CLINIQUING 101

HOW TO START REVIEWING FOR THE NLE?

1. Arrange your things (books, review materials, notes) and the place on where you intend to study.
Make sure your place is conducive for learning. Keep it organized.
2. Make a note for yourself. Put your goal or any motivational/inspirational thing you want. It can
be a shout out board/freedom board/ post-it/ poster or whatever just as long as you can see it
everyday.
3. If youre self-reviewing, make yourself a schedule or a routine in which you can follow
everyday. NO EXCUSES. If youre enrolled in a review center, attend diligently and dont be
late.
4. Do whatever you like with whomever you want before you start reviewing, because the
moment you start, you have to stay focused. Be wise in using your NEURONS. They are really precious
and you need to preserve as many of them as possible until the boards.
5. PRAY. Pray for good health, better understanding of the things you need to learn, unending
motivation and inspiration, good reviewers, conducive environment, passing the board exam for you
and your friends and most especially to make right decisions (in both answering the exams and the
everyday life).

ON REVIEW CENTER HABITS..

5. If you are planning to review with the help of a review center, make sure
that you are comfortable and convenient with the price, location,
population, and schedule because the least that you can have in
reviewing is additional S-T-R-E-S-S (Review is enough stress already). Mind
you, it is not about the popularity, percentage of passing or the L whispers
of the review center because if you would go for that and disregard the
above, it aint going to work for you. Review is about RECALL and
ROUTINE.
4. When your review class starts, make sure to take down notes (dont be lazy), listen
attentively and recite if it requires you to recite in chorus until you get sick of those
repetitions because that is one strategy that will really help you recall and retain the lessons. The
more senses you use, the more retention youll gain.
3. Practice answering previous board exam questions
2. Always read your notes or the test questions provided for you every after your review
class. Dont let it wait and multiply. You wont want yourself to be overflowed with review materials
when the board exam is near and go gaga of what to read first you cant finish it, I tell you. The
more the date is coming, the less should be your reviewing (you should have reviewed it by that time
already) because you need to RELAX.

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ON REVIEW HABITS.
1. NEVER BORROW REVIEW MATERIALS FROM OTHER REVIEW CENTERS IF YOU ARE
CURRENTLY ENROLLED TO ANOTHER REVIEW CENTER. It will just confuse you. Its OK to share
a little, some mnemonics or technique, ask them on how to better understand a topic but not
EVERYTHING. You and your friends will just end up debating and all. Also, you wont have any time
meeting with your friends because they are also busy reviewing and your schedule doesnt
compliment.
Your biggest enemy is of you BEING SLEEPY. DONT FORCE YOURSELF TO REVIEW IF YOU
DO, youre just wasting your time. If you are sleepy during a review class, go out and stretch for a
few minutes. I tell you, it is better than staying inside the room and ending up asleep the whole
review session.
STAY AWAY FROM TEMPTATIONS/DISTRACTIONS = PRACTICE SELF-DISCIPLINE. If you
have a seatmate or you are with somebody whos asleep during review session, whos not taking down
notes, whos not answering questions or just somebody who DOESNT PAY ATTENTION. Please, do
yourself a favor, distant yourself from them or at least help them by getting their attention and focus
to the review. (This also applies to things/hobbies/vices/addiction etc. you better know it.)
DONT SKIP MEALS. According to studies, Breakfast gives you extended attention span, better
understanding, analysis and retention. I can testify to that. In addition, when you are hungry, the
tendency is you focus in your hunger instead of the lesson. You dont want to knock-out your seatmate
because of your morning breath.
It is ok to review by group but the most helpful way to make that effective is to REVIEW BY
YOURSELF FIRST so that you have your own idea and an overview of that certain topic in which you
can share with your review buddies. In that way, after reviewing by yourself, you know what area to
ask for help or to clarify.
APPLY WHAT YOU LEARN. Use the things you are reviewing in your daily life, or at least find a way.
In that sense, you can easily remember and the chance you forget is at its minimum. Connect the
medical terms, diseases, etc. to a person who best fit the description, yes I know its harsh but its
better than not passing right?

ON TEST TAKING STRATEGIES.

Since critical phase in a Nursing Licensure Exam review program is approaching, I might as well give
you some tips regarding test-taking strategies.
Here are some FACTOIDS:
Fact Number 1: Some questions in the board exam are easy but have complicated choices
Fact Number 2: Some questions are so long that you get lazy in reading it but have the shortest
options
Fact number 3: Sometimes, the second best answer is the correct answer because the true best
answer (the one they taught us in schools and review centers) is not given as a choice
Fact number 4: Some of the questions are out of nowhere. Which surprises you and makes you
peevish.
Fact number 5: Most of the questions needs analysis and in-depth comprehension. When I say
comprehension, it also goes with Common Sense. Memorization is just of a little priority.

