Pax prep, studying prefix/suffix/roots, a pitfall??????

[ThePhilster]

I took practice exams twice. The first time I got 45/60 correct. I got many wrong in comprehension, so I worked on strategies. I studied some prefixes, suffixes, and roots to strengthen the vocab part.

The second time around I get most of the comprehension correct, an improvement. And I did worse in the vocab AFTER studying P's, S's, and R's! A possible pitfall???

E.g. The word equivocal

Equi- prefix means equal

vocal - pertaining to the voice

Equivocal - 1. allowing the possibility of several different meanings, as a word or phrase, especially with intent to deceive or misguide; susceptible of double interpretation; deliberately ambiguous: an equivocal answer.

2. of doubtful nature or character; questionable; dubious; suspicious: aliens of equivocal loyalty.

3. of uncertain significance; not determined: an equivocal attitude.

The second practice exam I got a 41/60!!!! 4 points lower and on top of that I got most of the comprehension correct and the meat of incorrect in the vocab section.

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!! I am taking the exam in 7 days!!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Ok im done over reacting. Please help.

[Glenna, LPN]

I think that you are looking a little way into what is being asked in questions. You need to step back and give yourself a breather. Maybe tomorrow you should give your mind a break because you can over study making things worse then they actually have to be.

You might find what I am about to say as weird, but I'm going to say it anyway. Sometimes you won't understand all the words that are being asked in a question on your NCLEX. That is okay. Remember the correct answer should complete the question in a grammatically correct way. If you find yourself thinking what if stop yourself because you will be over thinking the question that is being asked causing you to pick an incorrect answer. If the question asks for an immediate response or prioritization of action, choose the answer that is critical to the life and safety of the client.

If you are unsure after carefully reading the question and all the answers, choose C or the answer with the most information.

Correct options will include or excude all the other options. The option with the specific determinter is often the correct answer. When you see opposites, one of these options is usually correct.

Also look for answers that go with your ABC's (airway, breathing, circulations) to be correct.

I'm just trying to help you out with not looking so much into the meaning of everything and how the sentences are structured to help you pass your NCLEX. I remember in class one of my instructors told me to be watchful of the kind of things I told you about.

I had a roller coaster of emotions when I took my NCLEX. Some questions I felt great, others I felt so-so, some I wanted to break down and cry. Don't be so hard on yourself. You did make it through nursing school, why should this exam be any different from the ones you've taken in school? Know your lab values, dosage calcuations, and remember to breathe!

Look for keywords, avoid answers that include the following : always, never, all, every, only, must, no, expect, or none.

[Glenna, LPN]

Also, the day before your NCLEX, don't study. Allow your brain to rest. Go to bed early that night an be sure to eat breakfast. Don't drink coffee before you take your test either. You don't want to have to get up and pee a few times losing time. The clock doesn't stop for pee breaks which I thought sucked

[ThePhilster]

Hey thanks, but I'm talking about the PAX, pre-nursing entrance exam. Am I in the wrong section?

[ThePhilster]

Correction: PAX = Pre-Admission Exam not pre-nursing entrance exam

[ThePhilster]

Well according to you then I shouldn't really sweat it too much. I was going to try and memorize 500+ words in the next 7 days. Should I just forget it? I've studied a good amount in sciences, the math I'm really good got perfect scores. My school said they really are looking for verbal, that's why I was going to go a little crazy on it. What do you think?