Soooo Many Meds Soooo Little Time!!!

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Specializes in soon to do ICU.

Any advice as to how to get a quick grip on NCLEX meds? Geese, no wonder the NCLEX has over 10k questions in their data base, seems all the questions could be on meds alone! I am taking the NCLEX here in Calif. this sat. And I'm feeling dazed and confused,:confused: as to how to study for NCLEX meds. I have Saunders and there are 700 questions on meds. Now I'm no dummy but... I don't have a photographic memory either! I would be ever so greatful for ANY advice. Thank You.

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I found it easiest to study the meds by class and then just learn the exceptions. For example, all of the beta blockers cause this certain side effect, except for drug X which causes _______. You're right that if you try to memorize one by one, you'd be there for a long time.

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..yes, by classification. that's the best way to learn and also look at the names such as "lol", "pril", "cycline" etc. I believe you'll be in good shape for Nclex if you do it that way. There's really no way you can learn everything, you might get overwhelmed if you try to learn all. When you get to exam and you don't have an idea of what the med is, look at the options and try to see if you can get an idea of whether they are asking for blood pressure meds/antibiotics etc and try to narrow it down to an answer...if you can't, make an educated guess and move on......

Don't let it worry you. Just do what you can do to prepare. Goodluck on your exam!

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I am not saying to not study meds but I was so glad that I decided not to make them a focal point of my studies. I had 220+ questions (can't remember exactly) but I be only about 3 were on meds. LOL Good luck!

AmyD RN

P.S. when do you take your test?

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Specializes in ICU, Cardiology, Mother/Baby, LTC.

Good Morning! I just passed my NCLEX on the first try last week. I used Kaplan NCLEX-RN Exam Medication Flashcards Flip-O-Matic. I purchased it at Books-A-Million for $15. It is wonderful!!!! My test had lots of meds, so I am soooo glad that I really concentrated on the meds. I was told that NCLEX only tests on the basic everyday drugs, but I found that not to be the case on my test. The book that I purchased had over 280 medications. It was my saving grace. Highly recommended!!! Good Luck and God bless!:p

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