Are flashcards effective for the NCLEX-RN exam?

Yes. Flashcards use active recall — retrieving an answer from memory — which research shows is one of the most effective ways to make information stick, especially in short sessions spread over several days.

What topics do the NCLEX-RN flashcards cover?

All eight NCSBN subcategories: Management of Care, Safety and Infection Prevention and Control, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, Basic Care and Comfort, Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies, Reduction of Risk Potential, and Physiological Adaptation, plus exam logistics and clinical judgment.

Do these flashcards reflect the RN scope of practice?

Yes. Every card is written to the RN scope the NCLEX-RN actually tests — assessment, care planning, initial teaching, evaluation, triage, delegation to LPNs and UAP, and the care of unstable clients.

How should I study with these flashcards?

Mix the modes: flip to learn, type to test recall, match for speed, and quiz to check yourself. Spend the most time on Physiological Integrity (about 51%) and Management of Care (15–21%) — together they are the bulk of the exam.

Are the NCLEX-RN flashcards free?

Yes — 100% free, all four study modes, no paywall and no sign-up.

Airway, Breathing, Circulation — the first prioritization framework; airway always comes first.

Certifying body of the NCLEX-RN

NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing).

NCLEX-RN delivery method

Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) via Pearson VUE.

Current NCLEX-RN passing standard

0.00 logits (no fixed % correct); upheld through March 31, 2029.

Pretest items per exam

15 unscored items, indistinguishable from scored items.

6 items per case study; 3 case studies (18 items) per exam.

Recognize cues → Analyze cues → Prioritize hypotheses → Generate solutions → Take action → Evaluate outcomes.

Drag tokens into Actions to take | Condition/complication | Parameters to monitor.

45 test-free days between attempts; up to 8 attempts per year.

USD 200 (paid to Pearson VUE; non-refundable; verify current).

Maximum-length exam rule

If ability hovers at the standard, the exam runs to 150 items, then the final ability estimate alone decides pass/fail.

Run-out-of-time (R.O.O.T.) rule

Fewer than 85 items answered = fail; 85+ answered = scored on the final ability estimate.

Why exam length doesn't predict result

A candidate can pass or fail at 85 items or at 150 — length reflects how quickly ability is estimated, not performance.

The largest RN subcategory (15-21%): prioritization, delegation, scope, ethics, advocacy, care coordination.

Why 'Management of Care' (RN), not 'Coordinated Care' (PN)

The RN plan names Category 1 'Management of Care'; the PN plan calls it 'Coordinated Care' — the RN directs and manages care.

First priority framework

ABCs: Airway → Breathing → Circulation (then Disability/neuro).

When ABCs are equal, prioritize by

Maslow: physiologic > safety > love/belonging > esteem > self-actualization.

See the most unstable/acute client or the one with an airway or breathing threat first.

Acute vs chronic priority

Acute, unstable, or unexpected findings take priority over chronic, stable, or expected ones.

Actual vs potential problem

Actual problems generally come before potential/at-risk problems, unless airway or safety is threatened.

5 Rights of Delegation

Right task, right circumstance, right person, right direction/communication, right supervision/evaluation.

Assessment, initial teaching, evaluation, care planning, triage, IV-push meds, initiating blood/TPN, unstable clients.

LPN/LVN scope (what RN may delegate to LPN)

Stable clients, reinforcing teaching, most PO/IM/SubQ meds, routine dressing changes, monitoring, focused data collection.

ADLs, bathing, feeding (stable, no aspiration risk), ambulation, vital signs on stable clients, I&O, positioning.

Never delegate to UAP

Assessment, teaching, evaluation, nursing judgment, or the care of an unstable client.

Delegation accountability

The delegating RN retains accountability for the outcome even after delegating the task.

Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation — a structured handoff/communication format.

Informed consent — nurse's role

Witness the signature and confirm understanding; the provider explains the procedure, risks, and alternatives and obtains consent.

A competent adult, an emancipated minor, or a legal guardian/health-care power of attorney.

Nursing process (ADPIE)

Assessment, Diagnosis (analysis), Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.

Emergent (life threat) first, then urgent, then non-urgent — the RN performs triage; the LPN does not.

Coordinate care across the team to achieve quality outcomes cost-effectively.

Safe admission, transfer, discharge, referral, and follow-up with accurate handoff.

Acting in the client's best interest and supporting client rights and informed decision-making.

Questioning an unsafe order

Clarify any unclear, incomplete, or unsafe order with the prescriber before carrying it out; never act on an order you believe is wrong.

The client's right to make their own health-care decisions.

Acting to do good for the client.

Fair, equal, and equitable treatment of clients.

Keeping promises and commitments to the client.

Negligence vs malpractice

Malpractice is professional negligence; it requires duty, breach, causation, and damages.

