Illustrated Study Guide for the NCLEX-RN® Exam

1  Clinical Judgment and Testing Strategies for the NCLEX-RN® Examination
Clinical Judgment and NCLEX-RN® Examination
Clinical Judgment and Next-Generation NCLEX Items
Test Plan
Integrated Processes
Areas of Client Needs
Safe and Effective Care Environment
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Psychosocial Integrity
Physiological Integrity
Classification of Questions
Computer Adaptive Testing
Taking the NCLEX-RN® Examination
Application
Scheduling the Examination
Testing Accommodations
Changing Your Appointment
Testing Center Identification
Day of the Examination
Testing
Test Results
Partial Credit Scoring
Pass or Fail Decisions
Candidate Performance Report
Nurse Licensure Compact
Types of Test Items
Multiple Choice
Alternate Item Format
Multiple Response: Select All That Apply (SATA)
Fill-in-the-Blank
Hot Spot
Ordered Response (Drag-and-Drop)
Chart/Exhibit
Graphic Options
Audio
NGN Item Types
Extended Multiple Response: Select N
Extended Multiple Response: Multiple Response Grouping
Matrix Multiple Choice
Matrix Multiple Response
Drop-Down Cloze
Drop-Down Rationale
Drop-Down In Table
Drag-and-Drop Cloze
Drag-and-Drop Rationale
Highlight in Text
Highlight in Table
Bowtie
Trend
Unfolding Case Study
Testing Strategies
Strategies and Examples
Read the Question Carefully, Without Reading Into It
Make Sure You Know What the Question is Asking
Consider Information About Timing
Consider Characteristics of the Condition
Identify the Step in the Nursing Process
What to Do If You’re Confused
Focus on the Options
Evaluate the Options
True or False
Identify Similarities
Identify Qualifiers
Select the Comprehensive Answer
Consider All Information in the Options
Reread the Question
Management of Client Care
Establishing Nursing Priorities
Therapeutic Nursing Process: Principles of Communication
Tips for Test-Taking Success
Study Habits
Study Effectively
Set a Study Goal
Group Study
Testing Practice
Decrease Anxiety

2  Health Implications Across the Life Span
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Growth and Development
Health Promotion for the Family of an Infant
Health Promotion for the Family of a Toddler
Health Promotion for the Family of a Preschooler
Health Promotion for the Family of a School-Age Child
Health Promotion for the Family of an Adolescent
Health Promotion for the Adolescent
Health Promotion for Adults and Older Adults
(Box 2.2)
Communicable Diseases
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Parotitis (Mumps)
Rubeola (Measles, Hard Measles, Red Measles)
Rubella (German Measles)
Roseola Infantum (Exanthema Subitum)
Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease)
Diphtheria
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Tetanus (Lockjaw)
Poliomyelitis
Scarlet Fever
Infectious Mononucleosis
Influenza (the “Flu”)
Zika Virus
COVID-19
Poisoning
General Principles (Remember SIRES)
Salicylate Poisoning
Acetaminophen Poisoning
Lead Poisoning
Long–term care
Rehabilitation
Goals of Rehabilitation
Psychological Responses to Disability
Home Health Care
Chronic Illness
Nursing Considerations
Chronically Ill Pediatric Client
Nutrition
Dietary Considerations Throughout the Life Span
Nutritional Assessment: Recognize Cues
Diet Therapy for High-Level Wellness
Therapeutic Meal Plans

3 Concepts of Nursing Practice
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Basic Human Needs
Health Assessment
Client Health Interview
Nursing Assessment
Health Promotion
Levels of Prevention
Health Teaching
Principles of Client Education (Box 3.1)
End-of-Life Care
Physical Management of Symptoms
Postmortem Care
Fundamental Nursing Skills
Body Alignment and Range of Motion
Asepsis
Wound Care
Specimen Collection
Heat and Cold Applications
Vital Signs
Immobility
Adverse Physical Effects of Immobility
Adverse Psychological Effects of Immobility
Pain
Classification of Pain
Pain Characteristics
Cultural Implications of Pain
Nondrug Pain Relief Measures
Medications for Pain Relief
Barriers to Pain Management
Palliative Pain Relief
Perioperative Care
Preoperative Care
Day of Surgery
Anesthesia
Immediate Postoperative Recovery
General Postoperative Care

