Illustrated Study Guide for the NCLEX-RN® Exam, 12th Edition

• UNIQUE! Integrated systems approach incorporates pediatric, adult, and older adult lifespan considerations in each body system chapter
• UNIQUE! Mnemonic cartoons provide a fun, easy way to review and remember key nursing concepts and disease processes
• UNIQUE! Appendix summarizes diagnostic tests, medications, and nursing procedures for quick reference
• More than 5,000 review questions included on the Evolve companion website allow you to practice test-taking in Study, Exam, or Next-Generation NCLEX Questions mode
• Next-Generation NCLEX (NGN) question types on Evolve familiarize you with these types of questions and case studies
• NCJMM and six cognitive skills are reviewed in the context of preparing for the nursing profession and taking the NCLEX-RN exam
• Separate chapters on pharmacology and nursing management help you focus on these areas of emphasis on the NCLEX exam
• Test Alert! boxes in the book highlight key concepts frequently found on the NCLEX exam
• Nursing Priority boxes make it easier for you to distinguish priorities of nursing care
• Pharmacology tables make key drug information easy to find, with high-alert medications noted by a special icon
• Special icons distinguish pediatric and adult disorders and identify content on Self-Care and Home Care
• Alternate item format questions on Evolve prepare you for the interactive question types on the NCLEX exam
• Answers and rationales for all review questions help reinforce your understanding

• NEW! Clinical Judgment boxes in each chapter provide a scenario using the six cognitive skills of the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM)
• NEW! Increased content for care for the LGBTQ+ population across the lifespan, social determinants of health, and diversity reflects culturally responsive care
• NEW! Thoroughly updated content incorporates clinical updates and reflects the latest NCLEX-RN test plan
• NEW! Questions are presented with reference ranges to authentically mirror practice and increase clinical judgment

1  Clinical Judgment and Testing Strategies for the NCLEX-RN® Examination
Clinical Judgment and NCLEX-RN® Examination
Clinical Judgment and Next-Generation NCLEX Items
Test Plan
Integrated Processes
Areas of Client Needs
Safe and Effective Care Environment
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Psychosocial Integrity
Physiological Integrity
Classification of Questions
Computer Adaptive Testing
Taking the NCLEX-RN® Examination
Application
Scheduling the Examination
Testing Accommodations
Changing Your Appointment
Testing Center Identification
Day of the Examination
Testing
Test Results
Partial Credit Scoring
Pass or Fail Decisions
Candidate Performance Report
Nurse Licensure Compact
Types of Test Items
Multiple Choice
Alternate Item Format
Multiple Response: Select All That Apply (SATA)
Fill-in-the-Blank
Hot Spot
Ordered Response (Drag-and-Drop)
Chart/Exhibit
Graphic Options
Audio
NGN Item Types
Extended Multiple Response: Select N
Extended Multiple Response: Multiple Response Grouping
Matrix Multiple Choice
Matrix Multiple Response
Drop-Down Cloze
Drop-Down Rationale
Drop-Down In Table
Drag-and-Drop Cloze
Drag-and-Drop Rationale
Highlight in Text
Highlight in Table
Bowtie
Trend
Unfolding Case Study
Testing Strategies
Strategies and Examples
Read the Question Carefully, Without Reading Into It
Make Sure You Know What the Question is Asking
Consider Information About Timing
Consider Characteristics of the Condition
Identify the Step in the Nursing Process
What to Do If You’re Confused
Focus on the Options
Evaluate the Options
True or False
Identify Similarities
Identify Qualifiers
Select the Comprehensive Answer
Consider All Information in the Options
Reread the Question
Management of Client Care
Establishing Nursing Priorities
Therapeutic Nursing Process: Principles of Communication
Tips for Test-Taking Success
Study Habits
Study Effectively
Set a Study Goal
Group Study
Testing Practice
Decrease Anxiety

2  Health Implications Across the Life Span
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Growth and Development
Health Promotion for the Family of an Infant
Health Promotion for the Family of a Toddler
Health Promotion for the Family of a Preschooler
Health Promotion for the Family of a School-Age Child
Health Promotion for the Family of an Adolescent
Health Promotion for the Adolescent
Health Promotion for Adults and Older Adults
(Box 2.2)
Communicable Diseases
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Parotitis (Mumps)
Rubeola (Measles, Hard Measles, Red Measles)
Rubella (German Measles)
Roseola Infantum (Exanthema Subitum)
Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease)
Diphtheria
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Tetanus (Lockjaw)
Poliomyelitis
Scarlet Fever
Infectious Mononucleosis
Influenza (the “Flu”)
Zika Virus
COVID-19
Poisoning
General Principles (Remember SIRES)
Salicylate Poisoning
Acetaminophen Poisoning
Lead Poisoning
Long–term care
Rehabilitation
Goals of Rehabilitation
Psychological Responses to Disability
Home Health Care
Chronic Illness
Nursing Considerations
Chronically Ill Pediatric Client
Nutrition
Dietary Considerations Throughout the Life Span
Nutritional Assessment: Recognize Cues
Diet Therapy for High-Level Wellness
Therapeutic Meal Plans

3 Concepts of Nursing Practice
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Basic Human Needs
Health Assessment
Client Health Interview
Nursing Assessment
Health Promotion
Levels of Prevention
Health Teaching
Principles of Client Education (Box 3.1)
End-of-Life Care
Physical Management of Symptoms
Postmortem Care
Fundamental Nursing Skills
Body Alignment and Range of Motion
Asepsis
Wound Care
Specimen Collection
Heat and Cold Applications
Vital Signs
Immobility
Adverse Physical Effects of Immobility
Adverse Psychological Effects of Immobility
Pain
Classification of Pain
Pain Characteristics
Cultural Implications of Pain
Nondrug Pain Relief Measures
Medications for Pain Relief
Barriers to Pain Management
Palliative Pain Relief
Perioperative Care
Preoperative Care
Day of Surgery
Anesthesia
Immediate Postoperative Recovery
General Postoperative Care

4 Culture and Spiritual Awareness
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Culture
Cultural Competence
Spirituality
Cultural and Spiritual Assessment
General Considerations
Assessment of Cultural Aspects

5  Nursing Management
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Health Care Delivery Systems
Nursing Care Delivery Systems
Management and Leadership
Evidenced-Based Practice
Quality Improvement
Interprofessional Communication
Interprofessional Practice
Interprofessional Collaboration
Management Concepts
Time Management
Criteria for Providing Constructive Feedback
Client Care Assignments and Delegation

6  Ethical and Legal Concepts
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Legal Aspects
Types of Law
Nursing Practice Regulations
Client Rights
Liability for Actions
Civil Torts
Protective Procedures
Responsibility for Professional Practice
Specific Situations of Risk
Legal Documents
Ethical Concerns

7  Emergency and Disaster Preparedness and Bioterrorism
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Definitions
Clinical Preparedness
Triage
Community Nursing Preparedness

8  Pharmacology and Medication Administration
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
General Concepts
Drug Actions
Drug Interactions
Drug Therapy Considerations Across the Life Span
Herbal Supplements
Medication Administration
Nursing Responsibilities in Medication Administration
Nurse’s Legal Responsibilities in Administration of Medication
Methods of Medication Administration
Forms of Medication Preparations
Calculation of Medication Dosages

9  Homeostasis Concepts
PRIORITY CONCEPTS
Fluid And Electrolytes
Physiology
Fluid Imbalances
Intravenous Fluid Replacement Therapy
Isotonic Solutions
Hypotonic Solutions
Hypertonic Solutions
Selection of Site and Equipment
Starting an Intravenous Infusion