Basic Pharmacology for Nurses: Study Guide, 16th Edition

Book Preface

To the Student
This study guide was created to assist you in achieving the objectives of each chapter in Basic Pharmacology
for Nurses, Sixteenth Edition, and establishing a solid base of knowledge in nursing pharmacology. This study
guide has been completely revised to emphasize the chapter objectives with NCLEX-style questions. Completing the questions for each chapter in this guide will help to reinforce the material studied in the textbook
and learned in class. Such reinforcement also helps students to be successful on the NCLEX-PN®.
STUDY HINTS FOR ALL STUDENTS
Ask Questions!
There are no stupid questions. If you do not know something or are not sure, you need to find out. Other
people may be wondering the same thing but may be too shy to ask. The answer could mean life or death to
your patient. That is certainly more important than feeling embarrassed about asking a question.
Chapter Objectives
At the beginning of each chapter in the textbook are objectives that you should have mastered when you
finish studying that chapter. Write these objectives in your notebook, leaving a blank space after each. Fill in
the answers as you find them while reading the chapter. Review to make sure your answers are correct and
complete. Use these answers when you study for tests. This should also be done for separate course objectives that your instructor has listed in your class syllabus.
Key Terms
At the beginning of each chapter in the textbook are key terms that you will encounter as you read the chapter. The key terms are in color the first time they appear significantly in the chapter. Phonetic pronunciations
are provided for terms that students might find difficult to pronounce. The goal is to help the student reader
with limited proficiency in English to develop a greater command of the pronunciation of scientific and
nonscientific English terminology. It is hoped that a more general competency in the understanding and use
of medical and scientific language may result.
Key Points
Use the Key Points at the end of each chapter in the textbook to help with review for exams.
Reading Hints
When reading each chapter in the textbook, look at the subject headings to learn what each section is about.
Read first for the general meaning. Then reread parts you did not understand. It may help to read those
parts aloud. Carefully read the information given in each table and study each figure and its caption.
Concepts
While studying, put difficult concepts into your own words to see if you understand them. Check this understanding with another student or the instructor. Write these in your notebook.
Class Notes
When taking lecture notes in class, leave a large margin on the left side of each notebook page and write
only on right-hand pages, leaving all left-hand pages blank. Look over your lecture notes soon after each
Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004, 2001, 1997 by Mosby, Inc. an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. iiiclass, while your memory is fresh. Fill in missing words, complete sentences and ideas, and underline key
phrases, definitions, and concepts. At the top of each page, write the topic of that page. In the left margin,
write the key word for that part of your notes. On the opposite left-hand page, write a summary or outline
that combines material from both the textbook and the lecture. These can be your study notes for review.
Study Groups
Form a study group with some other students so you can help one another. Practice speaking and reading
aloud. Ask questions about material you are not sure about. Work together to find answers.
References for Improving Study Skills
Good study skills are essential for achieving your goals in nursing. Time management, efficient use of study
time, and a consistent approach to studying are all beneficial. There are various study methods for reading
a textbook and for taking class notes. Some methods that have proven helpful can be found in Saunders Student Nurse Planner: A Guide to Success in Nursing School. This book contains helpful information on test-taking
and preparing for clinical experiences. It includes an example of a “time map” for planning study time and a
blank form that the student can use to formulate a personal time map