Medications on the NCLEX

Me2006 · Mar 8, 2012

dont worry so much, you will always be able to eliminate 2 wrong answers immediately. And use context clues to help you.

aghols12 · Mar 8, 2012

If time isn't an issue for you and you have the time to review them...it's a Kaplan Medication book on Amazon with about 300 meds with SEs and nursing considerations but not all-inclusive (its pretty short and sweet)- its 312 pages and it's a compact book. on the front of each page are 2 meds and on the back of that page are the SEs and nursing considerations. the bad part is that it doesnt have an index, but there is a table of contents and the meds are categorized by classifications. it's $9 bucks. it's also some reviews about it on amazon if you want some other opinions.

boisern84 · Mar 8, 2012

Please don't try to memorize hundreds of medications, that will just leave you frustrated. Try to member classes of medications by system example cardiac (beta blockers, ace inhibitors, calcium channel blockers)then focus on their action, potential negative effects, and contraindications. Good luck studying!

BANJ · Mar 9, 2012

Thanks guys!!

Schizoh · Mar 10, 2012

basically if you really dont know the drug itself,like you just heard/read it for the first time. just answer it on your best instinct. im sure its one of the experimental questions.

reginakrys · Mar 10, 2012

try studying by category and look for common prefixes or suffixes.. don't expect to memorize every drug out there (you're not Chuck Norris.. lol) but seriously, it's not a realistic goal. if you do encounter medication names that you're sure you haven't heard of read of in your life, just think to yourself that it's an experimental question. answer it to the best of your ability, and move on to the next question.

ellenrn2000 · Mar 10, 2012

Hello,

There are actually no short cuts when it comes to mastering pharmacology.

On NCLEX, generic drug name will be there, sometimes, if the question is nice, they may have both the generic + brand. ie. acetaminophen/Tylenol ©.

I agree with other responders, it is a good idea to learn the category and try to learn the clue that a category of drug may give you.

ie.

-olol (Beta blockers, anti-HTN, common side effect = bradycardia)

-pril (ACE-inhibitor, anti-HTN, common side effect = coughs, constipation)

-statin (cholesterol lowering drugs, most common side effects are myalgia, rhabdomyolysis, and labs to watch for are liver function tests).

Good luck to you,

Ellen

ladyangel341 · Mar 12, 2012

I would recommend you list down those medications by classification and important thing to know and read them like 3 times..you don't need to memorize them just familiarize...that's what I did.

important thing to know like:

Betablockers: can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia...so not advice to be given on patients with DM

futurern34 · Mar 12, 2012

Thanks for the info. I have a hard time in this area too :banghead:

diana2520 · Mar 13, 2012

I would recommend you list down those medications by classification and important thing to know and read them like 3 times..you don't need to memorize them just familiarize...that's what I did.
important thing to know like:
Betablockers: can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia...so not advice to be given on patients with DM

and too asthma pts do NOT give beta blockers

diana2520 · Mar 13, 2012

so i did la charity chapter 4 immunologic problems and i did not do all that good. most questions are :flamesonbhiv meds/related i guess i do not know much about them. i plan on rewiewing all of them. just in case :redlight: meds is not my fav.....