🩺 Nursing Fundamentals Exam 2025 — Study Guide
Section 1: Exam Preparation Strategies
1. Evidence-Based Study Techniques
• Spaced Repetition: Review core nursing concepts (e.g., safety, vital signs,
ADLs) at increasing intervals. Use apps like Anki or Quizlet.
• Active Recall: Use flashcards or self-testing. After reading about infection
control, quiz yourself: “What are standard precautions?”
• Interleaving: Mix subjects. Alternate pharmacology with patient care scenarios
rather than studying in large blocks.
2. Time Management Tips
• Prioritize high-yield tasks. Use a calendar or digital planner.
• Study in 90-minute sessions with 10–15 min breaks (Pomodoro method).
• Reserve lighter content for late evening or early morning; study complex
material when most alert.
3. Topic Prioritization Methods
• Focus on exam-weighted topics first (e.g., safety, communication, infection
prevention).
• Identify weak areas via past quizzes or practice tests.
• Use a matrix: Rank topics as High/Med/Low for Importance vs. Proficiency.
4. Stress-Reduction & Mindfulness
• Practice daily deep breathing (4-7-8 technique) or guided meditations.
• Engage in low-intensity exercise (yoga, walking) for 20–30 mins daily.
• Use journaling to reflect on progress and reduce anxiety.
Section 2: Customizable Study Planner Template
Weekly/Daily Template Example
Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
7:00– Light Active Break Read + Flashcards NCLEX Weekly
, Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
8:00 Review Recall Notes prep Review
AM
9:00–
Deep Practice Group Deep
11:00 Deep Study Simulation Rest
Study Qs Study Study
AM
2:00–
Review Clinical Summary Review Practice Meal
3:00 Self Quiz
Notes Vids Notes Errors Qs Prep
PM
SMART Goal Setting
• Specific: “I will master 3 infection control scenarios this week.”
• Measurable: “Complete 50 NCLEX questions daily.”
• Achievable: “Study 2 hours per day after clinicals.”
• Relevant: “Focus on patient safety, which is 30% of the exam.”
• Time-bound: “Finish review of 5 units by March 30.”
Tracking Progress
• Use habit trackers or spreadsheets to mark daily achievements.
• Reflect weekly: What improved? What needs more time?
• Adjust planner based on retention and confidence levels.
Section 3: Tailored Tips for Different Exam Formats
Multiple-Choice Exams
• Read the question stem twice.
• Eliminate clearly wrong answers.
• Beware of absolutes: “always,” “never” are usually incorrect.
• Use educated guessing; don’t leave blanks.
Essay-Based Exams
• Use frameworks like SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan).
• Pre-write outlines before essays.
• Memorize core processes (nursing process, Maslow’s hierarchy).
• Time yourself during practice essays.
Problem-Solving Exams
• Break down: What’s the core issue (e.g., ABCs: Airway, Breathing,
Circulation)?
• Use formulas (e.g., dosage calculations: D/H x Q).
, • Label units and double-check conversions.
Oral/Practical Exams
• Practice with peers or record yourself.
• Use concise, clinical language.
• Anticipate patient scenarios and verbalize assessments out loud.
• Confidence = clarity + preparation. Dress and act the part.
Standardized Tests (e.g., GRE for advanced nursing programs)
• Use official resources (ETS, Kaplan).
• Study verbal reasoning with nursing-context examples.
• Math: Practice interpreting clinical data quickly.
• Take full-length practice tests to build stamina.
Section 4: Additional Professional Advice
Leveraging Past Materials
• Review past papers and rubrics to identify patterns.
• Learn how questions are structured (e.g., case-based or symptom-first).
Collaborative Study
• Join or create a small, focused study group.
• Assign “teaching topics” — explaining a topic helps retention.
• Use shared documents for tracking progress.
Pre-Exam Routine & Checklist
Night Before
✔ Light review of summary sheets
✔ Pack supplies: ID, calculator, pens, water
✔ Set two alarms
Morning Of
✔ Balanced meal (protein + complex carbs)
✔ Mindful breathing (5 mins)
✔ Positive self-talk
Exam Day Checklist
, 🗹 Photo ID
🗹 Extra pencils/pens
🗹 Quiet snacks & water
🗹 Watch or timer
🗹 Approved calculator
🗹 Confidence and calm
Final Notes
• Personalize this guide — what works for one student may not work for
another.
• Track your journey and celebrate small wins.
• Nursing is about preparation + presence. This guide prepares you for both.
1. The nurse is caring for a 70-year-old female who was recently diagnosed
with cancer. Which of the following statements is an example of a nurse
giving false reassurances?
"Don't worry, everything will be fine."
"We have your chemotherapy ready to go and it has been shown
to be very effective in treating this type of cancer."
"I'm sure your family will be very supportive during the treatment."
"It seems that you are very upset. Perhaps you would like to talk to
the hospital chaplain."
