1.  Select the best answer FROM THE CHOICES GIVEN:  Many times the ideal answer is not given

2.  When you are asked to establish the priority intervention use the following rubric:

     1st order-an immediate threat to client’s survival or safety

       2nd order-actual problems for which the client or family requested help

       3rd order-actual or potential problems that the client or family does NOT recognize,

     but the nurse knows about.

     4th order-anticipated actual or potential problem with which the client or family will need future help 

Note:  On NCLEX chest pain is considered physiologic and an immediate threat to the client’s survival, while all other pain is considered an 2nd level need.  On this test, physiologic needs always take priority over psychosocial needs.

Note:  If the question relates to appropriate communication-expressing feelings is the highest priority, while questions about teaching always identify motivation/readiness to learn as the highest priority.

3.  Another strategy related to establishing priority is to recall the steps in the nursing process.  Always ASSESS before IMPLEMENTATION.

4.  All correct answers on NCLEX are based on TEXTBOOK nursing practices and not what might be observed in clinical practice.

     In NCLEX-land, the nurse has all the time and resources needed to provide appropriate care.  In NCLEX-land there are no shortcuts.  Checking for bowel sounds in all 4 quadrants for 5 minutes is not a problem.

     In NCLEX-land there are NO staffing problems. 

     In NCLEX-land there is all an order for all answer options.  Select the option that will cause the least amount of harm.

5.  Take care of the client first, then the equipment.

6.  On NCLEX you need to memorize normal lab values and be able to interpret them.  Reference values are not provided the way they are in the hospital.

7.  In NCLEX-land, think before calling the primary health care provider.  Before selecting “call the primary health care provider (nurse practitioner, physician)” look at other choices carefully.  Check for assessment or action the NURSE should DO before making the phone call example: take vital signs, position, and suction. Etc.

8. Remember:  Choose the most comprehensive answer when available: Vital signs instead of B/P etc…

I try to teach my students both text book and real world.

You can use these for tests you have in school as well. I hope that someone else will post some tips on here.

I wish someone had given me tips like this when I was in school

Very helpful information....

I wish that I had something like this in school and before the boards

These are great tips that I will pass on to my classmates. the only thing that I would add (not that it can help decipher NCLEX) I give advice to some people with test anxiety.

1. What I have noticed working is taking at least 5 deep breaths before you start writing on the test.

2. Create study envionments similar to how your testing is. (no comfy couch, or television on)

3. Read the question!! So many times people get answers wrong just because they misread the question You need to know what the question is REALLY asking you. So no speed reading to get done quickly remember the first one done doesn't mean they got the best grade!

jheca, you are so right. Read the question and do not add anything to the question.

In other words do not say to yourself "well if he had . . .  then . . .

wow, thank you cdnurse and jheca! :)

very helpful info

Ginny, because of that, i'd like to take my nclex again , with such  great info, i'm sure whoever follows that will pass!

ofcourse not to forget your maslow's hierarchy of needs and the ABC's!