Passing the boards in Mass

xantha31669 · Dec 19, 2003

The test is the same for everyone everywhere and is run by a national testing company.

Just curious, did your cousin go to Holyoke Community College?

Lori

social_bunny · Dec 22, 2003

My cousin went to Mt. Holyoke, but studied nursing at UMASS, Amherst.

I understand that the tests are the same for everyone, but was interested in knowing about the details of the test. How many questions are on the test?, what happens if you don't answer all of the questions?, how long do you have to take the test?, how many wrong are you allowed?... those kind of details.

xantha31669 · Dec 22, 2003

The test is computer adaptive. There can be anywhere from 75 questions up to 200+.(can't remember the exact amount) There is no set # of right or wrong questions. You start with with mid level questions, if you get that right they get harder, wrong they get easier until you can answer.when you have answered enough questions at the appropriate level right then you pass, which could be anywhere in that range(75 and up) also if you get so low on the difficulty that you have no possibility of pulling up the level then you can fail as well ( also at 75).

What few people outside of nursing understand is that the questions are not things like "where is your liver?" the questions can be very difficult and involved and can pull on 3 or 4 different things at once.

" A patient is admitted with dehydration secondary to nausea vomiting and diarrhea. they have a history of CHF, HTN, and IDDM. Upon assessment they are diaphoretic (sweaty) weak and shaky what is your first action?"

There will usually be at least two right answers. In this question you have to know what all three of the history diagnosises are. What are the possible signs and symptoms of each and what effects they have on the body. You have to also know what effects nausea vomiting and diarrhea can have on the body right down to the cellular level. Then you have to compare all this to the signs and symptoms your patient is having. After you figure this all out then you have to figure which thing is the most life threatening (the first priority to treat) after this you can take a stab at an aswer.

When you try to answer, the two answers that are both technically right are very close, you have to figure out which is the best answer.(keeping in mind what falls into your scope of practice)

Try having to take a minimum of 75 questions like this, right up to over 200! It is murder!!!

I hope this answers your question.

social_bunny · Dec 22, 2003

Thank you Lori. That does help me understand what the test entails better.