2. What is tachycardia?
Abnormally high heart rate
Abnormally low heart rate
Abnormally high respiratory rate
Section 1: Exam Preparation Strategies
1. Evidence-Based Study Techniques
• Spaced Repetition: Review core nursing concepts (e.g., safety, vital signs,
ADLs) at increasing intervals. Use apps like Anki or Quizlet.
• Active Recall: Use flashcards or self-testing. After reading about infection
control, quiz yourself: “What are standard precautions?”
• Interleaving: Mix subjects. Alternate pharmacology with patient care scenarios
rather than studying in large blocks.
2. Time Management Tips
• Prioritize high-yield tasks. Use a calendar or digital planner.
• Study in 90-minute sessions with 10–15 min breaks (Pomodoro method).
• Reserve lighter content for late evening or early morning; study complex
material when most alert.
3. Topic Prioritization Methods
• Focus on exam-weighted topics first (e.g., safety, communication, infection
prevention).
• Identify weak areas via past quizzes or practice tests.
• Use a matrix: Rank topics as High/Med/Low for Importance vs. Proficiency.
4. Stress-Reduction & Mindfulness
• Practice daily deep breathing (4-7-8 technique) or guided meditations.
• Engage in low-intensity exercise (yoga, walking) for 20–30 mins daily.
• Use journaling to reflect on progress and reduce anxiety.
Section 2: Customizable Study Planner Template
Weekly/Daily Template Example
Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
7:00– Light Active Break Read + Flashcards NCLEX Weekly
, Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
8:00 Review Recall Notes prep Review
AM
9:00–
Deep Practice Group Deep
11:00 Deep Study Simulation Rest
Study Qs Study Study
AM
2:00–
Review Clinical Summary Review Practice Meal
3:00 Self Quiz
Notes Vids Notes Errors Qs Prep
PM
SMART Goal Setting
• Specific: “I will master 3 infection control scenarios this week.”
• Measurable: “Complete 50 NCLEX questions daily.”
• Achievable: “Study 2 hours per day after clinicals.”
• Relevant: “Focus on patient safety, which is 30% of the exam.”
• Time-bound: “Finish review of 5 units by March 30.”
Tracking Progress
• Use habit trackers or spreadsheets to mark daily achievements.
• Reflect weekly: What improved? What needs more time?
• Adjust planner based on retention and confidence levels.
Section 3: Tailored Tips for Different Exam Formats
Multiple-Choice Exams
• Read the question stem twice.
• Eliminate clearly wrong answers.
• Beware of absolutes: “always,” “never” are usually incorrect.
• Use educated guessing; don’t leave blanks.
Essay-Based Exams
• Use frameworks like SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan).
• Pre-write outlines before essays.
• Memorize core processes (nursing process, Maslow’s hierarchy).
• Time yourself during practice essays.
Problem-Solving Exams
• Break down: What’s the core issue (e.g., ABCs: Airway, Breathing,
Circulation)?
• Use formulas (e.g., dosage calculations: D/H x Q).
, • Label units and double-check conversions.
Oral/Practical Exams
• Practice with peers or record yourself.
• Use concise, clinical language.
• Anticipate patient scenarios and verbalize assessments out loud.
• Confidence = clarity + preparation. Dress and act the part.
Standardized Tests (e.g., GRE for advanced nursing programs)
• Use official resources (ETS, Kaplan).
• Study verbal reasoning with nursing-context examples.
• Math: Practice interpreting clinical data quickly.
• Take full-length practice tests to build stamina.
Section 4: Additional Professional Advice
Leveraging Past Materials
• Review past papers and rubrics to identify patterns.
• Learn how questions are structured (e.g., case-based or symptom-first).
Collaborative Study
• Join or create a small, focused study group.
• Assign “teaching topics” — explaining a topic helps retention.
• Use shared documents for tracking progress.
Pre-Exam Routine & Checklist
Night Before
✔ Light review of summary sheets
✔ Pack supplies: ID, calculator, pens, water
✔ Set two alarms
Morning Of
✔ Balanced meal (protein + complex carbs)
✔ Mindful breathing (5 mins)
✔ Positive self-talk
Exam Day Checklist
, 🗹 Photo ID
🗹 Extra pencils/pens
🗹 Quiet snacks & water
🗹 Watch or timer
🗹 Approved calculator
🗹 Confidence and calm
Final Notes
• Personalize this guide — what works for one student may not work for
another.
• Track your journey and celebrate small wins.
• Nursing is about preparation + presence. This guide prepares you for both.
1. The nurse is caring for a 70-year-old female who was recently diagnosed
with cancer. Which of the following statements is an example of a nurse
giving false reassurances?
"Don't worry, everything will be fine."
"We have your chemotherapy ready to go and it has been shown
to be very effective in treating this type of cancer."
"I'm sure your family will be very supportive during the treatment."
"It seems that you are very upset. Perhaps you would like to talk to
the hospital chaplain."
2. What is tachycardia?
Abnormally high heart rate
Abnormally low heart rate
Abnormally high respiratory rate
