Most
candidates of board exam practically aim the right answer to each
question. Sometimes the right attitude in answering a question is
needed to fully understand and choose the correct answer. Probably
the candidate who is able to review well pass the board exam; unless
luck is with you no matter what happens you will pass. Hints, as it
is not connected to the questions and answers, maybe helpful to choose
the right answer. Following the guidelines given down list might save
you from failing.
- Answer all questions. Do not leave it blank.
- Your first choice is usually your best answer.
- Do not change your answer unless you are convinced that your first choice is wrong.
- It is a good practice to read every question prudently and mark your answer before going on to the next question. If you are doubtful of the answer, avoid staying and reading the question over and over again. Leave it out and go on to the next question. Put an asterisk mark in the margin to remind you that the question was left unanswered.
- When you have finished the examination, go back to the unanswered questions. Do not reread those questions that you believe you have already answered correctly this might confuse you and eventually convince you to change your answer.
- When reviewing the questions that you went back, you can usually do elimination for several choices immediately as being correct. On a multiple-choice question, this will leave you with two or three selections. Make the most logical choice, even with two possible choices you have a 50:50 chance of getting it right. This is much better than guessing from five selections where your chances of guessing correctly are only one in five. Once you have marked your selection leave it alone and go on to the next unanswered question. If you have no idea of which answer is correct, do not guess either the first or last choice.
- Whenever a problem solving or calculation is being asked put in mind that ratio and proportion is the general formula for almost drug solving problems. If possible familiarize the weights and volumes conversion table and some important pharmaceutical formulas.
- For calculations, rounded off or exact answers are usually the choices. Solving needs the correct formula to lead you to the correct answer, wrong formula's answer may be one of the choices and you able to choose it. The examinee should be aware in this case and be prepared when taking board exam.
However,
most of the given guidelines are only applicable for those questions
that are not familiar to you or guess at an answer. When you know the
answer do not hesitate to choose it. Never mind the tricks of the
question. Because there is only one best answer that you looking for.
Avoid too much interpretation of the answer or look for hidden
meanings. Best answer can be picked through simple selection.
Hints:
Clang
association: repetition of a word, phrase, or sounding the
question and in the choice.
Example:
The
use of beta-blocker agents in the blood is ___________.
A.
To decrease blood pressure level
B.
To decrease cholesterol level
C.
To equalize electrolytes
D.
To cause dyspnea
Hint:
The word blood in the question and one of the options, A.
Specific
determiners: Words such as “never” and “always” mean just
that –never and always. If there is a possibility of an exception,
then choices will not be correct.
Example:
Which
of the following is the characteristic of water?
A.
It boils always to 100oC in any altitude.
B.
Never transforms to gas
C.
It becomes solid when it reached 0oC.
D.
Miscible to tannins and acacia.
Hint:
A and B contain the specific determiners always and never; D is
obviously wrong because of the word miscible, C is the correct
answer.
Length
hints: Correct answer is always longer than other choices. Be
aware though, that it could mislead you.
Example:
The
term “adverse effect” of a drug refers to _________.
A.
Additional benefits of the drug
B.
Potentiate other drug action
C.
Any action of a drug in the body other than the one the doctor wanted
the drug to have
D.
Action of the drug
Hint:
The choice C is a lengthy clue.
Grammatical
inconsistency: This could occur when the incorrect choices do not
follow grammatical rules.
Example:
The
function red blood cells is to ___________.
A.
Carry oxygen to the cells
B.
Conveying food to the cells
C.
Clotting of the blood
D.
Fighting disease
Hint:
The to in the stem is the clue. A, the word carry is
grammatically correct.
