ATI testing and remediation
participate in lectures
attend class sit near front focus on content avoid distractions (sitting near friends, checking email) bring list of questions from reading assignment listen for concepts with extra emphasis
a nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a biopsy of a tumor located in the left lower lobe of the lung. the client states I will quit smoking if the results do not come back positive for cancer. this statement indicates that the client is in which of the following stages of grief? anger acceptance bargaining denail
bargaining
test anxiety
best defense=preparation and rest at the first sign of anxiety: take deep breaths consciously relax muscles and muscle groups stretch or change body positions use positive self talk focus on one item at a time don't worry if other students finish before you
test taking strategies
careful read stem before looking for potential hot spots determine the correct size of the body in the image for example: identify location where apical pulse is auscultated review as if client in image is lying in bed in front of you client left side is right side on image locate all hot spots before selecting one as correct options
test taking strategies
carefully read stem review each graphic separately select graphic that represents an accurate illustration of the correct option
tip 4: go with what you know
carefully read stem and all options use rating system to eliminate options select option that is probably right do not change initial code of answers
test taking strategies
carefully read the stem before reviewing data in the exhibit thoroughly read exhibit (open all tabs) make a list of information from exhibit that relates to questions review all options review the information in exhibit again add additional information from exhibit that relates to options use traditional multiple choice item test taking strategies to select correct option
influences on success
complete assigned readings and learning activities actively participate in lectures use good study habits integrate study aids
test taking strategies
consider each option separately don't compare options reread stem as each you consider each option don't anticipate how many options should be correct
key
correct option may be incorrect action in negatively worded questions traditional multiple-choice items have one key multiple select items have two or more keys priority setting items has one key , but four viable options
A student is discussing with a classmate the differences between course exams and standardized exams. Which following statements by the student would indicate the student is unfamiliar with their differences? the score achieved on a standardized exam may be reported as the percent corrected standardized tests are reviewed by psychometricians before they are released faculty may use software that performs an item analysis of their test items course tests are based on a nationally developed test plan
course tests are based on a nationally developed test plan
key words
critical information in the stem focus the your attention key words are in both the scenario and question
senario
describes client care related situation provides information that should be considered when answering item context or scenario data needed to correctly answer item usually first 1-2 sentences of the stem
remediation
determine if remediation activities are provided for each incorrect item schedule time to complete remediation activities use all resources available textbooks company provided materials (review modules) links to online materials faculty for content review school counselor for severe test anxiety
strategies for multiple clients
determine what question is asking identify key word that indicates item requires priority setting read each option thoroughly compare options select applicable priority setting framework choose key based on framework
test taking strategies
determine what the question is asking identify key word that indicates item requires priority setting read each option thoroughly compare options select applicable priority setting framework choose key based on framework
NCLEX
determines if you have the nursing knowledge, skills and ability to be a safe entry level practitioner computer adaptive test assembled interactively items on test based on whether you answer previous question correct or incorrect no two students get same group of items RN candidates: between 75 and 265 items PN candidates: between 85 and 205 items maximum time is 6 hours for the NCLEX-RN and 5 hours for the NCLEX-PN
notes about NCLEX
difficult exam majority of the items at cognitive level of application or higher requires that you apply nursing knowledge to client situation selection of correct option based on clinical judgement
interpreting codes
disregard options assigned a minus sign
which of the following parts of an item is the term given to an option that is incorrect key scenario distractor question
distractor
options
distractors key
tip 8: minimize stress prior to NCLEX
don't study the day before don't work the day before take actions to reduce stress the night before spend time with friends and family watch a movie eat well get at least 8 hours of sleep
