What has others' experience been with answering Saunder's q's

futurecnm · Jun 17, 2008

Did anyone find the question's to be relatively easy? Caveat here, I am only half way through the book but it seems logic comes into play very much so.
What has your experience been?
Feedback much appreciated

I did not do kaplan but have heard from others that the questions are much harder than saunders. I did find that lippencott CD were harder than saunders CD and book. I did use Saunders quite a bit for studying though, and did pass. I did all the questions at the end of each chapter.

jessi1106, BSN, RN · Jun 17, 2008

I used Saunders and Kaplan.

Yes, Saunders seemed easier to me than Kaplan. I always scored in the 80's on Saunders and 60's with Kaplan.

I learned more from the Saunders rationales than Kaplan rationals though.

I felt the real NCLEX was most like Kaplan questions.

For me Saunders and Kaplan combined was the perfect preparation. I passed first time w/75.

Good luck to you!

bunnyhunter · Jun 17, 2008

i also used both saunders & kaplan..

i read saunders comprehensive review 4th edition from cover-to-cover, used saunders cd (but apparently wasn't able to finish all the questions), and used kaplan question trainer cd...

well, i did not do well on both practice questions, but i really find saunders a lot easier but very good in terms of content, and kaplan as nclex-like review questions.

i passed with 265!..it was great enough though as i really scored bad in both practice questions..

50's on kaplan & 60's-80's on saunders.Ü

iloveclay · Jun 17, 2008

Thanks everybody for your great feedback!!! I graduated 1977 and practiced for 10 years then went on to get a BSME (mechanical engineering degree) in 1993. I got laid off (automotive industry) and am contemplating returning to nursing. I am on disability for two hip replacements but would like to have a backup plan in case they take me off disability. I would do home health.

I, too, found Saunder easy and I did do the Kaplan and found it to be harder. Same scores as well.

I have looked at many approaches and have found one through here. Saunders for review and then Kaplan and using Suzanne's.

The pressure is not so great to pass but I do remember taking them. I don't remember stressing out that much. But then again I was 22 and not so smart.

Again thanks everyone for validating my experience.

by_stander22, LPN · Jun 17, 2008

i also used both saunders & kaplan..
i read saunders comprehensive review 4th edition from cover-to-cover, used saunders cd (but apparently wasn't able to finish all the questions), and used kaplan question trainer cd...
well, i did not do well on both practice questions, but i really find saunders a lot easier but very good in terms of content, and kaplan as nclex-like review questions.
i passed with 265!..it was great enough though as i really scored bad in both practice questions..
50's on kaplan & 60's-80's on saunders.Ü

where can i buy kaplan question trainer? thanks!

by_stander22, LPN · Jun 17, 2008

do you have to don gloves and attach the suction tubing to the suction catheter first before turning on the suction device and setting the regulator at 80mmHg? won't it violate the principle of sterility? just confuse and needs clarification.

lowcochica · Jun 17, 2008

do you have to don gloves and attach the suction tubing to the suction catheter first before turning on the suction device and setting the regulator at 80mmHg? won't it violate the principle of sterility? just confuse and needs clarification.

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but suctioning this is not a sterile procedure. You apply clean gloves.

mcknis · Jun 17, 2008

Suctioning is a sterile procedure unless you are just performing Yankauer suctioning. It is an invasive procedure and you are going down the trachea.

lowcochica · Jun 17, 2008

I guess it just depends on the type of suctioning and equipment you have. In the ICU i work on, the suction catheter is already enclosed in a protective covering. Therefore, the catheter is sterile, but you can use clean gloves to perform the procedure.

This may sound a little confusing unless you see the actual equipment, however, I have always seen this done using clean gloves.

mcknis · Jun 17, 2008

I guess it just depends on the type of suctioning and equipment you have. In the ICU i work on, the suction catheter is already enclosed in a protective covering. Therefore, the catheter is sterile, but you can use clean gloves to perform the procedure.
This may sound a little confusing unless you see the actual equipment, however, I have always seen this done using clean gloves.

Just to reiterate...this IS sterile procedure. In the ICUs, closed suctioning exists to maintain STERILITY of the catheter. Either way, the suction catheter is remaining sterile!!!

lowcochica · Jun 17, 2008

Just to reiterate...this IS sterile procedure. In the ICUs, closed suctioning exists to maintain STERILITY of the catheter. Either way, the suction catheter is remaining sterile!!!

Thanks! U put it better than I did. I agree that it is a sterile procedure and in closed suctioning the catheter remains sterile, however, you are never touching the catheter itsself, which is why clean gloves can be used.

Thanks, mcknis!