Final answer:
The student nurse should first rule out incorrect answers to increase their chances of selecting the right one.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a student nurse is taking a multiple-choice test and does not know the answer to a question, the best first step is to rule out any answers they know are incorrect. This elimination process can increase their chances of selecting the correct answer by narrowing down the options. It's not advisable to rely on common myths such as always guessing 'B' or looking at patterns from previous answers, as these do not have a statistical basis. The most effective strategy is deductive reasoning, starting with the elimination of wrong answers.