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6 Preparing for the NCLEX

does so with 95% certainty that your ability exceeds the passing standard. You demonstrate a lack of minimum com-petency, according to the computer program. Youve answered the maximum number of questions (265 total questions). Youve used the maximum time allowed (6 hours).

Unlocking the NCLEX mysteryIn April 2004, the NCSBN added alternate- format items to the examination. However, most of the questions on the NCLEX are four-option, multiple-choice items with only one correct answer. Certain strategies can help you understand and answer any type of NCLEX question.

Alternate formats

The first type of alternate-format item is the multiple-response question. Unlike a tradition al multiple-choice question, each multiple- response question has one or more correct answers for every question, and it may contain more than four possible answer options. Youll recognize this type of question because it will ask you to select all answers that ap ply not just the best answer (as may be requested in the more traditional multiple-choice questions).

All or nothingKeep in mind that, for each multiple-response question, you must select at least one answer and you must select all correct answers for the item to be counted as correct. On the NCLEX, there is no partial credit in the scor-ing of these items.

Dont go blank!The second type of alternate-format item is the fill-in-the-blank question. These questions require you to provide the answer yourself, rather than select it from a list of options. You will perform a calculation and then type your

answer (a number, without any words, units of measurements, commas, or spaces) in the blank space provided after the question. Rules for rounding are included in the question stem if appropriate. A calculator button is provided so you can do your calculations electronically.

Mouse marks the spot!The third type of alternate-format item is a question that asks you to identify an area on an illustration or graphic. For these hot spot questions, the computerized exam will ask you to place your cursor and click over the correct area on an illustration. Try to be as precise as possible when marking the location. As with the fill-in-the-blanks, the identification questions on the computer-ized exam may require extremely precise answers in order for them to be considered correct.

Click, choose, and prioritizeThe fourth alternate-format item type is the chart/exhibit format. For this question type, youll be given a problem and then a series of small screens with additional information youll need to answer the question. By click-ing on the tabs on screen, you can access each chart or exhibit item. After viewing the chart or exhibit, you select your answer from four multiple-choice options.

Drag n dropThe fifth alternate-format item type involves prioritizing actions or placing a series of statements in correct order using a drag-and-drop (ordered response) technique. To move an answer option from the list of unordered options into the correct sequence, click on it using the mouse. While still holding down the mouse button, drag the option to the ordered response part of the screen. Release the mouse button to drop the option into place. Repeat this process until youve moved all of the available options into the correct order.

Now hear this!The sixth alternate-format item type is the audio item format. Youll be given a set of headphones and youll be asked to listen to an

The harder it gets, the better Im

doing.

313419NCLEX-RN_Chap01.indd 6313419NCLEX-RN_Chap01.indd 6 4/7/2010 5:08:56 PM4/7/2010 5:08:56 PM

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