Preparing for Multiple Choice Tests

Presented by: The Learning CurveAssiniboine Community College

For appointments, please contact Student Services:• Room 235 (Victoria Ave)• 204-725-8700 (ext. 6639)

Questions? Contact Caitlin Munn at munnc@Assiniboine.net

Overview and Objectives

• Reflect on your current approach to multiple choice testing

• Practice strategies for answering multiple choice questions

• Identify effective study strategies

Brainstorm: How do you study for multiple choice tests?

The Meta Picture (2012). My logic when taking a final exam [online image]. Retrieved from http://themetapicture.com/my-logic-when-taking-a-final-exam/

General Study Tips

#1 - Begin studying early! There are many details, facts, and information that you will need to remember!

University of Waterloo (n.d.). The forgetting curve [online image]. Retrieved https://uwaterloo.ca/counselling-services/curve-forgetting

General Study Tips

#2 – Make time for regular review! Course:Date:

Concept Definition & Summary

Key Terms Questions & Next Steps

Example Review GuideCourse: SociologyDate: September 17, 2015

Concept Definition & Summary

Key Terms Questions & Next Steps

Culture “Culture refers to the ways of thinking, the ways of acting, and the materialobjects that together shape a people’s way of life” (Macionis & Gerber, 2011, p. 54) Includes nonmaterial (ideas) and material (physical things)

Nonmaterial Material Culture shock Nation State Society Symbols

Read chapter 3 from Macionis & Gerber

What are examples of nonmaterial and material culture?

How are nation and state different?

General Study Tips

#3 – Study Actively• What to do – rather than just reading notes over

and over, do something active!• How to do it – create flash cards, concept maps,

mind maps, cue sheets, diagrams, create practice questions, explain concepts to a friend

• Why? Studying actively promotes deep understanding, ability to apply new material, and is more interesting!

Flash Card Examples

The Meta Picture (2012). My logic when taking a final exam [online image]. Retrieved from http://themetapicture.com/my-logic-when-taking-a-final-exam/

General Study Tips

#3 – Study Actively• What to do – rather than just reading notes over

and over, do something active!• How to do it – create flash cards, concept maps,

mind maps, cue sheets, diagrams, create practice questions, explain concepts to a friend

• Why? Studying actively promotes deep understanding, ability to apply new material, and is more interesting!

Example Concept MapDay 1

Include the main ideas you learned that day

Example Concept MapDay 2

Continue to add new concepts

Example Concept MapDay 3

As you learn more, add additional details and examples

Preparation Tip #3

#4 – Think critically when studying!• Example - Identify procedures…do you know

all the steps in order? Why is that order important?

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

Test Your Memory!

How many can you remember?

Working Memory

5-9

20472587006200

204-725-8700, ext. 6200

So What?• Material should not be memorized in isolation• Understanding is more important than

memorizing!• Find connections, patterns, and meaning – try

concept mapping!• Studying and learning should be done in a strategic

manner• Find out how you learn best and tailor your

studying to that (do the VARK questionnaire!)

Writing the Test!

General Tips for Writing

• Complete all necessary information first (e.g. name, date, class)

• Plan your time – how much time do you have for each question?

• If you don’t know an answer, mark it for later and move on!

• Check that you have answered all the questions

Method

1. Cover the answers2. Only read the question – do I understand what it is

asking me?3. Reread the question and underline any important

words (e.g. key terms, qualifying words such as “all of the above” or “none of the above”)

4. Answer the question without looking at the choice5. Uncover the choices and identify if your answer is there6. Use process of elimination (e.g. eliminate irrelevant or

silly answers)

1. The patient is a 24-year-old man who is diagnosed with possible HIV infection while being treated for active pneumonia. He has stated that the nurse may share test result information with his significant other but nothing else at this time. The nurse may:

a) Update the patient’s parents as wellb) Update the patient’s significant other onlyc) Update no one in the hospital until the patient says sod) Update the patient’s physician, significant other,

laboratory personnel

2. Which of the following is the best example of objective charting?

a) “The patient states that he has been having severe chest discomfort.”

b) “The patient is lying in bed and seems to be in considerable pain.”

c) “The patient appears to be pale and diaphoretic and complains of nausea.”

d) “The patient’s skin is ashen and respiratory rate is 32 and labored.”

3. Which of the following is the best example of accurate documentation?

a) “Abdominal wound is 5 cm in length without redness, edema, or drainage.”

b) “Dressing to be irrigated four times a day with normal saline.”

c) “No complaint of abdominal pain this shift.”

d) “Patient watching TV entire shift.”

4. Nurse Smith gave a report to Nurse Jones and went home. After getting home, Nurse Smith remembered that she gave the patient morphine 2 mg IV but forgot to chart it in the progress note. She calls Nurse Jones to let her know and asks if Nurse Jones could chart it for her. Nurse Jones should:

a) Thank Nurse Smith for calling, but refuse to chart a medication that she did not give

b) Chart that Nurse Smith called and reported that the medication was given at the time given and why

c) Chart that the medication was given and sign the entry as Nurse Smith

d) Chart that the medication was given and leave a blank spot for Nurse Smith to sign when she returns

5. Patients on the unit have their vital signs taken routinely at 0800, 1200, 1600, and 2000. At 1000, a patient complains of feeling “light headed.” The nurse takes the patient’s vital signs and finds blood pressure to be lower than usual. Within 15 minutes, the patient says that he feels better. The nurse rechecks the blood pressure and finds that it is now back to normal. The nurse should:

a) Document the 1000 vital signs in the graphic record only

b) Not report the incident since it was a transient episode

c) Document the vital signs in the graphic and progress record

d) Document the vital signs as 12 o’clock signs

Next Steps

• Create a study plan for an upcoming test• Pick a preparation strategy (e.g. flash cards,

concept mapping, practice questions) and start that tonight!

• Create multiple choice questions• Practice multiple choice questions

Contact Information

For appointments, please contact Student Services:• Room 235 (Victoria Ave), P116 (North Hill)• 204-725-8700 (ext. 6639)