Multiple-choice exam questions will be randomized and presented in no particular order. That means that you could be answering a question on professional caring and ethical practice with the next question about the treatment of heart failure. To answer the question on professional caring, you thought of all the rules of ethics and caring. Now you are being asked to shift gears and think differently. If you take the previous concepts forward, you might answer incorrectly despite knowing the content.
To make the transition between questions, clear your mind before moving on. Once you chose your answer, stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and focus on exhaling slowly. Sometimes it helps to count to ten as you exhale. There are multiple benefits to this strategy. First, taking a deep breath increases the oxygen supply to the brain. During stress, breathing becomes shallower, and oxygen levels decrease. The deep breath refreshes the brain, preparing it for the next question. Besides, concentrating on slowly exhaling moves your focus from the previous question.
Now you are ready to move on with a clear mind and full focus.
