Free NCLEX Study Guide – Kaylee Tutoring

🎓 About This Guide: This comprehensive NCLEX study guide was created by our team of learning support professionals with Personalized pass rate experience. Covering all major NCLEX content areas with mnemonics, tips, and strategies.

Top NCLEX Test-Taking Strategies

The "Eliminate & Prioritize" Method

Always eliminate obviously wrong answers first — reduces guessing to 50/50
When two answers seem correct, choose the one that addresses SAFETY first
AIRWAY always comes before Breathing which comes before Circulation (ABC)
Maslow's Hierarchy: Physiological needs before psychological needs
Never select an answer that delays care — address the problem NOW
When in doubt, assess BEFORE implementing any intervention

💡 The 75Q Secret: NCLEX adapts to your level. Passing at 75 questions means you consistently answered at or above the passing standard. Focus on quality over quantity!

Essential Nursing Mnemonics

ADPIE — The Nursing Process

Assessment → Diagnosis → Planning → Implementation → Evaluation

Always follow this order. Assessment ALWAYS comes first on NCLEX!

SATA Questions — Select All That Apply Tips

Treat each option as a TRUE or FALSE question independently. Don't look for patterns. Each choice stands alone.

Priority Setting — Who Do You See First?

ACUTE > Chronic | UNSTABLE > Stable | LIFE-THREATENING > Non-life-threatening

Always prioritize the patient who is MOST unstable or at highest risk.

Pharmacology Quick Reference

Common Drug Classes & Key Points

Beta-blockers (-olol): Monitor HR and BP. Don't abruptly stop. Contraindicated in asthma.
ACE Inhibitors (-pril): Monitor for dry cough & hyperkalemia. Check K+ levels.
Diuretics (Lasix): Monitor electrolytes (K+), I&O, daily weight.
Digoxin: Therapeutic range 0.5–2.0. Monitor pulse (hold if <60). Watch for toxicity (nausea, yellow halos).
Warfarin: Antidote = Vitamin K. Monitor PT/INR. Therapeutic INR = 2–3.
Heparin: Antidote = Protamine sulfate. Monitor PTT/aPTT. Therapeutic 1.5–2.5x control.
Insulin: Regular = IV only. NPH = cloudy. Never shake. Store opened vials at room temp.
Lithium: Therapeutic 0.6–1.2. Monitor Na+ intake. Signs of toxicity: tremors, ataxia, confusion.

Critical Lab Values to Know

Normal Lab Value Ranges

Sodium (Na+): 136–145 mEq/L
Potassium (K+): 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
Glucose (fasting): 70–110 mg/dL
BUN: 8–20 mg/dL
Creatinine: 0.6–1.2 mg/dL
Hemoglobin (male): 13.5–17.5 g/dL
Hemoglobin (female): 12–16 g/dL
WBC: 4,500–10,000/mcL
Platelets: 150,000–400,000/mcL
INR (normal): 0.8–1.2 | Therapeutic: 2–3
pH (arterial): 7.35–7.45
PaO2: 80–100 mmHg
PaCO2: 35–45 mmHg

Academic Writing Tips

APA Format Quick Reference (7th Edition)

12-pt Times New Roman or 11-pt Calibri font
1-inch margins on all sides
Double-space throughout the paper
In-text citation: (Author, Year, p. #) for direct quotes
Reference list: hanging indent, alphabetical order
Running head only required for professional papers

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