What is Wrong??? Unable to pick right answer!!!

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 13, 2011

OK. Take a deep breath and use the basic nursing process. Your assessment of your test-taking abilities has identified a problem. Now you need a good diagnosis of that problem so that you can plan a good intervention.

Does your school offer any support services for students? If so, check with them to see if they can help you diagnose the exact problem in your reasoning. Another option may be your academic advisor, teacher, or tutoring services. Those all might be available through your school. Another option is a company that specializes in preparing students for exams, such as Kaplan, Sylvan Learning Center, etc.

Which of the above supports are available in your school/community? Investigate those options and choose the one that suits you best. Don't just struggle on your own. Get the help you need to solve your problem.

Good luck!

Delawhere_RN · Mar 13, 2011

deep breath :) Studying for boards I had 3 books that I used - An overall review book, a 2000+ questions NCLEX "practice" book (with explainations as to why that answer was correct) and my Tabers dictionary. I wrote 2 notes for myself and put one on my study table and the other on my Tabers. One said "Just get it done" which reminded me that I'm actually learning more if I get it wrong, because I'm learning why it was wrong and about what was right. The other said "Pass not Perfect" and that was because I can be SO anal about anything I had to just stick to the basic prnciple and not go overboard trying to be perfect. The books covered what I needed to know and the notes to myself kept me on track. Good luck!!

ZygomaticusMinor · Mar 13, 2011

I had the same problem last semester. What I have come to the conclusion of is you need to refer back to the question and ask yourself "what is it asking me?" and look for key words. It sucks, and I am probably sure you are just like "I do that already" but with that method it will help you. Also, if you are stuck on a question its best to skip over it, mark it on your scan tron, and then go back to it when you are done with the overall exam so you can have time to mull over it.

And what DelawareCNA said is good too! But i just use the evolve website for the books that I am working/studying now. Good Luck and you still have half a semester left!

ms_miyagi · Mar 13, 2011

After you narrow your choices down to the two possible answers; re-read the question again. Now, you need to determine exactly what the question is asking you: Are you teaching the client? Is it an Emergency situation?, etc. Once you have determined exactly what the question is wanting you to do, choose the correct answer between the two remaining options. For example:

If it is client teaching, you MUST always ASSESS the clients knowledge and capacity for learning, at that time. Remember, a client CANNOT learn if they are having trouble accepting their diagnosis, so you would have to take that into consideration.

If it is an Emergency situation, you MUST follow your ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)

Remember that client SAFETY is generally a good choice if the above 2 scenarios don't fit the question. AND, if all else fails, refer to Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs.

Hope that helps

healthcarestudent · Mar 13, 2011

Thanks everyone for your advice and I will keep the tips to mind. DelawareCNA i like the tip about "Pass not Perfect." You are right about the more you get wrong, the more you know. Thanks everyone again.

caliotter3 · Mar 18, 2011

If you are down to two choices, your chances are 50%. So dont get frustrated. Just keep working on your knowledge base and seek help in test taking strategies. And in the end, remember that persistence will get you what you want. Good luck.

laughing weasel · Mar 18, 2011

Answer the question in your head and look for the answer that comes the closest to matching yours.