Best book for nursing assessment/interventions and procedures

Nursing Students NCLEX

Published

Ok, I've got and Springhouse Review for NCLEX-RN (5th ed.) book which is IMHO poor at everything, and Kaplan books (both Basics and Course) which are mediocre.

Problem is, after studying these books, I began doing Springhouse Review 3000 tests and found out that I know almost NOTHING about nursing interventions in certain situations, I don't know what to look for with certain diseases, I don't know what happens during all kinds of nursing interventions and procedures.

Although, I managed to reach steady, but only ~70% mark on all of previous sections, the worst happened today - I answered only 55% questions right in Postpartrum section. It's not that I haven't learned anything from the books, the problem is that all of them barely devoted miserable 3-4 pages to this topic, not covering anything other then general symptoms and few complications.

It left me extremely angry, disappointed and annoyed with myself. It showed how overwhelmingly enourmous gaps I still have in my knowledge and how far I am from being ready to apply for the NCLEX exam.

So, I'd like a book(s) that describes in full detail what happens when a patient goes through different phases of illness, medical procedure or natural one (like childbirth), what a nurse should look for, what she (or patient himself) should do, what not do, what and when etc etc...

Can you recommend anything?

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Specializes in Neuro, Critical Care.
Ok, I've got and Springhouse Review for NCLEX-RN (5th ed.) book which is IMHO poor at everything, and Kaplan books (both Basics and Course) which are mediocre.

Problem is, after studying these books, I began doing Springhouse Review 3000 tests and found out that I know almost NOTHING about nursing interventions in certain situations, I don't know what to look for with certain diseases, I don't know what happens during all kinds of nursing interventions and procedures.

Although, I managed to reach steady, but only ~70% mark on all of previous sections, the worst happened today - I answered only 55% questions right in Postpartrum section. It's not that I haven't learned anything from the books, the problem is that all of them barely devoted miserable 3-4 pages to this topic, not covering anything other then general symptoms and few complications.

It left me extremely angry, disappointed and annoyed with myself. It showed how overwhelmingly enourmous gaps I still have in my knowledge and how far I am from being ready to apply for the NCLEX exam.

So, I'd like a book(s) that describes in full detail what happens when a patient goes through different phases of illness, medical procedure or natural one (like childbirth), what a nurse should look for, what she (or patient himself) should do, what not do, what and when etc etc...

Can you recommend anything?

I reccomend not relying on one tool alone. What I do is try a little of everything. I went to the library and checked out NCLEX books and used them. I also buy some of my own and trade with my classmates. i have also bought review cards from half.com and those work well too. I do online quizzes/free practice NCLEX questions. I also answer all the questions in my med surg book and use the study guide. I just keep chippin away at NCLEX stuff even though im only half way through my program. Oh I also used a Kaplan book that I checked out of the nursing library, it was very helpful in that it came with a CD that was a mock NCLEX test, timed and everything. The cd broke it down so show the areas that you are lacking!

So to make a long story short, experiment and use a variety of tools. I also like the Prentice hall series review books!

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Thanks for advise, I'll check those Prentice books and will try to find others. I guess wanting everything in one piece is a bit too much. :)

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Specializes in Telemetry & Obs.

I agree...the Prentice Hall Reviews and Rationales Series is the best!! I have the Maternal-Newborn Nursing on my desk right now...it covers everything from "Introduction to Maternity Nursing" thru the whole pregnancy and onto the Newborn Experience. What I really like is the Nursing Note tear out page in the back...a laminated (sorta) cheat sheet of important things like newborn VS, newborn measurements, lab values, apgar, and fetal development by gestational age in weeks. Each of the books in the series has the Nursing Notes.

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Specializes in Neuro, Critical Care.
I agree...the Prentice Hall Reviews and Rationales Series is the best!! I have the Maternal-Newborn Nursing on my desk right now...it covers everything from "Introduction to Maternity Nursing" thru the whole pregnancy and onto the Newborn Experience. What I really like is the Nursing Note tear out page in the back...a laminated (sorta) cheat sheet of important things like newborn VS, newborn measurements, lab values, apgar, and fetal development by gestational age in weeks. Each of the books in the series has the Nursing Notes.

I like them bc they outline the information and tell you what is likely to be on the NCLEX AND they have NCLEX questions. I have three right now,

1.Maternal Newborn Nursing

2. Psychiatric Nursing

3. Child Nursinsg

Those are the three classes im takingt his semester so I am using them as study aids for now, then later I can use them for the NCLEX. I also like them bc they have these detachable sheets int he back that I take with me to clincial and they have a CD with compainion website...every helpful!

HEre are some ISBNS for you:

1. 0130304565 (maternal newborn)

2. 0130304581 (psych)

3. 0130304522 (peds)

I got mine at Barnes and Noble, they are about 25/each

They also have books on Med Surg

Pathophys

Pharm

Fluids and Electrolytes (good too!)

&Nutrition and Diet therapy

I checked on half.com the other day and they had some used for like 10$

Good luck!!

I also like the "Made Easy series" I have NCLEX made easy its goood!

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