NCLEX Study Guide
NCLEX Study Guide
NCLEX Study Guide
INDEX
SR.NO. TOPICS
1 How To Prepare For The NCLEX
2 Pediatric High Yield Topics
3 General Nursing High Yield Topics
14 Practice Questions
15 Nursing Leadership
16 Study Planner
17 Weekly Planner
18 Semester Planner
19 Motivation Planner
20 Drug Card
21 My Notes
How To Prepare For The NCLEX
Preparing for the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a
crucial step in becoming a licensed nurse in the United States. A well-
structured study schedule is essential to ensure comprehensive coverage
of the exam content and effective preparation. Here's a step-by-step guide
on how to prepare for the NCLEX with a study schedule:
Step 1: Determine Your Exam Date
First, decide on a specific date for your NCLEX exam. This will give you
a clear timeline for your study schedule.
Step 2: Assess Your Current Knowledge
Take a practice NCLEX test or diagnostic test to evaluate your
strengths and weaknesses. This will help you identify which areas you
need to focus on.
Step 3: Gather Study Materials
Acquire the necessary study materials, including NCLEX review books,
online resources, practice questions, and any other study aids. Consider
investing in a reputable NCLEX review course if you can.
Step 4: Create a Study Schedule
Develop a detailed study schedule that covers the entire period leading
up to your exam date. A study schedule might look like this:
Week 1-2: Content Review
Focus on a comprehensive content review of nursing topics.
Allocate specific days for each subject area (e.g., pharmacology,
maternity, pediatrics, etc.).
Review textbooks, online resources, and notes.
Week 3-4: Practice Questions
Start integrating practice questions into your daily routine.
Aim to complete a set number of practice questions each day.
Analyze your answers and review rationales thoroughly.
Week 5-6: Review Weak Areas
Identify areas where you struggled during practice questions.
Revisit textbooks and resources for these topics.
Continue to practice questions, focusing on your weaknesses.
Week 7-8: Simulated Exams
Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions.
Review your performance and identify areas that still need
improvement.
Refine your test-taking strategies.
Week 9-10: Final Review and Relaxation
Dedicate this time to a final review of high-yield topics.
Limit new material and focus on reinforcing what you've learned.
Get plenty of rest and relaxation in the days leading up to the exam.
Step 5: Stick to Your Schedule
Commit to your study schedule and stay consistent. Avoid cramming,
as it's not an effective way to retain information.
Step 6: Utilize Resources
Make the most of your study materials and resources. Join study
groups, seek help from instructors or peers, and use online forums to
clarify doubts.
Step 7: Take Care of Yourself
Maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout your preparation. Eat well,
exercise, and get adequate sleep to keep your mind sharp.
Step 8: Exam Day Preparation
Ensure you know the location of the test center and have all
necessary identification and documents.
Get a good night's sleep before the exam.
Step 9: Take the Exam
Stay calm during the exam, manage your time wisely, and use the
strategies you've practiced.
Step 10: Post-Exam Evaluation
After the exam, take some time to reflect on your performance. This
can help you identify areas to improve in future practice or study
sessions.
Pediatric High Yield Topics
Pediatric medicine encompasses a wide range of topics, but when studying
for exams or looking to focus on high-yield topics, it's essential to prioritize
the most critical areas. Here's a list of high-yield pediatric topics:
Neonatology:
Neonatal resuscitation.
Neonatal jaundice.
Preterm birth complications.
Pediatric Cardiology:
Congenital heart defects.
Pediatric hypertension.
Rheumatic heart disease.
Neurology:
Pediatric seizures and epilepsy.
Developmental disorders (e.g., ADHD, autism).
Cerebral palsy.
Gastroenterology:
Pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Inflammatory bowel disease in children (Crohn's
disease, ulcerative colitis).
Celiac disease.
Infectious Diseases:
Pediatric HIV/AIDS.
Tuberculosis in children.
Common pediatric viral infections (e.g., chickenpox, influenza).
