test-taking tutorial

the test-taking tutorial is available in the nursing computer lab and is very helpful, this is an outline of the main points and makes more sense if you already looked at the tutorial.

*Parts of a Question
-case scenario: describes nursing problem
-stem: points forward to the answer

*Critical Elements
-issue: primary problem
-->answer must relate to the issue
-client: person of focus in stem
-->answer must relate to the client
-key words: important words in the question
-->points forward to the best option
-stem: asks to solve the problem in scenario presented
-->true response: answer will be a true statement
-->false response: answer will be a false statement
-distractors: distracts from answering the question correctly
-->label your options as true statements (+), false statements (-), and statements you are unsure of (?)

*Points to Remember
1) Identify the critical elements (issue, client, key words, and stem)
2) Restate the question to identify the issue
3) Rule out options containing new information
-remember...what is the best for the client?
-and...time is never a factor

*Test-Taking Strategies
Strategy 1: Global Response Options
-the general, comprehensive option is usually correct
-includes ideas from other "correct" options
Strategy 2: Eliminate Similar Distractors
-eliminate options saying nearly the same thing
Strategy 3: Similar Word Options
-options using similar words as the question are usually correct, but not always!

*Communication Questions: Always Identify the Client First
-communication tool: promotes therapeutic communication
-->includes being silent, offering self, showing empathy, focusing, restatement, validation/clarification, giving information, dealing with here and now
-communication blocks: do not promote therapeutic communication and can be eliminated
-->includes giving advice, showing approval/disapproval, cliches and false reassurance, requesting explanation, devalue feelings, being defensive, focus on inappropriate issues, putting concerns "on hold"

*Maslow's Hierarchy
-physiological needs first (airway, breathing, circulation), then safety


**What is the safest, most ideal, and within a nurse's scope of practice?