NURSING TEST TAKING STRATEGY V: Steps of the Nursing Process

TEST TAKING STRATEGY V: Questions that Require Prioritizing

G. Steps of the Nursing Process

1. Use the steps of the nursing process to prioritize.

2. The steps include assessment, analysis, planning, implementation, and evaluation and are followed in this order.

3. Assessment

a. Remember that assessment is the first step in the nursing process.

b. When you are asked to select your first and initial nursing action, follow the steps of the nursing process to prioritize when selecting the correct option.

c. Assessment questions address the process of gathering subjective and objective data relative to the client, confirming that data, and communication and documenting the data.


d. Look for key words in the options that reflect assessment.

Assessment Key words Ascertain Assess Check Determine Find out Identify Monitor Observe Obtain Information

a. If an option contains the concept of assessment or the collection of client data, the best choice is to select that option.

PRACTICE QUESTION: The Nursing Process – Assessment A nurse is teaching a client with coronary artery disease about dietary measures to follow. During the session, the client expresses frustration in learning the dietary regimen. The nurse would initially? 1. Identify the cause of the frustration. 2. Continue with the dietary teaching. 3. Notify the physician. 4. Tell the client that the diet needs to be followed. Answer: 1 Test-taking Strategy: Use the steps of the nursing process. Assessment is the first step. Of the four options presented the only assessment action is option 1. Option 2, 3, and 4 identify the implementation step of the nursing process. The initial action is to identify the cause of the frustration. Remember assessment is the first step of the nursing process.

b. If an assessment action is not one of the options, follow the steps of the nursing process as your guide to select your initial or first action.

c. Possible exception to the guidelines: If the question presents an emergency situation, read carefully; in an emergency situation, an intervention may be the priority.