4 Culture and Spiritual Awareness
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Culture
Cultural Competence
Spirituality
Cultural and Spiritual Assessment
General Considerations
Assessment of Cultural Aspects

5  Nursing Management
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Health Care Delivery Systems
Nursing Care Delivery Systems
Management and Leadership
Evidenced-Based Practice
Quality Improvement
Interprofessional Communication
Interprofessional Practice
Interprofessional Collaboration
Management Concepts
Time Management
Criteria for Providing Constructive Feedback
Client Care Assignments and Delegation

6  Ethical and Legal Concepts
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Legal Aspects
Types of Law
Nursing Practice Regulations
Client Rights
Liability for Actions
Civil Torts
Protective Procedures
Responsibility for Professional Practice
Specific Situations of Risk
Legal Documents
Ethical Concerns

7  Emergency and Disaster Preparedness and Bioterrorism
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Definitions
Clinical Preparedness
Triage
Community Nursing Preparedness

8  Pharmacology and Medication Administration
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
General Concepts
Drug Actions
Drug Interactions
Drug Therapy Considerations Across the Life Span
Herbal Supplements
Medication Administration
Nursing Responsibilities in Medication Administration
Nurse’s Legal Responsibilities in Administration of Medication
Methods of Medication Administration
Forms of Medication Preparations
Calculation of Medication Dosages

9  Homeostasis Concepts
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Fluid And Electrolytes
Physiology
Fluid Imbalances
Intravenous Fluid Replacement Therapy
Isotonic Solutions
Hypotonic Solutions
Hypertonic Solutions
Selection of Site and Equipment
Starting an Intravenous Infusion
Maintenance of Intravenous Infusions
Indications for Use of Infusion Pumps
Complications of Peripheral Intravenous Therapy (Fig. 9.4)
Acid-Base Balance
Basic Concepts of Acid-Base Balance
Regulation of Acid-Base Balance
Alterations in Acid-Base Balance
Respiratory Acidosis
Respiratory Alkalosis
Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic Alkalosis
Inflammation
Basic Concepts of Inflammation
Infection
Chain of Transmission
Prevention of Transmission of Infection in the Health Care Setting
Antibiotic-Resistant Infections
Treatment
Home Care
Critical Care Nursing
Sepsis
Treatment
Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome
Treatment

10  Immune: Care of Adult Clients
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Immunologic Responses
Disorders of The Immune System
Hypersensitivity
Anaphylactic Reaction
Autoimmune Conditions
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus

11  Cancer Concepts
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Characteristics of Cancer
Major Dysfunction in the Cell
Etiology
Prevention
Classification of Malignant Tumors
Treatment of Cancer
Diagnostics
Goals of Cancer Therapy
Targeted Cancer Care
Modalities of Cancer Treatment
Oncologic Emergencies

