Basic Rules for Test Taking Success

1
Basic Rules for Test Taking Success

• Adelita G. Cantu, PhD, RN
• 05-06-03

2
Rule 1 Know the Parts of a Test Question How
to Read Them

• A background statement
• A stem
• A list of options (keyed response distractors)
• Need all to make the best choice

3
Rule 2 Read the Question Carefully Before
Looking at the Options, Identify Key Words in the
Stem

• The stem is the heart of the item
• Look for key words there
• Common error is to miss the word except, best,
  always, never, etc
• Key words are primary, first, initial, early,
  most important, except

4
Rule 3 Identify Theme of the Item Base it on
Information Provided in the Stem

• Dont jump to conclusions never assume
  information that is not given
• What is appropriate for one patient may not be
  appropriate here

5
Rule 4 Answer Difficult Questions by Eliminating
Obviously Incorrect Responses First

• Then select the best of the remaining options
• This will help sharpen your focus
• If all seem right, skip it and return to it later

6
Rule 5 Select Responses That Are Therapeutic

• Select responses that communicate acceptance
• Eliminate bizarre, inappropriate punitive
  responses
• Use as a guide the principles of interpersonal
  therapeutic relationships accept the patient as
  he or she is

7
Rule 6 Know the Basic Principles That Guide the
Practice of Nursing

• Nursing process
• Accept the patient
• Safety
• Education
• Therapeutic communication actions

8
Rule 7 Look for Patterns in Your Performance

• Analyze your test taking behaviors
• Establish strategies to correct
• Common ones are read into question used
  incorrect rationale for selecting response
  changed the answer missed the key word, did
  not read all distractors

9
Rule 8 Manage Your Time Effectively During Test
Taking

• Think one minute per question (practice)
• Stop distractors
• Dont worry about people finishing early, this is
  not a race!
• Concentrate on yourself

10
Rule 9 Do Not Change Answers Without Good Reason
or Sound Rationale

• Your 1st instinct is usually logical systematic
• Deciding to change is usually driven by anxiety
  nervousness rather than sound, rational thought
• Are you a second guesser?

11
Rule 10 Choose Option That Are Within the Realm
of Nursing

• Nursing physician judgment
• Action oriented questions are based on clinical
  situations that require nursing judgment