NCLEX Question

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Hi everybody,

This is my first post to the forum, and I could really use some advice.

I am scheduled for the NCLEX-PN on Aug. 9, and while I do feel prepared in most areas, I am having a tough time with Pharmacology. I was hoping that some of you could pass on some helpful tips for remembering drugs & side effects. (Pharm has never been my strong point:chair: )

Thanks so much!

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

I know one of the techniques one of my Pharm teachers said to use when I was in nursing school was to not try and memorize all of the different drugs and side effects. Instead, know which drugs pertain to each class of drugs, and learn the actions/side effects by class, because mostly, the actions and side effects are similar for the drugs under the same class. I also used to remember what drugs where under each category by looking at the suffix. For example, usually the beta blockers end in -lol, so if I see propanolol, I know it's a beta blocker, and then I memorize what are the actions and side effects of beta blockers, etc. Also, make sure you know which class of drugs cause nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, ototoxicity, etc. Hope this helps!

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Hi there --

I have a subscription to NCSBN which does an entire free pharm review as an add on to their 1,250+ NCLEX questions. it expires in 6 days though. you are welcome to use this subscription if you like.

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whoagracie -- that would be GREAT if I could use your subscription...I am willing to try anything at this point. I really appreciate it!!!!!

Thanks for the advice, Lynn4875!

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Hi

could someone please give me the name of the best saunders review content text. thanks

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shan --

i just read your post a little more carefully and realized that there is a bit of a mismatch. i have subscription to ncsbn for NCLEX-RN. Let me know if you think this will still help.

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hotgal --

saunders 3rd edition works great if you go through the questions to the end of each chapter.

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yes it would help. I need to review contents.

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Specializes in ICU, CVICU.
I know one of the techniques one of my Pharm teachers said to use when I was in nursing school was to not try and memorize all of the different drugs and side effects. Instead, know which drugs pertain to each class of drugs, and learn the actions/side effects by class, because mostly, the actions and side effects are similar for the drugs under the same class. I also used to remember what drugs where under each category by looking at the suffix. For example, usually the beta blockers end in -lol, so if I see propanolol, I know it's a beta blocker, and then I memorize what are the actions and side effects of beta blockers, etc. Also, make sure you know which class of drugs cause nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, ototoxicity, etc. Hope this helps!

That is great advice, thanks!

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I will give you the subscription info....there is a whole pharm thing in the beginning that divides the drugs into categories and reviews it. Don't worry too much about drugs for the NCLEX though -- they are pretty much hit or miss for everyone. know the big categories, know which drugs affect electrolyte balances and which ones are NOTORIOUS for heart rate checking (such as digoxin) or blood pressure, such as parnate in hypertensive crisis (an anti-psychotic). By doing thousands of questions, there is no need to specifically review the drugs. If you do 3,000 questions, you are guaranteed to learn all the drug info that you need.

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I would like to use your subscription -- I think it could help me out quite a bit! Could you send me a PM with the info that I would need?

I really appreciate all of the suggestions and advice....what a great forum!

Thanks again!!

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I also take the NCLEX-PN on August 9th. I have mixed emotions. I have been studying Saunders Comprehensive Review.

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