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High-Yield NCLEX Study Guide

The NCLEX Study Guide provides high-yield information on critical nursing topics, including respiratory and cardiac care, gastrointestinal and nutritional management, neuro assessments, musculoskeletal considerations, burn treatment, and withdrawal management. Key priorities for various conditions are outlined, such as treating the underlying cause in ABG abnormalities and managing sepsis with a specific order of interventions. Additionally, essential medication information and math calculations necessary for NCLEX are included for effective exam preparation.

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Abbie Grandstaff
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© All Rights Reserved
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36 views5 pages

High-Yield NCLEX Study Guide

The NCLEX Study Guide provides high-yield information on critical nursing topics, including respiratory and cardiac care, gastrointestinal and nutritional management, neuro assessments, musculoskeletal considerations, burn treatment, and withdrawal management. Key priorities for various conditions are outlined, such as treating the underlying cause in ABG abnormalities and managing sepsis with a specific order of interventions. Additionally, essential medication information and math calculations necessary for NCLEX are included for effective exam preparation.

Uploaded by

Abbie Grandstaff
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

🧠 NCLEX STUDY GUIDE (HIGH-YIELD

ONLY)
Below is what NCLEX actually tests, not textbook overload.

🫁 RESPIRATORY / CARDIAC / CRITICAL CARE


Compensated vs Uncompensated ABGs

 Compensated: pH normal, PaCO₂/HCO₃ abnormal


 Uncompensated: pH abnormal, only one value abnormal
 Priority: Treat the cause, not the numbers

Cardiogenic Shock

 ↓ CO, ↑ SVR, pulmonary edema


 Priority: Oxygen, diuretics, inotropes (dobutamine), vasopressors
 No large fluid boluses

Sepsis

 SIRS + infection
 Early: fever, tachycardia
 Late: hypotension, ↓ urine output
 Priority: Blood cultures → antibiotics → fluids → vasopressors

Mechanically Ventilated Patient

 Prevent VAP: HOB 30–45°


 Sedation vacations
 Watch for high-pressure alarms = secretions/kinked tube

GI & NUTRITION
Peptic Ulcer vs GERD

 Ulcer: epigastric pain, bleeding risk


 GERD: heartburn worse after meals/lying down
 No NSAIDs for ulcers

Enteral Feeding (NGT/PEG)

 Verify placement
 Residuals per facility
 HOB up during & after feeds

IBD

UC Crohn’s
Colon only Anywhere mouth→anus
Bloody diarrhea Non-bloody
Continuous Skip lesions

Ostomy Care

 Stoma should be pink/red


 No nerve endings → no pain
 Measure output

Liver Dysfunction

 Ascites: diuretics, paracentesis


 Encephalopathy: lactulose
 Cirrhosis: bleeding risk

Esophageal Varices

 Risk of rupture
 No NG tubes
 Octreotide, beta blockers

Pancreatitis

 NPO
 Pain control
 Watch calcium (↓)

🧠 NEURO
Neuro Assessment
 LOC = most sensitive indicator
 GCS < 8 = intubate

Increased ICP

 HOB 30°
 Avoid coughing, suction only if needed
 Watch Cushing’s triad

Seizures

 Protect airway
 Turn patient on side
 Do NOT restrain

Stroke (CVA)

 CT before tPA
 tPA window: ≤4.5 hrs
 Swallow evaluation before oral intake

TBI / SCI

 TBI: watch ICP


 SCI: autonomic dysreflexia (HTN, headache)
 Log roll

Neuro Diseases

 MS: heat intolerance


 Myasthenia gravis: improves with rest
 Parkinson’s: shuffling gait, tremor
 Meningitis: droplet precautions

🦴 MUSCULOSKELETAL
Fractures & Joint Replacement

 Neurovascular checks (5 Ps)


 Prevent DVT
 No hip flexion > 90° after THR

Traction
 Weights hang freely
 No adjustments by nurse

Osteomyelitis

 Long-term IV antibiotics

Amputation

 Pain control
 Prevent contractures
 Phantom pain is real

🔥 BURNS / EMERGENCY / EENT


Burn Phases

1. Emergent: fluids (Parkland)


2. Acute: infection risk
3. Rehab: nutrition, mobility

Burn Depth

 Superficial → Full thickness

Complications

 Hypovolemia
 Infection
 Electrolyte shifts

Primary vs Secondary Survey

 Primary: ABCDE
 Secondary: head-to-toe

Eyes & Ears

 Glaucoma: ↑ IOP
 Cataracts: cloudy lens
 Post-eye surgery: no bending/straining
🍺 ALCOHOL & DRUG WITHDRAWAL
 Alcohol: benzos
 Opioids: supportive care
 DTs: medical emergency

🧮 MATH YOU MUST MASTER


 Burn fluid (Parkland)
 tPA dosing
 Reconstitution
 Basic dosage calculations

💊 MEDICATIONS (NCLEX PEARLS)


Medication Key Point
Methotrexate Immunosuppression
Phenytoin Gingival hyperplasia
Levetiracetam Mood changes
PPIs ↓ acid
H2 blockers Less potent than PPIs
Prokinetics ↑ GI motility
Norepinephrine Vasopressor
Levodopa Improves movement
Pyridostigmine MG treatment

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