Test taking guidelines

Chapter 26 Test taking guidelines


Preparing to take any certification exam can produce a lot of anxiety. You may feel that the certification exam reflects all of the time and effort you’ve invested to be successful in your position. You may have already taken several steps to achieve success in your position and completed a specialty training program as preparation for your position, or you may have completed a review course in preparation for the certification exam. One method to achieve success is the development of a plan for preparation, dedicated study time, and increasing your knowledge and skills in test taking. When that has been accomplished, the next step is the development of a preparation plan to successfully pass the exam.




How do i develop a plan?


First review your previous experiences in successful test taking. Think about the plan you developed to study for a particular test. What part of the study plan worked most successfully for you? Did you study best alone or in a group? Did you successfully set specific times to study? Were you able to balance time for work and family obligations? Did you have a comfortable study place at home or at another quiet location? Now that you’ve reviewed your previous study plans, develop a plan for successful completion of the certification exam.


Begin by developing a schedule, using a calendar to plan your work schedule, family obligations, study times, and the date on which you will take the certification exam. Your calendar needs to include two to three hours of daily quality study time for at least two weeks prior to the day on which you plan to take the exam.


You may want to find a study partner or form a study group. Study groups work well if the group is small, about four to six members. It’s best to establish a ground rule that each member will come prepared to study and share knowledge.



What is quality study time?


Quality study time means uninterrupted daily quiet time spent studying for the certification exam. It involves finding a quiet and comfortable place at home or at another quiet location. Try to eliminate anything that may interrupt your study time; this includes turning off your pager and cell phone so you won’t be disturbed. Let people around you know about your study needs and the importance of your study plan for successful completion of the certification exam. Review your study plan daily and make adjustments to it if necessary.


It is also helpful to practice taking tests that are similar to the certification exam. For example, if you will be taking the exam online, practice using the online testing system. Review books commonly are accompanied by CD-ROMs, which provide practice test questions.



What is the best technique for answering multiple-choice questions?


Always carefully read the test directions. If the test is administered electronically, be sure you understand how to mark, change, and submit your answers. All multiple-choice questions have a scenario, which contains the essential information about the patient or situation. The question will also contain the stem or question followed by several choices or answers. You may be asked to choose the one best answer or to choose all answers that apply.



How do i select the best answer?


To select the best answer to a multiple-choice question, focus only on the information in the question. Avoid reading into the question or asking “what if?” The question provides all of the information necessary to choose the correct answer. Look for strategic words in the question, including immediate, initial, priority, side effect. These words give an indication to the answer (Box 26-1).



Box 26-1 Practice Question: Strategic Words


Mrs. K. arrives for her hemodialysis treatment complaining of flulike symptoms and says she has been vomiting. Which of the following laboratory values should be reported immediately to the physician?



1. Sodium, 148 mEq/L


2. Chloride, 102 mEq/L


3. Potassium, 3.2 mEq/L


4. Bicarbonate, 27 mEq/L

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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in NURSING | Comments Off on Test taking guidelines

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