NCLEX EXAM STUDY
NOTES 2025-2026
600+ High-Yield Practice Questions, Smart Study Hacks & Test-
Taking Tips for Confident First-Time Passes
JASPER M. RAYNE
,Copyright © 2025 by Jasper M. Rayne
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the express written permission of the author, Jasper M. Rayne .
The unauthorized scanning, uploading, or distribution of this book through the internet or any
other means is prohibited by law and is subject to legal action.
DISCLAIMER
This book is a study guide designed to assist individuals preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam.
While every effort has been made to ensure that the information presented is accurate and
valuable, it should not be seen as a substitute for formal nursing education, hands-on clinical
experience, or guidance from licensed professionals.
The author and any associated publishers or affiliates are not liable for any errors, omissions, or
negative outcomes that arise from applying the information provided. Readers are advised to
consult the official NCLEX-RN materials and follow their nursing programs for the most current
standards and regulations.
This book is not endorsed or affiliated with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing
(NCSBN) or the NCLEX-RN exam. References to the NCLEX-RN exam are made solely for
informational purposes.
LEGAL NOTICE
The author has taken every measure to ensure the accuracy of the content within this book.
However, because medical standards, exam formats, and guidelines are subject to change, some
of the information may become outdated. The author cannot guarantee the timeliness or accuracy
of all material. The content provided in this guide is intended for educational purposes only. The
use of this material is at the user’s own discretion and risk. The author and publisher are not
responsible for any adverse effects, losses, or damages resulting from the use or misuse of the
information presented.
, Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION _________________________________________________________________________ 6
Part 1: Understanding the NCLEX Exam Structure _______________________________________________ 7
Chapter 1: Introduction to the NCLEX Exam ___________________________________________________ 8
1.1 Overview of the NCLEX _________________________________________________________ 8
1.2 The Purpose and Importance of the NCLEX Exam _____________________________________ 9
1.3 NCLEX Exam Format and Structure ________________________________________________11
1.4 Understanding the Exam’s Clinical Judgment Focus _____________________________________14
Chapter 2: Key Areas Tested in the NCLEX-RN ________________________________________________ 18
2.1 NCLEX-RN Test Plan Breakdown: Domains and Categories ______________________________18
2.2 Weighting of Major NCLEX Topics _________________________________________________22
2.3 Critical Thinking and Question Analysis ______________________________________________26
Types of NCLEX Questions and How to Tackle Them _____________________________________27
Part 2: Smart Study Hacks and Test-Taking Strategies ___________________________________________ 31
Chapter 3: Effective Study Strategies __________________________________________________________ 32
3.1 How to Organize Your Study Time for Maximum Impact ________________________________32
3.2 Using Spaced Repetition for Long-Term Retention _____________________________________35
3.3 The Pomodoro Technique for Focused Study Sessions___________________________________37
Chapter 4: Mastering Test-Taking Strategies ___________________________________________________ 41
Techniques to Minimize Test Anxiety and Improve Focus ___________________________________43
The Importance of Selecting the Safest Option: Prioritization in NCLEX Questions _______________45
Part 3: Key Topics Tested on the NCLEX Exam ________________________________________________ 48
Chapter 5: Management of Care (15%-21%) ____________________________________________________ 49
5.1 Prioritization and Delegation Strategies_______________________________________________49
5.2 Effective Communication and Collaboration in Nursing Care _____________________________62
5.3 Legal and Ethical Responsibilities in Nursing __________________________________________66
5.4 Coordinating Patient Care Plans and Advocacy_________________________________________69
Chapter 6: Safety and Infection Control (10%-16%) ______________________________________________ 73
6.1 Standard Precautions and Isolation Procedures _________________________________________73
6.2 Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections __________________________________________76
6.3 Safe Medication Administration and Equipment Handling ________________________________82
6.4 Emergency Response Protocols and Safety Measures ____________________________________86
, Chapter 7: Health Promotion and Maintenance (6%-12%) ________________________________________ 91