Report abuse/neglect, certain communicable diseases, and gunshot/stab wounds — suspicion is enough, proof is not required.

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NCLEX-RN Flashcards

ABCs: Airway, Breathing, Circulation — the first prioritization framework; airway always comes first.
Certifying body of the NCLEX-RN: NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing).
NCLEX-RN delivery method: Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) via Pearson VUE.
Minimum / maximum NCLEX-RN items: 85 minimum / 150 maximum.
NCLEX-RN time limit: 5 hours (includes all breaks).
Current NCLEX-RN passing standard: 0.00 logits (no fixed % correct); upheld through March 31, 2029.
Pretest items per exam: 15 unscored items, indistinguishable from scored items.
NGN case study: 6 items per case study; 3 case studies (18 items) per exam.
NCJMM 6 steps: Recognize cues → Analyze cues → Prioritize hypotheses → Generate solutions → Take action → Evaluate outcomes.
Bow-tie item: Drag tokens into Actions to take | Condition/complication | Parameters to monitor.
NCLEX retake rule: 45 test-free days between attempts; up to 8 attempts per year.
Registration fee: USD 200 (paid to Pearson VUE; non-refundable; verify current).
Maximum-length exam rule: If ability hovers at the standard, the exam runs to 150 items, then the final ability estimate alone decides pass/fail.
Run-out-of-time (R.O.O.T.) rule: Fewer than 85 items answered = fail; 85+ answered = scored on the final ability estimate.
Why exam length doesn't predict result: A candidate can pass or fail at 85 items or at 150 — length reflects how quickly ability is estimated, not performance.
Management of Care: The largest RN subcategory (15-21%): prioritization, delegation, scope, ethics, advocacy, care coordination.
Why 'Management of Care' (RN), not 'Coordinated Care' (PN): The RN plan names Category 1 'Management of Care'; the PN plan calls it 'Coordinated Care' — the RN directs and manages care.
First priority framework: ABCs: Airway → Breathing → Circulation (then Disability/neuro).
When ABCs are equal, prioritize by: Maslow: physiologic > safety > love/belonging > esteem > self-actualization.
'Assess first' rule: See the most unstable/acute client or the one with an airway or breathing threat first.
Acute vs chronic priority: Acute, unstable, or unexpected findings take priority over chronic, stable, or expected ones.
Actual vs potential problem: Actual problems generally come before potential/at-risk problems, unless airway or safety is threatened.
5 Rights of Delegation: Right task, right circumstance, right person, right direction/communication, right supervision/evaluation.
RN-only tasks: Assessment, initial teaching, evaluation, care planning, triage, IV-push meds, initiating blood/TPN, unstable clients.
LPN/LVN scope (what RN may delegate to LPN): Stable clients, reinforcing teaching, most PO/IM/SubQ meds, routine dressing changes, monitoring, focused data collection.
UAP scope: ADLs, bathing, feeding (stable, no aspiration risk), ambulation, vital signs on stable clients, I&O, positioning.
Never delegate to UAP: Assessment, teaching, evaluation, nursing judgment, or the care of an unstable client.
Delegation accountability: The delegating RN retains accountability for the outcome even after delegating the task.
SBAR: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation — a structured handoff/communication format.
Informed consent — nurse's role: Witness the signature and confirm understanding; the provider explains the procedure, risks, and alternatives and obtains consent.
Who can give consent: A competent adult, an emancipated minor, or a legal guardian/health-care power of attorney.
Nursing process (ADPIE): Assessment, Diagnosis (analysis), Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.
Triage in the ED: Emergent (life threat) first, then urgent, then non-urgent — the RN performs triage; the LPN does not.
Case management goal: Coordinate care across the team to achieve quality outcomes cost-effectively.
Continuity of care: Safe admission, transfer, discharge, referral, and follow-up with accurate handoff.
Advocacy: Acting in the client's best interest and supporting client rights and informed decision-making.
Questioning an unsafe order: Clarify any unclear, incomplete, or unsafe order with the prescriber before carrying it out; never act on an order you believe is wrong.
Autonomy: The client's right to make their own health-care decisions.
Beneficence: Acting to do good for the client.
Nonmaleficence: 'Do no harm.'
Justice: Fair, equal, and equitable treatment of clients.
Fidelity: Keeping promises and commitments to the client.
Veracity: Truthfulness with the client.
Negligence vs malpractice: Malpractice is professional negligence; it requires duty, breach, causation, and damages.