a student is preparing to answer an ordered response item on a computer based exam regarding the order in which a procedure should be performed. which of the following actions would be appropriate to use on this type of item? drag and drop each option from the left box into the right box use the arrow buttons to reorder the options in the ordered list box move only the options that are part of the sequence into the ordered list box mentally visualize the procedure before answering the item expect partial credit to be given for options that are in the correct order
drag and drop each option from the left box into the right box use the arrow buttons to reorder the options in the ordered list box mentally visualize the procedure before answering the item
a nurse is performing a respiratory examination on a client who has pneumonia. which of the following sounds should be elicited over areas of consolidation during percussion? dullness hyper resonance resonance tympany
dullness
study habits
facilitate time efficient learning previous habits may not be appropriate study time for nursing is time consuming variety of strategies used in nursing theory laboratory presentations group work service activities early failures often due to study habits
priority setting key words
first/initial next priority most important best immediate
taking the test
focus on one item at a time use test taking strategies focus on what you know monitor your time use stress management skills for test anxiety
tip 10: don't panic
focus on one time at a time you will not know the answer to every item don't: let these items get you frustrated or angry become anxious whenother examinees leave become anxious if the test asks you to keep answering item after you pass minimum number it is possible to pass the nclex rn after taking 75 or 265 items it is possible to pass the NCLEX PN after taking 85 or 205 items
format and focus of test
format -multiple choice -alternate format items -technical equipment (headphones) -timed -watch or calculator focus -content, course specific or comprehensive -practice exam or proctored test
items on the NCLEX
four integrated processes are used to map out items on the NCLEX nursing process caring communication documentation
preparing on test day
get up early enough to avoid hurrying eat a nourishing breakfast or snack (avoid sugar and caffeine) take a walk or listen to music get to your exam early and log in (bring extra pencils)
a nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed a full liquid diet. which of the following is appropriate to include in the clients diet? (select all that apply) cooked oatmeal grape juice applesauce ice cream smooth peanut butter
grape juice ice cream
a nurse is caring for a client who is receiving vancomycin (vancocin) for beta hemolytic streptococci infection. for which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor? respiratory depression hearing loss hypertension bradycardia
hearing loss
tip 3: priority setting frameworks
higher level items require students to set priorities priority setting frameworks suport clinical judgment
a student is actively reading the assigned pages form his textbook. which of the following actions by the student is consistent with active reading? skimming a chapter in a textbook asking questions in class highlighting key words while studying scheduling time for reading class assignments
highlighting key words while studying
a nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who is scheduled for a surgical procedure. the nurse administers a prescribed dose of lorazepam (Ativan) preoperatively. which of the following statements by the client indicates the medication has been effective? i am wide awake now my mouth is very dry i feel very relaxed my heart is racing
i feel very relaxed
hot spot
image instead of options hot spots reveal when cursor is rolled over image hot spots represent possible answers click on a hot spot to answer item click on button to officially submit answer
a student is preparing to answer a hot spot item that asks the student to click on the location of a client's appendix. which of the following is a correct statement regarding identification of the location of the appendix on a image of a client? it will be on the right side of the image it will be on the left side of the image the student should only click on the area in which the correct spot is located the hot spot that is double clicked will be recorded as the selected spot
it will be on the left side of the image
exhibit items
item usually a traditional multiple choice item tabs that open up when you click additional data to help you answer the item
take good notes
keep notes for each class separate include the faculty's name date and title notes develop a format for taking notes -outline or visual map -faculty provided powerpoint -cornell method -don't write down everything -develop an abbreviation system listen to faculty while taking notes
priority setting items
key word in question of stem indicates item requires priority setting all options are viable actions one option is the key based on a priority setting framework
a nurse is preparing to auscultate a clients heart. which of the following positions is best for detecting a low pitched diastolic murmur? laying on back laying on side sitting up laying on back with legs bent
laying on side
distractors
option that distracts students from the correct answer should be plausible so students have to: use nursing knowledge make a clinical judgement based on analysis of nursing knowledge
a nurse is caring for a client who is immobile and has developed a pressure ulcer. which of the following characteristics is associated with a stage II pressure ulcer? partial thickness skin loss visible subcutaneous fat nonblanchable redness exposed muscle