12  Psychosocial Nursing Care
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Self-Concept
Body Image
Evaluation of Body Image Alteration
Specific Situations of Altered Body Image and Nursing Interventions
Obesity
Stroke
Amputation
Pregnancy
Cancer
Enterostomal Surgery
Human Sexuality
Key Nursing Concepts
Changes in Sexuality
Concept of Loss
Coping and reactions to death throughout the life cycle
Cultural Diversity
Psychosocial Assessment
Psychiatric History
Mental Status Examination
Aspects of the Examination
Stress and Adaptation
Stressors
Stress Response
Stress Reduction Methods
Concept of Anxiety
Defense Mechanisms
Therapeutic Nursing Process
Characteristics
Interview Process
Phases
Communication Theory
Intervention Modalities
Crisis Intervention
Group Therapy
Family Therapy
Milieu
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies
Somatic Therapies
Other Therapies
Common Behavioral Patterns
Interpersonal Withdrawal
Regression
Anger
Hostility and Aggressiveness
Violence
Abuse
Types of Abuse
Family Violence
Characteristics of Abuse: The Perpetrator
Older Adult Abuse
Spousal or Intimate Partner Abuse (Fig. 12.2)
Rape
Psychiatric Disorders
Eating Disorders
Neurocognitive Disorders
Delirium
Dementia
Anxiety Disorders
Somatic Symptom Disorders
Dissociative Disorders
Personality Disorders
Common Characteristics
Substance Use Disorders
Alcohol Dependence (Alcoholism)
Drug Dependence
Mood Disorders
General Concepts
Psychodynamics
Schizophrenic Disorders
Schizophrenia and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
General Concepts
Disorders of Impulse Control

13  Integumentary: Care of Adult Clients
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
System Assessment: Recognize Cues
Benign and Inflammatory Disorders (Fig. 13.1)
Psoriasis
Pressure Injury
Common Skin Infections and Neoplasms (Fig. 13.2)
Cellulitis
Viral Infections
Neoplasms of the Integumentary System
Assessment: Recognize Cues
Elective Cosmetic and Reconstruction Procedures
CRITICAL CARE NURSING
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Burns

14  Eye and Ear: Care of Adult Clients
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
The Eye
System Assessment: Recognize Cues
Disorders of the Eye
Glaucoma
Cataract
Retinal Detachment
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Corneal Transplant
Eye Trauma
The Ear
System Assessment: Recognize Cues
Disorders of the Ear
Acoustic Neuroma
Hearing Loss
Balance Disorders

15  Endocrine: Care of Adult Clients
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
System Assessment (Pituitary): Recognize Cues
Disorders of the Pituitary Gland
Hyperpituitarism: Acromegaly
Hypopituitarism
Disorders of the Posterior Pituitary
Diabetes Insipidus
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone
System Assessment (Thyroid): Recognize Cues
Disorders of the Thyroid Gland
Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism
System Assessment (Parathyroid): Recognize Cues
Disorders of the Parathyroid
Hyperparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism
System Assessment (Pancreas): Recognize Cues
Disorders of the Pancreas
Diabetes Mellitus
Hypoglycemia (Insulin Reaction or Shock)
Metabolic Syndrome
Pancreatitis
Cancer of the Pancreas
System Assessment (Adrenals): Recognize Cues
Disorders of the Adrenals
Pheochromocytoma
Addison Disease (Adrenocortical Insufficiency or Adrenal Hypofunction)
Cushing Disease or Syndrome (Adrenal Cortex Hypersecretion or Hypercortisolism)

16  Hematology: Care of Adult Clients
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
System Assessment: Recognize Cues
Anemias
Polycythemia Vera (Primary)
Leukemia
Lymphomas
Multiple Myeloma (Plasma Cell Myeloma)
Disorders of Coagulation
Thrombocytopenia
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Disorders of the Spleen
Splenomegaly

17  Respiratory: Care of Adult Clients
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
System Assessment: Recognize Cues
Respiratory Disorders
Hypoxia
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Pleural Effusion
Pneumonia
Tuberculosis
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Cancer of the Upper Airway
Cancer of the Lung
CRITICAL CARE
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Pneumothorax
Open Chest Wound
Flail Chest
Pulmonary Embolism
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome)
Pulmonary Edema

18  Vascular: Care of Adult Clients
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
System Assessment: Recognize Cues
Disorders Of The Vascular System
Atherosclerosis
Hypertension
Aneurysm
Peripheral Artery Disease
Raynaud Phenomenon
Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger Disease)
Venous Thromboembolism
Peripheral Venous Disease, Chronic Venous Insufficiency, and Venous Stasis Ulcers
Varicose Veins
CRITICAL CARE
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Hypertensive Crisis
Shock

