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How Hard is the NCLEX Exam?

How Hard is the NCLEX Exam?

Is it really hard? This maybe the question that you have in your mind right now, as you prepare for the NCLEX EXAM. But before we actually dig deeper into that question, let’s take a look at the statistics. 74.84% of all NCLEX RN  Examiner between January and June of 2017 PASSED. It means only 1 out  of 4 Nurses failed the exam. So don’t freak out, you have a high chance of passing. Here’s another stat, 88.4% of EXAMINER who were educated in the US passed during the same period. It means 9 out 10 passed the NCLEX RN. That’s a great feeling of relief indeed. But the thing is everyone has a different definition of “Hard” and “EASY”. So let’s go back to the question, HOW HARD IS THE NCLEX EXAM? The Answer is HARD, but not impossible. Nursing is a big profession. The Health Resources Services Administration reports that 3.1 million nurses are currently licensed in the U.S. Nursing school has given you a great foundation for NCLEX success.  All the things you have learned althroughout nursing program has built a wide range of knowledge that will help you provide safe nursing care. You will be asked questions that require you to use this knowledge and analyze patient situations and complex information as a way to demonstrate your ability to meet the competency standards of a new, entry level nurse. Being familiar with what you have learned during the whole nursing program and how the test works will go a long way in helping you prepare. One of the unique things about NCLEX is the use... read more
Nursing Topics to REVIEW for NCLEX RN Examination

Nursing Topics to REVIEW for NCLEX RN Examination

Make sure to study all the topics below to be able to pass the NCLEX RN EXAM: BASIC CONCEPTS: Definition, Scope and Roles of Nursing Profession Nursing Process Nursing Theory and Theorists Physical Assessment Diagnostic Procedures Therapeutic Procedures Drug Interactions Stress and Crisis Models of Grief and Dying Immunity and Immunization Schedule Nutrition: Nutrients, Functions and Sources MENTAL HEALTH NURSING Mental Health Concepts Structure of the Personality Defense Mechanisms Psychosocial Assessment Theories of Human Development (Freud, Erikson, Sullivan, Kohlberg, Piaget) Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Therapeutic Nursing Process and Communication Mental Health Pharmacology Anxiety Depression Bipolar Disorder and Suicide Schizophrenia Personality Disorders Substance Related Disorders Alcoholism Cognitive Disorders (Dementia and Delirium) Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa) Paraphilias Psychosexual Disorders MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NURSING Menstrual Cycle Pregnancy (Presumptive,Probable, Positive Signs) Maternal Physiology during Pregnancy Fetal Development Fetal Circulation Expected Date of Confinement Leopold’s Maneuver Prepared Childbirth Factors Affecting Labor and Delivery False and True Signs of Labor (Progress and Stages) Danger Signs of Pregnancy Obstetrical Conditions Ectopic Pregnancy Hyaditiforn Mole Hyperemesis Gravidarum Placenta Previa Premature Labor Abruptio Placenta PROM PIH GDM TORCH Infection Newborn Care Norman Newborn APGAR Scoring Child Development Mental Retardation Screening Behavior Inventory Mnemonics for weigh and height Patterns of Behavior Breastfeeding and Milk Formula Pediatric Drug Calculations Physical Development Anomalies Congenital Heart Disease Leukemia Hemophilia Cystic Fibrosis Hirsprung’s Disease Family Planning Methods MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING Perioperative Nursing Pre Operative Care Surgical Asepsis Anesthesia Medications Post Operative Care Decubitus Ulcer Fluid and Electrolytes Pain Myocardial Infarction Versus Angina Congestive Heart Failure Hypertension and Peripheral Vascular Disease Anemia and Hypovolemic Shock Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Bronchitis... read more
NCLEX RN Quick Review Sheet

NCLEX RN Quick Review Sheet

This NCLEX RN cram sheet contains the distilled, key facts about the NCLEX licensure exam. Review all this information just before you enter the testing center, paying special attention to those areas where you feel you need the most review. You can transfer any of these facts from your head onto a blank sheet provided by the testing center. We also recommend reading the glossary as a last-minute cram tool before entering the testing center. DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY... read more
NCLEX-PN Quick Tips