partial thickness skin loss
#2 practice
practice answering NCLEX style items improves test taking skills reinforces theoretical knowledge NCLEX bases answers on textbook resources review rationales set a daily goal impossible to answer too many items obtain access to a commercially provided test bank
drag and drop/ordered response
rank a list of options options frequently focus on order in which to take nursing actions unordered list in box on left ordered list goes in box on right drag and drop options or use arrow buttons all options must be correct order no partial credit
tip 5: first things first
read the stem first when you face a graphic, audio, or video item then review options in their alternate format eyes may be drawn to options, but focus on the stem first
multiple client priority setting items
requires comparison of more than one client assessment findings nursing actions triage
fill in the blank
requires numerical calculations only numbers in space provided rounding rules provided number of decimal places provided zero or other appropriate number prior to decimal point unit of measure provided
A student is actively participating in a nursing lecture. Which of the following actions by the student would be correct with actively participating in lecture? sitting on the front row of the class making a notation about content that was emphasized by the lecturer sitting near friends checking school email on the computer during lecture asking the lecturer questions about content in the assigned reading
sitting on the front row of the class making a notation about content that was emphasized by the lecturer asking the lecturer questions about content in the assigned reading
faculty developed tests
specific course content assess student acquisition of content related knowledge
a nurse is preparing to transfer a client from the bed to a chair. the nurse should take which of the following actions to prevent a lift injury? lock knees stand close to the client keep feet close together move client by twisting at the waist
stand close to the client
graphic options
stem is similar to traditional multiple choice item graphic images are used as options instead of text four images to choose from
audio format items
stem similar to traditional multiple choice item listen to audio clip through a headset audio bar lets you play, replay, pause, and adjust volume listen more than once should select option that describes sound in clip describes nursing action you should take
a nurse on a pediatric unit is caring for an infant who is diagnosed with laryngotracheobronchitis. while performing a respiratory examination, the nurse hears the sound in the provided audio clip. based on this finding, the nurse should conclude the client is exhibiting which of the following breath sounds? rhonchi crackles stridor wheezes
stridor
resources available
study guide content outline practice test remediation
6 tip: ensure calculations add up
take your time with items that require a mathematical calculation math errors are often avoidable read stem carefully use on screen calculator review answer to see if plausible
strategies and nursing knowledge
test taking strategies help you critically read test items understand what item is asking guide analysis each option if you do not possess the necessary nursing knowledge, the odds of selecting the correct option dramatically decrease
tip 9: take a test drive
testing centers already approved for administration take a test drive the week before the exam date fill you gas tank the day before the exam
A student has answered an item that has an audio clip without listening to the clip. Which of the following will occur when the student tries to move on to the next item? the next item will appear the student will be restricted from moving to the next item the audio clip will automatically play for the student the student will receive a warning box that indicates the test may be terminated
the student will be restricted from moving to the next item
eliminating incorrect options
try to assign minus sign to at least two options increases odds from 25% to 50% after eliminating an option, don't go back
components of test item
two main components stem- initial narrative options- where you select correct answer
question
type of questions answer a question based on problem posed in scenario positively worded negatively worded priority setting
ATI Helix of Success
-Client-centered care -Interdisciplinary collaboration -Evidence-based practice -Quality improvement -Informatics -Safety -Client education -Professionalism -Leadership -Priority setting
a student is preparing to enter his answer to fill in the blank calculation item. the answer is to be recorded to one decimal place and the unit of measure is provided. which of the following would be the appropriate way to enter one half of a milliliter as the answer? .50 .5 0.5 0.5 ml
0.5
a nurse is preparing to administer an IM injection to an adult client who has a BMI of 30. which of the following needle lengths is appropriate to administer the injection in the ventrogluteal muscle? 1/2 inch 5/8 inch 1 inch 1 1/2 inch
1 1/2 inch
a nurse in provider's office is reinforcing teaching to the parents of a child who has allergies and is prescribed diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 25 mg every 6 hr as needed. available is diphenhydramine 12.5mg/5mL syrup. how many teaspoons of diphenhydramine does the nurse instruct the parents to administer per dose?
