When taking a test, you should realize that no matter how much you prepare yourself, there would always be questions that will cover concepts that you DO NOT KNOW, in which case you need to rely on your ability to make an educated guess. Thus, it is essential that you apply some techniques in analyzing questions. Here are some of these techniques...
1. Identify the topic of question. Ask yourself "What is the nursing concept the the question is asking?"
2. When a question asks you to establish priorities for the patient, use Maslow's hierarchy of needs as your framework. Remember. Maslow says, "physiologic needs first".
3. When a question as you to prioritize nursing interventions, use the nursing process as your framework. Remember: assessment is first step of nursing process.
4. Always think of safety when selecting correct answers for the exam. Focus on what is safe for your patient.
5. Do everything by the book! All correct answers are based on textbook theoretical nursing practice. Don't let your clinical experience influence your answer. Stick to what is ideal as described in textbooks.
6. Watch out for responses which are considered non-therapeutic like: "Don't worry; "Why"; " Authoritarian answers"; "Focus on the nurse"; "Focus on the doctor answers"; "Pay particular attention to therapeutic phases like: "It seems..."; "It sounds..."; "Tell me..."
7. On questions pertaining to delegation and supervision know what to delegate. Usually, assessment, teaching or evaluation of nursing care cannot be delegated.
8. Pray. It really works.