Nclex Med Surg Study Guide 2025 2026
Introduction to Community Health Sciences (University of California Los
Angeles)
, NCLEX-RN Medical-Surgical Nursing
Complete Study Guide - 2025/2026 Edition
[*] 60 Verified Practice Q&A | [*] High-Yield Body Systems | [*] Lab Values &
Nursing Priorities
Who is this for?
Nursing students preparing for NCLEX-RN, ATI Med-Surg, or HESI exit exams. Medical-
Surgical nursing is the LARGEST section of the NCLEX-RN exam. This guide covers all
high-yield body systems, critical lab values, and nursing priorities with 60 practice
questions and full rationales.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- 1. Critical Lab Values Every Nurse Must Know
- 2. Cardiovascular Disorders
- 3. Respiratory Disorders
- 4. Neurological Disorders
- 5. Gastrointestinal Disorders
- 6. Renal and Urinary Disorders
- 7. Musculoskeletal Disorders
- 8. Endocrine Disorders
- 9. Integumentary (Skin) Disorders
- 10. 60 Practice Questions with Rationales
, SECTION 1: Critical Lab Values Every Nurse Must Know
Lab Test Normal Range Low (Causes) High (Causes)
Sodium (Na+) 135-145 mEq/L Hyponatremia: SIADH, waHteyrpernatremia: dehydration,
excess DI
Potassium (K+) 3.5-5.0 mEq/L Hypokalemia: diuretics, Hyperkalemia: renal failure,
vomiting ACE-i
Calcium (Ca++) 8.5-10.5 mg/dL Hypocalcemia: Hypercalcemia:
hypoparathyroid hyperparathyroid
Glucose (Fasting) 70-110 mg/dL Hypoglycemia: insulin excess Hyperglycemia: DM, steroids
BUN 10-20 mg/dL Liver failure, malnutrition Dehydration, renal failure
Creatinine 0.6-1.2 mg/dL Muscle wasting Renal impairment (most
specific)
Hemoglobin (Male) 13.5-17.5 g/dL Anemia, bleeding Polycythemia, COPD
Hemoglobin (Female) 12-16 g/dL Anemia, bleeding Polycythemia
WBC 5,000-10,000/mm3 Immunosuppression Infection, leukemia
Platelets 150,000-400,000/mm3 Bleeding risk Clotting risk
INR 0.8-1.1 (therapeutic 2- Clotting risk Bleeding risk
3)
pH (Blood) 7.35-7.45 Acidosis (<7.35) Alkalosis (>7.45)
O2 Saturation 95-100% Hypoxia (<90% = Oxygen toxicity (rare)
CRITICAL)
[TIP] NCLEX: Critical values to report IMMEDIATELY: K+ < 2.5 or > 6.5, Na+ < 120 or > 160, glucose < 40 or
> 500, O2 sat < 90%, pH < 7.2 or > 7.6.
Introduction to Community Health Sciences (University of California Los
Angeles)
, NCLEX-RN Medical-Surgical Nursing
Complete Study Guide - 2025/2026 Edition
[*] 60 Verified Practice Q&A | [*] High-Yield Body Systems | [*] Lab Values &
Nursing Priorities
Who is this for?
Nursing students preparing for NCLEX-RN, ATI Med-Surg, or HESI exit exams. Medical-
Surgical nursing is the LARGEST section of the NCLEX-RN exam. This guide covers all
high-yield body systems, critical lab values, and nursing priorities with 60 practice
questions and full rationales.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- 1. Critical Lab Values Every Nurse Must Know
- 2. Cardiovascular Disorders
- 3. Respiratory Disorders
- 4. Neurological Disorders
- 5. Gastrointestinal Disorders
- 6. Renal and Urinary Disorders
- 7. Musculoskeletal Disorders
- 8. Endocrine Disorders
- 9. Integumentary (Skin) Disorders
- 10. 60 Practice Questions with Rationales
, SECTION 1: Critical Lab Values Every Nurse Must Know
Lab Test Normal Range Low (Causes) High (Causes)
Sodium (Na+) 135-145 mEq/L Hyponatremia: SIADH, waHteyrpernatremia: dehydration,
excess DI
Potassium (K+) 3.5-5.0 mEq/L Hypokalemia: diuretics, Hyperkalemia: renal failure,
vomiting ACE-i
Calcium (Ca++) 8.5-10.5 mg/dL Hypocalcemia: Hypercalcemia:
hypoparathyroid hyperparathyroid
Glucose (Fasting) 70-110 mg/dL Hypoglycemia: insulin excess Hyperglycemia: DM, steroids
BUN 10-20 mg/dL Liver failure, malnutrition Dehydration, renal failure
Creatinine 0.6-1.2 mg/dL Muscle wasting Renal impairment (most
specific)
Hemoglobin (Male) 13.5-17.5 g/dL Anemia, bleeding Polycythemia, COPD
Hemoglobin (Female) 12-16 g/dL Anemia, bleeding Polycythemia
WBC 5,000-10,000/mm3 Immunosuppression Infection, leukemia
Platelets 150,000-400,000/mm3 Bleeding risk Clotting risk
INR 0.8-1.1 (therapeutic 2- Clotting risk Bleeding risk
3)
pH (Blood) 7.35-7.45 Acidosis (<7.35) Alkalosis (>7.45)
O2 Saturation 95-100% Hypoxia (<90% = Oxygen toxicity (rare)
CRITICAL)
[TIP] NCLEX: Critical values to report IMMEDIATELY: K+ < 2.5 or > 6.5, Na+ < 120 or > 160, glucose < 40 or
> 500, O2 sat < 90%, pH < 7.2 or > 7.6.