Adolescent Medicine:
Sexual health education and contraception.
Substance abuse in adolescents.
Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia).
Pediatric Dermatology:
Common skin conditions (e.g., eczema, diaper rash).
Pediatric skin infections (e.g., impetigo, fungal infections).
Preventive Medicine:
Well-child checkups and screening guidelines.
Injury prevention (e.g., car seats, childproofing).
General Nursing High Yield Topics
Nursing covers a vast array of topics, and it's important to focus on high-
yield areas when studying for exams or practicing as a nurse. Here are
some general high-yield topics in nursing:
Patient Assessment:
Health history taking and physical examination.
Vital signs measurement and interpretation.
Pain assessment and management.
Medication Administration:
Safe medication administration practices.
Medication dosage calculations.
Pharmacology of common drugs.
Infection Control:
Hand hygiene and infection prevention.
Standard precautions and isolation protocols.
Sterilization and disinfection techniques.
Therapeutic Communication:
Effective nurse-patient communication.
Active listening and empathy.
Managing difficult conversations.
Respiratory Care:
Assessing respiratory status.
Administering oxygen therapy.
Managing respiratory distress.
Cardiovascular Nursing:
Monitoring cardiac status.
Administering cardiovascular medications.
Preventing and managing cardiovascular emergencies.
Gastrointestinal Care:
Managing gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., diarrhea, constipation).
Enteral and parenteral nutrition.
Ostomy care.
Neurological Care:
Assessing neurological status.
Caring for patients with neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, seizures).
Pain management in neurologically impaired patients.
Gerontological Nursing:
Age-related changes and health issues in older adults.
Promoting independence and quality of life in elderly patients.
Preventing falls and injuries in older adults.
Professional Development:
Continuing education and certification.
Ethical conduct and professional standards.
Advancing in the nursing profession (e.g., specialization, leadership
roles).
Maternity High Yield Topics
Postpartum Care:
Immediate postpartum assessment.
Breastfeeding and lactation support.
Postpartum depression and emotional well-being.
Contraception options and family planning.
Newborn Care:
Newborn assessment (APGAR score).
Safe sleep guidelines and infant safety.
Neonatal resuscitation.
High-Risk Pregnancies:
Complications of pregnancy (e.g., ectopic pregnancy, placenta previa,
preterm labor).
Care of women with chronic medical conditions during pregnancy.
Multiple gestations (e.g., twins, triplets).
Antenatal Testing:
Nonstress tests (NSTs).
Biophysical profiles (BPPs).
Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
Neonatal Complications:
Neonatal jaundice and hyperbilirubinemia.
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).
Congenital anomalies and syndromes.
Neonatal sepsis.
Postpartum Hemorrhage:
Causes and risk factors.
Assessment and interventions for postpartum hemorrhage.
Uterine massage and administration of uterotonics.
Family-Centered Care:
Including partners and family members in the maternity care process.
Promoting shared decision-making in childbirth planning.
These high-yield maternity nursing topics are essential for nurses caring
for expectant mothers, newborns, and their families. Staying current with
evidence-based practices and guidelines in maternity nursing is crucial for
providing safe and effective care during this critical life stage.
Mental Health High Yield Topics
Mental health nursing is a vital aspect of healthcare, focusing on the
assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with mental health
disorders. Here are some high-yield topics in mental health nursing:
Mental Health Assessment:
Comprehensive mental health assessment techniques.
Assessing mental status, cognitive function, and risk factors for self-
harm or harm to others.
Establishing therapeutic rapport with patients.
Psychiatric Disorders:
Major depressive disorder.
Bipolar disorders (type I and II).
Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders.
Anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder).
Personality disorders (e.g., borderline personality disorder, antisocial
personality disorder).
Psychopharmacology:
Common psychotropic medications (e.g., antidepressants,
antipsychotics, anxiolytics).
Medication management and monitoring.
Side effects and adverse reactions.
Medication education for patients and families.