Mandatory reporting: Report abuse/neglect, certain communicable diseases, and gunshot/stab wounds — suspicion is enough, proof is not required.
Advance directive types: Living will, durable power of attorney for health care, and DNR orders.
HIPAA: Protects the confidentiality of a client's health information; disclose only on a need-to-know basis.
Incident/occurrence report: Documents an error or near-miss; kept separate from the chart, and the chart never notes that one was filed.
Standard precautions: Used for ALL clients at all times; hand hygiene plus PPE for anticipated body-fluid exposure.
Hand hygiene: The single most important measure to prevent infection.
Contact precautions: Gown + gloves; e.g., MRSA, VRE, C. difficile, RSV, scabies, draining wounds.
C. difficile hand hygiene: Soap and water (alcohol does NOT kill spores); clean with bleach.
Droplet precautions: Surgical mask within ~6 ft, private room; e.g., influenza, pertussis, meningococcus, mumps, rubella, group A strep.
Airborne precautions: N95/fit-tested respirator + negative-pressure (AIIR) room, door closed.
Airborne diseases ('My Chicken Hez TB'): Measles (rubeola), Chickenpox/varicella, disseminated Herpes zoster, and Tuberculosis.
Neutropenic/protective precautions: For the immunocompromised; private room, no fresh flowers or raw produce, screen out ill visitors.
PPE donning order: Gown → mask/respirator → goggles/face shield → gloves (last, over cuffs).
PPE removal (doffing) order: Gloves → goggles/face shield → gown → mask/respirator, then hand hygiene last.
Two client identifiers: Name plus date of birth or medical record number — never the room number.
Restraints: Least restrictive option, provider order required (not PRN), time-limited, frequent monitoring; document alternatives tried.
Fire response (RACE): Rescue, Alarm, Confine (close doors), Extinguish/Evacuate.
Fire extinguisher (PASS): Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze, Sweep.
Disaster triage colors: Red = immediate, Yellow = delayed, Green = minor/walking, Black = expectant/deceased.
Seizure precautions: Padded rails, suction and oxygen at bedside, side-lying; do NOT restrain or put anything in the mouth.
Oxygen safety: No smoking, open flame, or sparks; post signage and secure cylinders upright.
Latex allergy: Identify and band the client; avoid all latex products.
Correct-site/surgery safety: Use a pre-procedure checklist and time-out with two identifiers to prevent wrong-site or wrong-client errors.
Ergonomics / safe lifting: Use proper body mechanics and mechanical lifts to prevent staff and client injury.
Health Promotion & Maintenance: 6-12% of the exam; growth/development, screening, prevention, prenatal/postpartum, and teaching across the lifespan.
Primary prevention: Stops disease before it occurs — immunizations, education, seat belts, healthy diet.
Secondary prevention: Detects disease early through screening — blood pressure, mammogram, Pap, glucose, newborn screen.
Tertiary prevention: Limits disability after disease — rehabilitation, cardiac rehab, support groups.
Live vaccine contraindication: Pregnancy and immunocompromised clients (MMR, varicella, intranasal flu, rotavirus) — hold and notify the provider.
Erikson — Infant (0-1 yr): Trust vs. Mistrust.
Erikson — Toddler (1-3): Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt.
Erikson — Preschool (3-6): Initiative vs. Guilt.
Erikson — School-age (6-12): Industry vs. Inferiority.
Erikson — Adolescent (12-18): Identity vs. Role Confusion.
Erikson — Young adult: Intimacy vs. Isolation.
Erikson — Middle adult: Generativity vs. Stagnation.
Erikson — Older adult: Ego Integrity vs. Despair.
Play — toddler: Parallel play.
Play — preschool: Associative play.
Play — school-age: Cooperative play.
Naegele's rule: First day of LMP - 3 months + 7 days + 1 year = estimated date of delivery.
GTPAL: Gravida, Term, Preterm, Abortions, Living children.
APGAR: Scored 0-10 at 1 and 5 minutes: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex, color; 7-10 reassuring.
Normal newborn heart rate: 110-160 bpm.
Newborn reflexes: Moro, rooting, sucking, Babinski, tonic neck.
Postpartum assessment (BUBBLE-HE): Breasts, Uterus, Bladder, Bowel, Lochia, Episiotomy, Homans/extremities, Emotions.
Lochia progression: Rubra (red) → serosa (pink-brown) → alba (white-yellow).
Postpartum hemorrhage #1 cause: Uterine atony; first action is fundal massage.
Teach-back: Confirm understanding by having the client explain or demonstrate in their own words.
Barriers to learning: Language, literacy, sensory deficits, pain, anxiety, developmental level, and cultural beliefs.
Acute confusion in an elder: NOT normal aging — investigate infection, dehydration, hypoxia, or medications.
Developmental milestones: Social smile ~2 mo; sits unsupported ~6-8 mo; walks ~12-15 mo; anterior fontanel closes ~12-18 mo.