2 tsp STEP 1: What is the dose needed? Dose needed = Desired; 25 mg STEP 2: What is the dose available? Dose available = Have; 12.5 mg STEP 3: Do the units of measurement need to be converted? No (mg = mg) STEP 4: What is the quantity of the dose available? 5 mL STEP 5: Set up an equation and solve: Desired x Quantity / Have = Amount to be given; 25 mg x 5 mL / 12.5 = x mL; 25 x 5 / 12.5 = 125 ÷ 12.5 = 10 mL. Convert to tsp: Equivalents: 1 tsp = 5 mL; 5 mL / 1 tsp = 10 mL / x; 5x = 10; x = 2 tsp. STEP 6: Reassess to determine if the amount to be given makes sense. If there are 12.5 mg/mL and the prescribed amount is 25 mg, it makes sense to give 10 mL, which equals 2 tsp. The nurse should teach the parents to administer diphenhydramine 2 tsp per dose.
when coding the options of a multiple choice item, which of the following symbols should be placed next to an option that is possibly correct? _ + ? /
?
tip 7: watch the time
NCLEX allow 60-70 seconds per item enforce time limit when answering items on practice exams alternate format items may take longer
question formats
NCLEX uses all item formats this module discusses traditional multiple choice and priority setting items make up majority of the test multiple select items also common
a nurse is examining a clients lymphatic system. identify the site the nurse should palpate to assess the posterior cervical lymph nodes. ( selectable areas, or hot spots, can be found by moving the cursor over the artwork until the cursor changes appearance, usually into a hand. click only on the hot spot that corresponds with your answer)
Scenario: A nurse is examining a client's lymphatic system. Question: Identify the site the nurse should palpate to examine the posterior cervical lymph nodes. Person of Focus: The nurse who is examining the client's lymph system Key Words: lymphatic system, identify site, palpate, posterior cervical lymph nodes So, the question is asking the location the nurse should palpate to examine the posterior cervical lymph nodes. This is a Hot Spot item, which means an image is provided with "Hot Spots" indicated in various locations on the image. These Hot Spots indicate the options you have for answering the item. Next you should roll the cursor over the image to locate all of the Hot Spots and determine if each is probably correct, possibly correct, or probably incorrect. Then, you should click on one of the Hot Spots to select it as the correct option. This area, known as the posterior cervical, is correct. While facing the client, the nurse should use the pads of the middle three fingers to gently palpate the nodes in a circular motion and evaluate each for consistency, characteristics, mobility, warmth, and tenderness. This is the location of the posterior cervical lymph nodes, which are a group of lymph nodes located on the sides of the neck.
taking a standardized test
read directions prior to beginning answer sample questions locate clock and calculator determine average time available for each time pace yourself focus on one item at a time don't stress
test taking strategies
read stem carefully to ensure you are solving for correct unit value write equation down on scratch paper include units of measure when solving equation use calculator to avoid mathematical errors double check work look objectively at answer to see if seems plausible
test taking strategies
read stem to determine type of sound you are about to hear listen to audio clip buttons allow you to hear clip multiple times can't select option until you hear clip at least once read options while reflecting back to sound in audio clip select option that best described or responds to sound in audio clip
a nurse on rehabilitation unit is caring for a client who was admitted 3 days ago. upon review of the client's medical record, which of the following actions should the nurse take? request prescription for iron supplement administer 4 oz of orange juice restrict fluid intake encourage bed rest
restrict fluid intake
study aids
study aids ABC of studying acronyms basics cluster dictionary exams flashcards groups highlight information juggle keep on track lecture objectives
which of the following is an example of priority setting questions which of the following actions should the nurse take first to prevent injury? which of the statements made by the client would indicate a need for further teaching? which of the following laboratory values are consistent with metabolic acidosis? during an anaphylactic reaction, the nurse should have which of these medications available?