Therapeutic Communication:
Building trust and rapport with patients.
Active listening skills.
Verbal and nonverbal communication techniques.
De-escalation strategies for agitated patients.
Crisis Intervention:
Assessing and managing psychiatric emergencies (e.g., suicidal ideation,
psychosis, violent behavior).
Suicide risk assessment and prevention.
Psychosocial Interventions:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Dialectical-behavior therapy (DBT).
Group therapy dynamics and facilitation.
Family therapy and support.
Forensic Psychiatry:
Forensic evaluations and assessments.
Legal aspects of mental health care within the criminal justice system.
These high-yield topics in mental health nursing are essential for nurses
working in psychiatric settings, as well as those providing mental health
care in general healthcare settings. Staying informed about current
research and evidence-based practices is crucial for delivering effective
and compassionate mental health care.
Adult Health High Yield Topics
Adult health nursing involves the care of adult patients across various
medical conditions and healthcare settings. Here are some high-yield
topics in adult health nursing:
Cardiovascular Nursing:
Hypertension assessment and management.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI) care.
Heart failure (HF) assessment, treatment, and management.
Dysrhythmia recognition and interventions.
Respiratory Nursing:
Assessment and management of respiratory disorders (e.g., pneumonia,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - COPD).
Oxygen therapy administration.
Tracheostomy care and suctioning.
Gastrointestinal Nursing:
Care for patients with gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., gastroesophageal
reflux disease - GERD, peptic ulcer disease).
Enteral and parenteral nutrition administration.
Ostomy care and education.
Neurological Nursing:
Assessment and care for patients with neurological conditions (e.g.,
stroke, seizures, multiple sclerosis).
Intracranial pressure monitoring and management.
Neurological assessment tools (e.g., Glasgow Coma Scale).
Pain Management:
Assessment and management of acute and chronic pain.
Use of pain assessment tools (e.g., pain scales).
Non-pharmacological pain management techniques.
Wound Care:
Assessment and management of various wound types (e.g., pressure
ulcers, surgical wounds).
Wound dressing selection and application.
Wound healing stages and factors.
Medication Administration:
Safe administration of high-risk medications.
Medication calculations and dosage adjustments.
Patient education on medication adherence and potential side effects.
Cancer Nursing:
Care for patients with cancer (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation therapy).
Symptom management and palliative care.
Survivorship care planning.
Gerontological Nursing:
Assessment and care of older adult patients.
Managing common geriatric syndromes (e.g., falls, delirium).
Promoting healthy aging and independence.
Hemodynamic Monitoring
Monitoring the patient's hemodynamics involves assessing factors like
blood pressure, heart rate, central venous pressure (CVP), pulmonary
artery pressure (PAP), and cardiac output. These parameters provide
critical information about the patient's cardiovascular status and guide
interventions like fluid administration and vasopressor use.
Mechanical Ventilation
Mechanical ventilation is a lifesaving intervention for patients with
respiratory failure. Critical care providers must understand different
ventilation modes, lung-protective strategies, and complications associated
with mechanical ventilation, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia and
barotrauma.
Sepsis and Septic Shock
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a systemic infection.
Recognizing sepsis early, administering appropriate antibiotics promptly,
and managing septic shock with fluids and vasopressors are vital aspects of
critical care.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
ARDS is a severe form of respiratory failure characterized by widespread
inflammation in the lungs. Critical care clinicians must understand the
pathophysiology, recognize ARDS in patients, and implement lung-
protective ventilation strategies.
Neurocritical Care
This field focuses on managing conditions that affect the nervous system,
such as traumatic brain injury, intracranial hemorrhage, and status
epilepticus, in the ICU setting. Timely and appropriate interventions can
significantly impact outcomes.
Infection Control
Preventing and managing healthcare-associated infections is critical in the
ICU to protect both patients and healthcare providers. This includes
strategies like hand hygiene, isolation precautions, and antimicrobial
stewardship.
