Introduction To Testing Styles in Nursing

1. Introduction To Testing Styles in Nursing Entry Into Professional Nursing NRS 101

2. How To Read and Interpret A Test Question

3. Think Like an Item Writer First, perform a content analysis Review the information being tested What do you know about it? Second, perform a construct analysis Look at the format of the question Let�s see what that means!

4. Types of Questions Assessment Knowledge about brain tumors, radiation treatment, significant others, or general neurologic function Analysis questions about psychosocial implications of treatment, diagnosis of cancer, and loss Planning Safety measures for the client, for the nurse, for others in contact with the client

5. Types of Questions(continued) Implementation Basic care needs Problems associated with implants Radioactivity issues Evaluation Level of client�s understanding of treatment Family�s understanding of radiation precautions Effectiveness of specific interventions

6. Sharpen Discrimination Skills Look for key words in questions Most correct Most likely Do first Highest priority

7. Timing IS Everything Keep your analysis time to 1 minute per item This takes practice! Take practice tests using a timer Using practice tests in a timed environment helps reduce anxiety when it�s time for the real thing

8. Construct Analysis What is being tested? Client safety? Physiologic issue? Psychosocial issue? Health promotion issue? Let�s try an example

9. Scenario A client is admitted to the unit for treatment of a malignant glioma. He is transferred to a medical floor with a cranial radium implant (seeding). The implant will remain in place in his head for the next several days. Now�list five principles/concepts that could be tested within this single situation.

10. Do You Suffer From Anxiety???

11. Low Levels of Anxiety Are GOOD! Heighten senses Dilate pupils Increase awareness of surroundings Sharpens responses during testing

12. High Anxiety is BAD Senses narrow �Tunnel vision� develops Testing ability declines Focus is on feelings of stress

13. Identify Stress Signals Identify four symptoms you have experienced related to stress 1. 2. 3. 4.

14. Common Symptoms of Anxiety Mild Anxiety Slight irritability Impatience Sharpened perceptual field Higher Anxiety Parasympathetic nervous system responses Tachycardia Shortness of breath Tunnel vision Dry mouth Muscle tension GI disturbances

15. Handling Your Anxiety

16. Think S-T-O-P Picture a stop sign Shape Color Word Deep breath Spell S-T-O-P to yourself 3 or 4 times while breathing deeply

17. Practice STOPPING Practice the S-T-O-P exercise several times a day Use it while practice-testing Practice makes perfect!

18. Understanding NCLEX -Type Questions

19. The Situation Sets the stage for the question Usually describes a client or family with a particular problem or set of problems Contains very little or no non-pertinent information

20. Question Stem Central focus of the item Presented as a question or incomplete item May require information from the situation in order to answer

21. The Correct Answer May be four options of similar length May be two short and two long options There is NO PATTERN to the answers

22. Distracters Incorrect answer choices Must be plausible, but not correct Must be similar in length and design as the correct answer

23. Types of Testing Errors

24. Type-One Error Misperceiving information Words are read incorrectly Information is overlooked

25. Read these Options