Help....Need Study Ideas

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Hello,

I am trying to figure out how to format some study sheets. Here's what I would like to do. Let's say I want to study COPD, Diabetes Mellitus, and CHF. Well, let me tell you, I have tons of nursing books with plenty of info on the above conditions, not to mention a slew of info from the internet. My problem is I can get so bogged down in these different sources that it gets to be frustrating. Literally TMI lol! So I figured I could format a table in MS word and in each box list the pathophysiology, symptoms, cause, treatments, nursing considerations etc, and keep it REALLY simple and brief. I might me able to get two to three conditions on one page (this would be great).

Has anyone done anything like this....I have a couple books in particular that are pretty simple, one is titled Expert 10 minute physical examination, another is called Assessment. But the problem is trying to condense all this info together.

I'd love any ideas or examples.

Thank you so much,

Barbra

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If you're doing the table in MSWord, you can fit more on a page by hidding some of the text. You can always open the text or read it on line, but just to keep the total number of pages down, wrap the text or just use the smallest font size.

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

not wise to combine them unless you see similarities. you will get confused and make mistakes. you may open, download and use my critical thinking flow sheet for nursing students

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Thanks for the info, it's really interesting. But I still need something a little different. I need a QUICK reference for specific conditions, without a lot of added text. Here's an example.

Description: An acute, highly contagious infection of the resp tract.......

Pathophysiology: Virus invades the epithelium of the resp tract....After attaching to the host cell....

Causes: Infection transmitted by inhaling resp droplet from an infected person or by indirect contact.....

Incidence: Affects all age-groups; highest incidence among school-age children.....

Common Characteristics: After an incubation period of 24-48 hours, flu symptom appear....Sudden onset of chills, fever....

Complications: Pneumonia, Myositis, Exacerbation of COPD, Reye's syndrome....

History: Usually, recent exposure to a person with influenza...

Physical findings: fever, tired and listless feeling....

Test results....

General.....Fluid and electrolyte replacements, O2 and asisted ventilation if indicated.

Diet: Increased fluid intake...

Activity: Rest periods if needed.

Medication: Acetaminophen or aspirin, Guaifenesin or expectorant.....

Nursing Diagnoses: Acute pain, fatigue....

Key Outcomes:......

Nursing Interventions: Administer meds as ordered....

Monitoring: Temperature,.....

I got the above info from a book called Nurses 3 Minute Clinical Reference. It is a pretty quick reference, but I have seem more clearer and simple explanations. I would place these in a table using the headings above and yes, maybe one condition or disease per page.

Hope this gives a better idea of what I am trying to do. I am trying to omit as much unnecessary text as possible.

Barbra

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Sorry, forgot to write the condition: Influenza

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Specializes in ER.

I've done something similar to this using Microsoft Excell to create a spreadsheet. I used it for medications. I have thought about doing the same thing your attempting using my Saunders Nclex book for the info.

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