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495 Free NCLEX Cheat Sheets

Every sheet is free — no signup wall. High-yield facts with the key numbers highlighted, organized by NCLEX client-needs category.

📅 Updated 2026-07-11✅ Verified by CinnaRN Clinical Content Team🔖 Free to read, print & share

🗂️

Hypokalemia

Hyperkalemia

Hyponatremia

Dig level > 2.0 ng/mL

🔥 Popular

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❤️

Heart Failure

Pump fails → congestion

🔥 Popular

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🩸

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Glucose > 250, pH < 7.35

Hypoglycemia

Increased Intracranial Pressure

ICP > 20 mmHg

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💊

Heparin Therapy

Monitor aPTT, antidote protamine

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💊

Warfarin Therapy

Monitor INR, antidote vit K

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🫁

COPD

Chronic airflow obstruction

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❤️

Sepsis and Septic Shock

Infection → organ failure

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❤️

Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension

BP ≥ 140/90 after 20 wks

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🦠

Group B Streptococcus

Screen 36-37 wks gestation

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🤰

Umbilical Cord Prolapse

Cord before fetus = emergency

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❤️

Cesarean Care

Surgical birth, abdominal

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🧸

Immunization Schedule

Live vaccines = ≥ 12 mo

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🧸

Pediatric Pain Assessment

Match scale to age/development

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🛡️

Lead Poisoning

Blood lead ≥ 5 mcg/dL

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🧸

Acetaminophen Poisoning in Children

Antidote = N-acetylcysteine

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🫂

Child Abuse Recognition

Injury inconsistent with story

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🌱

Failure to Thrive

Weight < 5th percentile

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🧸

Pediatric Fluid Maintenance

4-2-1 mL/kg/hr rule

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🛡️

Car Seat Safety

Rear-facing until 2 yr min

Poison Control

Otitis Media

Pediatric Fever Management

Temp ≥ 100.4°F (38°C)

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🫂

Therapeutic Communication Techniques

Open-ended, patient-centered

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🫂

Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious anxiety protection

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🛡️

Restraint and Seclusion Safety

Least restrictive, last resort

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💊

Electroconvulsive Therapy

Induced seizure for severe depression

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💊

Serotonin Syndrome

Too much serotonin = hyperthermia

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🧠

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Antipsychotic emergency: lead-pipe rigidity

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🩹

Tardive Dyskinesia

Late involuntary movements, often irreversible

Crisis Intervention

Short-term, here-and-now focus

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🛡️

De-escalation

Calm the agitated patient first

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🫂

Grief and Loss

Normal vs complicated grieving

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❤️

Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation

pH 7.35-7.45 normal

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❤️

Complete Blood Count

WBC, Hgb, Hct, platelets

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❤️

Basic Metabolic Panel

Na K Cl CO2 BUN Cr Glu Ca

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💊

Coagulation Studies (PT/INR/aPTT)

Warfarin → INR; Heparin → aPTT

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❤️

Cardiac Biomarkers (troponin/BNP)

Troponin = MI; BNP = HF

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🥗

Liver Function Tests

ALT/AST = hepatocyte damage

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💊

Therapeutic Drug Levels

Memorize narrow-window values

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🛡️

ABO Blood Compatibility

O- universal donor

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❤️

Creatinine and BUN

Kidney function markers

Hemoglobin A1C

Ammonia Level

↑ = hepatic encephalopathy

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🤲

Low-Sodium Diet

Na < 2,000-2,300 mg/day

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🫘

Renal Diet

Low Na, K, phos, protein

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🩸

Diabetic Diet

Consistent carb counting

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❤️

Low-Protein Diet

For liver/kidney failure

High-Fiber Diet

Clear Liquid Diet

See-through liquids only

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🤲

Full Liquid Diet

Liquids + smooth dairy

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❤️

Cardiac Diet

Low salt, fat, cholesterol

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❤️

Low-Residue Diet

Low fiber, ↓bowel bulk

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🛡️

Dysphagia Diet

Thickened liquids, aspiration risk

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❤️

Gluten-Free Diet

No wheat, barley, rye

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❤️

Potassium-Modified Diet

K+ normal 3.5-5.0 mEq/L

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💊

Total Parenteral Nutrition

IV nutrition via central line

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🗂️

Informed Consent

MD explains, nurse witnesses

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🗂️

Advance Directives

Client's future-care wishes

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🗂️

HIPAA and Confidentiality

Protect health info → need-to-know

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🗂️

Mandatory Reporting

Suspected abuse → must report

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🗂️

Patient Bill of Rights

Respect, info, refuse, privacy

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🗂️

Negligence and Malpractice

Duty-Breach-Harm-Causation

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🗂️

Scope of Practice

Defined by state Nurse Practice Act

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🗂️

Living Will and Power of Attorney

Will = wishes, POA = decider

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🗂️

Do Not Resuscitate Orders

No CPR/intubation if arrest

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🗂️

Ethical Principles (autonomy/beneficence)