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Read the ENTIRE question. The most basic rule in test taking. Read each word/phrase carefully.
Before looking through the options, do a quick think on what is the correct answer. You can translate
the question to Filipino or to any other language you are most comfortable with to better understand
the question.
Be aware of the time. Your watch has a purpose (to wear it and to tell you the time). Take note of
the time you started and the tie you should finish. In the actual board exam, you will be given 2 hours
to answer 100 items, so you have roughly 1.2 minutes in answering each item. Have a habit of
approximating the time for each number. Skip the difficult questions. Dont consume all your time (and
neurons) in one item only.
Dont Overanalyze. Avoid asking yourself Well What if or in Filipino Ehhh Paano kung ganito,
Paano kung ganyan. Read Read the question as is. Dont add anything to the story/situation.
Answer the question with an answer and not with another question, also goes with this tip.
Dont be afraid to mess up your questionnaire. Underline keywords and phrases essential in
arriving to the correct answer. You can even encircle, box cross or whichever you like not only the
questions but also the options. It helps you focus as to what is being asked.
Answer per situation (and not by each item). In the board exam, it is a given fact that youll
answer situational questions. Fact number 5 is the key to answering this type of question. Seems
pretty hard right? BUT theres a trick for this The questions are most probably interrelated which
means that the answer for a particular question can be found or is stated on the next question. So if
youre stuck up with a particular number, just read through the next. Answer in bundles to avoid
mistakes and even erasures.

THE POWER OF ELIMINATIONS

I believe Multiple Choice is the hardest type of exam because you are given 4 seemingly similar
choices that you need to analyze from. With that, I give you The power of ELIMINATION.
Take note of the STRATEGIC words. When you are being asked about or when the question
contains these words:

PRIORITY- Use the principle of ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)

INITIAL- Use the principle of Nursing Process (Assessment, Diagnosis, Prioritization,

Implementation, Evaluation)

MOST IMPORTANT- Use the principle of Maslows Hierarchy of Needs(Physiologic Needs,

Safety Needs, Love and belongingness, Self-Esteem, Self- Actualization)

BEST- Look for the option that also speaks of the other options combined, universal, broader,
general the Umbrella Effect. At times, it is the longest option

Beware of the tricky phrases. Determine if it is a positive or a negative query. If it is positive, then
select the positive option. If it is negative, then select the negative option. Here are some examples:

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Positive
Which of the following. Is appropriate
The most appropriate response/action
All of the above
Indicates understanding

Negative
Which of the following.inappropriate
All of the following. except
None of the above
Needs further teaching

Eliminate the absolute and same words in an option. Some options have the same idea, which
are definitely considered wrong, so erase them in your choice. The words all, always, every, must,
none, never, only indicates fixed and extreme meanings which are usually incorrect. Options
with may, usually, normally, commonly, generally should be considered as possible correct
answer.
Take note of the subject in the question. The gender, age (developmental stage), disease
condition or medication. Put it in a box because it is of big point for consideration. This tip is most
effective when you are being asked on the action of a certain drugsjust refer to what type of disease
and youre good.
Often times, the correct answer is between the 2 opposite option. Example:

a. Low BP
b. High BP
c. High PR
d. Low RR
2 opposite option are letters A and B so most probably, the correct answer is between the 2.
Read all of the choices before choosing one. When you already eliminated all the possible wrong
answers, you may probably be in a dilemma of choosing between the last 2 very similar options. When
you do, re-read the question again, apply all the techniques, then if all else fails trust your instinct,
call up to God and believe in the power of intelligent guessing.

ON PENCIL
Pencil is one of the most important thing you need to consider in passing the Nursing Board Exam with
that, I give you these tips:
Number 2 pencil means its MONGOL. Mongol is pretty much overrated already. Choose #2 pencil
that you are comfortable with.
Never use a new pencil during the actual board. Use a pencil in which you are used to using
already. Any brand of pencil will do as long as it is #2. New pencil can affect your shading. Jut sharpen
the pencil you have practiced your shading skills with during the board exam. Shading/Technicalities
are some of the controversial issues in the board exam.

