I went into this ATI practice test with some worries about how well I would do. I find pharmacology to be one of the trickiest topics to be tested on. There are so many classes and uses for medications and trying to remember specific implications of each can be challenging. When I read a drug name I try to think of its class, what it’s used for, and any other knowledge that comes to my mind before answering the question. I used that same technique for this practice exam, and I had a difficult time recognizing some medications. Then there were some I knew instantly but had troubles coming up with common side effects and what the nursing priorities are.
Overall, I would say my performance was similar to other ATIs, but I know I can improve. I plan to do more practice pharmacology tests and go over rationales to better enhance my understanding. I received a lot of this knowledge in pharmacology class, but I need a refresher on many topics. Once I finished the test and started remediating, I realized I knew some answers that I had gotten incorrect. I tended to blank when I read the drug, but then when I reviewed important facts, the information started coming back to me. I believe my plan to do more practice quizzes and go back and review my pharmacology notes will help prepare me for NCLEX.
