A Novel Approach to Studying for the Boards

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I've been having a really hard time getting certain things to stick and doing test questions wasn't working. And then I realized that they weren't sticking because I didn't grasp certain concepts behind them - particularly EKG's. I didn't really even understand which peak was which wave. Reviewing the review book wasn't helping because it assumes - and rightly so - a grasp of the underlying principles.

So I borrowed an "ECG's made Incredibly Easy" and an entire new world has opened up to me! I never really understood them, and an elevated U wave due to hypercalcemia didn't sink in until I understood that that is the point at which repolarization is happening and it can't happen properly because of an excess of cations. So now I know that even if I don't memorize it I can look at a strip and grasp it.

Anyway, now that I have the concept down I think I should be able to associate the various electrolytes with the appropriate waves.

Well. I am feeling far more confident and will start tackling questions again in a few days, after I revisit ABG's and various lab values.

And I pushed back my date a few weeks. Why go in feeling less than confident when I don't have to? It isn't a contest.

:)

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Specializes in LTC.

Why don't you try the random fact throwing thread you would benefit from that I found it to be very helpful? You just have to relax a day or so then get back in the game you're probably in overload!!! Good Luck! I will be praying 4 you.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Sue, I have that book and love it, definitely made ecg's better

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Yes, the issue for me isn't test questions per se - I am fine with them when I have the concept down. But rote memorization has never been my strong suit and I am much better just knowing the concept and extrapolating from it.

I started doing cardiac questions last night and I'm already in better shape because I know where and how a certain value SHOULD affect the strip!

Thanks, Silverdragon. It has really, really been a useful book.

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Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.

Good luck Sue. I loved and still use my Nursing Made Easy books and magazine. I know you'll do fine on your boards. Just don't forget the most important item when you go to the testing center:

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Good Luck Sue!:wshgrt:

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:D

I'll remember.

:smokin:

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