What ideal food before the exam?

Nursing Students NCLEX

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Specializes in OR nurse.

what food do you suggest before taking the nclex exam???:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :smiletea2: :smiletea2: :smiletea2: :smiletea2:

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Specializes in Education, Administration, Magnet.

Our instructors told us to eat breakfast high in protein (for the brain) 2 hours before the NCLEX and they also said that cofee is OK if we are used to drinking it every morning.

I usually eat oatmeal with milk every morning and I think I will do that before my test. My oatmeal has 5g protein in it. I am not a big egg eater.

I guess best choice would be whole wheat toast with cream cheese, eggs and OJ.

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I'd also like to add to bring either small snacks or candy. Our instructors used to show up with a big bag of candy on test days. Stress robs you of energy.

You can take breaks and where I took mine it didn't have to be when the computer gave you the option. Keep the stuff in your car and take a break. Get some sucrose then go back.

You're instict is gonna be to get it done and go but you need to pace yourself. The brain burns out quick when you're worked up.

Anything to give yourself an edge is gonna help. And yes eat breakfast too.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PACU.

Although I do not advocate this approach: I have known many pre-med students who would load up on carbs the night before MCAT [prior to it being computerized], begin the day with caffeine & nicotine (thought to enhance memory & recall); and, just before and during the exam pop glucose tabs for "brain food" Don't know if it will work for NCLEX :wink2:

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Specializes in Licensed Practical Nurse.

carbs!, gives you that energy and endurance to keep lookin at that screen and answering questions correctly! honestly eat anything, going in on nclex on an empty stomach is a recipe for diaster, can't think, can't concentrate, stomach growling-:nono: , thats a no-no! good luck, eat somethin!

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Specializes in MICU.

One of my instructors told us that cheese cube/slices are a good source of protein. She said to pack some with you and if you need a snack it is good brain food.

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eat protein foods in the morning of your nclex. do not eat carbo will make you sleepy. try to bring some chocolates for your break.

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I started this trick in nursing school and it worked for a lot of us:

"Carbo-load" the night before - as a runner I've heard of some marathoners (not what I do) eat a large meal full of carbohydrates the night before a big race. I started eating a regular spaghetti dinner the night before an exam and it never failed - I did rather well when I remembered, and didn't do so well on exams when I forgot my special meal. Sure, maybe's it's all in my head - but why change if it works? At the very least, my brain has energy (glucose) to use while it's thinking...and I'm happy because I love spaghetti!

My opinion would be to eat a healthy, well-balanced meal for dinner the night before AND breakfast the morning of. Don't change anything if you can help it - if you normally drink coffee in the morning, do it. I wouldn't go out to a sushi place the night before if you've never done it - stay away from anything that might be irritating to your stomach.

In the end, just relax! Your brain knows this stuff and no amount of "special food" will make it work better!

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Specializes in med/surg, ortho/neuro, ambulatory surg.

I always found that if I ate a good dinner, went to bed after the 10:00 news, got up with PLENTY of time not having to rush and eat a decent breakfast (I like the one mentioned above of toast with cream cheese, eggs and OJ I've heard OJ helps your brain with memory because of the glucose and the orange color LOL have no idea but I will try anything!!) I also take some hard candies and pop them in my mouth as I am walking into the building so that I can have that EXTRA little bit of sugar hit right about the time I start my test. This has always been my strategy during NS and plan to do the same NCLEX day!! Good Luck!

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hi, i tink u must not eat too much on d day of exam, coz it will make u 2 sleepy, bring candies & sweets :) eat foods wid iron and protein, and drink lots of water... :) & hve a lengthy slip d nyt b4...

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Everyone says: eat something that will keep u awake and give u energy. In my case, I had my usual coffee, ate a banana, a glass of oj and a slice of wheat bread with peanut butter. You do need to eat and remember to go to the restroom before as you wont get a break till you have two hours through the test.

PS. I prayed all the way down to the testing center and listen to music that helped me to relax....Good Luck!

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