NURS 450-001: Cognitive Approaches to Problem Solving

Pam O'Hara

stress response

• can affect cognition and emotions

• can happen during testing → muscle tension

• can even happen during positive or surprising events

• emergent situations → body becomes alert & energized (fight or flight)

NCLEX testing time

do NOT put off this exam. You perform better when you study immediately & take the exam in 1-2 months.

first-question freeze

Feeling of not knowing answers to first 1 – 2 questions

“Freeze up”: Difficulty moving beyond the first question(s)

Usually due to anxiety/nervousness at start of test

Extended time to calm down

Tip: Progressive relaxation techniques

clumping

missing several questions in a row

Indicates problem with 1^st question missed in a series

Anxiety/panic over one missed question distorts thinking → causes student to be distracted & select incorrect answers on next several questions

losing steam

Difficulty maintaining concentration

Start strong, finish weak

Majority of missed questions are seen toward end of test

Tip: Practice MORE test questions

catastrophic fantasy

Worry about consequences of failing (“My life will be over;” “I’ll never be a nurse”)