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The Nurse Tutor Blog

Certification Tips: Analyzing the Stem

October 3, 2019 by David Woodruff

Test-takers may think they know what the question is asking before reading it and skip right to the answer they think is correct. This can be a mistake because the author may have written the question to trick those who are not careful. Certification exams include such items to be sure you are thorough in …

Read moreCertification Tips: Analyzing the Stem

Changing your answer while taking certification exams?

October 2, 2019 by David Woodruff

Your initial thought on certification exams is usually correct. You may have heard it before as “going with your gut.” Instead, you are going with your initial impression of the material and the question. If you read the question carefully, then your first response should be correct. As nurses, we were taught to collect data …

Read moreChanging your answer while taking certification exams?
Trick Questions

Trick Questions

October 1, 2019 by David Woodruff

Students often refer to trick questions. While writing exam questions, faculty do not refer to some items as trick questions but rather to some questions as difficult. Why are difficult questions perceived as being trick questions? The answer lies in individual perception. In many cases, the exam writer will include answers that are almost correct …

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Managing Shuffled Content

September 28, 2019 by David Woodruff

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 …

Read moreManaging Shuffled Content

Evaluation Anxiety

September 26, 2019 by David Woodruff

Certification exams can be perceived as a method to judge your nursing care. Failure on the exam is perceived as a failure in your ability to provide quality care. Detaching the exam from bedside competence is an essential step toward success. The more you project personal skill on the exam, the higher the level of …

Read moreEvaluation Anxiety
Sample question

Tip #1: Read the Question

September 23, 2019 by David Woodruff

Read the entire certification question before looking at any of the answers. This practice allows you time to think about what the question is asking prior to answering. Use a piece of paper or your hand to cover the answers. Now, read the question and formulate an answer in your mind prior to selecting an …

Read moreTip #1: Read the Question
Pulmonary Embolism Risk Factors

Consider PE

September 12, 2019 by David Woodruff

Consider Pulmonary Embolism. In any patient who develops an unexplained tachycardia and is on bed rest, look for Virchow’s triad of risk factors for pulmonary embolism. These include venous stasis, blood vessel injury, and alterations in coagulation. (PE is part of the CCRN curriculum) Virchow’s triad of risk factors occurs many times in our patients. …

Read moreConsider PE

Atelectasis

September 8, 2019 by David Woodruff

Atelectasis is a common complication of bed rest. Diminished breath sounds in the bases of the lungs are not normal findings — plan interventions to avoid atelectasis in your patients. Atelectasis is a natural phenomenon because patients are immobile. If the patient is not moving around, they’re in bed, and they have the head of …

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Not “just a nurse”

September 8, 2019 by David Woodruff

Recognize that you are a nursing professional and not “just a nurse.” Your licensure as an RN or licensed practical nurse is not JAN – just a nurse.  Whether or not you’re happy and prosperous in your nursing career is your choice.  If you put forth the effort to stay up to date, to remain …

Read moreNot “just a nurse”
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