NCLEX Review Notes

These flashcards cover a range of vocabulary terms and definitions relevant to NCLEX

Acid-Base Balance

The management of pH levels in the body which involves assessing CO2 and HCO3 to determine if a patient is acidosis or alkalosis.

pH Levels

Normal pH range is 7.35 to 7.45; values <7.35 indicate acidosis and >7.45 indicate alkalosis.

Metabolic Acidosis

Occur when pH and HCO3 move in the same direction; characterized by a low pH and low bicarbonate.

Respiratory Acidosis

Occurs when pH and HCO3 move in opposite directions; characterized by a low pH and high bicarbonate.

Ventilator

A machine that assists patients who are unable to breathe on their own, equipped with alarms for high and low pressures.

High-Pressure Alarm

Triggered by increased resistance to airflow, may require actions such as unkinking tubing or suctioning.

Low-Pressure Alarm

Indicates decreased resistance, often due to disconnections that may need to be checked.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

A neurological condition associated with thiamine deficiency, characterized by symptoms like amnesia and confabulation.

Denial

A psychological defense mechanism where an individual refuses to accept reality or facts.

Addiction Treatment

Includes confrontation in cases of abuse, emphasizing the importance of setting limits and teaching dependence versus co-dependence.

Aminoglycosides

A class of antibiotics used for serious infections; important to monitor for toxicity effects like nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.

Trough vs Peak Levels

Trough refers to the lowest concentration of a drug in the bloodstream, while Peak refers to the highest concentration.

Thyroid Disorders

Hyperthyroidism (high metabolism) and Hypothyroidism (low metabolism) affecting various bodily functions.

Cushing's Syndrome

A condition resulting from excessive cortisol, characterized by symptoms like weight gain, high blood pressure, and susceptibility to infections.

Addison's Disease

A disorder resulting from underproduction of adrenal hormones, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, low blood pressure, and hyperpigmentation.

Insulin Types

Includes regular insulin (clear) with a quick onset and peak time, and NPH (cloudy) with a slower onset and peak.

Neutropenic Precautions

Measures taken to protect patients with low white blood cell counts from infections, emphasizing hygiene and limited exposure to crowds.

Five Deadly 'Ds'

Critical lab values that require immediate attention: K+ >6, pH in the 6s, CO2 in the 60s, pO2 <60, Platelets <40,000.

Pediatric Development Stages

Piaget's theory includes Sensorimotor (0-2), Preoperational (3-6), Concrete Operations (7-11), Formal Operations (12+).

Labor Stages

Four stages of labor; Stage 1 is dilation, Stage 2 is delivery of the baby, Stage 3 is delivery of the placenta, Stage 4 is recovery.

Psychiatric Medications

Include types like heavy tranquilizers (Phenothiazines), mood elevators (TCA), and the risk for side effects like hypotension and weight changes.

Estimating Due Date

Using Naegele's rule: first day of last menstrual period + 7 days - 3 months.