7.1 Patient Education and Health Promotion Strategies _____________________________________91
7.2 Disease Prevention and Screening Guidelines __________________________________________95
7.3 Nutrition and Wellness Counseling __________________________________________________99
7.4 Lifespan Development and Preventive Care Techniques_________________________________ 103
Chapter 8: Psychosocial Integrity (6%-12%) ___________________________________________________ 109
8.1 Coping Mechanisms and Stress Management Interventions ______________________________ 109
8.2 Mental Health Disorders: Diagnosis and Nursing Interventions ___________________________ 113
8.3 Supporting Patients with Chronic Conditions _________________________________________ 118
8.4 End-of-Life Care and Family Support _______________________________________________ 122
Chapter 9: Basic Care and Comfort (6%-12%) __________________________________________________ 127
9.1 Assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) _______________________________________ 127
9.2 Pain Management Strategies for Acute and Chronic Pain ________________________________ 131
9.3 Comfort and Palliative Care Principles ______________________________________________ 135
8.4 Ensuring Patient Safety in Routine Care _____________________________________________ 140
Chapter 10: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (13%-19%) ________________________________ 146
10.1 Understanding Drug Classifications and Actions______________________________________ 146
10.2 Medication Administration: Dosage Calculations and Routes ____________________________ 150
10.3 Managing Side Effects, Contraindications, and Drug Interactions _________________________ 155
10.4 Parenteral Medications, IV Therapy, and Infusions ____________________________________ 159
10.5 Cardiology Medications and Nursing Interventions____________________________________ 163
10.6 Oncology Medications and Therapies ______________________________________________ 169
Chapter 11: Reduction of Risk Potential (9%-15%) ______________________________________________ 174
11.1 Identifying Risk Factors in Patient Assessments ______________________________________ 174
11.2 Preventive Measures and Health Surveillance ________________________________________ 178
11.3 Monitoring Patient Status and Vital Signs ___________________________________________ 182
11.4 Early Detection of Complications and Health Deterioration _____________________________ 187
Chapter 12: Physiological Adaptation (11%-17%) _______________________________________________ 193
12.1 Managing Acute and Chronic Physiological Conditions ________________________________ 193
12.2 Response to Trauma, Shock, and Infection __________________________________________ 197
12.3 Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances: Management and Interventions ________________________ 201
12.4 Respiratory and Cardiovascular Disorders: Nursing Interventions ________________________ 206
12.5 Oncology and Cardiology Nursing Interventions and Care ______________________________ 212
NOTES 2025-2026
600+ High-Yield Practice Questions, Smart Study Hacks & Test-
Taking Tips for Confident First-Time Passes
JASPER M. RAYNE
,Copyright © 2025 by Jasper M. Rayne
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the express written permission of the author, Jasper M. Rayne .
The unauthorized scanning, uploading, or distribution of this book through the internet or any
other means is prohibited by law and is subject to legal action.
DISCLAIMER
This book is a study guide designed to assist individuals preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam.
While every effort has been made to ensure that the information presented is accurate and
valuable, it should not be seen as a substitute for formal nursing education, hands-on clinical
experience, or guidance from licensed professionals.
The author and any associated publishers or affiliates are not liable for any errors, omissions, or
negative outcomes that arise from applying the information provided. Readers are advised to
consult the official NCLEX-RN materials and follow their nursing programs for the most current
standards and regulations.
This book is not endorsed or affiliated with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing
(NCSBN) or the NCLEX-RN exam. References to the NCLEX-RN exam are made solely for
informational purposes.
LEGAL NOTICE
The author has taken every measure to ensure the accuracy of the content within this book.
However, because medical standards, exam formats, and guidelines are subject to change, some
of the information may become outdated. The author cannot guarantee the timeliness or accuracy
of all material. The content provided in this guide is intended for educational purposes only. The
use of this material is at the user’s own discretion and risk. The author and publisher are not
responsible for any adverse effects, losses, or damages resulting from the use or misuse of the
information presented.
, Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION _________________________________________________________________________ 6
Part 1: Understanding the NCLEX Exam Structure _______________________________________________ 7
Chapter 1: Introduction to the NCLEX Exam ___________________________________________________ 8
1.1 Overview of the NCLEX _________________________________________________________ 8
1.2 The Purpose and Importance of the NCLEX Exam _____________________________________ 9
1.3 NCLEX Exam Format and Structure ________________________________________________11
1.4 Understanding the Exam’s Clinical Judgment Focus _____________________________________14
Chapter 2: Key Areas Tested in the NCLEX-RN ________________________________________________ 18
2.1 NCLEX-RN Test Plan Breakdown: Domains and Categories ______________________________18
2.2 Weighting of Major NCLEX Topics _________________________________________________22
2.3 Critical Thinking and Question Analysis ______________________________________________26
Types of NCLEX Questions and How to Tackle Them _____________________________________27
Part 2: Smart Study Hacks and Test-Taking Strategies ___________________________________________ 31
Chapter 3: Effective Study Strategies __________________________________________________________ 32
3.1 How to Organize Your Study Time for Maximum Impact ________________________________32
3.2 Using Spaced Repetition for Long-Term Retention _____________________________________35
3.3 The Pomodoro Technique for Focused Study Sessions___________________________________37
Chapter 4: Mastering Test-Taking Strategies ___________________________________________________ 41
Techniques to Minimize Test Anxiety and Improve Focus ___________________________________43
The Importance of Selecting the Safest Option: Prioritization in NCLEX Questions _______________45
Part 3: Key Topics Tested on the NCLEX Exam ________________________________________________ 48
Chapter 5: Management of Care (15%-21%) ____________________________________________________ 49
5.1 Prioritization and Delegation Strategies_______________________________________________49
5.2 Effective Communication and Collaboration in Nursing Care _____________________________62
5.3 Legal and Ethical Responsibilities in Nursing __________________________________________66
5.4 Coordinating Patient Care Plans and Advocacy_________________________________________69
Chapter 6: Safety and Infection Control (10%-16%) ______________________________________________ 73
6.1 Standard Precautions and Isolation Procedures _________________________________________73
6.2 Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections __________________________________________76
6.3 Safe Medication Administration and Equipment Handling ________________________________82
6.4 Emergency Response Protocols and Safety Measures ____________________________________86
, Chapter 7: Health Promotion and Maintenance (6%-12%) ________________________________________ 91
7.1 Patient Education and Health Promotion Strategies _____________________________________91
7.2 Disease Prevention and Screening Guidelines __________________________________________95
7.3 Nutrition and Wellness Counseling __________________________________________________99
7.4 Lifespan Development and Preventive Care Techniques_________________________________ 103
Chapter 8: Psychosocial Integrity (6%-12%) ___________________________________________________ 109
8.1 Coping Mechanisms and Stress Management Interventions ______________________________ 109
8.2 Mental Health Disorders: Diagnosis and Nursing Interventions ___________________________ 113
8.3 Supporting Patients with Chronic Conditions _________________________________________ 118
8.4 End-of-Life Care and Family Support _______________________________________________ 122
Chapter 9: Basic Care and Comfort (6%-12%) __________________________________________________ 127
9.1 Assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) _______________________________________ 127
9.2 Pain Management Strategies for Acute and Chronic Pain ________________________________ 131
9.3 Comfort and Palliative Care Principles ______________________________________________ 135
8.4 Ensuring Patient Safety in Routine Care _____________________________________________ 140
Chapter 10: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (13%-19%) ________________________________ 146
10.1 Understanding Drug Classifications and Actions______________________________________ 146
10.2 Medication Administration: Dosage Calculations and Routes ____________________________ 150
10.3 Managing Side Effects, Contraindications, and Drug Interactions _________________________ 155
10.4 Parenteral Medications, IV Therapy, and Infusions ____________________________________ 159
10.5 Cardiology Medications and Nursing Interventions____________________________________ 163
10.6 Oncology Medications and Therapies ______________________________________________ 169
Chapter 11: Reduction of Risk Potential (9%-15%) ______________________________________________ 174
11.1 Identifying Risk Factors in Patient Assessments ______________________________________ 174
11.2 Preventive Measures and Health Surveillance ________________________________________ 178
11.3 Monitoring Patient Status and Vital Signs ___________________________________________ 182
11.4 Early Detection of Complications and Health Deterioration _____________________________ 187
Chapter 12: Physiological Adaptation (11%-17%) _______________________________________________ 193
12.1 Managing Acute and Chronic Physiological Conditions ________________________________ 193
12.2 Response to Trauma, Shock, and Infection __________________________________________ 197
12.3 Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances: Management and Interventions ________________________ 201
12.4 Respiratory and Cardiovascular Disorders: Nursing Interventions ________________________ 206
12.5 Oncology and Cardiology Nursing Interventions and Care ______________________________ 212