Pain, Sedation, and Delirium Management
Achieving the right balance of pain control and sedation while minimizing
the risk of delirium is essential for patient comfort and recovery in the ICU.
Communication Skills
Effective communication within the healthcare team and with patients
and their families is vital, especially in high-stress and emotionally charged
situations.
Trauma Resuscitation
Managing trauma patients in the ICU involves rapid assessment,
interventions, and coordination with surgical teams for procedures like
surgery or interventional radiology.
Pharmacology Chart
Creating a comprehensive pharmacology chart can be quite extensive due
to the vast number of medications available and their various properties
and uses. However, we can provide you with a simplified pharmacology
chart that covers some common drug classes, their mechanisms of action,
and common examples within each class:
Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen,
Analgesics Relieve pain
Morphine
Prevent platelet
Antiplatelet Agents Aspirin, Clopidogrel (Plavix)
aggregation
Neutralize stomach
Antacids Tums, Maalox
acid
Anti-Inflammatory Suppress
Prednisone, Dexamethasone
Steroids inflammation
Elimination Technique:
Start by eliminating obviously incorrect options. This can often narrow
down your choices and improve your chances of selecting the correct
answer.
Consider Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs:
Maslow's hierarchy can guide your decision-making. Start with
physiological and safety needs before addressing higher-level needs
like belonging and self-esteem.
Safety First:
In nursing, safety is paramount. If an option ensures the
patient's safety, it's often a strong choice.
Think Critically:
Consider the cause-and-effect relationship between your chosen
action and the potential outcomes. Think about the short-term and
long-term consequences.
Time Management:
The NCLEX is timed, so allocate a specific amount of time per question.
If you're stuck on a question, make an educated guess and move on to
prevent time depletion.
Practice Regularly:
Use NCLEX-style practice questions regularly. This helps you become
familiar with the format and improves your ability to analyze and
answer questions effectively.
Review Rationales:
After completing practice questions, review the rationales provided.
Understanding why an answer is correct or incorrect enhances your
knowledge and reasoning skills.
Avoid Overthinking:
Once you've chosen an answer, unless you have a compelling reason to
change it, stick with your choice. Overthinking can lead to second-
guessing and incorrect answers.
Create a Schedule:
Decide when you will study and for how long. Consider your daily routine,
commitments, and energy levels. Be realistic about the time you can
dedicate to studying each day.
Include Variety:
Avoid studying the same subject for extended periods. Include variety in
your schedule to keep your mind engaged and prevent boredom.
Eliminate Distractions:
Create a dedicated study environment that is free from distractions such
as your phone, social media, or noisy surroundings.
Important NCLEX Facts
Purpose:
The primary purpose of the NCLEX is to determine if a candidate is
qualified and competent to practice safely and effectively as an entry-level
nurse. It assesses the knowledge and skills needed for safe nursing
practice.
Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT):
The NCLEX uses a computerized adaptive testing format, which means
that the difficulty of the questions adapts based on the test-taker's
responses. If you answer questions correctly, the exam will present more
challenging questions, and if you answer questions incorrectly, the
difficulty level may decrease.
Passing Standard:
The passing standard for the NCLEX is not a fixed percentage of questions
answered correctly. It is a variable standard determined by the candidate's
performance throughout the test. Candidates must demonstrate their
competency relative to the passing standard to pass the exam.
Question Types:
The NCLEX includes different types of questions, such as multiple-choice,
multiple-response, fill-in-the-blank calculation items, and more. Some
questions may have multimedia components like images or videos.
Minimum and Maximum Number of Questions:
The minimum number of questions a candidate can receive on the NCLEX-
RN is 75, and the maximum is 145. For the NCLEX-PN, the minimum is 85,
and the maximum is 205. The exam ends when the computer algorithm is
confident about the candidate's ability, regardless of whether they have
reached the maximum number of questions.
Time Limit:
Candidates have a maximum of 6 hours to complete the NCLEX-RN, while
the NCLEX-PN allows up to 5 hours. However, most candidates finish the
exam well before the time limit.