Targeted screenings: Vision, nutrition, and depression screening matched to the client's age and risk.
Psychosocial Integrity: 6-12% of the exam; therapeutic communication, coping, mental illness, abuse, substance use, grief.
Therapeutic communication: Open-ended questions, reflection, silence, clarifying — keep the client talking and address feelings first.
Non-therapeutic responses: False reassurance, giving advice, 'why' questions, and changing the subject.
Suicide risk — highest point: When depression begins to lift and energy returns (the client can now act on a plan).
Suicide precaution priority: Ask directly about a plan and means; ensure safety, remove means, use 1:1 observation.
Schizophrenia — positive symptoms: Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech (added behaviors).
Schizophrenia — negative symptoms: Flat affect, anhedonia, social withdrawal (lost behaviors).
Hallucination response: Acknowledge the feeling and present reality calmly: 'I don't hear the voices, but you seem frightened.'
Delusion response: Do not argue with or reinforce it; focus on the underlying feeling and reality.
Mania nursing care: Decrease stimulation, provide high-calorie finger foods, set firm consistent limits.
Alcohol withdrawal: Tremors, tachycardia, seizures; delirium tremens at 48-72 hr can be fatal.
Wernicke's encephalopathy: Thiamine (B1) deficiency in alcoholism; give thiamine.
Defense mechanism — denial: Refusing to accept a painful reality.
Defense mechanism — projection: Attributing one's own unacceptable feelings to another person.
Defense mechanism — displacement: Redirecting feelings from the real target to a safer one.
Defense mechanism — regression: Reverting to behavior from an earlier developmental stage under stress.
Kübler-Ross stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance (not linear).
The 3 Ds: Dementia (gradual, irreversible), Delirium (acute, reversible), Depression (mood).
Delirium priority: Identify and treat the underlying acute, reversible cause.
Crisis intervention: Short-term and focused on the immediate problem and safety.
De-escalation: Calm voice, personal space, offer choices, set firm limits; restraints are a last resort.
Panic-level anxiety: Stay with the client, never leave them alone, use short simple sentences, reduce stimuli.
End-of-life care: Manage comfort, honor advance directives, support the family, and allow expression of grief.
Cultural & spiritual care: Plan care around self-reported beliefs and preferences within the standard of care.
Abuse/neglect: Assess and report suspected abuse; the nurse is a mandatory reporter and does not need proof.
Basic Care & Comfort: 6-12% of the exam; ADLs, nutrition, elimination, mobility, rest, comfort, and nonpharmacologic relief.
Pain — 5th vital sign: Believe the client's self-report; pain is what the client says it is; reassess after intervention.
Aspiration precautions: Sit upright 90 degrees, chin tuck, thickened liquids, small bites.
Tube-feeding aspiration prevention: Keep the head of the bed at 30-45 degrees; verify placement and check residual per policy.
Clear liquid diet: Broth, gelatin, apple juice, popsicles — nothing with milk or pulp.
Cane use: Hold on the stronger (unaffected) side; advance the cane with the weaker leg.
Crutch gait on stairs: 'Up with the good, down with the bad.'
Walker use: Move the walker first, then step into it.
Pressure injury prevention: Reposition every 2 hours, offload bony prominences, optimize nutrition and moisture control.
Normal ostomy stoma: Pink/red and moist; report a dusky or purple stoma immediately.
Postmortem care: Provide dignity and follow the client's cultural and spiritual preferences.
Nonpharmacologic comfort: Repositioning, heat/cold, imagery, music, distraction, and relaxation.
Sleep and rest: Promote routine, limit caffeine and naps, and cluster care to reduce nighttime interruptions.
Range of motion / mobility: Early mobilization and ROM prevent contractures, VTE, and deconditioning.
Intake & output (I&O): Track all fluids in and out; daily weight is the best indicator of fluid status (1 kg ~ 1 L).
Pharmacological & Parenteral Therapies: 13-19% of the exam — the largest RN subcategory after Management of Care; meds, IV therapy, and high-alert drugs.
6 rights of medication administration: Right patient, drug, dose, route, time, and documentation.
High-alert medications: Insulin, anticoagulants, opioids, and concentrated electrolytes — require an independent double-check.
Heparin lab & antidote: Monitor aPTT; antidote is protamine sulfate.
Warfarin lab & antidote: Monitor PT/INR; antidote is vitamin K (phytonadione).
Warfarin diet: Keep vitamin K (green leafy vegetables) consistent — avoid large swings.
Opioid overdose antidote: Naloxone (Narcan).
Benzodiazepine antidote: Flumazenil.
