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Discussion

I'm panicking

Hi everyone,

I am taking Med-surg. I think I'm dying. Is study hard but still I just had my grade for my first test i didn't pass. The Prof. told me not to worry but I am worried. Can anyone pleasegive me some advise on how you made it thru Med surg.

Thank you

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  • Experts

part of studying med/surg is learning about many different diseases. that includes learning the pathophysiology, signs/symptoms, usual tests ordered, and medical treatment for a medical disease or condition. this includes knowing about any medical procedures that will need to be performed on the patient, their expected consequences during the healing phase, and potential complications. surgery is a treatment for a disease or condition.

click on the link at the bottom of this post, the critical thinking flow sheet for nursing students, and print it out. use this to help you learn all the elements you need to know about each medical disease/condition you will be studying in your course. to determine priority of treatments and interventions consider the sequence of the appearance of symptoms and/or maslow's hierarchy of needs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs)

:hngon:Hang in there. Daytonite's critical thinking flowsheets are awesome and will give you a firm grasp on how it all relates. Your professor does not seem worried so relax. Just know that you'll have to put more effort into your next test. It all will come together for you. Good luck!

How much are you studying?

Are your studies focused on the syllabus or the entire chapter?

How confidant are you in your knowledge of the material?

Have you met 1:1 with your instructor? Did you talk your way through the test(s) with her/him? This allows them to observe your thought processes which they may advise you on.

Could/did you pass an oral test of the same material?

Focus on the syllabus, don't "over study" it is pretty much wasted time (in regards to the test) and only serves to confuse you in the end. DO NOT CRAM!! Faithfully do 2-3 hours a day which is plenty for most nursing classes/sections.

Know the material outlined in the syllabus, be familiar with the A&P that is associated.

And finally, here are some test taking strategies:

From Saunders, "Strategies for Success for the NCLEX-RN Examination", I faithfully review them on test day just as a reminder and to take my mind off of all of the "what is this ...?, did you study this ...? chatter that comes with test day.

1. Avoid reading into the question

2. Look for key words like Early, Late, Best, First, Initial, Immediately, most likely, least likely ...

3. Prioritize using ABCs and/or Maslow's hierarchy.

4. Identify true or false response questions. "... it is determined the pt needs reinforcement of discharge instructions if he states" is looking for a false or negative statement.

"What action would the nurse take next?" is looking for a true or positive statement.

5. Theraputic communication questions always focus on the pt, pt's family, feelings, concerns, anxieties or fears.

6. Eliminate similar options. If options are pursuing the same idea both can be eliminated. The ONE correct option frequently is the one that is different.

7. Eliminate options with absolute words like all, always, every, must, none, never.

8. Look for the umbrella option. Thats the one answer that is more general and encompasses other correct responses that are provided.

9. Use guidelines for delegation and assignment making questions.

There is a more indepth list of these principles in the Saunders Comprehensive Review (4th Ed in Ch. 5).

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