Medsurg one (adult nursing) and mental health

norlns24 · Dec 19, 2015

Every program is different, but mine bundled med surg I and mental health in the same semester as well. I would say focus more on med surg b/c that tends to be the tougher class. For mental health, doing practice questions on therapeutic communication and keeping track of the psych meds (by drug class might be easiest) and their adverse reactions/ side effects would be very helpful. Most MH exams have a fair number of therapeutic communication questions, and once you are able to answer these types of questions you will be in good shape come exam time. Psych meds are important to keep straight as well b/c a lot of MH NCLEX questions focus on them. Expect questions, for example, on MAOIs and diet considerations; extra-pyramidal signs/ symptoms related to first-generation anti-psychotic meds; and lithium toxicity signs/ therapeutic ranges.

As for med surg...I spent A LOT of time on this class. Do every practice question you can get your hands on through any resource your school/ instructor gives you. We had Adaptive Quizzing by Elsevier which really helped me focus on content for upcoming exams. If your instructor does not use AQ, you can find other similar resources. And most importantly, READ THE RATIONALES. That is where the real info lies...read them even if you know the answer. Never sacrifice studying for doing questions. In other words, at some point before each exam you have to do some questions related to the exam topics to get into the NCLEX zone and reinforce important info that will likely come up on the exam, even if that means sacrificing going over your class notes one more time or foregoing reading a chapter you never got around to reading. I hope my advice helps!

norlns24 · Dec 19, 2015

Generally speaking, for therapeutic communication questions you will find on your MH exams...some basic rules are:

1. The RN generally should avoid giving any type of advice. A better answer is "What do you think would help you accomplish xyz".... versus telling the pt what you would do in their shoes.

2. Reframing/ rephrasing a patient's question or statement for clarification, to encourage the pt to talk and share more, and/ or to show you are listening is good/ generally the correct answer.

3. Use of therapeutic silence is good and usually the correct answer.

4. Incorrect answers often focus on the RN relating his or her own experience to the patient's -- everyone's experience is unique.

5. Anything that promotes a client's sharing of feelings is GOOD, anything (including cliches) that closes off discussion is BAD.

6. Look for open ended questions as a therapeutic response -- if there are 4 options and only one of them is open-ended, choose it b/c open-ended questions/ responses foster communication.

7. Avoid any questions that ask or imply "why" because "why" could be perceived as judgmental or could make the patient defensive.

8. General statements (re: death, grieving) that express empathy such as "I am so sorry for your loss" are generally good choices on exams.

I hope these tips help...these are what I remembered from MH!!!

KThurmond · Dec 20, 2015

I didn't get to mental health but Pathophysiology made Incredibly Easy helped during meg surg.

Its still important to read the textbook but this book broke down all the systems so it didn't sound like mumbo jumbo. It helped me out alot.

I passed my tests just failed the final. I hadn't learned how to apply the knowledge. I hope this helps. I always heard endocrine system was the hardest.

RNtobe17 · Dec 21, 2015

Thanks so much. This is really going to help me. I appreciate you all taking your time out to help and give really great advice. This is why I love all nurses

KThurmond · Dec 21, 2015

Your welcome :)