Acetaminophen antidote: Acetylcysteine; max ~4 g/day; hepatotoxic in overdose.
Digoxin toxicity antidote: Digoxin immune Fab (Digibind).
Magnesium sulfate toxicity antidote: Calcium gluconate.
Iron overdose antidote: Deferoxamine.
Digoxin — hold parameters: Hold if adult apical HR < 60 bpm; check potassium (hypokalemia increases toxicity).
Digoxin toxicity signs: Anorexia, nausea/vomiting, yellow-green visual halos, bradycardia.
KCl IV rule: NEVER give potassium chloride IV push; always dilute and infuse via pump.
Insulin given IV: Only regular insulin may be given IV.
Rapid-acting insulin (lispro/aspart): Onset ~15 min; give with a meal.
Regular insulin: Onset 30-60 min; peak 2-4 hr.
NPH insulin: Intermediate-acting; peak ~4-12 hr; appears cloudy.
Mixing insulin: Draw up clear (regular) before cloudy (NPH).
Hypoglycemia treatment: Shaky, sweaty, confused; give 15 g fast carbohydrate (rule of 15); if unconscious, IV dextrose or glucagon.
Metformin & contrast: Hold before and after IV contrast due to lactic-acidosis risk.
ACE inhibitor (-pril): Dry cough, angioedema, hyperkalemia, first-dose hypotension.
Loop diuretic (furosemide): Monitor for hypokalemia and ototoxicity (don't push too fast).
Aminoglycosides (-mycin): Ototoxic and nephrotoxic; monitor peak and trough levels.
Vancomycin red man syndrome: Flushing from rapid infusion — slow the rate.
Lithium toxicity: Tremor, GI upset, confusion; maintain sodium and fluid intake; toxic > 1.5 mEq/L.
SSRI/SNRI risk: Serotonin syndrome — agitation, hyperthermia, clonus.
MAOI diet: Avoid tyramine (aged cheese, cured meats, wine) to prevent hypertensive crisis.
Antipsychotic NMS: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: hyperthermia, rigidity, autonomic instability — a medical emergency.
Tardive dyskinesia: Involuntary movements from long-term antipsychotics; may be irreversible.
Phenytoin: Therapeutic level 10-20 mcg/mL; causes gingival hyperplasia.
Corticosteroids: Do NOT stop abruptly (taper); monitor glucose, infection, and cushingoid effects.
Spironolactone: Potassium-sparing diuretic — watch for hyperkalemia.
Mannitol: Osmotic diuretic used to reduce intracranial pressure.
Injection angles: Intradermal 5-15 degrees, subcutaneous 45-90 degrees, intramuscular 90 degrees.
Heparin SubQ technique: Do not aspirate or massage the site.
Beta-blocker (-olol): Hold for low HR or BP; do not stop abruptly.
Statin (-statin): Monitor liver enzymes and for muscle pain (rhabdomyolysis).
Fluoroquinolone (-floxacin): Risk of tendon rupture.
Tetracycline (-cycline): Causes photosensitivity; avoid in children and pregnancy.
Blood transfusion — first step on reaction: STOP the transfusion and keep the line open with normal saline.
Isotonic fluids: 0.9% NS, lactated Ringer's, D5W (in the bag) — expand intravascular volume.
Hypotonic fluid: 0.45% NS — shifts fluid INTO cells.
Hypertonic fluid: 3% NS, D10W — pulls fluid OUT of cells; monitor for overload.
Medication reconciliation: Compare the client's full medication list at every transition of care to prevent errors.
Reduction of Risk Potential: 9-15% of the exam; vital-sign trends, diagnostics, labs, and preventing complications of conditions/procedures.
Sodium (Na+) normal: 135-145 mEq/L.
Potassium (K+) normal: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L.
Calcium (total) normal: 9.0-10.5 mg/dL.
Magnesium normal: 1.5-2.5 mEq/L.
Phosphorus normal: 3.0-4.5 mg/dL.
BUN normal: 10-20 mg/dL.
Creatinine normal: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL.
Fasting glucose normal: 70-110 mg/dL.
HbA1c: Good control < 7%; diabetes is diagnosed at >= 6.5%.
WBC normal: 5,000-10,000 /mm3.
Hemoglobin normal: Male 14-18, Female 12-16 g/dL.
Hematocrit normal: Male 42-52%, Female 37-47%.
Platelets normal: 150,000-400,000 /mm3.
INR normal vs therapeutic: Normal 0.8-1.1; therapeutic on warfarin 2.0-3.0 (up to 3.5 for mechanical valves).
aPTT: Normal 30-40 sec; therapeutic on heparin 1.5-2.5x control.
Troponin: < 0.04 ng/mL; elevation indicates myocardial infarction.
BNP: < 100 pg/mL; elevation indicates heart failure.
ABG pH: 7.35-7.45.
PaCO2: 35-45 mmHg.
HCO3 (bicarbonate): 22-26 mEq/L.
PaO2 / SpO2: PaO2 80-100 mmHg; oxygen saturation 95-100%.
Digoxin therapeutic level: 0.5-2.0 ng/mL.
Hyperkalemia ECG: Peaked T waves; risk of fatal dysrhythmia — a reportable emergency.
Hypokalemia ECG: Flat T waves and U waves; potentiates digoxin toxicity.
Hypercalcemia: 'Stones, bones, groans' — kidney stones, bone pain, weakness, constipation.
Hypocalcemia signs: Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs, tetany.
Hypermagnesemia: Loss of deep tendon reflexes and respiratory depression.
ROME: Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal — relates pH to CO2 vs HCO3 direction.
Before IV contrast — check: Renal function (creatinine), iodine/shellfish allergy, and hold metformin.