Autonomy = pt's right to choose

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🗂️

Delegation to UAP

Stable, predictable, routine tasks

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🗂️

Delegation to LPN/LVN

Stable pts, reinforce teaching

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🗂️

Prioritization (ABCs)

Airway → Breathing → Circulation

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🗂️

Maslow Hierarchy in Nursing

Physiologic needs first

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🗂️

Triage Principles

Sickest survivable treated first

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🗂️

Five Rights of Delegation

Task, Circumstance, Person, Direction, Supervision

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🗂️

Time Management

Prioritize, cluster, delegate

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🗂️

SBAR Handoff Communication

Situation Background Assessment Recommendation

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🗂️

Acuity-Based Assignment

Match pt complexity to skill

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🗂️

Care of Multiple Clients

See most unstable first

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🧸

Erikson Stages of Development

8 psychosocial conflict stages

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🧸

Piaget Cognitive Development

4 stages of thinking

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🌱

Adolescent Health Screening

HEEADSSS + risk behaviors

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🌱

Adult Preventive Screening

Age-based cancer + risk screens

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🛡️

Older Adult Safety

Falls = #1 injury risk

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🫂

Developmental Milestones by Age

Red flags = no milestone by age

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🌱

Health Promotion Across Lifespan

Prevention: primary/secondary/tertiary

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🛡️

Vaccination for Adults

Flu yearly, Td/Tdap q10y

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🌱

Cancer Screening Guidelines

Colonoscopy q10yr start age 45

Menopause

Pain Assessment Scales

Pain = 5th vital sign

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💊

Patient-Controlled Analgesia

ONLY patient pushes button

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🫁

Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression

RR < 8-10 = give naloxone

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❤️

Postoperative Atelectasis Prevention

IS 10× per waking hour

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❤️

Postoperative Ileus

No bowel sounds/flatus = ileus

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🩹

Wound Dehiscence and Evisceration

Organs out = cover sterile saline

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⚠️

Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention

Calf pain + swelling = DVT

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🗂️

Informed Surgical Consent

MD explains; RN witnesses signature

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❤️

Anesthesia Recovery

Airway first in PACU

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🛡️

Conscious Sedation Monitoring

Pt responds to verbal commands

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🗂️

Anaphylaxis Management

Epinephrine IM first-line

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❤️

Cardiac Arrest and CPR Basics

Push hard 100-120/min

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🫁

Choking and Airway Obstruction

Can't cough/speak = abdominal thrusts

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❤️

Hemorrhage Control

Direct pressure first

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🩹

Burns Emergency Care

Airway first, then fluids

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❤️

Hypothermia

Core temp < 95°F (35°C)

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🧠

Heat Stroke

Temp > 104°F + no sweat

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🗂️

Poisoning General Management

Call Poison Control 1-800-222-1222

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❤️

Drowning

Rescue breaths first priority

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🧠

Acute Stroke Recognition (FAST)

Time is brain — note onset

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❤️

Shock Recognition

↓BP, ↑HR, ↓UO = shock

Nitroglycerin

Dopamine

Dose-dependent effects; central line

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💊

Dobutamine

Beta-1 inotrope for HF

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💊

Nitroprusside

Watch cyanide toxicity

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💊

Clopidogrel

Antiplatelet — bleeding risk

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💊

Statins (atorvastatin)

Take at night; check liver/muscle

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💊

Adenosine

Rapid IV push for SVT

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💊

Diltiazem

Non-DHP CCB → slows AV node

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💊

Hydralazine

Direct arteriolar vasodilator

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💊

Spironolactone

K+-sparing diuretic → watch hyperK+

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💊

Alteplase (tPA)

Clot-buster → bleeding is #1 risk

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💊

Aspirin (antiplatelet)

Irreversible COX → ↓ platelet aggreg.

