NCLEX RN
Comprehensive Study Guide
Key Facts • Nursing Interventions • Case Studies • Pharmacology
,Table of Contents
• 1. Medical-Surgical Conditions (Sickle Cell, Lung Cancer, Leukemia ALL, Pancreatitis, etc.)
• 2. Cardiovascular (Cardiac Tamponade, HF, A-Fib, Septic Shock, PAD/PVD, DVT, PE)
• 3. Respiratory (Pneumothorax, Tension Pneumo, Pulmonary Embolism, COPD, Cor Pulmonale)
• 4. Endocrine & Metabolic (Pheochromocytoma, Thyroid Storm, Cushing's, Diabetes Type 1)
• 5. Neurological (ICP, Head Injury, Stroke, Seizures, Parkinson's, MS, Dementia, Delirium)
• 6. Renal & GU (AKI, CKD, UTI, Kidney Stones, Bladder Cancer, Pyelonephritis)
• 7. GI (Appendicitis/Peritonitis, Cholecystitis, Crohn's, Diverticulitis, Hepatitis C, Celiac)
• 8. Musculoskeletal & Ortho (Osteoporosis, Gout, Hip Arthroplasty, Torticollis)
• 9. OB & Women's Health (Prolapsed Cord, Uterine Atony, Pre-eclampsia, Preterm Labor, Breast Engorgement)
• 10. Pediatrics (Growth & Development, Kawasaki, Thrombocytopenia, Cleft Lip/Palate, Cystic Fibrosis)
• 11. Psychiatric (Schizophrenia, Mania, Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis, ASPD, NMS, Defense Mechanisms)
• 12. Pharmacology (Digoxin, Lithium, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Phenytoin, Statins, Levodopa, etc.)
• 13. Infection Control & Safety (Isolation, Bioterrorism, Anthrax, Pertussis, Measles)
• 14. Legal & Ethics (Malpractice, Negligence, Advance Directives, Informed Consent, DNR)
• 15. Leadership (Delegation, Float Nurse, Conflict Resolution, Therapeutic Communication)
• 16. Case Studies & Bow Ties
,Section 1: Medical-Surgical
Conditions
, Sickle Cell Anemia – Key NCLEX Facts
Pathophysiology & S&S Nursing Interventions & Priorities
• HbS polymerizes under low O2 → sickle-shaped RBCs • PRIORITY: airway, pain management, hydration (oral & IV fluids)
• Sickling triggers: cold, dehydration, infection, stress, high • Administer O2 for hypoxia/acute chest syndrome
altitude, hypoxia • IV morphine for pain crisis; PCA if appropriate
• Vaso-occlusive crisis: severe pain (bone, chest, abdomen) • Warm compresses to painful areas (NEVER ice/cold)
• Acute Chest Syndrome: fever, chest pain, hypoxia – EMERGENCY • Transfusions for severe anemia; monitor for iron overload
• Splenic sequestration: spleen traps RBCs → hypovolemia • Hydroxyurea: ↓ frequency of crises (teach: teratogenic,
• Stroke risk → Transcranial Doppler at age 2; repeat annually monitor CBC)
• Children 16 y/o: TCD scan to rule out stroke if high velocity • Folic acid daily to support erythropoiesis
• Aplastic crisis: parvovirus B19 → ↓ RBC production • Penicillin prophylaxis in children < 5 y/o
• Hemolytic crisis: rapid RBC breakdown • Teach: avoid triggers, stay warm/hydrated, pneumococcal
vaccine
• Avoid tourniquets & tight clothing on extremities
NCLEX RN Study Guide
Comprehensive Study Guide
Key Facts • Nursing Interventions • Case Studies • Pharmacology
,Table of Contents
• 1. Medical-Surgical Conditions (Sickle Cell, Lung Cancer, Leukemia ALL, Pancreatitis, etc.)
• 2. Cardiovascular (Cardiac Tamponade, HF, A-Fib, Septic Shock, PAD/PVD, DVT, PE)
• 3. Respiratory (Pneumothorax, Tension Pneumo, Pulmonary Embolism, COPD, Cor Pulmonale)
• 4. Endocrine & Metabolic (Pheochromocytoma, Thyroid Storm, Cushing's, Diabetes Type 1)
• 5. Neurological (ICP, Head Injury, Stroke, Seizures, Parkinson's, MS, Dementia, Delirium)
• 6. Renal & GU (AKI, CKD, UTI, Kidney Stones, Bladder Cancer, Pyelonephritis)
• 7. GI (Appendicitis/Peritonitis, Cholecystitis, Crohn's, Diverticulitis, Hepatitis C, Celiac)
• 8. Musculoskeletal & Ortho (Osteoporosis, Gout, Hip Arthroplasty, Torticollis)
• 9. OB & Women's Health (Prolapsed Cord, Uterine Atony, Pre-eclampsia, Preterm Labor, Breast Engorgement)
• 10. Pediatrics (Growth & Development, Kawasaki, Thrombocytopenia, Cleft Lip/Palate, Cystic Fibrosis)
• 11. Psychiatric (Schizophrenia, Mania, Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis, ASPD, NMS, Defense Mechanisms)
• 12. Pharmacology (Digoxin, Lithium, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Phenytoin, Statins, Levodopa, etc.)
• 13. Infection Control & Safety (Isolation, Bioterrorism, Anthrax, Pertussis, Measles)
• 14. Legal & Ethics (Malpractice, Negligence, Advance Directives, Informed Consent, DNR)
• 15. Leadership (Delegation, Float Nurse, Conflict Resolution, Therapeutic Communication)
• 16. Case Studies & Bow Ties
,Section 1: Medical-Surgical
Conditions
, Sickle Cell Anemia – Key NCLEX Facts
Pathophysiology & S&S Nursing Interventions & Priorities
• HbS polymerizes under low O2 → sickle-shaped RBCs • PRIORITY: airway, pain management, hydration (oral & IV fluids)
• Sickling triggers: cold, dehydration, infection, stress, high • Administer O2 for hypoxia/acute chest syndrome
altitude, hypoxia • IV morphine for pain crisis; PCA if appropriate
• Vaso-occlusive crisis: severe pain (bone, chest, abdomen) • Warm compresses to painful areas (NEVER ice/cold)
• Acute Chest Syndrome: fever, chest pain, hypoxia – EMERGENCY • Transfusions for severe anemia; monitor for iron overload
• Splenic sequestration: spleen traps RBCs → hypovolemia • Hydroxyurea: ↓ frequency of crises (teach: teratogenic,
• Stroke risk → Transcranial Doppler at age 2; repeat annually monitor CBC)
• Children 16 y/o: TCD scan to rule out stroke if high velocity • Folic acid daily to support erythropoiesis
• Aplastic crisis: parvovirus B19 → ↓ RBC production • Penicillin prophylaxis in children < 5 y/o
• Hemolytic crisis: rapid RBC breakdown • Teach: avoid triggers, stay warm/hydrated, pneumococcal
vaccine
• Avoid tourniquets & tight clothing on extremities
NCLEX RN Study Guide
