HELP!! Pharm test

MikeyJ, RN · Jul 4, 2007

Next Monday I have a pharm test. It will be on 14 chapters. I am stressing out because I just don't know how to absorb that much info in such a short time. On top of Pharm test there is also a MED SURG test which is on 5 chapters. Does anyone have good advice on how to study for this? I have powerpoints and workbooks but I am just stressing out.

I have a patho/pharm exam on Friday and ours only covers 9 or 10 chapters I think; however, a few weeks ago we had a pharm test that covered almost 20 chapters.. I got an 'A'. The way my friend and I study is making mnemonics. There is no possible way anyone could study and learn/memorize notes on 14 CHAPTERS. So for my 20 chapter exam, I took nearly 30+ pages of notes and condensed them into one sheet of paper (front and back). I went through and figured out what is of importance for each drug or drug class (usually 5 - 8 things for each one) and made mnemonics for each one. Because most of the side effects, interactions, precautions, nursing implications, etc. are pretty much common sense if you have an idea of how that drug or drug class affects the body. So focus on studying only those few things about each drug/class that doesn't seem obvious.

My technique isn't necessarily a good way for long term memorization when it comes down to the specifics of each drug/class, but then again, my program is moving at such a fast rate that you don't have time to sit and study with the intention of retaining all of this info. for a long period of time.

Good luck!!!

grannypatches, BSN, LPN, RN · Jul 4, 2007

Thank you for the help. I am going to give it a try. It has eased my mind. Thank you so much! Have a happy 4th.....