Need help with Pathophysiology!

mandana · Mar 27, 2006

Your question is pretty broad, but I'll see if I can help you a little. I love patho - I mean, I really LOVE it. But, to understand it, you first have to have a strong grasp of the normal physiology of an organ or system.

Spend time figuring out how a system works properly, then figure out what the problem is. For example, figure out the normal gallbladder - it's purpose, and the pathway of the secretions to the SI. So then, you take a problem - cholelithiasis. Then, figure out why stones form and what can happen when they do. The "why" also tells you who is most likely to suffer from them and the "what can happen" gives you a big lead to symptoms.

I also like to group things while I'm studying - many processes have the same manifestations. Don't focus on what's the same, focus on what is different. Example: there are lots of potential reasons that a person could have blood in their stool. Don't look at "blood in the stool" as the manifestation for hemorrhoids - because most likely, the blood will be bright red, with a BM and mild to moderate in quantity. A bleed higher up will manifest differently.

I hope this helps a little bit. It's tough work because there is so much that you really have to know, and there really aren't any shortcuts that I've been able to find except grouping things and thinking them through.

Good luck,

Amanda

JennaRN2008 · Mar 27, 2006

The most helpful trick I have found to studying patho this semester has been to go get one of those rolls of white paper, spread it out on your floor or dining room table - wherever you can - and diagram everything out. It gives you a visual way of seeing how all of the systems relate to one another.

Generally you end up with a maze of arrows on the paper between a bunch of boxes that all relate to each other, but as you are putting it down and drawing those arrows between things that associate and the steps of a process, you are putting it into your head as well. This has been VERY helpful to me. I hope it helps!

Jenna S.

President

Indiana Association of Nursing Students

[email protected]

Maria22 · Mar 27, 2006

Thanks, Amanda....I think your idea of studying patho is the best advice I've got so far. I'm gonna try your method of study..... I know its gonna be exhausting but I have to do it.Thank you very much....Maria.

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Mar 29, 2006

Please check out this thread in the Nursing Student Assistance Forum:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f205/pathophysiology-study-guides-download-here-145201.html

mnwhaley · Mar 30, 2006

With patho there is sooo much to know, so you have to be sure to give yourself adequate time to study. Don't try to memorize.... you have to really understand the processes. Take the time and really think about it step by step. I made note cards for everything!! Good luck!