Moderate (conscious) sedation monitoring: Continuously monitor airway, oxygenation, vital signs, and level of consciousness.
Best indicator of fluid status: Daily weight (1 kg ~ 1 L).
Fluid volume deficit: Increased HR, decreased BP, poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes, high urine specific gravity.
Fluid volume overload: Edema, crackles, jugular venous distention, bounding pulse, weight gain.
Catheter (CAUTI) prevention: Sterile insertion, secure tubing below bladder level, remove as early as possible.
VTE prevention: Anti-embolism stockings, sequential compression devices, early ambulation, anticoagulation.
Pre-op care: Verify witnessed consent, NPO status, baseline vitals, and remove jewelry/dentures.
Post-op atelectasis prevention: Incentive spirometry, cough and deep breathe, early ambulation.
Physiological Adaptation: 11-17% of the exam; managing acute, chronic, and life-threatening conditions and emergencies.
MI components (MONA): Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Aspirin — assess and treat acute coronary syndrome.
Left-sided heart failure: Pulmonary congestion: crackles, dyspnea, orthopnea, frothy sputum.
Right-sided heart failure: Systemic congestion: jugular venous distention, peripheral edema, ascites, hepatomegaly.
Heart failure teaching: Daily weights — report a gain over 2-3 lb/day or 5 lb/week; low-sodium diet.
Nitroglycerin: Vasodilator for angina; may repeat every 5 min up to 3 doses; causes headache and hypotension.
Cushing's triad (increased ICP): Rising systolic BP with widening pulse pressure, bradycardia, irregular respirations.
Increased ICP positioning: Head of bed 30 degrees, head midline, avoid hip flexion and Valsalva.
DVT: Unilateral swelling, warmth, and pain; risk of PE; do not massage.
PE (pulmonary embolism): Sudden dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, hypoxia — an emergency.
Hypovolemic shock: Low BP, high HR, cool clammy skin; treat with fluids/blood.
Anaphylactic shock: Treat with epinephrine first (IM).
Neurogenic shock: Bradycardia + hypotension from loss of sympathetic tone (distinguishes it from other shock).
Sepsis priority: Early recognition; obtain cultures before antibiotics, give fluids, monitor lactate.
COPD oxygen caution: Give low-flow oxygen (1-3 L) to avoid suppressing the hypoxic drive.
Asthma rescue: Short-acting beta agonist (albuterol) first.
Suctioning rule: Apply suction only on withdrawal, <= 10-15 sec, and hyperoxygenate first.
Chest tube — continuous bubbling: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber means an air leak — investigate.
Chest tube falls out: Cover the site with a sterile occlusive dressing taped on three sides.
Tension pneumothorax: Tracheal deviation, absent breath sounds — needs emergency decompression.
Stroke (FAST): Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911.
Ischemic stroke tPA window: Within ~3-4.5 hr of symptom onset, after CT rules out hemorrhage.
Autonomic dysreflexia: Spinal-cord-injury emergency: severe HTN and pounding headache; sit the client UP and remove the trigger (often a full bladder).
Guillain-Barré priority: Ascending paralysis — monitor respiratory function closely.
DKA: Type 1: hyperglycemia, ketones, Kussmaul respirations, fruity breath, metabolic acidosis; give IV fluids first, then insulin, watch K+.
HHS: Type 2: very high glucose, no significant ketosis, severe dehydration.
Addisonian crisis: Shock from adrenal insufficiency; needs immediate hydrocortisone and fluids.
SIADH: Too much ADH: water retention, dilutional hyponatremia; restrict fluids.
Diabetes insipidus: Too little ADH: large volumes of dilute urine, hypernatremia, dehydration risk.
Hepatic encephalopathy: Elevated ammonia; treat with lactulose and a low-protein diet; watch for asterixis.
Bowel obstruction: Distension, vomiting, absent or high-pitched bowel sounds; NPO with NG decompression.
Peritonitis: Rigid, board-like abdomen with rebound tenderness — a surgical emergency.
Hemodialysis AV fistula care: Protect the arm — no BP, IV, or venipuncture; assess for thrill and bruit.
Hyperkalemia treatment: Calcium gluconate (cardioprotection), insulin + glucose, kayexalate, dialysis.
Compartment syndrome: Severe pain unrelieved by meds, paresthesia, pulselessness — an emergency.
Fat embolism: After a long-bone fracture: dyspnea, petechiae, confusion.
Hip-replacement precautions: No flexion beyond 90 degrees, no crossing legs, use an abduction pillow.
Pressure injury stages: Stage 1 non-blanchable redness; 2 partial-thickness; 3 fat visible; 4 muscle/bone; unstageable obscured by slough/eschar.
Burn priority: Assess airway first (inhalation injury); fluid resuscitation by the Parkland formula.
DIC: Simultaneous clotting and bleeding; low platelets, high PT/PTT, high D-dimer.
Neutropenia (ANC < 500): High infection risk; institute protective precautions.