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💊

Montelukast

Leukotriene blocker → PREVENTION only

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💊

Ipratropium

Anticholinergic bronchodilator (SAMA)

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💊

Theophylline

Narrow range: 10-20 mcg/mL

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💊

Diphenhydramine

1st-gen antihistamine → sedating

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💊

Pseudoephedrine

Sympathomimetic → ↑ BP & HR

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💊

Inhaled Corticosteroids

Asthma controller → not rescue

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💊

Guaifenesin

Expectorant → thins secretions

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💊

Cromolyn

Mast cell stabilizer → PREVENTION

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💊

Oxygen Therapy Safety

O2 = drug → fire hazard, COPD watch

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💊

Proton Pump Inhibitors

-prazole → ↓ gastric acid strongly

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💊

H2 Receptor Blockers

-tidine → ↓ acid, weaker than PPI

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💊

Ondansetron

5-HT3 blocker → watch QT prolong

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💊

Metoclopramide

Prokinetic → tardive dyskinesia risk

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💊

Bisacodyl

Stimulant laxative → fast acting

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💊

Loperamide

Antidiarrheal → opioid, no CNS

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💊

Sucralfate

Forms protective ulcer barrier

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💊

Docusate

Stool softener → prevents straining

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💊

Lactulose

↓ ammonia → treats hepatic enceph.

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💊

Antacids

Neutralize acid → fast, short relief

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💊

Sertraline

SSRI → full effect 4-6 weeks

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💊

Venlafaxine

SNRI → may ↑ BP, watch DBP

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💊

Phenelzine

MAOI → tyramine = HTN crisis

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💊

Amitriptyline

TCA → lethal in overdose (cardiac)

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💊

Bupropion

Atypical → lowers seizure threshold

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💊

Buspirone

Non-sedating anxiolytic, slow onset

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💊

Valproic Acid

Hepatotoxic + teratogen

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💊

Haloperidol

Typical antipsychotic → EPS risk

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💊

Clozapine

Agranulocytosis → monitor ANC

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💊

Risperidone

Atypical → ↑prolactin

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💊

Methylphenidate

CNS stimulant for ADHD

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💊

Glipizide (Sulfonylurea)

Stimulates insulin → hypoglycemia

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💊

Glucagon

Rescue for severe hypoglycemia

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💊

GLP-1 Agonists

Weight loss + pancreatitis risk

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💊

SGLT2 Inhibitors

Glucose in urine → UTI risk

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💊

Propylthiouracil (PTU)

Hyperthyroid; safer 1st trimester

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💊

Methimazole

Hyperthyroid; NOT 1st trimester

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💊

Desmopressin (DDAVP)

Synthetic ADH → water retention

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💊

Hydrocortisone Replacement

Adrenal insufficiency → never stop

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💊

Fludrocortisone

Mineralocorticoid → retains Na+/water

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💊

Octreotide

Somatostatin analog → ↓ secretions

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❤️

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Pulsatile mass → rupture = fatal

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❤️

Raynaud Phenomenon

Vasospasm → white-blue-red fingers

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❤️

Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger Disease)

Smoking → small-vessel occlusion

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❤️

Mitral Valve Stenosis

LA → LV obstruction → pulm congestion

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❤️

Aortic Stenosis

Triad: angina, syncope, dyspnea

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❤️

Rheumatic Fever

Post-strep → damages heart valves

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❤️

Varicose Veins

Incompetent valves → venous pooling

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❤️

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Stasis ulcers + brown skin

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❤️

Hypertensive Crisis

BP > 180/120 → organ damage

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🦴

Orthostatic Hypotension

↓20 SBP standing → dizzy/fall

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❤️

Bell Palsy

CN VII → one-sided facial droop

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❤️

Trigeminal Neuralgia

CN V → stabbing facial pain

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❤️

Huntington Disease

Autosomal dominant → chorea + dementia

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❤️

Encephalitis

Brain inflammation → altered LOC

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❤️

Migraine Headache

Unilateral throbbing + photophobia

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❤️

Cluster Headache

Severe unilateral periorbital pain

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❤️

Cerebral Aneurysm

"Worst headache of life"

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❤️

Concussion

Mild TBI, transient dysfunction

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🧠

Brain Tumor

↑ICP from mass effect

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❤️

Cauda Equina Syndrome

Surgical emergency <48h

Diverticulitis

Hemorrhoids

Bright red rectal bleeding

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🥗

Inguinal Hernia

Groin bulge w/ straining

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🥗

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Functional, no structural damage

