How tough is Pharmacology?

[EP10]

I am about to start my Fall semester in my nursing program and one of my classes is Pharmacology. This course is making me so nervous..

I have taken A&P I and II during my pre reqs, Microbio, Organic chem.. They were all not easy courses, but the only REAL struggle was with organic chemistry because I am not good at math at all and I'm afraid this is going to make Pharmacology extremely difficult and unpassable for me.

What were your pharmacology experiences like or for those who have not yet taken the course, what do you know about the course itself?

[californiarnbsn]

I had a rough time during pharmacology. I always got the classes confused and it was really hard for me to stuff all that information into my head along with all my other nursing classes. What we did in my class was make flash cards for each of the different classes of drugs as well as for specific medications. That helped me a bit as i was able to focus on the most important aspects of each medication. Also being able to use them on the floor during your clinical helped me understand them more. I was more of a visual learner so i purchased a little pharmacology flip book with helpful mnemonics to help me memorize the information. I still have difficulty with the subject even after graduating but from every nurse i've talked to the more you work with the medications the more you'll learn them and they will become easy. My suggestion is to work on a few at a time and remember the most common side effects. It is hard for some people just keep up with your studying and make sure you use the right tools for your learning style. You will get through it! and don't be afraid to ask questions!

[Staragate, ADN, ASN, RN]

To answer your question: It's about as tough as A&P. There is a lot of memorization involved. Learn the action, which usually tells you what side effects to expect. Like Hypertension medication brings down blood pressure, e.g. orthostatic hypotension. It helps to use logic for expected effects/side effects... less memorization and more understanding results.

[ER Night Club]

Since math is your weakness that you've identified, pharmacology could be difficult for you. Learn your conversions, always try and pay attention to labels, and what the question is truly asking.

For example:

Doctor orders 10,000mcg (micrograms). You have 5,000mcg/2mL

How many mL(s) are you going to give?

a) 4mL

Even if you don't know the math (yet), you should know the answer is asking you for mL(s)!

How many mg (milligrams) is this patient going to receive in this dose?

Oooo, seems like s scary question. However, the patient should only be receiving the amount the doctor ordered, right? The doctor ordered 10,000mcg. mcg->mg is moving the decimal point over 3 spaces (1000mcg = 1mg).

a) 10mg

You'll learn all of this, and this will all make very good sense soon! I'll repeat my above advice to help you be successful!

Learn your conversions, always try and pay attention to labels, and answer what the question is truly asking!