19  Cardiac: Care of Adult Clients
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
System Assessment: Recognize Cues
Disorders of the Cardiac System
Coronary Artery Disease
Chronic Stable Angina
Acute Coronary Syndrome
Heart Failure
Infective Endocarditis
Pericarditis
Heart Valve Disorders
CRITICAL CARE
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Cardiac Surgery

20  Gastrointestinal: Care of Adult Clients
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
System Assessment: Recognize Cues
Disorders Of The Gastrointestinal System
Nausea and Vomiting
Constipation
Diarrhea
Abdominal Pain
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastritis
Gastroenteritis
Obesity
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Peritonitis
Diverticular Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Intestinal Obstruction
Hernia
Cancer of the Stomach
Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (Colorectal Cancer)
Celiac Disease
Hemorrhoids

21  Hepatic and Biliary: Care of Adult Clients
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
System Assessment: Recognize Cues
Disorders Of The Hepatic System
Hepatitis
Hepatic Cirrhosis
Cancer of the Liver
Disorders Of The Biliary Tract
Cholelithiasis and Cholecystitis
CRITICAL CARE
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Acute Liver Failure
Liver Transplantation

22  Neurology: Care of Adult Clients
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
System Assessment: Recognize Cues
Disorders of the Neurologic System
Brain Tumors
Stroke (Brain Attack)
Myasthenia Gravis
Multiple Sclerosis
Guillain–Barré Syndrome
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Parkinson Disease
Headache
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Bell Palsy (Facial Paralysis)
Seizure Disorders
CRITICAL CARE NURSING
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Increased Intracranial Pressure
Head Injury
Cerebral Aneurysm, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Spinal Cord Injury

23  Musculoskeletal: Care of Adult Clients
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
System Assessment: Recognize Cues
Disorders of Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue
Intervertebral Disk Disease
Fractures
Specific Fractures
Fracture Immobilization: Splinting
Fracture Immobilization: Casts
Fracture Immobilization: Traction
Fracture Immobilization: External or Internal Fixation Devices
Fractured Hip
Total Hip Arthroplasty (Total Hip Replacement)
Total Knee Arthroplasty (Total Knee Replacement)
Osteoporosis
Osteomyelitis
Amputation
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
Gout
Lyme Disease

24  Reproductive: Care of Adult Clients
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
System Assessment: Recognize Cues
DISORDERS OF THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Prostate Disorders
Inflammatory Disorders
Erectile Dysfunction
Selected Male Reproductive Conditions (Table 24.1)
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Vaginal Inflammatory Conditions
Abnormal (Dysfunctional) Uterine Bleeding
Endometriosis
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Uterine Leiomyoma
Cervical Cancer
Breast Cancer
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Syphilis
Gonorrhea
Genital Herpes
Trichomoniasis
Chlamydia Infection
Genital Warts

25  Urinary-Kidney: Care of Adult Clients
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
System Assessment: Recognize Cues
Disorders Of The Urinary-Kidney System
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary Calculi
Acute Kidney Injury
Chronic Kidney Disease
Kidney Transplant
Dialysis
Kidney Tumors