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❤️

Celiac Disease

Gluten → villi destruction

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🫘

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Genetic cysts → renal failure

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⚠️

Testicular Torsion

Surgery <6h or lose testis

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❤️

Epididymitis

Gradual scrotal pain + fever

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🫘

Diabetic Nephropathy

Albuminuria = earliest sign

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🫘

Hydronephrosis

Urine backup → kidney swelling

Acromegaly

Metabolic Syndrome

3+ of 5 risk factors

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🫘

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Anovulation + hyperandrogenism

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🩸

Diabetes Insipidus vs SIADH

DI = dry, SIADH = soaked

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🩸

Hashimoto Thyroiditis

Autoimmune hypothyroidism

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🩸

Goiter

Enlarged thyroid gland

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🫘

Adrenal Crisis

Acute cortisol deficiency = shock

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🩸

Hypopituitarism

↓ anterior pituitary hormones

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🩸

Gestational Diabetes Screening

24-28 wks: 1-hr 50g OGTT

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🗂️

Obesity Management

BMI ≥30 kg/m²

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❤️

Hemophilia

X-linked, ↓ clotting factor

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❤️

Von Willebrand Disease

Most common inherited bleed

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❤️

Polycythemia Vera

↑↑ RBCs → thick blood

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❤️

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Platelets <100k, autoimmune

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❤️

Breast Cancer

New painless breast lump

Lung Cancer

Colorectal Cancer

Colonoscopy at age 45

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❤️

Prostate Cancer

Most common male cancer

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❤️

Tumor Lysis Syndrome

↑K ↑PO4 ↑uric acid, ↓Ca

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❤️

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

Oncologic emergency, face swelling

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❤️

Graft-versus-Host Disease

Donor cells attack host

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❤️

Hydatidiform Mole

Grape-like cluster, huge hCG

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🦠

TORCH Infections

Cross placenta → fetal harm

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🤰

Neonatal Jaundice

Bili before 24h = pathologic

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🫁

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (newborn)

Surfactant deficiency in preterm

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❤️

Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Preterm gut emergency

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🤰

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Withdrawal from maternal opioids

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⚠️

Shoulder Dystocia

Turtle sign, OB emergency

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❤️

Amniotic Fluid Embolism

Sudden collapse during labor

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🤲

Mastitis

Unilateral red, warm wedge

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🤰

Gestational Age Assessment

Ballard score after birth

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❤️

Paracentesis

Drain ascites from abdomen

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❤️

Thoracentesis

Drain pleural fluid, sit up

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❤️

Lumbar Puncture

Fetal position, lie flat after

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🦴

Bone Marrow Biopsy

Iliac crest, pressure after

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🥗

Colonoscopy Prep

Clear liquids + bowel cleanse

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❤️

Cardiac Catheterization

Check pulses, lie flat after

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🛡️

MRI Safety

No metal in the magnet

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❤️

CT with Contrast

Check renal + iodine allergy

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🛡️

Blood Culture Collection

Before antibiotics, 2 sites

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❤️

Arterial Blood Gas Sampling

Allen test, ice, pressure 5min

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❤️

Lumbar Drain Care

Drains CSF, level at tragus

Hypernatremia

Hypercalcemia

Hypocalcemia

Hypomagnesemia

Hypermagnesemia

Metabolic Acidosis

↓ pH, ↓ HCO₃⁻

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❤️

Metabolic Alkalosis

↑ pH, ↑ HCO₃⁻

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🫁

Respiratory Acidosis

↓ pH, ↑ CO₂ (hypoventilation)

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🫁

Respiratory Alkalosis

↑ pH, ↓ CO₂ (hyperventilation)

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❤️

Fluid Volume Deficit (dehydration)

Fluid loss > intake

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❤️

Fluid Volume Excess

Fluid intake > output

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❤️

Myocardial Infarction

Ischemic heart muscle death

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❤️

Angina Pectoris

Chest pain, no muscle death

Hypertension

Atrial Fibrillation

Irregular, no P waves

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❤️

Heart Blocks (AV block)

