How can I prepare for Pharm I and Pathophysiology?

guest042302019, BSN, RN · Mar 27, 2013

I guess the most obvious I can think of is get your books early and start skimming some chapters. Request the syllabus from your professor and go through the first few weeks of reading.

Also, review your Anatomy and Physiology, particularly cardiac, renal, or pulmonary. Those seem to be difficult for people without pathology to consider. Develop semi-comfortability with normal A&P before you go off into abnormal A&P. However, I don't think A&P super knowledge or the class itself is required for to be successful in pathophysiology.

Start in your studies where you are least comfortable and get a handle on that information first.

Pharmacology is a lot of repetitive memorization especially when you get into drug facts. However, apply the same idea to this course. Get a hold of your syllabus then read the first few weeks of information.

If you can't get ahold of your syllabus, that's okay, because you can still read ahead! :)

becoming · Mar 28, 2013

I recommend reading ahead also. Usually the first couple of chapters are pharm/patho 101 so it will help ease you into transition once classes begin.

Best of luck!

traumanurse2b? · Mar 28, 2013

I got a reviews and rationales book for patho, it is by Maryann Hogan. It has been great for the extra testing practice. Also, definitely start reviewing early if you can, like the previous posters said. Good luck!

WoundedBird · Mar 28, 2013

If you're looking for an alternative way to study patho, there's a physiology coloring book you can buy. Somebody in another post mentioned that if you know what 'normal' is, it helps with understanding the changes that make a condition abnormal (hopefully that makes sense to you...) I bought it after using the anatomy version to help with bones and muscles for my athletic training boards. My plan for this book is to do a few pages a day based on what we're covering in assessment.

tigerlogic · Mar 29, 2013

Getting the RAA system and sympathetic/parasympathetic systems down will be helpful. Getting familiar with the classes of drugs may help.

chyna016 · Mar 30, 2013

Study A&P!

It all starts there, and if you can picture how everything works normally you can better understand the abnormal.

Wildcats.Cabral · Mar 31, 2013

I suppose my first question is why? Why take both in the summer unless it is mandatory. Pharmacology is a lot of memorization as has been stated. Group your drugs into classifications, then remember all of the key points for the classification. Most of the information for the drugs within the classification will be the same or similar enough. So, rather than learning the key points for 10 drugs in a classification, just learn it once and move on to the next classification. The Davis' Success Series was a big help for me in Pharmacology, as well as other classes (Med/Surg & Maternity) Basically NCLEX study questions. Popular text for exam questions.

Nursing2102 · Apr 3, 2013

I'm taking these summer classes cause I want to move along in the program. I already have my bachelors in another major... I don't want to be in college until I am 30!

Thanks all for the advice.

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · Apr 3, 2013

Make sure you review A&P! Patho and Pharm depend on that pre-existing knowledge.