Step-by-Step NCLEX-RN Review Guide: Pharmacology, Med-Surg, and Pediatrics
Introduction
Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is the critical final step to becoming a licensed registered nurse.
This guide provides a structured and advanced review of key areas: Pharmacology, Medical-
Surgical Nursing, and Pediatrics, tailored to enhance your clinical judgment and test-taking skills
for the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN). The content is organized to help you master essential
concepts, apply clinical reasoning, and tackle complex, scenario-based questions with
confidence.
Pharmacology Review
Core Concepts
Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics: Understand drug absorption, distribution,
metabolism, and excretion. Know how drugs interact with receptors and produce
therapeutic effects or adverse reactions.
Medication Classifications: Focus on major drug classes such as antibiotics, cardiovascular
drugs, CNS agents, endocrine medications, and immune modulators.
Nursing Implications: Prioritize patient education, monitoring for side effects, and
understanding contraindications and interactions.
Critical Medications to Know:
Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, heparin)
Diuretics (e.g., furosemide)
Insulin types and administration
Opioid analgesics and reversal agents (e.g., naloxone)
Immunosuppressants and vaccines
Advanced Practice Question Sample (Royal Dark Red)
Q: A patient receiving warfarin therapy presents with an INR of 5.2. Which nursing action is the
priority?
A. Administer vitamin K as ordered
B. Hold the next dose of warfarin
C. Monitor for signs of bleeding
Introduction
Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is the critical final step to becoming a licensed registered nurse.
This guide provides a structured and advanced review of key areas: Pharmacology, Medical-
Surgical Nursing, and Pediatrics, tailored to enhance your clinical judgment and test-taking skills
for the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN). The content is organized to help you master essential
concepts, apply clinical reasoning, and tackle complex, scenario-based questions with
confidence.
Pharmacology Review
Core Concepts
Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics: Understand drug absorption, distribution,
metabolism, and excretion. Know how drugs interact with receptors and produce
therapeutic effects or adverse reactions.
Medication Classifications: Focus on major drug classes such as antibiotics, cardiovascular
drugs, CNS agents, endocrine medications, and immune modulators.
Nursing Implications: Prioritize patient education, monitoring for side effects, and
understanding contraindications and interactions.
Critical Medications to Know:
Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, heparin)
Diuretics (e.g., furosemide)
Insulin types and administration
Opioid analgesics and reversal agents (e.g., naloxone)
Immunosuppressants and vaccines
Advanced Practice Question Sample (Royal Dark Red)
Q: A patient receiving warfarin therapy presents with an INR of 5.2. Which nursing action is the
priority?
A. Administer vitamin K as ordered
B. Hold the next dose of warfarin
C. Monitor for signs of bleeding
