NCLEX RN
STUDYGUIDE
2026
1
, TABLE OF CHAPTERS
FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING PAGE 3
CARDIOLOGY PAGE 50
CRITICAL CARE CONCEPTS PAGE 106
ENDOCRINOLOGYPAGE 123
RESPIROLOGY PAGE 145
NEPHROLOGY/UROLOGY PAGE 166
NEUROLOGY PAGE 184
GASTOENTERLOGY PAGE 210
MUSCULOSKELETAL PAGE 236
INTEGUMENTARY PAGE 255
HEMATOLGOY/ONCOLOGY PAGE 260
OPTHAMOLOGY/AUDIOLOGY PAGE 276
IMMUNOLOGY PAGE 280
INFECTIOUS DISEASE PAGE 287
ADULT REPRODUCTION PAGE 294
MATERNAL NEW BORN NURSING PAGE 304
MATERNAL NEW BORN_ANTEPARTUM PAGE 315
MATERNAL NEW BORN NURSING_LABOR & DELIVERY PAGE 326
MATENRAL NEW BORN NURSING_POST PARTUM PAGE 339
PEDIATRICS PAGE 344
PSYCHIATRIC NURSING PAGE 390
PHARMACOLOGY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE PAGE 416
PHARMACOLOGT OF MATENRAL NEW BORN_REPRODUCTION PAGE 423
PHARMACOLOGY OF PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS PAGE 427
ANALGESICS PAGE 437
PHARMACOLOGY PAGE 441
LEADERSHIP AND MAMANGEMENT IN NUSING PAGE 521
2
,FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING
NASOENTERIC/NASOGASTRIC TUBES
A nasoenteric tube is passed through the nares into the duodenum or jejunum when it is
necessary to bypass the esophagus and stomach. Nasoenteric tubes have a decreased risk
of aspiration compared with nasogastric tubes; however, a nasoenteric tube can become
dislodged to the lungs, causing aspiration of enteral feedings.
If a client with a feeding tube develops signs of aspiration pneumonia (diminished or
adventitious lung sounds [eg, crackles, wheezing], dyspnea, productive cough), the feeding
should be stopped immediately and tube placement checked (eg, measure insertion depth,
obtain x-ray, assess aspirate pH).Some facilities use capnography to determine placement;
if a sensor detects exhaled CO2 from the tube, it is in the client's airway and must be
removed immediately.
HYPOTENSION AND PULSE OXIMETRY RE
A pulse oximeter is a noninvasive device that estimates the arterial blood saturation (SaO2)
by using a sensor attached to the adult client's finger, toe, earlobe, nose, or forehead. The
sensor (reusable clip or disposable adhesive) contains both light-emitting and light-sensing
components and measures the amount of light absorbed by hemoglobin in the arterial
blood. Because the sensor estimates the value at a peripheral site, the oximeter reports
the value as SpO2.
The sensor relies on adequate tissue perfusion, so low blood flow or decreased perfusion
can decrease SpO2 readings. Conditions that dec perfusion states include cardiac
dysrhythmias, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, edema, hypotension, hypovolemic
shock, and vasoconstriction (eg, hypothermia, smoking, drugs). Other factors affecting
accuracy of the reading include improper positioning or fit of the sensor, excessive
movement, smoke inhalation (CO) carbon monoxide poisoning
KOSHER DIETARY LAWS
Individuals who practice Orthodox Judaism follow Kosher dietary laws. These regulations
are strict regarding the consumption of certain animal products (eg, no pork, shellfish, fish
without scales) and the separation of meat/poultry from dairy.
When meat or poultry is consumed, at least 3-6 hours must pass before a dairy product is
consumed. Certain foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, tea, and coffee, are
considered neutral and can be consumed at any time. Hard-boiled eggs and blueberries
are nondairy foods and would be an appropriate snack. This choice also provides a
combination of carbohydrates and protein, which would help in regulating blood glucose.
3
, The proper fit and use of crutches are important in preventing injury. They include:
Proper measurement and fit - There should be a 3-4 finger-width space (1-2 in [2.5-5 cm])
between the axilla and axillary pad (Option 4). Clients are taught to support body weight on
the hands and arms, not the axillae. Handgrip location should allow 20-30 degrees of
flexion at the elbow
Proper gait - The 3-point gait is used for restrictions of partial or no weight-bearing on the
affected extremity. The injured extremity and crutches are moved simultaneously
The client who is rehabilitating from an injury of the lower extremity usually progresses
from non-weight-bearing status (3-point gait) to partial weight-bearing status (2-point gait)
to full weight-bearing status (4-point gait).
The Venturi mask is a high-flow device that delivers a guaranteed oxygen concentration
regardless of the client's respiratory rate, depth, or tidal volume (TV). The adaptor or barrel
can be set to deliver 24%–50% (varies with manufacturer) oxygen concentration. In the
presence of tachypnea, shallow breathing with decreased TV, hypercarbia, and hypoxemia,
it is the most appropriate oxygen delivery device for this client as rapid changes in inspired
oxygen concentration can blunt the hypoxemic drive to breathe in clients with COPD.
The nasal cannula can deliver adequate oxygen concentrations and is best for clients with
adequate TV and normal vital signs. It is not the best choice in an unstable COPD client with
varying TVs because the inspired oxygen concentration is not guaranteed.
The non-rebreathing reservoir mask can deliver 60%–95% oxygen concentrations and short
term, used for clients with low saturations resulting from
asthma/pneumonia/trauma/sepsis
PREVALENCE OF CERTAIN DISEASES IN AFRICAN AMERICANS VS WHITES AND ASIANS
The incidence of CERVICAL CANCER is higher among Hispanics, American Indians, and
African Americans. The mortality rate for cervical cancer among African American women is
twice as high as that for white American women African Americans have the highest
incidence of HTN in the world, and this condition is more prevalent among the women than
men in this ethnic group. The mortality rate for hypertension among African American
women is higher than that for white American women African Americans have a higher
incidence of ISCHEMIC STROKE than whites or Hispanics. Risk factors for stroke are related
to an increased rate of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and sickle cell anemia
White and Asian women have a higher incidence of OSTEOPOROSIS. MELANOMA of the
skin is more common in people who are of white ancestry, light-skinned, and over age 60
with frequent sun exposure.
-TIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY
Application of negative pressure to a wound to enhance bacteria and exudate removal.
Negative pressure promotes healing by stimulating cell growth and vessel perfusion in the
4