Test Centers:
The NCLEX is administered at Pearson VUE test centers throughout the
United States and Canada, as well as at select international locations.
Retakes:
If a candidate does not pass the NCLEX, they can retake the exam after a
waiting period determined by their NRB. The number of retakes allowed
and the waiting period may vary by jurisdiction.
It's essential for nursing candidates to thoroughly prepare for the NCLEX
to increase their chances of passing and obtaining licensure to practice as
registered or practical nurses. Each state or province may have its own
specific requirements and regulations regarding the NCLEX, so candidates
should consult their NRB for detailed information.
Classic Signs And Symptoms
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Cardiovascular system disorders
Respiratory system disorders
Gastrointestinal system disorders
Neurological system disorders
Endocrine system disorders
Renal and urinary system disorders
Musculoskeletal system disorders
Hematological system disorders
Pediatric Nursing
Growth and development milestones
Pediatric assessment
Common pediatric illnesses
Pediatric medications and dosages
Maternity and Women's Health Nursing
Pregnancy stages and complications
Labor and delivery
Postpartum care
Newborn care
Gynecological conditions
Psychiatric Nursing
Mental health disorders (e.g., depression, schizophrenia, bipolar
disorder)
Therapeutic communication
Psychotropic medications
Gerontological Nursing
Aging process
Geriatric assessment
Common conditions in the elderly
End-of-life care
Community Health Nursing
Public health concepts
Epidemiology
Health promotion and disease prevention
Community assessment
Nursing Ethics and Legal Issues
Patient rights and advocacy
Informed consent
Legal responsibilities of nurses
Ethical dilemmas in nursing practice
Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Research methods
Critical appraisal of research
Evidence-based practice principles
Cultural Competence and Diversity
Providing culturally sensitive care
Understanding cultural beliefs and practices
Nursing Leadership and Management
Nursing roles and responsibilities
Delegation and supervision
Quality improvement
Patient care coordination
Emergency and Disaster Nursing
Response to emergencies and disasters
Triage and prioritization
Infection Control
Standard precautions
Isolation precautions
Hand hygiene
Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests
Interpretation of common lab results
Diagnostic tests and their purposes
Nutrition and Diet Therapy
Dietary requirements for various medical conditions
Enteral and parenteral nutrition
Pain Management
Assessment of pain
Pain relief measures and medications
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Common imbalances
Fluid replacement and electrolyte management
Introduction to Nursing Leadership
Democratic leadership:
Democratic leaders involve their team members in decision-making
processes, seeking their input and ideas to make collective choices.
Laissez-faire leadership:
Laissez-faire leaders adopt a hands-off approach, allowing team members
to make decisions independently. They provide guidance when needed but
encourage autonomy.
Adaptive leadership:
Adaptive leaders are skilled at navigating change and
uncertainty. They encourage flexibility and the ability
to adapt to evolving situations.
Situational leadership:
Situational leaders adjust their leadership style based on the specific
circumstances and the readiness level of their team members. They may
use a directive approach when needed and a supportive approach when
appropriate.
Transactional leadership:
Transactional leaders use a system of rewards and punishments to manage
their team's performance. They focus on task completion, adherence to
policies, and meeting specific goals.
Leadership Development in Nursing
Preceptorship programs:
Nursing leaders often oversee preceptorship programs, ensuring that new
nurses receive appropriate guidance and mentorship during their
transition into practice.
Certainly! Here are practice questions for both traditional and Next-
Generation Network (NGN) topics:
Traditional Questions:
PEDIATRICS:
1. How does your understanding of child development influence your
nursing care for pediatric patients?
2. Can you describe the key milestones in the physical and cognitive
development of a preschool-aged child?
3. What nursing interventions are crucial when caring for a child with a
communicable disease in a healthcare setting?
NEUROLOGY:
1. Describe the nursing interventions for a patient experiencing an acute
ischemic stroke.
