Scala Nursing Session 3 - PN Options

Introduction

• Focus on PNLA questions and options separately.
• Importance of mastering both questions and options for effective answers.
• Key to PNLA success: understanding both questions (building blocks) and options (keys).

Importance of Understanding Options

• Takers have a 25% chance of getting the right answer from four options.
• Overcoming the mental model that PNLA is hard through preparation.
• Burden of understanding should be on the PN itself, not the students.
• Key Reasons to Understand Options:
  1. Questions are congruent with one or more options.
  2. Minimize time spent on each question.
  3. Avoid over-rationalization (thinking outside the provided information).
  4. Properly eliminate extraneous/unnecessary options.
  5. Answer questions more efficiently.

Types of Options

1. Identical Options:
   • Synonyms or similar meaning options.
   • Only one correct answer, so identical options are incorrect.
   • Example: Excessive vomiting vs. Hyperemesis gravidarum.
2. Incompatible or Extreme Options:
   • Options that are opposites or extremes.
   • Example: Hypertension vs. Hypotension.
3. Unsafe or Dangerous Options:
   • Terms like 'all,' 'only,' 'always,' etc. are usually incorrect.
   • Example: 'It is used for all types of parasitic diseases.'
4. Umbrella Options:
   • One option encompasses all other options.
   • Example: Options that improve quality of life.
5. SATA (Select All That Apply) Options:
   • Treated as true or false questions for each option.
   • Analyze each option individually.
   • Example: Factors causing asthma attacks.

Examples and Explanations

• Identical Options Example:
  • Options: A) Excessive vomiting, B) Rapid fundal height growth, C) Hyperemesis gravidarum, D) Sharp abdominal pain.
  • Excessive vomiting and Hyperemesis gravidarum are identical; both are incorrect.
• Incompatible Options Example:
  • Options: A) Hypertension, B) Pruritus, C) Swelling, D) Hypotension.
  • Hypertension and Hypotension are incompatible; eliminate one.
• Unsafe Options Example:
  • Options with dangerous terms: 'all,' 'only,' etc.
  • Example: 'It is used for all types of parasitic diseases' vs. 'It is used for helminthiasis only.'
• Umbrella Options Example:
  • Options: A) Make people self-reliant, B) Capacitate the community, C) Exercise positive change, D) Improve quality of life.
  • Umbrella option: Improve quality of life (A, B, C are part of D).
• SATA Options Example:
  • Options: A) Smoking, B) Allergens, C) Stress, D) Protein-rich diet, E) Cold temperature, F) Hypertension.
  • Analyze each for true/false based on question.

Key Strategies

• Understand option types to eliminate incorrect ones.
• Apply the top score method to answer efficiently.
• Avoid over-rationalizing and focus on provided information.
• Do not stress over unknown options; answer scientifically and move on.

Conclusion

• Mastering options is critical for PNLA success.
• Next session will cover the combination of questions and options in detail.
• Preparation, strategy, and understanding are keys to success.