🎓 About This Guide: This comprehensive NCLEX study guide was created by our team of certified nursing educators with 95%+ pass rate experience. Covering all major NCLEX content areas with mnemonics, tips, and strategies.
Top NCLEX Test-Taking Strategies
The "Eliminate & Prioritize" Method
- Always eliminate obviously wrong answers first — reduces guessing to 50/50
- When two answers seem correct, choose the one that addresses SAFETY first
- AIRWAY always comes before Breathing which comes before Circulation (ABC)
- Maslow's Hierarchy: Physiological needs before psychological needs
- Never select an answer that delays care — address the problem NOW
- When in doubt, assess BEFORE implementing any intervention
💡 The 75Q Secret: NCLEX adapts to your level. Passing at 75 questions means you consistently answered at or above the passing standard. Focus on quality over quantity!
Essential Nursing Mnemonics
ADPIE — The Nursing Process
Assessment → Diagnosis → Planning → Implementation → Evaluation
Always follow this order. Assessment ALWAYS comes first on NCLEX!
SATA Questions — Select All That Apply Tips
Treat each option as a TRUE or FALSE question independently. Don't look for patterns. Each choice stands alone.
Priority Setting — Who Do You See First?
ACUTE > Chronic | UNSTABLE > Stable | LIFE-THREATENING > Non-life-threatening
Always prioritize the patient who is MOST unstable or at highest risk.
Pharmacology Quick Reference
Common Drug Classes & Key Points
- Beta-blockers (-olol): Monitor HR and BP. Don't abruptly stop. Contraindicated in asthma.
- ACE Inhibitors (-pril): Monitor for dry cough & hyperkalemia. Check K+ levels.
- Diuretics (Lasix): Monitor electrolytes (K+), I&O, daily weight.
- Digoxin: Therapeutic range 0.5–2.0. Monitor pulse (hold if <60). Watch for toxicity (nausea, yellow halos).
- Warfarin: Antidote = Vitamin K. Monitor PT/INR. Therapeutic INR = 2–3.
- Heparin: Antidote = Protamine sulfate. Monitor PTT/aPTT. Therapeutic 1.5–2.5x control.
- Insulin: Regular = IV only. NPH = cloudy. Never shake. Store opened vials at room temp.
- Lithium: Therapeutic 0.6–1.2. Monitor Na+ intake. Signs of toxicity: tremors, ataxia, confusion.
Critical Lab Values to Know
Normal Lab Value Ranges
- Sodium (Na+): 136–145 mEq/L
- Potassium (K+): 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
- Glucose (fasting): 70–110 mg/dL
- BUN: 8–20 mg/dL
- Creatinine: 0.6–1.2 mg/dL
- Hemoglobin (male): 13.5–17.5 g/dL
- Hemoglobin (female): 12–16 g/dL
- WBC: 4,500–10,000/mcL
- Platelets: 150,000–400,000/mcL
- INR (normal): 0.8–1.2 | Therapeutic: 2–3
- pH (arterial): 7.35–7.45
- PaO2: 80–100 mmHg
- PaCO2: 35–45 mmHg
Academic Writing Tips
APA Format Quick Reference (7th Edition)
- 12-pt Times New Roman or 11-pt Calibri font
- 1-inch margins on all sides
- Double-space throughout the paper
- In-text citation: (Author, Year, p. #) for direct quotes
- Reference list: hanging indent, alphabetical order
- Running head only required for professional papers
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