Magnesium sulfate (OB): Prevents seizures in preeclampsia; toxicity = loss of DTRs and respiratory depression (antidote calcium gluconate).
FHR — late decelerations: Uteroplacental insufficiency — reposition, give oxygen, stop oxytocin.
VEAL CHOP: Variable=Cord compression, Early=Head compression, Accelerations=Okay, Late=Placental insufficiency.
Wound dehiscence/evisceration: Cover with sterile saline-soaked gauze, place in low Fowler's, and notify the surgeon.
Active TB meds (RIPE): Rifampin (orange fluids), Isoniazid (B6/neuropathy, hepatotoxic), Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol (vision).
Malignant hyperthermia: Anesthesia emergency: rapid temperature rise and muscle rigidity; give dantrolene.
Croup vs epiglottitis: Croup: barking cough, give cool mist. Epiglottitis: drooling and tripod position — do NOT examine the throat.
Sickle cell crisis: Hydration, oxygen, and pain management; avoid cold and dehydration triggers.
Highlight item (NGN): Click to highlight the relevant findings within a chart or medical record.
Cloze drop-down item (NGN): Select answers from in-text drop-down menus to complete sentences or tables.
Matrix/grid item (NGN): A grid of rows by columns; choose one (matrix multiple-choice) or several (matrix multiple-response) answers per row.
Trend item (NGN): Interpret data across multiple time points, such as serial vital signs or labs.
Partial-credit scoring: Many NGN multi-key items award partial credit (plus/minus, zero/one, or rationale scoring).
Adult assumption rule: If no age is stated, assume the client is an adult; cultural/spiritual beliefs are self-reported.
Integrated processes: Caring, clinical judgment, communication/documentation, culture/spirituality, nursing process, teaching/learning — woven through every category.
Aseptic (sterile) technique: Maintain a sterile field; once below the waist or out of sight it is contaminated; a 1-inch border is non-sterile.
Sharps safety: Do not recap needles; dispose of sharps in a puncture-resistant container.
Hand hygiene — when: Before and after client contact, before aseptic tasks, after body-fluid exposure, and after touching surroundings.
Error/near-miss reporting: Report and escalate errors, near-misses, and unsafe staff practice through the chain of command.
Newborn/infant security: Match ID bands, restrict unit access, and verify staff identity before releasing an infant.
Enteral feeding placement: Verify tube placement (pH/x-ray per policy) before each feeding or medication.
Pain scales: 0-10 numeric (adults), FACES (pediatric/nonverbal), FLACC (infants).
Complementary therapies: Know benefits and contraindications of therapies the client uses alongside conventional care.
Pancreatitis labs: Elevated amylase and lipase; severe epigastric pain radiating to the back.
Cholecystitis: RUQ pain, positive Murphy's sign, fatty-food intolerance.
Crohn's vs ulcerative colitis: Crohn's: whole GI tract, skip lesions, transmural. UC: continuous colon/rectum, bloody diarrhea.
Kidney stones: Severe flank pain and hematuria; strain the urine and increase fluids.
AKI vs CKD: Acute kidney injury is often reversible; chronic kidney disease is irreversible and progressive.
Peritoneal dialysis complication: Peritonitis — cloudy effluent is the key sign.
Hyperthyroidism (Graves'): Weight loss, tachycardia, heat intolerance, exophthalmos; thyroid storm is life-threatening.
Hypothyroidism: Fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, bradycardia; severe form is myxedema coma.
Addison's disease: Adrenal insufficiency: hypotension, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, bronze skin.
Cushing's syndrome: Excess cortisol: moon face, buffalo hump, truncal obesity, hyperglycemia.
Meningitis: Droplet precautions; nuchal rigidity, positive Kernig/Brudzinski signs; frequent neuro checks.
Parkinson's hallmark: Tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, shuffling gait.
Glasgow Coma Scale: Ranges from 3 (worst) to 15 (best).
Tumor lysis syndrome: Oncologic emergency: hyperkalemia, hyperuricemia, hyperphosphatemia.
Choking (conscious adult): Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver).
Anaphylaxis first drug: Epinephrine IM.
Pyloric stenosis: Projectile vomiting, olive-shaped mass, hungry again after vomiting.
Intussusception: 'Currant jelly' stools and a sausage-shaped abdominal mass.
Cystic fibrosis: Thick secretions; chest physiotherapy and pancreatic enzymes.
Dehydration in infants: Sunken fontanel, decreased urine output, poor skin turgor.
Lumbar puncture aftercare: Lie flat and increase fluids to prevent a post-dural-puncture (spinal) headache.
Lithium therapeutic level: 0.6-1.2 mEq/L; toxic above 1.5 mEq/L.
Vancomycin trough: 10-20 mcg/mL.
Ammonia: 15-45 mcg/dL; elevated in hepatic encephalopathy.
Albumin: 3.5-5.0 g/dL; low in malnutrition and liver disease.

