Reminders: For the Nursing Licensure Exam takers

[~StormyWeather~]

i thought, maybe I can help out more examinees by posting helpful reminders
so, to the soon-to-be nurses, this is for you

Remember these things in answering questions:

[~StormyWeather~]

The board exam is a test for entry-level nurses. This means that it does NOT expect you to know everything. So, don't panic when you encounter questions and you have no idea what it is asking. Use test-taking strategies in aswering it. After doing an extensive review and you still feel like you don't know enough, don't feel bad. It's natural to be anxious. A little anxiety will actually help during the board exam as it will keep you alert and focused.

[~StormyWeather~]

When reading questions...find out what the test item is asking you about. If the question said..."What Nursing Action..." Always think about the NURSING PROCESS and remember it all begins with ASSESSMENT. If the question asks you about "Patient needs..." Always think about MASLOW'S HEIRARCHY OF NEEDS and remember that PHYSIOLOGIC NEEDS is priority. If the question asks you about "Prioritization or which patient to see first" Always think about ABC...remember Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. This also applies in choosing the best NURSING DIAGNOSIS for your patient.


Also remember that nursing interventions are categorized into three, namely: Independent, Interdependent, and Dependent. Independent nursing actions are those that the nurse may perform for the patient without the need of a doctor's order. Interdependent are those where the nurse collaborates with other members of the health team (PT, dietician, medtechs etc.). Dependent are those that require a doctors order.

[~StormyWeather~]

In choosing answers, always begin with INDEPENDENT NURSING ACTIONS.


example:
The nurse is caring for a patient with a fever. During the morning rounds, the patient complains of headache. The nurse proceeds to check the temperature and finds it to be elevated at 37.9 C, the nurse should:


a. Administer paracetamol to relieve headache and fever as ordered

b. Perform a tepid sponge bath

c. Document the temperature and call the Physician

d. Check CBC for signs of infection



In the example above, the independent nursing action is B. Therefore B is the correct answer.

[~StormyWeather~]

When answering questions that you really don't have an idea about, choose the longest answer or the one that is totally different from the other choices and stick with it.


example:
The nurse is caring for a patient on heparin infusion. During the morning care, the patient complains of sore gums after brushing teeth. The nurse should:


a. Stop the infusion

b. Notify the doctor

c. Assess for bleeding

d. Administer protamine sulfate



In the example above, options A, B, and D are all nursing interventions. Only option C involves nursing assessment. Therefore, by way of elimination, the correct answer is C.

[~StormyWeather~]

Do practice tests everyday. This will help you develop test-taking strategies. In answering questions, read the question carefully. Find out what the item is asking you. In reading the choices, look for words that make the option wrong then eliminate that choice so you can narrow down your options.


example:
Nursing is NOT an absolute science. There are exceptions to every situation. Choices with
"always"  "all"  "never" are therefore wrong because they are generalizations.

[~StormyWeather~]

Never change your answer (even if it was just a guess) unless you are absolutely sure with your new answer.

[~StormyWeather~]

In eliminating choices, similar ones are automatically wrong answers.

[~StormyWeather~]

Take time in reading questions and answer choices however be aware of the time remaining for exam set. It is usually written in the board by the proctor.

[-JaJa-]

waaaah! salamat ate doc :hb: tatandaan ku tlaga toh.. next year saturday and sunday na review namen.. wala na tlgang pahinga. huhu..