NCLEX-PN Quick Tips

Left is the lungs – Right is the rest Cushing’s Response = widening pulse pressure Hypersensitivity to iodine can range from a local reaction (hives, itching) to a systemic reaction (widening pulse pressure, increased systolic BP and decreased pulse) Babinski’s Response/Reflex = dorsiflexion of great toe when soles of feet are stimulated Normal Specific Gravity = 1.010 – 1.030 (think of it in terms of time – 10:10-10:30) ”Comma, Comma, And Rule” => all parts of an answer choice MUST be correct or it’s not correct at all A decrease in alertness or mental function may be an early indication of decreasing O2 levels => manifestation of hypoxia 3 ”P” of Diabetes: o Polydipsia (excessive thirst) o Polyuria (excessive production of urine) o Polyphagia (excessive hunger) Hypersensitivity to iodine can range from a local reaction (hives, itching) to a systemic reaction (bronchial constriction, decreased BP MRI – the magnet used can damage tissues if any metal is present – can cause the metal to heat up as it absorbs the energy Tip – Always attempt to solve the ”root” cause Tip – A mix forces you to go back to the stem of the question to validate your hunch of what’s really going on -> do you need another assessment to clarify something or are you free to just move on an implement Tip – Your goal is to logically, methodically work your way through the question to eliminate as many answers as possible until you get to the legitimate, correct one The 4 ”G’s” – will decrease platelet aggregation o Ginkgo o Ginger o Garlic o Ginseng Tip... read more
Gestational Hypertensive Disorders

Gestational Hypertensive Disorders

Pregnancy Induced hypertension or PIH Mom is not hypertensive before pregnancy Hypertension and other symptoms that occur due to pregnancy Disappear with birth of fetus and placenta High risk factors Chronic renal disease Chronic hypertension Family history Primagravidas (a woman who is pregnant for the 1st time) Twins Mom <19 and >40 Diabetes Rh incompatibility Obesity Hydatidiform mole Pathophysiology Can progress from mild to severe Aterial venospasms decrease diameter of blood flow, which results in: Decreased blood flow Increased BP Classifications Transcient Hypertension Preeclampsia Mild severe Eclampsia HELLP syndrome Transcient Hypertension BP > 140/90 Develops during pregnancy No proteinuria No edema (other than “normal” places like ankles) BP returns to normal by 10th day postpartum Mild Preeclampsia BP > 140/90 x 2 at least 4-6 hours apart Weight gain (due to 3rd spacing) +2 pounds/wk in 2nd trimester, or +1 pound/wk in 3rd trimester, or sudden weight gain of 4 pounds/week anytime Norms – 1st trimester: 1 lb/month 2nd and 3rd trimester: 1 lb/week Dependant edema Eyes, face, fingers (above the waist) Proteinuria Urine output > 30ml/hr Nursing care for Mild Preeclampsia Patient at home Bedrest (with BR privileges); side-lying position Mom and family will be taught to monitor: Daily weight Urine dipstick BP Fetal movements Diet: Regular with no salt restrictions If symptoms progress to severe Preeclampsia à Hospital! Severe Preeclampsia Presence of any of the following in a woman diagnosed with Preeclampsia: BP > 160/110 (x2) 4-6 hours apart Proteinuria > 2+ dipstick x2 4 hrs apart Urine output < 500ml/24 hr Pulmonary edema (Crackles heard in lungs) Cerebral changes Headache (Tylenol will not alleviate) visual changes... read more
Antiplatelet Medication Cheat Sheet

Antiplatelet Medication Cheat Sheet

An antiplatelet drug (antiaggregant) is a member of a class of pharmaceuticals that decrease platelet aggregation and inhibit thrombus formation. They are effective in the arterial circulation, where anticoagulants have little effect. They are widely used in primary and secondary prevention of thrombotic cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease. Antiplatelet drug decreases the ability of blood clot to form by interfering with platelet activation process in primary haemostasis. Antiplatelet drugs can reversibly or irreversibly inhibit the process involved in platelet activation resulting in decreased tendency of platelets to adhere to one another and to damaged blood vessels... read more
Laboratory Values Cheat Sheet by Justin

Laboratory Values Cheat Sheet by Justin

Laboratory values with brief description on what it does. It is of utmost importance that nurses are knowledgeable about the different procedures and their values and results to make informed clinical... read more

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