A stem is the section of a multiple-choice item that poses the problem that the students must answer. Stems can be in the form of a question or an incomplete sentence. Poorly written stems fail to state clearly the problem when they are vague, full of irrelevant data, or negatively written.

What is the stem in a nursing test item?

The stem includes the situation or problem, all relevant information about the patient, including healthcare needs, and a question or an incomplete statement that you must answer. The distractors are the three incorrect answers that contain some correct information but aren’t totally correct.

What is the stem of an Nclex question?

The stem: This is a statement that asks the question. The stem includes the situation that describes the client and his healthcare needs or problems. It also includes all the relevant information regarding those issues.

How do you write a stem question?

Write your stem in a concise, direct way. Use no more than 3-4 sentences. Avoid run-on sentences, parentheses, and phrases offset by commas. Write the 1 correct response (“key”).

What is the example of stem?

The definition of a stem is the main stalk of a plant. An example of stem is the part that holds up the petals on a flower and from which the leaves grow. The main part of a word to which affixes are added. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

What kind of questions are on the nursing exam?

The NCLEX-RN® is composed of primarily multiple-choice, four-option, text-based questions written at the application/analysis level of difficulty. These questions may include charts, tables, or graphic images. There are three components of an NCLEX-RN® exam multiple-choice question.

What questions are considered hard on NCLEX?

Analysis, synthesis and evaluation questions would be considered higher-level NCLEX questions. Synthesis questions are based on creating or proposing solutions, such as a plan of care.

What are considered higher level questions on NCLEX?

What does the stem mean on a NCLEX question?

The stem of the question. The stem includes the situation that describes the client, his or her problems or health care needs, and other relevant information. It also includes a question or an incomplete statement. This is the question that you must answer. Three incorrect answers, referred to here as distracters.

What does the stem of a question mean?

The stem of the question. The stem includes the situation that describes the client, his or her problems or health care needs, and other relevant information. It also includes a question or an incomplete statement.

What should be included in a quality STEM?

The stem should contain a subject and a verb. A quality stem is a coherent sentence that is clear and precise and represents a complete thought. It should not be overly wordy but contain only the language necessary to present a singular objective. The stem should address only one problem or question.

How to use stem in multiple choice test?

The stem should address only one problem or question. Unnecessary information should be avoided, as this can confuse the test taker. However, it may be useful to have one or two introductory sentences in the stem to help clarify the item. The stem should be worded in such as way as to query one correct answer.