Prioritization
What is the principle that helps determine the most critical patient to assess first?
ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation)!
What should you do first when reading an NCLEX question?
Identify keywords!
What type of practice questions should you use to prepare for the NCLEX?
NCLEX style questions! SATA, multiple choice, dosage calculations, drag + drop, hot spots!
I really hope you got this one right.......
What is an effective relaxation technique before taking the NCLEX?
Deep breathing!
What do you need to bring to the testing site on test day?
Valid ID and ATT (authorization to test!)
When deciding between a stable and unable patient, which should you prioritize as a nurse?
The unstable patient! You can delegate certain tasks to the UAP/LVN for the stable patient.
If two answers are similar, what is the best approach?
Eliminate both because they likely cancel each other out!
What is the recommended way to start studying for the NCLEX?
Make a study plan! Focus on your weak areas before reviewing and studying your strengths!
What should you avoid to decrease stress and increase retention?
Last minute cramming! If you don't know it the day before, you likely won't know it by test time! Trust what you have studied!
What should you wear on test day?
Something comfortable.....it's a 5 hour test! If I was uncomfortable for 5 hours....my priority would be getting outta there, not the ABCs!
According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which type of need should be met first?
Physiological needs!
Followed by safety, love + belonging, esteem and lastly self-actualization!
When rephrasing a question in simpler terms, what strategy are you using?
Paraphrasing to improve understanding!
What is a helpful tool for remembering complex information?
Mnemonics + memory aids! Simple nursing is a great resource that provides several ways to remember information by using mnemonics and memory aids!
What are statements you can say before the test that will reinforce your self-worth and help with test anxiety?
Self affirmations! They sound silly, but its been proven to help decrease anxiety and reinforce self worth!
"I have prepared well, I can do this!"
"I am capable of passing the NCLEX!"
"I was meant to be a nurse!"
What is a good way to maintain focus and energy while taking the NCLEX?
Eat a well balanced breakfast! You know the people whose stomach growls in class while you're trying to take a test? Yeah, don't be one of those!
A nurse has 4 patients! Which patient should the nurse see first?
- Chest pain + SOB
- Minor cut
- High fever
- Fall risk needing assistance to bathroom
Chest pain! Remember - ABCs!!!!
What should you avoid when selecting an answer?
Overthinking + second guessing yourself! Trust what you have studied!!!
How can you practice managing your time and reducing test anxiety before taking the NCLEX?
Simulate test conditions! Quiet room, no distractions, no phones, watches, electronics! Take it seriously!
What is an important thing to do the night before the NCLEX?
Get a full night's sleep! Eat a well balanced meal! No last minute studying!
What are you risking if you take too many breaks during the NCLEX?
When delegating tasks, which type of patient is best assigned to a UAP?
- a patient that has DC papers and needs DC teaching
- a patient who just got back from a cardiac cath and needs a site assessment
- a newly admitted patient needing an initial assessment
- a patient on strict I&Os which need to be recorded
A patient on strict I&Os which need to be recorded! Remember - UAPs cannot teach, complete initial assessments or administer medications!
If you are unsure of the correct answer, what test-taking strategy should be used?
Process of elimination!
What is the best way to structure a study plan that is specific to you?
Creating a personalized schedule with breaks and active recall techniques or whatever you use to learn! You know how you learn best so make sure your study plan is what works best for you!
Arrive early at the testing site! Running late will not help your anxiety, if anything....it'll give you more jitters!
Yes, I am talking to all of you who are late for class......
IF you don't know an answer, what should you do?
Make an educated guess! Remember - rephrase the question, read each answer 1 by 1, and trust your gut! Do not leave the answer blank!