Impaired AV conduction

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❤️

Infective Endocarditis

Infected heart valves/lining

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❤️

Pericarditis

Inflamed pericardial sac

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❤️

Cardiac Tamponade

Fluid compresses heart

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❤️

Peripheral Arterial Disease

↓ arterial flow to limbs

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❤️

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Clot in deep vein

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❤️

Cardiogenic Shock

Pump failure → ↓ CO

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❤️

Hypovolemic Shock

↓ blood/fluid volume

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🫁

Asthma

Reversible airway narrowing

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🫁

Pneumonia

Lung infection, alveoli fill

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🫁

Tuberculosis

Airborne, acid-fast bacilli

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🫁

Pulmonary Embolism

Clot blocks lung artery

ARDS

Pneumothorax

Chest Tube Management

Drains air/fluid, re-expands lung

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🫁

Pleural Effusion

Fluid in pleural space

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❤️

Atelectasis

Collapsed alveoli → ↓ gas exchange

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🫁

Acute Respiratory Failure

PaO2 <60 or PaCO2 >50

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🫁

Pulmonary Edema

Pink frothy sputum = hallmark

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🩸

Hyperthyroidism (Graves Disease)

↓ TSH, ↑ T3/T4 → hypermetabolic

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🩸

Hypothyroidism (Myxedema)

↑ TSH, ↓ T3/T4 → hypometabolic

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🩸

Thyroid Storm (Thyrotoxic Crisis)

Temp >104°F + tachycardia = emergency

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🩸

Cushing Syndrome

↑ cortisol → ↑ Na, ↓ K, ↑ glucose

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🫘

Addison Disease (Adrenal Insufficiency)

↓ cortisol → ↓ Na, ↑ K, hypotension

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🩸

SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone)

Too much ADH → dilutional ↓ Na

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🩸

Diabetes Insipidus

Too little ADH → massive dilute urine

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🩸

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)

Glucose >600, NO ketosis

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🩸

Hyperparathyroidism

↑ PTH → ↑ Ca, ↓ phosphate

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🩸

Hypoparathyroidism

↓ PTH → ↓ Ca, ↑ phosphate

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❤️

Pheochromocytoma

Adrenal tumor → catecholamine surge

Stroke (CVA)

Transient Ischemic Attack

Stroke signs <24h, NO infarct

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🧠

Seizure Disorder

Safety first → never restrain

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🧠

Parkinson Disease

↓ dopamine → TRAP

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❤️

Multiple Sclerosis

Demyelination → relapse/remit

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❤️

Myasthenia Gravis

↓ ACh receptors → weakness worse w/ use

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❤️

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Ascending paralysis, watch breathing

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🧠

Bacterial Meningitis

Nuchal rigidity + fever = droplet

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🧠

Spinal Cord Injury

C3-C5 keeps diaphragm alive

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❤️

Autonomic Dysreflexia

Injury ≥T6: severe HTN + headache

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❤️

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Motor neuron death, mind intact

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🥗

Upper GI Bleed

Hematemesis + melena = bleed

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🥗

Cirrhosis

Scarred liver → portal HTN

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🥗

Hepatic Encephalopathy

↑ ammonia → confusion, asterixis

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🥗

Acute Pancreatitis

↑ lipase/amylase + epigastric pain

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🥗

Cholecystitis

RUQ pain + Murphy's sign

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🥗

Peptic Ulcer Disease

H. pylori + NSAIDs = ulcer

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❤️

Crohn Disease

Mouth→anus, skip lesions, transmural

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🥗

Ulcerative Colitis

Colon only, bloody diarrhea

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🥗

Bowel Obstruction

No stool/flatus, distension

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🥗

Appendicitis

RLQ McBurney's point pain

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🥗

GERD

Weak LES → acid reflux

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🦠

Hepatitis

A/E fecal-oral, B/C/D blood

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🫘

Acute Kidney Injury

Sudden ↓GFR, often reversible

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🫘

Chronic Kidney Disease

GFR <60 for >3 months

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🫘

Hemodialysis

AV fistula = lifeline, protect it

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🫘

Peritoneal Dialysis

Cloudy effluent = peritonitis

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🫘

Nephrotic Syndrome

Massive proteinuria >3.5 g/day

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🫘

Acute Glomerulonephritis

Post-strep, tea-colored urine

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🦠

Urinary Tract Infection

Dysuria, frequency, urgency

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❤️

Pyelonephritis

Kidney infection + flank pain

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🫘

Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)

Severe colicky flank pain

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❤️

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Enlarged prostate, weak stream

