Study Tactics for NCLEX and Nursing School

How to study for NCLEX and Nursing test.

Guys I know its hard trying to study and not knowing what to study to pass NCLEX and Nursing School. One of the tricks I learned once I graduated from nursing school that I wish I would have done in nursing school is when studying choose a diagnosis and study it backwards.

For example, If your patient has COPD what assessment findings can you expect to see in this patient. Remember to pull on all of your previous nursing classes when studying, so you don’t compartmentalize. And always ask yourself how do you know?

So, if you get a test question and it states the patient has COPD before you answer the test  question think about COPD and all of its elements...Like

What is the major cause?

• Smoking

Risk Factors for developing COPD?

• Previous smoked/ Currently smokes cigarettes at ab increased risk for Lung Cancer (how do you know-  Low dose CT scan (signs of lung cancer)
• If they have COPD they are at risk for Malnutrition- Low BMI, protein wasteing
• Lung infections (Pneumonia,Flu)
  • What are the recommendations for screening/vaccinations? How often should they get a Low dose CT scan, what vaccines should they get?

Health Assessment-

What are some assessment findings you may hear or see?

• Hear/ See- Labored breathing/wheezing
• See- Kyphosis
• See- Clubbing of nails

Fundamentals

• How do you want to position them in the bed?
• How much oxygen do you give them..Why?

Pharmacology-

• What medications can you expect them to be on?
• How do you instruct them to use medications? Think how to properly use an inhaler

Med-Surg-

• If it caused by smoking what other health conditions may they have
  • High blood pressure (increased risk CVA and MI)
  • Increased risk for cancers (breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer)

Nursing education to Manage

• What foods will you teach them to eat? High Protein, Low Carb- Why?
• How should they use their medications?
• When should they seek emergency help?

If you guys use this format, I promise you studying will be so much easier. If you guys want me to create one for you or if you create one and want me to look over it. Please email me or leave me a message on my website. Good Luck guys. And See you next week.