2. How do you perform a thorough neurological assessment on a patient?
3. Discuss your understanding of common neurological disorders such as
Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
HEMATOLOGY:
1. How do you assess and manage a patient with iron deficiency anemia?
2. What complications might arise post-transplant, and how do you
monitor for and manage them?
MENTAL HEALTH:
1. What assessments do you perform when admitting a patient to a
mental health unit?
2. How do you involve patients in developing and implementing their
own de-escalation strategies?
3. Can you share an example of a time when you advocated for a mental
health patient?
Next-Generation (NGN) Questions:
PEDIATRICS:
1. How can nurses contribute to the ethical and responsible use of
genetic information in pediatric care?
2. In what ways can technology be utilized to enhance the education
and engagement of pediatric patients and their families?
3. With the continuous development of medical technologies, how do
you foresee innovations in pediatric medication delivery methods?
NEUROLOGY:
1. How can nurses stay informed and utilize these imaging technologies
in their practice?
2. How can nurses contribute to the implementation of neuroprotective
measures in patient care?
3. Can you provide an example of a situation where telehealth positively
impacted the care of a neurology patient?
HEMATOLOGY:
1. With the advancements in artificial intelligence, how might it
impact hematologic diagnostics and treatment planning?
2. Share examples of how personalized medicine has influenced
your nursing practice in hematology.
3. Share your thoughts on the ethical considerations related to
regenerative therapies in hematology.
MENTAL HEALTH:
1. Share an example of a positive outcome resulting from the use of
digital mental health tools in your nursing practice.
2. With the rise of artificial intelligence, how might it be applied to
support mental health nursing practices, from diagnosis to treatment
planning?
3. How do you ensure a compassionate and effective response when
providing remote mental health support?
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS MCQ’s
1. At what age does a typically developing infant usually start to crawl?
A) 2 months
B) 6 months
C) 12 months
D) 18 months
3. Which virus is responsible for causing hand, foot, and mouth disease in
children?
A) Influenza
B) Coxsackievirus
C) Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
D) Herpes simplex virus
5. Which pain assessment tool is commonly used for infants and preverbal
children?
A) Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
B) Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)
C) Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale
D) FLACC Scale
6. At what age is it generally recommended to introduce solid foods to an
infant?
A) 1 month
B) 4 months
C) 6 months
D) 12 months
10. Which vaccine is typically given at two months of age as part of the
routine childhood immunization schedule?
A) Hepatitis B
B) Rotavirus
C) MMR
D) Varicella
11. At what age do most children begin to lose their deciduous (baby) teeth?
A) 2-3 years
B) 4-6 years
C) 8-10 years
D) 12-14 years
12. Which nutrient is crucial for the development of a child's bones and
teeth?
A) Iron
B) Vitamin C
C) Calcium
D) Fiber
14. What is the primary mode of transmission for the varicella-zoster virus
(chickenpox)?
A) Airborne
B) Contact with bodily fluids
C) Vector-borne
D) Fomite transmission
15. When assessing the heart rate of an infant, what is considered a normal
range?
A) 60-100 bpm
B) 100-150 bpm
C) 150-200 bpm
D) 200-250 bpm
16. Which vaccine is typically administered to protect against
meningococcal disease in adolescents?
A) MMR
B) DTaP
C) HPV
D) Hib
17. What is the typical age range for the appearance of the Moro reflex in
infants?
A) Birth to 1 month
B) 2 to 3 months
C) 4 to 6 months
D) 9 to 12 months
27. At what age is the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine typically
administered to infants?
A) At birth
B) 2 months
C) 6 months
D) 12 months
REMINDER NOTES
WEEKLY PLANNER
Weekly priorities
Notes
Checklist
Appointment
Reminder
SEMESTER PLANNER
SEMESTER:
YEAR:
SUBJECT
SUBJECT
SUBJECT
NOTES
Motivation Planner
Goal/Task Why is it Important?
CLASS:
CONERANDICATIONS INDICATION