NursingLink

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:

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

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

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

     but the nurse knows about.

     4^th 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 2^nd 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…

CDNURSE....

Thank you so much for the wonderful tips!

Thanks for the info CD

Here's a test taking tip. Grap your pen or pencil, get comfy in your seat, and then kiss your ass goodbye. LOL LOL

I'm going to try these steps for my next exam and keep a copy of this for my NCLEX exam as well.  My school only gives us 4 tests each semester along with a final that counts 30%. I just wish we got tests every week. It would be a lot easier because it would have less information on it.

Can I ask you cdnurse to take the test for me too!!! LOL LOL

Thanks for posting this. I'm sure it's going to help a lot of people out.   I'm praying that it will help me!

sam and diane: hope it is helpful for you.

donna: glad you found them. Do not stress, you will get through this.

I was told if you're having trouble picking an answer, the silliest answer may be the correct answer.

These are great tips! Especially about "NCLEX land" version of reality. The more practice tests you take, the better you get at picking up on what they are looking for. As you try practice tests, try this: read the scenario, then try to predict where the question is going. Throw out all the fluff in the question that doesn't really matter. What's left? Then read the choices.

My mantra is "keep the patient safe, keep the patient breathing".

Good luck to all of you! I remember the stress. If I could take the test for you, I WOULDN'T

thanks cdnurse...this is great!

 I guess I did it the old fashioned way, I studied ALL the material

I too tried to study and memorize it all.

I used these tips to take me board cert exam. They do work. I have always been amazed with memory SAP. When did you first realize that about your memory?

Oddly enough, I probably realized this in high school. I just remember how things were positioned on the paper, kept that picture in my head, and that helped me with the answers.

It's still working. LOL

Thank you.  This is going to help a whole lot, because I am now in my second semester, and it is Med-Surg.  I have to be careful on what the stem of the question is, and what they are asking.   Thank you so very much for posting this.