115-NCLEX-RN Review Made Incredibly Easy, Fifth Edition (Incredibly Easy...

Unlocking the NCLEX mystery 7

audio clip and select the correct answer from four options. Youll need to select the correct answer on the computer screen as you would with the traditional multiple-choice questions.

Picture perfectThe final alternate-format item type is the graphic option question. This varies from the exhibit format type because in the graphic option, your answer choices will be graphics such as ECG strips. Youll have to select the appropriate graphic to answer the question presented.

The standards still the standardThe NCSBN hasnt yet established a percentage of alternate-format items to be administered to each candidate. In fact, your exam may contain only one alternate-format item. So relax; the standard, four-option, multiple-choice format questions constitute the bulk of the test. (See Sample NCLEX ques-tions, pages 8 to 10.)

Understanding the question

NCLEX questions are commonly long. As a result, its easy to become overloaded with information. To focus on the question and avoid becoming overwhelmed, apply proven strategies for answering NCLEX questions, including: determining what the question is asking determining relevant facts about the client rephrasing the question in your mind choosing the best option or options before entering your answer.

DETERMINE WHAT THE QUESTION IS ASKINGRead the question twice. If the answer isnt apparent, rephrase the question in simpler, more personal terms. Breaking down the question into easier, less intimidating terms may help you to focus more accurately on the correct answer.

Give it a tryFor example, a question might be, A 74-year-old client with a history of heart failure is admitted to the coronary care unit with

pulmonary edema. Hes intubated and placed on a mechanical ventilator. Which parameters should the nurse monitor closely to assess the clients response to a bolus dose of furose-mide (Lasix) I.V.?

The options for this question numbered from 1 to 4 might include:

1. Daily weight2. 24-hour intake and output3. Serum sodium levels4. Hourly urine output

Hocus, focus on the questionRead the question again, ignoring all details except whats being asked. Focus on the last line of the question. It asks you to select the appropriate assessment for monitoring a client who received a bolus of furosemide I.V.

DETERMINE WHAT FACTS ABOUT THE CLIENT ARE RELEVANT Next, sort out the relevant client information. Start by asking whether any of the information provided about the client isnt rel-evant. For instance, do you need to know that the client has been admitted to the coronary care unit? Probably not; his reaction to I.V. furosemide wont be affected by his location in the hospital.

Determine what you do know about the client. In the example, you know that: he just received an I.V. bolus of furose-mide, a crucial fact he has pulmonary edema, the most fundamental aspect of the clients underlying condition hes intubated and placed on a mechanical ventilator, suggesting that his pulmonary edema is serious hes 74 years old and has a history of heart failure, a fact that may or may not be relevant.

REPHRASE THE QUESTIONAfter youve determined relevant information about the client and the question being asked, consider rephrasing the question to make it more clear. Eliminate jargon and put the question in simpler, more personal terms. Heres how you might rephrase the question in the example: My client has pulmonary edema. He requires intubation and

Focusing on what the question is really asking can help you choose the

correct answer.

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