I passed block I !!! need advise for block II

U.S.A. Arizona

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I am super happy I passed block I of nursing school but I was wondering if anyone can tell me how to prepare for block 2. I know it is all med-surg, but what exactly do you study? do you see more patho this semester? what about pharm? Any info and tips of what to study will be appreciated.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Get Med-Surg Made Easy it had alot of the things we needed including the meds.

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Tele/Acute Rehab.

:up: Good for you for planning ahead! Did they give you a list of books yet? Just start reading the chapters of your med/surg book. You want to gain a general understanding of the systems and major concepts for each system/subject.

:gtch: Block 1 can give you a false sense of security...it is NOT a good measure of how you will do in block 2. You really want to step up your game for this block...DO NOT underestimate how important it is to understand these basic concepts...everything else builds on them.

:pntrghi: If you have a good pathophysiology book, break it out and just read...read in the tub, read on the toilet, read a chapter a night before bed (and then read it again each night, maybe for a couple days if you don't "get it" right away)...do the review questions at the back of the chapter or in the workbook until you feel you get it. Figure out which area you are weakest in, and start there...one really bad exam could knock you out of the block.

:eek: Subjects to read up on:

  • Role of the nurse
  • Peri-Op (ANS drugs, pre- & post-op care)
  • Immune (Hypersensitivity Rxns, HIV/AIDS)
  • Cancer (Care, complications, grading, staging & TNM classifications)
  • Respiratory (Asthma, COPD, atelectasis)
  • Fluid/Electrolytes (Na+, K,+ Ca+)
  • Hematology (Pancytopenia, Neutropenia, Hodgkins, Non-Hodgkins, Leukemia, Thrombocytopenia)
  • Endocrine (Hyper & hypothyroid, DM, hyper & hypoglycemia)
  • Cardiac (CHF, DVT, HTN)
  • Renal (Renal Failure-acute & chronic-know the difference)
  • Gastrointestinal (GERD/H. Hernia, PUD, Cholylithiasis/ectomy, Bowel obstruction, stoma sites-Renal & GI)
  • Reproductive (Female structure disorders, prostate (CA, infection, BPH), CA (Breast & Cervical)
  • Neuro
  • Musculoskeletal

:christmastree::candy::santa::christmasball::gingerbreadman::stocking::starornament::gift::bell: Good luck, happy studying, and Merry Christmas!

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Best advice I can come up with is do any and all NCLEX style questions from the books and workbooks. Block II is more about applying what you've learned. It can be tricky to study for, but the questions from the back of the med-surg chapters are more representative of what we saw last semester in block II. Hang in there, its a whole new ball game from block I but you can do it!!!:specs:

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Thank you so much this helps a lot!

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Specializes in Critical Care. CVICU. Adult and Peds PACU..

read, read, read : ) it's definitely a lot harder than block 1.

it's a lot of pharm but mostly med/surg - force yourself to think like a nurse.

if i can make a suggestion, get the book diseases and disorders: a nursing therapeutics manual by sommers. the isbn is 9780803613379 i got mine used for about $30 online but i truly believe every nursing student and nurse should have this book! it is a small book that lists a ton of diseases, the causes, genetic considerations, assessment data, diagnostic tests, nursing dx, meds that would be prescribed, documentation guidelines and ever discharge instructions. this book is invaluable!!!!

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