Testing Success

Testing Success

Summer 2013

Most Common Testing Mistakes

Prepare Superficially Not preparing for class Don’t do reading in text Not part of study group Cram night before exam Depend on memorizing Rely on what you think you know

Common Mistakes

Read questions on exam incorrectly Don’t grasp what question is really asking Misread due to hurrying Miss key words in question

Don’t read all possible responses before forming opinion

Select wrong answer by accident Change answer Don’t listen to inner voice / instinct

4 Levels of Thinking

Simple to Complex Knowledge

Comprehension

Application

Analysis

Study Techniques to Increase Knowledge

Repeatedly study content Recite out loud Flash cards Write it down Alphabet cues (3 P’s of diabetes = polyuria, polydipsia,

polyphagia) Acronyms – word formed from first letters of facts

(Caution – change in bowel/bladder habits, a sore that doesn’t heal, unusual bleeding or discharge, thickening or lump, indigestion or difficulty swallowing, obvious change in wart or mole, nagging cough or hoarseness)

Acrostics - phrase, motto, or verse with first letters Fat Soluable Vitamins = A, D, E, K (All Dieters Eat

Kilocalories) Mnemonics – variation of acrostic, not every word related to

content There are 15 grains of sugar in 1 graham cracker (15 grains

= 1 gram)

Study Techniques to Increase Comprehension

Explore “whys” and “hows” Why or how is this information important?

Immobility causes pressure ulcers – why Soap helps clean the skin – how

Study in small groups Sharing promotes comprehension

Listen to impressions and opinions of others Learn new information you may have missed Reinforce your learning by teaching others

Study Techniques to Increase Application

Apply concepts to what you already know Gravity = force that draws all mass toward the

center of the earth How does this apply to nursing

Hang urinary catheter bag below bladder Hang IV bag above patient Raise head of bed for patient with dyspnea Elevate legs of patient with edema

Study Techniques to Increase Analysis

Analysis requires you to critically think Interpret a variety of data Recognize commonalities, differences, and relationships

Identify differences Causes of elevated blood pressure

Many causes, each for different reason Fluid retention, anxiety, infection

Practice test taking Review rationales for right and wrong answers Increase stamina Control physical and emotional responses Manage time Practice test taking techniques

Test Taking Techniques

Most items have 4 options for responses Chance of picking correct answer is 25% Eliminate 1 distracter and choice of picking

correct answer is 33% Eliminate 2 distracters and have 50/50

chance of picking correct answer

Lets look at increasing your odds

Step 1

Break question down into it’s components Stem

What is the question asking? READ SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY

Paraphrase into your own words before looking at options Try to answer in your own words before looking at options

Options Don’t pick one too quickly

It may contain correct information but not answer the question asked in stem

Eliminate obviously incorrect options

Most students can reduce down to 2 possible answers If you have not idea which one to pick……. THEN WHAT?

Step 2

Identify key words in stem that indicate negative polarity

Not, except, never, contraindicated, unacceptable, avoid, least, violate

This question is concerned with what is false If all options appear correct re-read the stem

because you may have missed a key negative word.

Step 2 question

A patient is receiving a low-sodium diet. What food should the nurse teach the patient to avoid because it is high in sodium?1. stewed fruit

2. luncheon meats

3. whole grain cereal

4. green leafy vegetables

Step 3

Identify key words in stem that set a priority First, initially, best, priority, safest, most Requires you to rank all options in order of

importance If having trouble ranking

Eliminate option you think is most wrong then next most wrong, etc.

See next slide for strategies for prioritizing

Strategies for Prioritizing

ABC’s (airway, breathing, circulation) Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Physiological always a priority Nursing Process (ADPIE)

Assessment must be completed before other steps

Safety of patient is going to be a priority Rarely is “call the physician” a priority

Step 3 question

The nurse is assigned to care for a patient who is incontinent of urine and feces. What should the nurse use to best protect this patients skin?1. incontinence pad

2. talcum powder

3. petroleum jelly

4. lamb skin

Step 4

Identify key words/clues in stem that direct attention to content

Takes a broad concept and focuses to a more specific aspect of the concept

To meet patients basic physiological needs according to Maslow, what should the nurse do? 1. Assist patient with meals / fluid intake 2. Pull curtain when patient is on bedpan 3. Respond to call light immediately 4. Raise both side rails on the bed

Step 4

Word / phrase in stem significant because similar to or a paraphrase of a word or phrase in correct answer

What should the nurse do to help meet the patient’s self-esteem needs?

1. Encourage patient to perform self care2. Ask family to visit more often3. Anticipate patient needs4. Help patient with bathing

Step 4

Clang Association Word / phrase in stem is identical to word / phrase

in correct answer

What should the nurse do to meet patients basic physical needs.

1. Pull curtain when providing care2. Answer call bell immediately3. Administer physical hygiene4. Obtain vital signs

Step 5

Identify patient centered options Explore patient feelings, preferences, afford

patient choices, and empower the patient

Use therapeutic communication skills to validate the patient’s feelings, fears, and concerns

The patient is the priority

Step 5 question

When assisting a patient who recently had an above the knee amputation to transfer into a chair, the patient starts crying and says, “I am useless with only one leg.” What is the nurses best response?

1. “Losing a leg can be very difficult” 2. “You still have use of one good leg” 3. “A prosthesis will make a big difference” 4. “You’ll feel better when you can use crutches”

Step 5 question

An oriented patient states, “I always forget the questions I want to ask when my heath-care provider visits me.” What is the nurses best response?

