Reword the Question

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The first step to correctly answering NCLEX-PN^® exam questions is to find out what each question is really asking.

Step 1. Read each question carefully from the first word to the last word. Do not skim over the words or read them too quickly.

Step 2. Look for hints in the wording of the question stem. The adjectives most, first, best, primary, and initial indicate that you must establish priorities. The phrase further teaching is necessary indicates that the answer will contain incorrect information. The phrase client understands the teaching indicates that the answer will be correct information.

Step 3. Reword the question stem in your own words so that it can be answered with a yes or a no, or with a specific bit of information. Begin your questions with what, when, or why. We will refer to this reworded version as THE REWORDED QUESTION in the examples that follow.

Step 4. If you can’t complete step 3, read the answer choices for clues.

Let’s practice rewording a question.

1. A preschooler with a fractured femur is admitted to the pediatric unit. When asked how the injury occurred, the child’s parents state that she fell off the sofa. On examination, the LPN/LVN finds old and new lesions on the child’s buttocks. Which of the following statements MOST appropriately reflects how the LPN/LVN should document these findings?
   1.  
   2.  
   3.  
   4.  

We omitted the answer choices to make you focus on the question stem this time. The answer choices will be provided and discussed later in this chapter.

Step 1. Read the question stem carefully.

Step 2. Pay attention to the adjectives. Most appropriately tells you that you need to select the best answer.

Step 3. Reword the question stem in your own words. In this case, it is, “What is the best charting for this situation?”

Step 4. Because you were able to reword the question, the fourth step is unnecessary. You didn’t need to read the answer choices for clues.

We have all missed questions on a test because we didn’t read accurately. The following question illustrates this point.

1. A construction worker is admitted to the hospital for treatment of active tuberculosis (TB). The LPN/LVN reinforces a teaching plan for the client about TB. Which of the following statements by the client indicates to the LPN/LVN that further teaching is necessary?
   1.  
   2.  
   3.  
   4.  

Again, just the question stem is given to encourage you to focus on rewording the question. We will discuss the answer choices for this question later in this chapter.

Step 1. Read the question stem carefully.

Step 2. Look for hints. Pay particular attention to the statement “further teaching is necessary.” You are looking for negative information.

Step 3. Reword the question stem in your own words. In this case, it is, “What is incorrect information about TB?”

Step 4. Because you were able to reword the question, the fourth step is unnecessary. You didn’t need to read the answer choices for clues to determine what the question is asking.

Try rewording this test question.

1. A woman admitted to the hospital in premature labor has been treated successfully. The client is to be sent home on an oral regimen of terbutaline. Which of the following statements by the client indicates to the LPN/LVN that the client understands the discharge teaching about the medication?
   1.  
   2.  
   3.  
   4.  

Again, just the question stem is given to encourage you to focus on rewording the question. We will discuss the answer choices for this question later in this chapter.

Step 1. Read the question stem carefully.

Step 2. Look for hints. Pay attention to the words client understands. You are looking for true information.

Step 3. Reword the question stem. This question is asking, “What is true about terbutaline (Brethine)?”

Step 4. Because you were able to reword this question, the fourth step is unnecessary. You didn’t need to obtain clues about what the question is asking from the answer choices.