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❤️

Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Microcytic, ↓ferritin

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❤️

Pernicious Anemia

B12 def → neuro damage

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❤️

Sickle Cell Crisis

Sickled RBCs → vaso-occlusion

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❤️

Leukemia

↑↑ immature WBCs, ↓ everything else

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❤️

Lymphoma

Painless lymph node + B symptoms

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Clotting THEN bleeding everywhere

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🛡️

Neutropenia

ANC < 1,000 = infection risk

View →

💊

Chemotherapy Precautions

Bone marrow suppression = main risk

View →

❤️

Blood Transfusion Reaction

STOP transfusion → saline first

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❤️

Multiple Myeloma

Plasma cell cancer → bone + Ca↑

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🦴

Fracture

5 P's = neurovascular check

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❤️

Compartment Syndrome

Pain out of proportion = emergency

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❤️

Fat Embolism Syndrome

Long-bone fx → petechiae + dyspnea

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🦴

Osteoporosis

↓ bone density → fragility fx

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🦴

Osteomyelitis

Bone infection → fever + bone pain

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🦴

Total Hip Replacement

No flexion > 90° hip

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🦴

Skeletal Traction

Weights hang free, never lift

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🦴

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Symmetric joints + morning stiffness

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🦴

Osteoarthritis

Asymmetric, worse with use

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❤️

Gout

Uric acid → big toe pain

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🦴

Amputation Care

Hemorrhage = #1 early risk

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🦠

HIV/AIDS

AIDS = CD4 < 200 cells

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🦠

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

Standard = ALL patients, always

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🛡️

Clostridioides difficile

Soap + water, NOT sanitizer

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🦠

MRSA

Contact precautions, gown + gloves

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❤️

Anaphylaxis

Epinephrine IM = first drug

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❤️

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Butterfly rash + multi-organ

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🫁

Tuberculosis Precautions

Airborne: N95 + negative pressure

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🦠

Sepsis Recognition

Infection + organ dysfunction

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🛡️

Influenza

Droplet precautions, sudden onset

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🛡️

Herpes Zoster (shingles)

Unilateral dermatomal painful rash

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🤰

Preeclampsia

BP ≥ 140/90 + proteinuria > 20 wk

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❤️

Eclampsia

Preeclampsia + seizures

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🩸

Gestational Diabetes

Screen 24-28 wks OGTT

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🤰

Placenta Previa

Painless bright red bleeding

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🤰

Abruptio Placentae

PAINFUL dark bleeding + rigid uterus

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🤰

Postpartum Hemorrhage

Atony = #1 cause; firm fundus

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🩸

Magnesium Sulfate Therapy

Therapeutic 4-7 mEq/L

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🤰

Preterm Labor

Contractions 20-37 wks

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❤️

Fetal Heart Rate Decelerations

Late = bad; VEAL CHOP

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🤰

Ectopic Pregnancy

Tubal → unilateral pain + shock

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❤️

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Severe vomiting → wt loss + ketones

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❤️

Croup

Barky cough + inspiratory stridor

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❤️

Epiglottitis

4 D's — airway EMERGENCY

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🫁

Bronchiolitis (RSV)

Wheezing infant < 2 yrs

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🧠

Febrile Seizures

Rapid temp rise, 6mo–5yr

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🧸

Pediatric Dehydration

Sunken fontanel = severe sign

View →

❤️

Tetralogy of Fallot

4 defects → TET spells

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❤️

Cystic Fibrosis

Sweat chloride > 60 mEq/L

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❤️

Kawasaki Disease

Coronary aneurysm = top risk

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❤️

Intussusception

Currant-jelly stool = classic

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❤️

Pyloric Stenosis

Projectile vomit, olive mass

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🫂

Developmental Milestones

Red flag = lost skills

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🫂

Major Depressive Disorder

Mania ≥ 1 wk = priority

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🫂

Schizophrenia

Positive + negative symptoms

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🫂

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Excess worry ≥ 6 months

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🫂

Suicide Risk

Plan + means = high risk

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🧠

Anorexia Nervosa

BMI < 18.5, restricts intake

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🧠

Bulimia Nervosa

Binge + purge, normal weight

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🫂

Alcohol Withdrawal (DTs)

