NCLEX-RN MASTER STUDY GUIDE 2026
Version New Edition
Comprehensive Review, Clinical Judgment, Priority
Questions & Practice
How to Use This Guide
This guide is designed for systematic NCLEX-RN review. For each topic:
1.Learn the concept
Understand why a nursing intervention is appropriate.
2. Identify the priority
Ask:
· Is the client unstable?
· Is there an airway, breathing, or circulation problem?
· Is this an acute change?
· Is there an immediate safety threat?
·What can cause the most harm if I delay?
3. Practice application
Do not memorize answers. Practice recognizing the clinical cues that lead to the correct
action.
4. Review rationales
A rationale should explain not only why the correct answer is correct, but why the other
options are less appropriate.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I - NCLEX STRATEGIES
1. Understanding the NCLEX
2. Clinical Judgment
3. ABCs
4. Maslow's Hierarchy
5. Acute vs. Chronic
,6. Unexpected vs. Expected Findings
7. Safety and Risk Reduction
8. Nursing Process
, 9. Priority and Delegation
PART II - FUNDAMENTALS
10.Vital Signs
11.Assessment
12.Documentation
13.Mobility
15.Elimination
16.Pain
17.Fluid and Electrolytes
18.Acid-Base Balance
14.Nutrition T
24.Fall Prevention
25.Restraints
PART IV - PHARMACOLOGY
26.Medication Administration
23.Sterile Technique
27.Medication Safety
28.High-Alert Medications
29.Cardiovascular Drugs
30.Respiratory Drugs
31.Endocrine Drugs
32.Antibiotics
33.Psychiatric Medications
34.Anticoagulants
35.Emergency Medications
PART V -MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING
36.Cardiovascular
37.Respiratory
38.Neurologic
39.Renal
40.Gastrointestinal
, 41.Endocrine
42.Hematology
43.Oncology
44.Musculoskeletal
45.Integumentary
46.Burns
PART VI - MATERNITY & NEWBORN
47.Antepartum Success
48.Labor
49.Complications
50.Postpartum
51.Newborn Care
PART VII - PEDIATRICS
52.Growth and Development
53.Pediatric Disorders
54.Pediatric Emergencies
PART VIII - MENTAL HEALTH
55.Therapeutic Communication
56.Psychiatric Disorders
57.Crisis Intervention
58.Psychiatric Medications
PART IX- LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT
59.Delegation
60.Assignment
61.Prioritization
62.Ethics
63.Legal Issues
PART X -NGN & PRACTICE
64.Clinical Judgment
65.Case Studies
66.Practice Questions
67.Answer Key
68.Rationales
69.Rapid Review
Version New Edition
Comprehensive Review, Clinical Judgment, Priority
Questions & Practice
How to Use This Guide
This guide is designed for systematic NCLEX-RN review. For each topic:
1.Learn the concept
Understand why a nursing intervention is appropriate.
2. Identify the priority
Ask:
· Is the client unstable?
· Is there an airway, breathing, or circulation problem?
· Is this an acute change?
· Is there an immediate safety threat?
·What can cause the most harm if I delay?
3. Practice application
Do not memorize answers. Practice recognizing the clinical cues that lead to the correct
action.
4. Review rationales
A rationale should explain not only why the correct answer is correct, but why the other
options are less appropriate.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I - NCLEX STRATEGIES
1. Understanding the NCLEX
2. Clinical Judgment
3. ABCs
4. Maslow's Hierarchy
5. Acute vs. Chronic
,6. Unexpected vs. Expected Findings
7. Safety and Risk Reduction
8. Nursing Process
, 9. Priority and Delegation
PART II - FUNDAMENTALS
10.Vital Signs
11.Assessment
12.Documentation
13.Mobility
15.Elimination
16.Pain
17.Fluid and Electrolytes
18.Acid-Base Balance
14.Nutrition T
24.Fall Prevention
25.Restraints
PART IV - PHARMACOLOGY
26.Medication Administration
23.Sterile Technique
27.Medication Safety
28.High-Alert Medications
29.Cardiovascular Drugs
30.Respiratory Drugs
31.Endocrine Drugs
32.Antibiotics
33.Psychiatric Medications
34.Anticoagulants
35.Emergency Medications
PART V -MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING
36.Cardiovascular
37.Respiratory
38.Neurologic
39.Renal
40.Gastrointestinal
, 41.Endocrine
42.Hematology
43.Oncology
44.Musculoskeletal
45.Integumentary
46.Burns
PART VI - MATERNITY & NEWBORN
47.Antepartum Success
48.Labor
49.Complications
50.Postpartum
51.Newborn Care
PART VII - PEDIATRICS
52.Growth and Development
53.Pediatric Disorders
54.Pediatric Emergencies
PART VIII - MENTAL HEALTH
55.Therapeutic Communication
56.Psychiatric Disorders
57.Crisis Intervention
58.Psychiatric Medications
PART IX- LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT
59.Delegation
60.Assignment
61.Prioritization
62.Ethics
63.Legal Issues
PART X -NGN & PRACTICE
64.Clinical Judgment
65.Case Studies
66.Practice Questions
67.Answer Key
68.Rationales
69.Rapid Review
