Follow the strict timetable of a NCLEX test during your practice. There is no time limit for individual answers, which makes it even easier for test-takers to waste valuable minutes as they take their time trying to come up with an answer to a particular question.
Determine whether you are able to think clearly after hours of continued testing. You are entitled to two optional breaks, the first after two hours of testing and the second after three and a half hours. Again, time yourself during your practice tests to see if you can afford taking the breaks.
Pay attention to every single word of the question to decide quickly which part of the nursing process it concerns. For example, words such as "diagnose" and "define" refer to analysis; the words "monitor" and "expand" refer to evaluation. The different parts of the nursing process are: analysis, assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation.
Prioritize the choices in every question, putting safety first, then physiologic integrity, psychological integrity and, lastly, health maintenance. This prioritization will help you with questions focusing on critical thinking.
Focus on what you know from the textbook and avoid thinking of real world situations to answer a question, which can cost valuable time. In addition, study all the medical terminology and abbreviations thoroughly.