Free Test Strategies for the NCLEX
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The Question
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Questions on the NCLEX exam have several parts. These parts include the case, which is the description of the client and what is affecting her; the stem, which is the question about how to help the client; and then several choices, which include one correct response and then several incorrect but feasible choices.
Key Words
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When taking the NCLEX exam, recognizing key words is essential to selecting the correct answer. Read the question carefully and make sure you recognize and can define all key elements in the question. These key words correlate to the client and the problem. Ask yourself what is the question asking, what are the keywords and what relative information is included in the stem.
Client
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Specifics such as sex and age can be relevant details regarding treatment for the client. While the patient's age is not always given, you can assume that when it is given it is important to the answer. Be aware that on some questions, the client is not specifically referring to the patient but may be a relative of the patient or a staff member.
Time Frame
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When reading through the questions, pay specific attention to the timeframe given. This information is essential in guiding you to the correct answer. Examples of time related words include pre-operative or post-operative. This time-sensitive information is often crucial in selecting the appropriate answer.
Eliminate Choices
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After reading the question, eliminate any clearly wrong answers. By eliminating choices, you increase your probability of selecting the correct answer. Also, some questions may contain two or more choices that are similar. Because only one answer can be correct, more than likely, both of these choices are incorrect. If you are unsure about the answer, it is better to make an educated guess instead of leaving the question blank. By eliminating at least two of the answers, you increase your probability of choosing the correct answer from 25 percent to 50 percent.
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