1. Offer to stay when health care provider visits

2. Remind patient of health care providers next visit

3. Give patient pen and paper to write questions

4. Suggest family member be present to ask questions

Step 6

Identify specific determiners in options A word/statement that conveys a thought or

concept that has no exceptions Always, never, all, every, none, and only are absolutes

These statements with these words are generally false

There are few absolutes in nursing so examine carefully as there are some

All patients should be treated with respect

Step 6 question

The nurse is giving a bed bath. How can the nurse best improve the patient’s circulation during the bath?1. use firm strokes

2. use only hot water

3. keep patient covered

4. apply soap to washcloth

Step 6 question

A patient states the elastic straps of the oxygen mask feel too tight. How should the nurse respond?

1. explain the mask must always stay firmly in place

2. replace face mask with nasal cannula

3. pad straps with gauze

4. adjust the straps to loosen

Step 7

Identify opposites in options

When options are opposites, more often than not, one is the correct answer.

Step 7 question

A nurse understands that the progress of growth and development in all older adults

1. Slips backwards

2. Moves forward

3. Becomes slower

4. Remains stagnant

Step 7 question

A health care provider orders anti-embolism

stockings for a patient. When should the nurse

apply these stockings?

1. While patient is still in bed

2. When patient reports leg pain

3. When patients feet become edematous

4. When patient gets out of bed in the morning

Step 8

Identify equally plausible or unique options 2 or more options are similar/comparable,

one is no better than the other So… use “If” “Then” technique

If I perform this intervention in the option then what will be the outcome?

Usually equally plausible options are distracters and can be eliminated

If you find 3 equally plausible options then the 4th option will probably appear unique

Ask yourself “Which of these is different?”

Step 8 question

What is the main reason passive range of motion exercises are performed?

1. Increase endurance

2. Prevent loss of mobility

3. Strengthen muscle tone

4. Maximize muscle atrophy

Step 8 question

What should the nurse do immediately before performing any patient procedure?

1. Shut the door

2. Wash hands

3. Close curtain

4. Drape patient

Step 9

Identify Global Options Which option is more comprehensive than

the others

Usually a broad, general statement whereas the distracters are more specific

Pick out the option that is different

Step 9 question

The most effective way for the nurse to prevent the spread of infection in the hospital is by:

1. Administering antibiotics to sick patients

2. Limiting the spread of microorganisms

3. Isolating patients who are sick

4. Keeping all unit doors closed

Step 9 question

When the nurse is repositioning a patient what is the most important principle of body mechanics?

1. Elevating the arms on pillows

2. Maintaining functional alignment

3. Preventing external rotation of hips

4. Placing a small pillow under the lumbar curvature

Step 10

Identify duplicate facts among the options

When each option contains 2 or more facts

Identify 1 fact as incorrect and can eliminate whole option

Increases your chances of selecting correct answers

Step 10 question

A health care provider orders a 2-gram sodium diet. Which group of nutrients are most appropriate for this diet?

1. Fruit, vegetables, bread

2. Hot dogs, mustard, pickles

3. Hamburger, onions, ketchup

4. Luncheon meats, rolls, vegetables

Step 11Identify options that deny patient feelings,

concerns, and needs Avoid Pollyanna syndrome – not everything

is ok (nor does it have to be) Don’t diminish patient concerns, provide false

reassurances, or cut off patient communication

Options that imply everything will be alright deny the patients feelings, change the subject, encourage the patient to be cheerful, or transfer nursing responsibility to others are usually distracters and can be eliminated

Step 11 question

The day before surgery for a hysterectomy a patient says to the nurse, “I am worried that I might die tomorrow.” What is the nurses best response?

1. “It is really routine surgery”

2. “The thought of dying can be frightening”

3. “You need to tell your surgeon about this”

4. ”Most people who have this surgery survive”

Summary Break down into components Negative polarity Priority key words Key words/clues directing to content Patient centered options Specific determiners for no exceptions Opposite options Equally plausible or unique options Global options Duplicate facts in options Deny feelings, concerns, or needs

Best Nursing Practices Keep Patients Safe

Optimizing Every Great Decision Delivered

General Test Taking Strategies

Follow your regular routine night before test Go to bed usual time

Sleep deprivation decreases reactions time and cognitive skills

Eat normally Relax ………


Arrive Early for exam Use the rest room Relax Meditate Collect thoughts Avoid comparing notes with other students Anxiety is contagious – avoid anxious

classmates


Mange your time during the exam Know how much time you have for each

question Stay on target Use all the time allotted Read each item slowly If bogged down move on and come back to

that question


Avoid reading into question Answer question based on information given / stated

in stem When reading stem underline important words Don’t add information from your own mind Don’t make assumptions about information given Read all options before selecting one

Refer back only to words underline as important in stem Don’t add information to an option Option may contain correct information but have nothing to

do with what the question is asking


Make educated guesses Reduce the number of options and guess Trust your instincts Do not change your answer


Maintain a positive mental attitude Too much anxiety interferes with your

attention, concentration, and problem solving ability

Feel in control by skipping difficult questions Enhance relaxation by practicing deep

breathing Tell self “I am prepared to do well” “I studied

hard” “I will be successful” Go to your special place of relaxation


Check your answers and answer sheet Make sure you clearly marked the answers

you meant to select Did you fill in all questions?

Documents

Testing Success