breathing problems.

Also for the lovely therapeautic communication questions-if they are asking for information-gieve em facts, if they are asking about feelings, the feeling answer will be correct.

I am with you Landonsles, I too should be studying for the final instead I am here with ya'll :rotfl:

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