Pharmacology Made Easy For NCLEX-RN - Book Review

AORN Journal, Dec, 2002 by Vickie Snyder

By Linda Waide and Berta Roland 2001, 240 pp $21.95 paperback

This book is task-oriented because it is a review and study guide for new graduates focusing on pharmacology. The preface describes the format succinctly--the authors are trying to help graduates prepare to take the NCLEX-RN examination.

Through 15 practice tests, the authors challenge new RNs' strategic thinking ability, affording them an opportunity to practice valuable test-taking skills on a 100-question practice test with interactive computer software, which is included. Each test includes the answers and a rationale section that describes why the correct answer is right and the three incorrect answers are wrong, thereby increasing new graduates' pharmacology knowledge.

The book includes a brief introduction to medications, medications' routes of administration and rates of absorption, examples of medications used in each category, and the difference in medications' chemical, generic, and trade names. Chapters are prefaced by an overview of the body system, discuss the medication and route used, and briefly touch on different subtopics under each appropriate heading. Then a practice test is given. Each practice test is divided according to body system, medication purpose, and route of medication administration.

Also included in the book are several reference tables, including lists of common abbreviations, medication names and pronunciations, trade names, and classifications. There also is a table of measurement equivalents, which is quite thorough and includes metric, apothecary, and household measurements. A list of the US Food and Drug Administration pregnancy risk categories is presented as well. At the end of each test answer, medications' pregnancy category rating is presented. For a student nurse or a seasoned professional, this book serves as an organized review of medications by category, which makes it a good study guide for any pharmacology examination.

This book is available from Chicago Review Press/Independent Publishers Group, 814 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60610; http://www.ipgbook.com

VICKIE SNYDER
RN, CNOR
STAFF NURSE--CARDIOVASCULAR OR
ST BERNARD'S REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
JONESBORO, ARK