Pharmkat

Depression caused by chemical imbalances can be treated by reducing the amount of (serotonin for example) reuptook by the synaptic bulb it was released from. This creates more availability (of serotonin) in the synaptic cleft to be used. This is one treatment rationale for the use of SSRI's to treat depression.

One more assumption... PPI's and H2 blockers always confuse me. But in response to your question, I know that the stomach has a pretty narrow ph range at which it can absorb nutrients effectivey. Ulcers are a big concern, as well, like you said. :)

I am in the same boat! I feel like when I go into an exam that I know what I am talking about... and then I get to the questions, and my approach or strategy is all wrong. It seems to me like the tests are written differently. For example: during the first three semester there was a little bit of a rhythm to the questions and answers. Like, if a question had a word in it or a phrase in it that was a little unfarmiliar, usually SOME knowledge would precipitate a correct answer. Now- it's like reading a foriegn language. Not only am I second guessing myself, due to the previous bad grades, but I feel like my rationale is quite shaky. Maybe my nerves are at play here and I am not aware of it? That's all I can think of, or possibly because the NCLEX has gotten harder and the teachers "want to prepare us for it". Right. You got me- thanks for posting. I don't even know if I have any hope of passing anymore... I have about a 63% ave. And I'm used to high B's.

I HATED skills class. Sounds alot like mine from a year ago. I finally ended up following around kids in my class and asking them if they wanted to practice sometime... this was actually the hardest part! I made friends, and even though I started off as the one who needed the MOST help (literally!!!!!) every one was super nice to me and were glad to feel better about themselves when they helped. I was sick this year a lot and had to miss a few classes (3rd semester advanced skills)... so I ended up making really good friends with the girls (MSN's hired by the college to run the labs for practice) and just stuck it out. They gave me tips about what the teachers were really looking for us to be able to do when presented with a situation, and about how the testing would be run. Good luck girl, and exhaust those resources!!!!! -I understand how frusterating it is- I feel your pain. Good luck to all.

Impaired Spontaneous Ventilation????????

Respiratory diagnoses are tricky... I have really tried this semester to get these straight. My clinical instructor says that when you pick the right one, she can tell that you really know your pathophysiology. :) How about Impaired Spontaneous Ventilation? Maybe daytonite has a r/t that would fit... how about r/t inefficient metabolic regulatory mechanisms secondary to diabetes? I didn't get that from NANDA- I just made it up- just so that's clear. (Our teacher made us do these ourselves for awhile and then check NANDA and use the actual phrases they use.) I can't wait to get to ICU!!! I'm just a 3rd semester- (med/ peds unit. :))

Hypocaf- You are a genius!!!!! Thanks!

Yeah, high BP is SO influenced by genes... how old was the patient? I have a question, too. Has anyone heard of LADA (late onset adult diabetes)? My doctors were looking into this for me b/c I was running high blood sugars for awhile and getting chronic yeast infections and thrush. (I was also getting little sleep at the time and stressed beyond belief.) After I started taking better care of myself, the sugars came down to ALMOST normal and I haven't had any more trouble with the infections. BUT they worried about this (LADA) b/c I have bad circulation in the extremities (genetic) :) and trouble with my pancreas. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Question for you all.... Is there any reason for you to think the patient might have an eating disorder? Vomiting= low blood sugar/ electrolytes = alkilosis (also, cold extremities/ poor perfusion) as well as elevated BP- both manifestations (hypoglycemia and high BP) could be complications of bulemia. Also, anxiety can precipitate an elevation in BP, an alkilosis (hyperventilation) and increase in metabolism= leads to lower blood sugar b/c of increased glucose consumption. What were her other vitals? Electrolytes? Was she on any drugs? You sparked my curiosity!!!!!

"Pharmacology Success" saved me!!! Look into that whole series... good stuff.:)

Yeah, I forgot to mention that class attendance is crucial. *giggle* If I miss class, I miss the important nursing interventions and important examples the teacher gives that often jog my memory for test questions. Oh yeah, one more thing. Look for stuff that is the SAME about the (renal disorders for example) and then look for things that are different... often the things that are different are what we get tested on (hypokalemia and hyperkalemia= dysrhythmias, only hyperkalemia is associated with cramps, etc). Does that make sense?

Yeah, this seems to be a common theme! I am not doing as well as I'd like either, but I found a couple things that help... There is SO much info. that our teachers give us, and a million ways that it can be presented in test questions that studying the "right" way is like saying we have to be mind readers. (That's probably why NANDA uses the word "alterations" instead of deviations, permutations, combinations, etc.!!!:)) But one thing I found helps is to take a deep breath and really focus on the main things that the teacher mentions in class, do some research (NCLEX books, internet, whatever I can get my hands on about a topic and see what stuff jumps out from all my resources that is the SAME or that is repeated... not just the stuff that I like to read about or that already makes sense to me. Usually, I have found that the teachers are stressing something because we will need to know info. about it, and in order for me to make sense of their little game, I try to see what other resourses are stressing and compare it to what is stressed in class. Whenever there is a repeat of info, I make a note, or even a mental note. Sometimes even 2 exposures to a topic will help in making important connections on tests. Good luck everyone!!!

Wow! I just love this site! You guys are great! It's so exciting to hear about everyone's determination and tips and tricks. Thanks!

Hi there... I totally appreciate this post!!! I had all A's (no A-'s even!!!!) up until I started the nursing core classes at my school. I study and study, try to anticipate the instructors questions, read numerous NCLEX resources and STUDY, STUDY STUDY!!! I had to come to the realization this year that I will drive myself crazy trying to live up to perfect standards... I get mostly A's on things, but I struggled with the occasional "unexpected low grade" or 2 in a few classes and I got 2 lowsy B+'s and an A, and at first I was upset. But really, I tried my best and learned tons, PLUS I really made it a point to concentrate on the important things like student teacher relationships, peer-peer relationships and student- patient relationships, and what my role was there. Talk to former students, teachers, patients- everyone!!!! Everyone you meet will strengthen your understanding of people and that's what this job is really about. I would say, unless you're really struggling in a particular subject, chalk a low grade up to a learning experience- even if it means learning how to deal with a B or 2. Easier said than done, trust me I still cringe at the thought and I know a lot of others who do too. Keep your head up and be proud of yourself... one of my teachers told me once that her best students were B students because they were the ones who were fighting for that A and she could tell they weren't looking for the easy way out just to get a letter grade. Keep up the good work and keep shooting for the stars!!!

hey cool! wisconsin students! i've got a question for all of you... i'm just starting nursing at ntc and was wondering about pharm online in the fall... would that be a death sentence? i have a 4.0 and don't want to ruin it... (however i've been told to not worry about the grade and worry more about learning the material) do you guys have any study tips for online fundamentals? i'm taking that right now. i actually start in a few days and don't have the syllabus or powerpoints yet. i heard that the tests are killer because there is so much info and the questions are written to throw you off. thanks fellow snow bunnies:typing