Pharmacology can be a real headache for many nursing students preparing for the NCLEX.
With a seemingly endless list of drug names, mechanisms of action, and side effects to memorize, it’s no wonder that this subject often sends shivers down the spine. Not to mention, keeping all that information straight feels like trying to memorize a whole new language.
In this article, we’re diving deep into actionable tactics for pharmacology review to help you tackle this beast head-on.
How to Review Pharmacology for NCLEX?
Here are some practical tips that will help you review pharmacology for the NCLEX.
Take NCLEX Practice Tests
Level up your NCLEX prep by taking NCLEX practice tests regularly. These tests aren’t just about getting a good score (although that’s a confidence booster too!). Research shows they actually improve your ability to remember information and apply it in new situations – exactly what you’ll need to do on the NCLEX.
Practice tests expose you to a wide range of drug-related questions, similar to what you’ll see on the actual exam.
This helps you identify your knowledge gaps and areas that need more focus.
Don’t just take the test and move on – take the time to review every answer, especially those you got wrong. Analyze why the right answer is correct and why the wrong answers are incorrect to reinforce your understanding.
Make Flash Cards
Pharmacology review is overwhelming with its vast amount of information. Flashcards break down this content into bite-sized pieces and make it easier for your brain to digest.
To optimize your learning, don’t just dump everything onto the card. Focus on the essential information the NCLEX loves to test, like drug classifications, mechanisms of action, side effects, interactions, contraindications, and nursing interventions.
Keep your cards concise and use abbreviations you’ll remember under pressure.
Review your cards daily, then space out your reviews as you get more comfortable with the material.
There are also plenty of pre-made flashcard sets available online, but creating your own lets you personalize the information to what works best for you.
Use Mnemonics
Mnemonics are memory aids that use patterns, acronyms, or catchy phrases to help you remember information more easily. And guess what? Science says they actually work.
Find or create mnemonics that work for you. There are tons out there online, or you can get creative and make your own based on what you find easiest to remember. Your mnemonics can be silly, outrageous, even a little embarrassing – the wackier, the better chance you’ll remember it.
For example, to remember the side effects of ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitors), a common class of heart medications, you could use the mnemonic “PAUL KILLS”: Proteinuria (protein in the urine), Angioneurotic edema (swelling), Upper respiratory problems, Low blood pressure, K elevated potassium (K+), Increased thirst, Lethargy, and Skin rash.
Focus on Frequently Asked Drugs
The NCLEX loves to test you on the drugs you’ll actually use most as a nurse – the high-yield ones. Focus on these high-yield drugs to maximize your score without getting bogged down in every single drug out there.
Resources like NCLEX review books and websites often have entire sections dedicated to frequently used drugs.
They’ll typically include things like antibiotics, medications for heart conditions, pain management drugs, and those used in emergencies.
Don’t forget to check out the official NCLEX test plan too – it provides a blueprint of the topics you’ll be tested on.
Space Out Your Review
Our brains are like leaky buckets when it comes to remembering stuff. If we don’t keep filling them up, the info slips away. This is called the forgetting curve.
Instead of cramming all your pharmacology knowledge into one intense study session, spread it out over time. Research shows that reviewing material at spaced intervals strengthens memory retention.
It’s best to break your content into manageable chunks.
Then, schedule regular review sessions over days or weeks, depending on your timeline. Maybe review a set of flashcards today, then revisit them in a couple of days, and again next week.
Gradual reinforcement strengthens your memory and helps beat that forgetting curve into submission.
Find a Study Buddy
Teaming up with someone who’s also prepping for the NCLEX creates a built-in support system. You can quiz each other, explain tricky concepts, and keep each other motivated – especially during those inevitable study slumps.
Plus, a study buddy can hold you accountable. We all know how easy it is to get distracted while studying. Having someone to check in with and keep you motivated can be a lifesaver.
Reach out to classmates, join study groups, or connect with fellow aspiring nurses online to find a study partner. Once you’ve found your match, set regular study dates, establish goals, and hold each other accountable.
Strengthen Your Pharmacology Review With Feuer Nursing Review
Pharmacology review cram sessions might feel productive in the moment, but they’re not the best recipe for long-term memory. Taking NCLEX practice tests, making flashcards, using mnemonics, focusing on high-yield drugs, and finding a study buddy are some strategies you can employ for effective review.
Also, consider using Feuer Nursing Review’s pharmacology courses that simplify complex drug information into an easy-to-understand format, complete with dosage calculations and practice questions to solidify your knowledge. These courses can also be used throughout nursing school.
Enroll yourself in Feuer Nursing Review’s NCLEX Review course today.
