Tips from the Boards

So I am writing these everywhere so that I remember them:

Read the questions carefully
Reframe it- identify the topic.
Read all the answers and eliminate the ones you can.
Identify assessments and interventions.
When prioritizing patients eliminate the stable ones first
Only RNs can assess, teach, and judge
Newly admitted PTS, PTs being discharged and PTs being transferred all need assessment
Once you identify a problem in your topic--- you must address it
If one of the answers further pins down the problem then that is the way to go: urinalysis etc...
Existing problems beat impending problems
RNs assess teach and judge
If have to ask what if? and read into it eliminate that answer
Remember you are at NCLEX hospital: you have 1 patient, unlimited time and money
Pain is psychosocial: except in MI & kidney stones
Eliminate psychosocial answers if there are physiological needs
Stay with your patient
No conflict/confrontation at NCLEX hospital
Watch for patterns if three answers are similar and one is different the oddball may be right
Don't pass the buck
When prioritizing ask yourself which one you'd feel ok about going home after
Promote independence
Avoid restraints and sedation
Chronicity implies stability
The words being treated for indicate stability
Don't use background info unless absolutely necessary
Think about what the answer choices really mean
Ask yourself why would I do that?
You don't get to observe, do nothing on NCLEX
What is my safest possible action in this situation

by the way went to see Mos Def last night--- a girl can't live on NCLEX alone and it was amazing!