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Beware of fake pencils. Make sure you buy your things in a bookstore not just in any vendors.
Take care of your answer sheet. Dont leave any marks on the answer sheet and as much as
possible, dont make any erasures. Answer 1st in your questionnaires. It is not prohibited. When you
shade, make sure you are in the right number. Many have troubles when transferring their answers
when they have overlooked one number.
Bonus tip: They say bring extra pencil, I say, Bring an extra but use only 1 pencil throughout the
whole board exam, just sharpen every time so that your way of shading would still be the same.

TOP 10 DRUGS IN THE NURSING BOARD EXAM

These are the most common drugs/medications that you need to know its action, indication,
side/adverse effects and most importantly NURSING CONSIDERATION when administering because it
frequents the Nursing Board Exam.
10. Valium
9. Cytoxan
8. Dilantin
7. Rifampicin
6. Isoniazid
5. Prednisone
4. Neomycin
3. Flagyl
2. Co-Trimoxazole
1. Lithium
Disclaimer: This is just a compilation of the common topics that is included in the Nursing Board
Exam. It is also stated in the PRC-Board of Nursing syllabus.

TOP 10 DISEASES IN THE NURSING BOARD EXAM

These are the most common diseases that are frequently in the Nursing Board Exam. For these
diseases you need to know the etiology, drug of choice, priority nursing diagnosis and nursing
intervention.
10. Diabetes Mellitus
9. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
8. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
7. DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis)
6. Burns
5. Pneumonia
4. Suicide
3. Schizophrenia
2. Renal Failure
1. Cancer

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Disclaimer: This is just a compilation of the common topics that is included in the Nursing Board
Exam.
Now, What to do the day before the Nursing Licensure Examination?
1. Prepare the things that you will need for tomorrow. Here are the What to bring during the
Nursing Board Exam:

Notice of Admission (NOA)

Eraser

Long Plastic Envelope

Sharpener

Long Brown Envelope

Black Ballpen (not sign pen)

PRC Mailing Envelope

Calculator

At least 2 Number 2 Pencil

Snacks/Water/Candy

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You can bring a bag but you have to place it outside the room at your own risk.

Set your alarm clock. Make sure your allowance of time can accommodate your morning
preparations, eating breakfast and travel time. You need to be at your room assignment 30
minutes before the time. You should be at the venue at 7:00AM or even earlier (much better)
because you still need to fill up some details for answer sheet and the test starts at 8:00AM

Bring/Wear your lucky charm, security blanket or whatever Anting-Anting you have there. Its
not prohibited as long as it doesnt contain the answers.

Dont forget to wear your wristwatch and synchronize it with your proctor at least for the
duration of the exam.

2. Relax! Do whatever stress management thing you know of and comfortable of doing. I
know your anxiety levels are way higher than day one of your review, its normal. Now is the
right time to open your Facebook accounts and enjoy their games. Do whatever makes you
feel relieved as long as its not committing suicide.

3. As much as possible dont review anymore unless it is very important and crucial to
passing this examination. I mean, dont over use your neurons. It needs a lot of resting and
rejuvenating to be able to function at its maximum for tomorrow.

4. Rest! Come on. Look at yourself. You look like a vampire-wolf all stitched into one. . From
the stress of your review and all the pressure from family and friends, you deserve at least 5-8
hours of sleep before the big day.

5. PRAY! Nothing is more powerful that prayers. Surrender everything to Him and ask Him to
send his Holy Spirit to guide you as you take the exam. If you claim it, It will be yours. ?

DURING THE BOARD EXAM..

Some of the During the Board Exam tips are already here. But I would like to share some
more if you dont mind.

Be OC but not to the point that you consumed all your time.

Listen to the instructions of the proctor. Error should not have a place on that day
exaggerating this part.

Ignore all the others who were already finishedmaking noise when standing up and passing
their papers. As long as there is time, You can still continue. Dont get distracted. Be focused.

During breaks, spare yourself from comparing answers with your friends. It will definitely not
bring you any good. I know it is very tempting but trust me, it will just heighten your anxiety
at the middle of your exam.

Attract positive energy. As the saying goes, you are what you think.

Take a leak. Go to the bathroom before the exam starts because the proctor will not allow you
once the exam already started.

First day of the exam is from 8:00AM to 3:00PM and the second day is from 8:00AM to
12:00PM

During breaks, its much better if you wont browse reviewers anymore. Just relax and prepare
your mind for the next set of exam.

Lastly, DONT FORGET TO BREATHE

but dont hyperventilate.

Good Luck! Its all in your hands now! You can do it! God Bless RNs