26  Maternity Nursing Care
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Antepartum
Family Planning
Infertility
Contraception
Genetic Counseling
Fetal and Maternal Assessment Testing
Amniocentesis
Ultrasonography
Chorionic Villus Sampling
Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling
Daily Fetal Movement Count
Nonstress Test
Biophysical Profile
Contraction Stress Test
Normal Pregnancy Cycle: Physiologic Changes
Uterus
Vagina
Breasts
Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
Urinary-Kidney System
Gastrointestinal System
Musculoskeletal System
Integumentary System
Endocrine
Metabolism
Prenatal Care
Assessment: Recognize Cues
High-Risk Pregnancy
Fetal Development
Developmental Stages
Summary of Growth and Development
Multifetal Pregnancy
Placenta
Fetal Circulation
Complications Associated With Pregnancy
Abortion
Ectopic Pregnancy
Cervical Insufficiency
Hydatidiform Mole (Molar Pregnancy)
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Hypertensive Disorders
Cardiovascular Disease in Pregnancy
Pregestational and Gestational Diabetes
Intrapartum and Postpartum
Labor and Delivery
Intrapartal Factors
Assessment: Recognize Cues of the Labor Process
Nursing Interventions: Take Action During Labor and Delivery
Induction of Labor
Emergency Delivery by the Nurse
Operative Obstetrics
Episiotomy
Forceps Delivery
Vacuum-Assisted Birth or Vacuum Extraction
Cesarean Delivery
Complications Associated With Labor and Delivery
Preterm Labor
Dysfunctional Labor (Dystocia)
Supine Hypotensive Syndrome
Placenta Previa
Abruptio Placentae
Ruptured Uterus
Anaphylactoid Syndrome Of Pregnancy (Amniotic Fluid Embolism)
Abnormal Fetal Position
Multiple (Multifetal) Pregnancy
Prolapsed Cord
Severely Depressed Neonate
Intrauterine Fetal Death
Postpartal Assessment
Physiologic Changes
Maternal Role Attainment
Postpartum Nursing Care
Complications of the Puerperium
Hemorrhage
Postpartum Infection (Puerperal Infection)
Mastitis
Postpartum Mood Disorders
Venous Thromboembolism
Cystitis
Parents’ Reaction to Preterm Infant, Ill Newborn, or Infant With Congenital Anomaly

27 Newborn Nursing Care
Healthy Newborn
Biologic Adaptations in the Neonatal Period
General Characteristics
Behavioral Characteristics
Specific Body System Clinical Findings
High-Risk Newborn
Gestational Age Variation
Respiratory Distress
Cleft Lip
Cleft Palate
Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula
Imperforate Anus
Neural Tube Defects
Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Neonatal Sepsis
Phenylketonuria
Disorders of Maternal Origin
Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn
Infant of a Mother With Diabetes
Drug-Exposed Infants (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome)

28 Pediatric Nursing Care
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Eye and Ear
Visual impairment in Children
Conjunctivitis
Otitis Media
Immune
Pediatric Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Psychosocial
Child Maltreatment
Incest
Sex Trafficking
Intellectual Developmental Disorder
Down Syndrome
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorders (Autism)
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Specific Disorders with Physical Symptoms
Specific Developmental Disorders
Integumentary
Acne Vulgaris
Atopic Dermatitis
Contact Dermatitis
Impetigo
Fungal (Dermatophyte) Infections
Parasite Infestations
Burns
Endocrine
Congenital Hypothyroidism
Diabetes Mellitus
Hematologic
Sickle Cell Anemia
Hemophilia
Iron Deficiency Anemia, Leukemia
Respiratory
Croup Syndromes
Bronchiolitis (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
Tonsillitis
Asthma
Cystic Fibrosis
Pneumonia and Tuberculosis
Cardiac
Rheumatic Fever and Heart Disease
Kawasaki Disease
Congenital Heart Disease
Gastrointestinal
Appendicitis
Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis
Hirschsprung Disease
Hepatitis, Intussusception, Celiac Disease
Neurology
Hydrocephalus
Reye Syndrome
Meningitis
Encephalitis
Cerebral Palsy
Seizure Disorder, Head Injury, and Spinal Cord Injury
Musculoskeletal
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Congenital Clubfoot (Talipes Equinovarus)
Scoliosis
Osteosarcoma
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis)
Muscular Dystrophy
Fractures
Reproductive
Undescended Testes (Cryptorchidism)
Testicular Tumors (Cancer)
Testicular Torsion
Cytomegalovirus
Urinary-Kidney
Hypospadias and Epispadias
Nephrotic Syndrome
Glomerulonephritis
Wilms Tumor (Nephroblastoma)

Appendix: Normal Laboratory Data
References and Resources
Index