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By Career EmployerUpdated Jun 18, 2026

300+ free NCLEX-RN flashcards — 4 ways to study

NCLEX-RN Flashcard of the Day

The classic card. Do you know this one?

Click Study Flashcards above to open the flashcard hub — hundreds of NCLEX-RN cards you can flip, match, type, or quiz yourself on. Every card is drawn from the NCSBN Client Needs categories and written to the RN scope, so you study exactly what the licensure exam tests.^[1] Pair them with our free practice questions and study guide.

NCLEX-RN Flashcard Study Modes

Most flashcard sites give you one thing: a card to flip. Ours has four modes so you can both learn the material and prove you know it — the difference between recognizing an answer and recalling it under pressure.

Flip (Study) — the classic card. Flip term ↔ definition, shuffle the deck, and mark each card “Got it” or “Still learning.”
Match (Game) — a timed game: pair each term to its definition as fast as you can. Great for cementing vocabulary like isolation precautions and lab values.
Type (Recall) — read the definition and type the term. Typing forces true active recall instead of passive recognition.
Quiz (Test) — multiple-choice questions generated from the cards, so you can self-test exactly like exam day.

Free NCLEX-RN flashcards from Career Employer — active recall for the NCSBN registered-nurse licensure exam

Why Flashcards Work for the NCLEX-RN

Flashcards aren’t busywork — they’re built on active recall: pulling an answer out of memory strengthens it far more than re-reading notes. Pair that with spacing — short sessions across several days rather than one cram — and you retain more in less time.

That matters on the NCLEX-RN, where facts like lab values, drug watch points, and isolation precautions must be instantly available. Used alongside our practice questions and study guide, flashcards turn review time into measurable progress.

NCLEX-RN Flashcards by Topic

The cards are organized by the NCSBN Client Needs categories. Weight your study toward the heaviest ones — Physiological Integrity (about 51% across four subcategories) and Management of Care (the single largest subcategory at 15–21%) carry the most points:^[1]

NCLEX-RN content areas and RN weighting
NCSBN Client Needs subcategory	RN % range
Management of Care	15–21%
Safety & Infection Prevention and Control	10–16%
Health Promotion & Maintenance	6–12%
Psychosocial Integrity	6–12%
Basic Care & Comfort	6–12%
Pharmacological & Parenteral Therapies	13–19%
Reduction of Risk Potential	9–15%
Physiological Adaptation	11–17%

How to Get the Most Out of These Flashcards

Start early, review daily. Begin flashcards as you cover each category, not the week before — a few minutes a day beats one marathon session.
Use Type and Quiz, not just Flip. Recognizing the right answer is easy; recalling and choosing it is the real test.
Drill your weakest area. Pick a single content-area deck and grind it until the Match time drops and the Quiz score climbs.
Mirror the exam weighting. Spend the most time on Physiological Integrity and Management of Care — they carry the most points.
Stay in RN scope. When a card describes delegating an assessment, evaluation, or initial teaching, remember those are RN actions that stay with the RN.
Then prove it. When the cards feel easy, confirm with our practice questions — aim for 80%+ before exam day.

NCLEX-RN Flashcards FAQ

Hundreds of free NCLEX-RN flashcards, organized across the NCSBN Client Needs categories tested on the RN licensure exam. They're free to use with no account required.

References

1.National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). “2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan (effective April 2026).” NCSBN.org. ↑
2.National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). “Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) & NGN.” NCLEX.com. ↑
3.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Transmission-Based Precautions.” CDC.gov. ↑
4.U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs.” FDA.gov. ↑

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