DTs peak 48–72 hrs, fatal

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🫂

Opioid Withdrawal

Uncomfortable, NOT life-threatening

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🧠

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Sx > 1 month post-trauma

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🫂

Therapeutic Communication

Open-ended > yes/no

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💊

Beta Blockers

-olol → hold if HR < 60

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💊

ACE Inhibitors

-pril → watch dry cough + K+

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💊

Calcium Channel Blockers

-dipine → ↓ BP, watch edema

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💊

Loop Diuretics

Furosemide → watch K+ < 3.5

View →

💊

Opioid Analgesics and Naloxone

RR < 12 → hold opioid

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🩸

Insulin Types and Timing

Regular = only IV insulin

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💊

Corticosteroids

-sone → never stop abruptly

View →

💊

Aminoglycosides

-mycin → oto + nephrotoxic

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🫂

Antipsychotics

Watch EPS & metabolic effects

View →

💊

Lithium

Therapeutic 0.6–1.2 mEq/L

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💊

Benzodiazepines

Reversal = flumazenil

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💊

SSRIs and Serotonin Syndrome

Onset takes 4–6 weeks

View →

❤️

Preoperative Care

Consent + NPO before OR

View →

❤️

Postoperative Care

Airway → breathing → circulation

View →

⚠️

Malignant Hyperthermia

Antidote = dantrolene STAT

View →

💊

Moderate (Conscious) Sedation

Keeps protective airway reflexes

View →

🦠

Fall Precautions

Bed low, locked, call light

View →

🛡️

Use of Restraints

Last resort, MD order needed

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🗂️

Delegation Principles

RN keeps assessment & teaching

View →

🗂️

Triage and Prioritization

ABCs + Maslow first

View →

🦠

Surgical Site Infection

Redness, drainage, fever > 38°C

View →

⚠️

Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis

Move, hydrate, anticoagulate

View →

🩹

Burns and Rule of Nines

Airway first, then fluids

View →

🩹

Pressure Injury (staging)

Stage by tissue depth

View →

🩹

Wound Care

Moist wound bed heals best

View →

🩹

Cellulitis

Spreading skin infection

View →

❤️

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Stop drug — skin emergency

View →

👁️

Glaucoma

↑IOP → optic nerve damage

View →

👁️

Cataracts

Cloudy lens, blurred vision

View →

❤️

Macular Degeneration

Loss of CENTRAL vision

View →

❤️

Meniere Disease

Vertigo + tinnitus + hearing loss

View →

👁️

Detached Retina

Curtain over vision — emergency

View →

💊

Furosemide

Loop diuretic → watch K+

View →

💊

Metformin

Hold before contrast dye

View →

💊

Phenytoin

Therapeutic 10–20 mcg/mL

View →

💊

Levothyroxine

Replaces thyroid hormone (T4)

View →

💊

Prednisone (corticosteroid)

Morphine

Albuterol

SABA bronchodilator → relax airways

View →

💊

Naloxone

Opioid OD antidote (Narcan)

View →

💊

Epinephrine

Anaphylaxis + cardiac arrest 1st-line

View →

💊

Atropine

Symptomatic bradycardia → 0.5mg IV

View →

💊

Amiodarone

Antidysrhythmic → V-tach/V-fib/AFib

View →

💊

Vancomycin

MRSA → trough 10-20 mcg/mL

View →

💊

Potassium Chloride

NEVER IV push → fatal

View →

🩸

Magnesium Sulfate

Antidote = calcium gluconate

View →

💊

Calcium Gluconate

Antidote for Mg toxicity + ↑K+

View →

💊

Acetaminophen and N-acetylcysteine

NAC = Tylenol OD antidote

View →

💊

Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate

Kayexalate → lowers K+ via gut

View →

💊

Penicillins

Watch anaphylaxis + cross-allergy

View →

💊

Cephalosporins

PCN cross-allergy + disulfiram rxn

View →

💊

Tetracyclines

NO dairy, NO kids <8, NO pregnancy

View →

💊

Fluoroquinolones

Tendon rupture + QT prolong risk

View →

💊

Sulfonamides

Stevens-Johnson + push fluids

View →

💊

Macrolides

GI upset + QT prolongation

View →

💊

Isoniazid

TB drug → give B6, watch liver

View →

💊

Rifampin

Red-orange body fluids (harmless)

View →

💊

Acyclovir

Antiviral → push fluids, nephro

View →

💊

Antiretroviral Therapy

ART → adherence is everything

View →

💊

Gentamicin (peak and trough)

