Cheat Sheet
5 sections
•
21 key points
1
Prioritization & ABCs
Airway → Breathing → Circulation, always assess in this order
Maslow's hierarchy: physiological needs first, then safety, then psychosocial
Acute/unstable patients are priority over chronic/stable patients
When in doubt, assess before intervening (unless it's an emergency)
2
Delegation (The Five Rights)
Right task: routine, standard procedures only
Right circumstance: stable, predictable patient condition
Right person: matched to the delegate's scope and competency
Right direction/communication: clear, specific instructions
Right supervision/evaluation: follow up and evaluate outcomes
3
Pharmacology Essentials
Six Rights of medication administration: right patient, drug, dose, route, time, documentation
Narrow therapeutic index drugs (digoxin, lithium, warfarin, phenytoin), monitor levels closely
Know antidotes: naloxone (opioids), flumazenil (benzodiazepines), protamine sulfate (heparin), vitamin K (warfarin)
Always check allergies and drug interactions before administering
4
Infection Control
Standard precautions: hand hygiene, PPE, sharps safety for ALL patients
Droplet precautions (flu, meningitis): surgical mask, private room
Airborne precautions (TB, measles, varicella): N95 respirator, negative-pressure room
Contact precautions (MRSA, C. diff): gown and gloves, dedicated equipment
5
Lab Values to Know
Na⁺: 136-145 mEq/L | K⁺: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L | Ca²⁺: 8.5-10.5 mg/dL
BUN: 10-20 mg/dL | Creatinine: 0.7-1.3 mg/dL
WBC: 5,000-10,000/μL | Hgb: 12-17 g/dL | Platelets: 150,000-400,000/μL
INR: 2.0-3.0 (therapeutic for warfarin) | Digoxin: 0.5-2.0 ng/mL
Sample Flashcards
Card 1 of 6
Question
What are the ABCs of prioritization?
Answer
Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Always address airway problems first, then breathing, then circulation issues.
Click the card to flip
Quick Quiz
1. A nurse has four patients. Which should be assessed first?
2. Which medication requires monitoring of serum drug levels due to a narrow therapeutic index?
3. What type of precautions are required for a patient with C. difficile?
4. The Five Rights of Delegation include all EXCEPT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the NCLEX-RN?
The NCLEX-RN uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT). You'll receive between 85 and 150 questions. The test ends when the algorithm determines with 95% confidence whether you pass or fail.
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate?
First-time pass rates for US-educated candidates typically range from 85-90%. International candidates may have lower pass rates. Adequate preparation with NCLEX-style questions is key.
What topics does the NCLEX-RN cover?
The exam covers eight client needs categories: Safe Care Environment (management of care, safety & infection control), Health Promotion & Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, and Physiological Integrity (basic care, pharmacology, risk reduction, physiological adaptation).
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