which of the following actions should the nurse take first to prevent injury?
a nurse is reinforcing teaching to a client who was recently prescribed a 2,000 mg sodium restricted diet. Which of the following nutritional selections by the client indicates a need for further teaching? 1/2 cup of white rice 1 slice of wheat bread 1 cup of 2% milk 3/4 cup of canned tomato juice
3/4 cup of canned tomato juice
testing conditions
arrive at testing center 30 minutes early authorization to test (ATI) card personal photo ID signature, palm vein scan, finger print, and photograph taken no outerwear in testing room no paper or calculators in testing room (already provided) first break is 2 hr after beginning of exam second break is 3.5 hr after
standardized tests
assses discrete body of knowledge based on specified criteria - NCLEX test plan each students grade is compared to other students who take the same test prepares student for licensing exam- NCLEX
learning strategies
learning style manage your time avoid procrastination break content into smaller units
multiple response
may have 5 or 6 options two or more options will be correct no indication of number of correct options select all that apply prompt must select all correct options in order to get then entire item correct no partial credit
test taking strategies
mentally visualize order of actions move actions to ordered list box review actions to see if order appears correct to change order use up and down arrow buttons all the steps of a procedure may not be included
a nurse in providers office is caring for a client who has depression and is taking st. john's wort. the herbal supplement is thought to improve which of the following? mood immunity memory vitality
mood
alternate format items on NCLEX
more effective way to measure entry level competence computer technology allows use of formats other than traditional multiple choice items allows better assessment of some content areas statistically tested and have same calibrated weight as traditional multiple choice items some forms take longer to answer
negatively worded questions
option that describes incorrect statement of action assign codes in same manner
scoring
penalty for guessing penalty for leaving items blank weight of items subcategories
person of focus
person who is focus of nursing care in the scenario client family member community group another nurse clients are generic unless their gender or age will influence selection of the correct option
reviewing score
review and print out score report determine score and its meaning ATI content mastery levels - level 3- exceeds most expectations - level 2- exceeds minimum expectations - level 1- meets minimum expectations ATi comprehensive predictor identify strengths and weakness
PN test plan
safe and effective care environment coordinated care safety and infection control health promotion and maintenance psychosocial integrity physiological integrity basic care and comfort pharmacological therapies reduction of risk potential physiological adaption
RN test plan
safe effective care environment management of care safety and infection control health promotion and maintenance psychosocial integrity physiological integrity basic care and comfort pharmacological and parenteral therapies reduction of risk potential physiological adaptation
stem
scenario question person or focus key words
a nurse is preparing to administer a tap water enema to a client. in which of the following positions should the nurse place the client? lithotomy dorsal recumbent prone sims'
sims'
completing assigned readings
skim actively read ask yourself questions stop to think review material to enhance retention
multiple choice strategies
use critial reading skills use method for eliminating incorrect options plus sign (+) = probably correct minus sign (-) = probably incorrect (definitely incorrect) question mark (?) = possibly correct
preparing for a test (days before)
use study strategies determine type of exam and items spread studying our review highlighted content get a good night's sleep prior to the exam
Tip 1: remediate
use test reports to identify strengths and weaknesses use remediation materials to identify information gaps break up information gaps into smaller units of information use study skills to learn information attend a review course
a nurse is preparing to measure the blood pressure of a client who has hypertension. which of the following actions by the nurse when taking the blood pressure can result in an inaccurately low reading? wrapping the cuff loosely around the arm using a cuff that is too wide leaving client's arm unsupported taking client's blood pressure immediately after client sits down
using a cuff that is too wide
a nurse is reinforcing teaching to a client who is newly diagnosed with lyme disease. the nurse should include that the disease is transmitted in which of the following ways? vector airborne vehicle bloodborne
vector
where and when to study
where -quiet place without interruptions -good lighting and temperature -space and materials when -during alert time -avoid scheduling activities and obligations during alert time -schedule adequate time for sleep