Trough <2, peak 5-10 mcg/mL

View →

💊

Metronidazole

NO alcohol → disulfiram reaction

View →

🥗

Nasogastric Tube Insertion and Care

Verify placement → X-ray gold standard

View →

🛡️

Indwelling Urinary Catheter Care

Sterile insert · bag below bladder

View →

🛡️

Central Venous Catheter Care

Air embolism → clamp + left side

View →

❤️

Tracheostomy Care

Keep obturator + spare tube bedside

View →

❤️

Suctioning

Suction OUT only · ≤10-15 sec

View →

🩹

Wound Irrigation

Sterile · clean→dirty · 4-6 in

View →

🤲

Ostomy Care

Stoma = pink/red, moist, shiny

View →

💊

IV Therapy and Site Care

Assess site q1-2h; change q72-96h

View →

❤️

Enteral Tube Feeding

Verify placement before each feed

View →

🥗

Oxygen Delivery Devices

Nasal cannula 1-6 L = 24-44% O2

View →

⚠️

Incentive Spirometry

Prevents atelectasis post-op

View →

🛡️

Restraint Application

Least restrictive; needs MD order

View →

🦠

Standard Precautions

Use on ALL patients, all body fluids

View →

🦠

Contact Precautions

Gown + gloves; MRSA, VRE, C. diff

View →

🦠

Droplet Precautions

Surgical mask within 3-6 ft

View →

🦠

Airborne Precautions

N95 + negative-pressure room

View →

🦠

Protective (Neutropenic) Isolation

Protect patient; ANC < 500

View →

🛡️

Personal Protective Equipment Sequence

Don: gown→mask→goggles→gloves

View →

🛡️

Sterile Technique

1-inch border = unsterile

View →

🛡️

Hand Hygiene

#1 way to prevent infection

View →

🛡️

Needlestick Exposure

Wash → report → source labs STAT

View →

🛡️

Catheter-Associated UTI Prevention

Best prevention = early removal

View →

🛡️

Central Line Bundle

Max barrier + chlorhexidine prep

View →

🦠

Surgical Asepsis

Sterile field = absolutely no microbes

View →

🤰

Stages of Labor

4 stages; full dilation = 10 cm

View →

❤️

Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring Basics

Baseline 110-160 bpm

View →

🤰

APGAR Scoring

Score at 1 and 5 min; max 10

View →

🤰

Newborn Assessment

Normal HR 110-160, RR 30-60

View →

🤰

Postpartum Assessment (BUBBLE-HE)

Fundus firm, midline, at umbilicus

View →

🌱

Breastfeeding Support

8-12 feeds/24h on demand

View →

💊

Rh Incompatibility and RhoGAM

Rh- mom + Rh+ baby = risk

View →

🗂️

SBAR Handoff Communication

Structured nurse-to-provider report

View →

🗂️

RN vs LPN vs UAP Scope

Who can do what — delegation scope

View →

🗂️

Ethical Principles

Autonomy · Beneficence · Justice

View →

🗂️

Informed Consent

Provider informs · nurse witnesses

View →

🗂️

Priority-Setting Frameworks

ABC → Maslow → acute → safety

View →

🗂️

Incident / Occurrence Report

Quality tool, not punishment

View →

🤲

Pain Assessment (PQRST)

Pain is what the patient says it is

View →

🩹

Pressure Injury Staging

Stage 1 → 4 · unstageable · DTI

View →

🤲

Canes, Walkers & Crutches

COAL · up-with-good, down-with-bad

View →

🤲

Enteral (Tube) Feeding

HOB ↑, check placement & residual

View →

🫂

Therapeutic Communication

Open-ended, reflect, stay with feelings

View →

🫂

Levels of Anxiety

Mild → moderate → severe → panic

View →

🫂

Grief & Loss (Kübler-Ross)

Denial · Anger · Bargaining · Depression · Acceptance

View →

🧠

Restraints — Safe Use

Last resort · order required · least restrictive

View →

🫂

Erikson's Psychosocial Stages

Trust → Integrity across the lifespan

View →

🤰

APGAR Score

Newborn at 1 & 5 min · 0–10

View →

🌱

Prenatal — GTPAL

Obstetric history at a glance

View →

⚠️

Pre-op & Post-op Care

Consent, NPO, then ABC & bleeding

View →

⚠️

Blood Transfusion Safety

2 RNs verify · stay 15 min · NS only

View →

💊

IV Therapy Complications

Infiltration vs phlebitis vs infection

View →

⚠️

Diagnostic Test Prep

Contrast, NPO & post-procedure checks

View →

🦠

Fall & Aspiration Precautions

Bed low, HOB up, swallow check

View →

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