Nursing Exam Cram Sheet for the NCLEX-RN

These flashcards cover critical nursing concepts, values, and clinical guidelines pertinent to the NCLEX-RN exam.

NCLEX

The licensure exam nursing students must pass to become registered nurses.

Vital Signs

Critical measurements including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature.

RBCs (Red Blood Cells)

Normal range is 4.5 to 5.0 million per microliter.

WBCs (White Blood Cells)

Normal range is 5,000 to 10,000 per microliter.

Platelets

Normal range is 200,000 to 400,000 per microliter.

Hemoglobin (Hgb)

Normal values are 12-16 gm (female) and 14-18 gm (male).

Hemodynamic Monitoring

Assessment of blood pressure, cardiac output, etc., often using invasive techniques.

ABG (Arterial Blood Gas) Values

pH: 7.36–7.45, HCO3: 24–26 mEq/L, CO2: 35–45 mEq/L.

Tic-Tac-Toe Method

A tool for interpreting ABG values effectively.

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Therapeutic drug level: 4-10 mcg/ml.

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Therapeutic drug level: 0.8-2.0 ng/ml.

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Anticoagulant therapy where PT is 10-12 seconds; the antidote is Vitamin K.

INR

Normal range for patients on Coumadin is 0.9-1.2.

Fibrinogen Level

Normal range is 203-377 mg/dL.

Pregnancy Category A

No risk in controlled human studies.

Sickle Cell Anemia

Increase fluid intake to maintain hydration as sickling increases with dehydration.

Palpation

A physical examination technique involving the application of hands to the body.

Homan’s Sign

A clinical sign for deep vein thrombosis (DVT); pain in calf upon dorsiflexion.

Kernig’s Sign

A sign indicating meningitis, characterized by resistance to leg extension.

RACE

A mnemonic for fire safety: Remove, Activate, Contain, Extinguish.