Quick Facts for NCLEX – Core Content Flashcards

A curated set of flashcards covering high-yield Quick Facts topics for NCLEX, formatted as question-and-answer to reinforce definitions, lab values, medications, pathophysiology, nursing interventions, and client teaching.

What is the primary symptom of GERD (acid reflux)?

Heartburn (pyrosis).

Which diagnostic test confirms GERD?

Barium-swallow fluoroscopy.

In GERD, which structure malfunctions to allow reflux?

Lower esophageal sphincter.

Dietary teaching for GERD includes what two key points?

Low-fat, high-protein meals and no lying flat after eating.

Which virus causes AIDS?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

What screening and confirmatory tests are used for HIV?

ELISA for screening; Western Blot to confirm.

Which lymphocyte is destroyed by HIV, and why is its count monitored?

CD4 (T-helper) cells; a falling count shows immune damage—<200 cells/mm³ signals AIDS and risk for opportunistic infection.

Name four common opportunistic infections in AIDS.

Oral candidiasis, Kaposi’s sarcoma, Pneumocystis pneumonia, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis.

What medication is prototype therapy for HIV?

Zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir).

Define Acute Renal Failure (ARF).

Sudden inability of kidneys to excrete toxins and regulate fluid/electrolytes.

List the three phases of ARF in order.

Oliguric phase, diuretic phase, recovery phase.

During the oliguric phase of ARF, what urine output and electrolyte changes occur?

Urine <400 mL/day; hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, ↑BUN/creatinine, fluid overload.

Best diet for ARF clients?

High-carbohydrate, low-protein.

Clients allergic to latex often react to which foods?

Bananas, kiwi, chestnuts.

Which food allergy contraindicates IV contrast dye?

Iodine/shellfish allergy.

After an above-knee amputation, how should the limb be positioned post-op?

Elevate stump for first 24 h, then prone twice daily to prevent hip flexion contracture.

Define an aneurysm.

Localized dilation at a weakened arterial wall segment.

Key teaching to prevent aneurysm rupture includes avoiding what activities?

Straining, heavy lifting, or exertion; maintain strict BP control.

Primary symptom of anorexia nervosa and a major cardiac risk?

Self-starvation; risk of arrhythmias from electrolyte loss.

Classic location of tenderness in appendicitis?

McBurney’s point (right lower quadrant).

Before drawing an ABG, which circulation test is done?

Allen’s test.

First drug to give during acute asthma attack—bronchodilator or steroid?

Bronchodilator first, then steroid.

List the six inhaler steps for a metered-dose inhaler (MDI).

Shake, remove cap, exhale, place in mouth, inhale slowly while pressing canister, hold breath 10 s then exhale.

Autonomic dysreflexia occurs in spinal injuries at or above which level, and why is it dangerous?

T5; causes life-threatening hypertension triggered by noxious stimuli like full bladder.

First nursing action during autonomic dysreflexia episode?

Place client in high Fowler’s position.

Bell’s palsy affects which cranial nerve and produces what symptom?

Cranial nerve VII; temporary unilateral facial paralysis.

Typical surgical treatment for BPH?

Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP).

Purpose of continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) after TURP?

Prevent and flush out blood clots; urine should be light pink.

Universal donor blood type?

O negative.

Before starting a blood transfusion, how many nurses verify the unit and what gauge IV is required?

Two nurses; 18-gauge needle with filter.

Hold antihypertensive medication if systolic BP is below ___ or HR below ___.

Systolic <100 mm Hg or HR <60 bpm.

ACE inhibitors end with what suffix and may cause which serious adverse effect?

“-pril”; angioedema with swelling of lips/mouth and persistent cough.

Best diet pattern for hypertension according to DASH?

Low-sodium, low-fat; rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains.

Breast-feeding releases which two hormones and commonly causes what maternal sensation?

Prolactin and oxytocin; abdominal cramps during feeding.

Main teaching for Buerger’s disease?

Stop all tobacco use; keep extremities warm; reduce stress.

Definition of bulimia nervosa behavior cycle.

Recurrent binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, laxatives, etc.).

Rule of Nines percent for an entire adult arm?

9% (front + back).

Parkland formula for burn fluid resuscitation?

4 mL LR × body weight (kg) × %TBSA burn; give half in first 8 h.

Most dangerous radiation type and key precaution?

Sealed internal implant; all body fluids radioactive, use lead container if implant dislodges.

Critical neutropenic precautions include avoiding what foods and items?

No raw foods, fresh plants, or standing water; strict handwashing.

After cataract surgery, how should client sleep and what activities avoid?

Sleep on unaffected side or back; no coughing, sneezing, bending, lifting >5 lb.

Celiac disease requires elimination of which grains mnemonic BROW?

Barley, Rye, Oats, Wheat (gluten sources).

Triad of increased ICP Cushing’s triad?

Widening pulse pressure, bradycardia, irregular/Cheyne-Stokes respirations.

Ear medication administration difference adult vs child pinna?

Adult: pull pinna up & back; Child: pull pinna down & back.

Hypotonic IV fluid example and primary risk?

0.45% NaCl; rapid shift into cells can cause cerebral edema.

Lead poisoning initial chelation given by which route?

Multiple IM injections of chelating agent (e.g., EDTA).

First signs of digoxin toxicity?

Seeing yellow/green halos, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain.

Hold digoxin if adult HR is below what rate?

Below 60 bpm.

Loop diuretics like furosemide waste which electrolyte and are contraindicated with which allergy?

Potassium; contraindicated in sulfa allergy.

Sterile gown is considered sterile between which body areas?

From chest to waist, sleeves from cuffs to 2 in above elbows.

Tardive dyskinesia is adverse effect of which drug class and treated with which medication?

Typical antipsychotics; treat with anti-Parkinson agent (benztropine).

Main complication when TPN is abruptly stopped and prevention?

Rebound hypoglycemia; always taper rate, use 10% dextrose if bag unavailable.

For tracheostomy suctioning, should suction be applied during catheter insertion?

No; apply suction only while withdrawing catheter.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome can be caused by which antibiotic combo?

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim).

Standard TB medication acronym STRIPE—list agents.

Streptomycin, Rifampin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol.

Ulcerative colitis stools are characteristically what?

Bloody diarrhea up to 20 stools/day.

Fat-soluble vitamins and the one essential for clotting?

A, D, E, K; Vitamin K critical for blood clotting.

Normal adult potassium level range?

3.5 – 5.1 mEq/L.

Key side effect triad (ABCDs) of many anticholinergic or psych medications?

Altered vitals, Blurred vision, Constipation/Confusion, Dry mouth/Dizziness, Sedation.

Rule for mixing regular and NPH insulin in one syringe.

Draw up clear (regular) before cloudy (NPH).

Parkinson’s disease classic triad of motor symptoms?

Bradykinesia, resting tremor, muscle rigidity.

ACE inhibitor cough vs angioedema—which is more immediately life-threatening?

Angioedema (airway obstruction risk).

Dangerous side effect of clozapine requiring WBC monitoring?

Agranulocytosis.