This book will help you prepare to take and pass the Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses. This Introduction discusses the NCLEX® exam in general and how the Exam Cram can help you prepare for the test. It doesn't matter whether this is the first time you're going to take the exam or if you have taken it previously; this book gives you the necessary information and techniques to obtain licensure.
Exam Cram books help you understand and appreciate the subjects and materials you need to pass. The books are aimed at test preparation and review. They do not teach you everything you need to know about the subject of nursing. Instead they present materials you are likely to encounter on the exam.
Using a simple approach, we will help you understand the need-to-know information. First, you will learn content as it applies to medical-surgical nursing, psychiatric-mental health nursing, obstetric nursing, and pediatric nursing, with an emphasis on pharmacology, skills, and management of these disorders. In a well-organized format, you will learn the pathophysiology of the most common problems affecting clients, the treatment of these disorders, and the nursing care required.
The NCLEX-PN® consists of questions from the cognitive levels of knowledge, comprehension, application, and analysis. The majority of questions are written at the application and analysis levels. Questions incorporate the five stages of the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation) and the four categories of client needs. Client needs are divided into subcategories that define the content within each of the four major categories.
The CD features innovative Computer Adaptive Testing software, giving you an effective tool to assess your readiness for the NCLEX-PN® exam. Key features include:
- Detailed explanations of correct and incorrect answers.
- Multiple test modes.
- Random questions and order of answers.
System Requirements
- Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Vista or Microsoft Windows 7
- Pentium class 1GHz processor (or equivalent)
- 256MB RAM
- 30MB Hard Drive Space
Key Features
- Covers exactly what you need to know to score higher on your NCLEX-PN® exam.
- Includes 400 sample test questions to help you determine whether you’re ready to take the actual exam.
- Our popular Cram Sheet tearcard helps you remember key concepts.
- Exam Alerts provide important information found on the exam.
- Simplifies pharmacology for easy learning.
Contents
- Introduction
- Welcome to the NCLEX-PN® Exam Cram
- Taking the Computerized Adaptive Test
- The Cost of the Exam
- How to Prepare for the Exam
- How to Use This Book
- About the Book
- Contact the Authors
- Self-Assessment
- Testing Your Exam Readiness
CHAPTER 1 Preparing for the National Council Exam for Licensed Practical Nurses
- Preparing for the Exam
- The Computer Adaptive Test
- Testing Strategies
- Reading the Question Carefully
- Look for Keywords
- Watch for Specific Details
- Exam Prep Questions
- Answer Rationales
CHAPTER 2 Simplifying Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
- Three Areas of Pharmacology
- How Nurses Work with Pharmacology
- Time-Released Drugs
- Administering Medications
- Understanding and Identifying the Various Drugs
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
- Beta Adrenergic Blockers
- Anti-Infectives (Aminoglycosides)
- Benzodiazepines (Anticonvulsants/Antianxiety)
- Phenothiazines (Antipsychotic/Antiemetic)
- Glucocorticoids
- Antivirals
- Cholesterol-Lowering Agents
- Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
- Histamine 2 Antagonists
- Proton Pump Inhibitors
- Anticoagulants
- More Drug Identification Helpers
- Herbals
- Drug Schedules
- Pregnancy Categories for Drugs
- Exam Prep Questions
- Answer Rationales
CHAPTER 3 Caring for the Client with Disorders of the Respiratory System
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Asthma
- Acute Respiratory Infections
- Pneumonia
- Pleurisy
- Tuberculosis
- Influenza
- Emerging Infections
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
- Legionnaire’s Disease
- Diagnostic Tests for Review
- Pharmacology Categories for Review
- Exam Prep Questions
- Answer Rationales
- Suggested Reading and Resources
CHAPTER 4 Caring for the Client with Disorders of the Renal and Genitourinary System
- Acute Glomerulonephritis
- Chronic Glomerulonephritis
- End Stage Renal Disease
- Peritoneal Dialysis
- Hemodialysis
- Renal Transplantations
- Nephrotic Syndrome
- Urinary Calculi
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Genitourinary Disorders
- Prostatitis
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Bladder Cancer
- Diagnostic Tests for Review
- Pharmacology Categories for Review
- Exam Prep Questions
- Answer Rationales
- Suggested Reading and Resources
CHAPTER 5 Caring for the Client with Disorders of the Hematopoietic System
- Anemia
- Pernicious Anemia
- Aplastic Anemia
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Cooley’s Anemia (Thalassemia Major)
- Hemophilia
- Polycythemia Vera
- Diagnostic Tests for Review
- Pharmacology for Review
- Exam Prep Questions
- Answer Rationales
- Suggested Reading and Resources
CHAPTER 6 Caring for the Client with Disorders of Fluid and Electrolyte Balance and Acid/Base Balance
- Basic Knowledge of Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
- Regulation of pH and Its Effect on Fluid and Electrolytes
- How the Body Regulates pH
- Metabolic Acidosis
- Causes of Metabolic Acidosis
- Symptoms of Metabolic Acidosis
- Care of the Client with Metabolic Acidosis
- Respiratory Acidosis
- Causes of Respiratory Acidosis
- Symptoms of Respiratory Acidosis
- Caring for the Client with Respiratory Acidosis
- Metabolic Alkalosis
- Causes of Metabolic Alkalosis
- Symptoms of Metabolic Alkalosis
- Caring for the Client with Metabolic Alkalosis
- Respiratory Alkalosis
- Symptoms of Respiratory Alkalosis
- Care of the Client with Respiratory Alkalosis
- Normal Electrolyte Values
- Changes Associated with Aging
- Exam Prep Questions
- Answer Rationales
- Suggested Reading and Resources
CHAPTER 7 Caring for the Client with Burns
- Burn Classifications
- Burn Measurement with TBSA
- Nursing Care for Burn Victims
- The Emergent Phase
- The Intermediate Phase
- Dressings for Burns
- The Rehabilitative Phase
- Diagnostic Tests for Review
- Pharmacology Categories for Review
- Exam Prep Questions
- Answer Rationales
- Suggested Reading and Resources
CHAPTER 8 Caring for the Client with Sensorineural Disorders
- Disorders of the Eyes
- Intraocular Disorders
- Retinal Disorders
- Refractive Errors
- Traumatic Injuries
- Visual Tests for Review
- Pharmacology Categories for Review
- Ear Disorders
- Otitis Externa
- Otitis Media
- Meniere’s Disease
- Otosclerosis
- Presbycusis
- Ear Trauma
- Assisting Clients with Hearing Loss
- Diagnostic Tests for Review
- Pharmacology Categories for Review
- Exam Prep Questions
- Answer Rationales
- Suggested Reading and Resources
CHAPTER 9 Caring for the Client with Cancer
- Cancer
- American Cancer Society’s Seven Warning Signs of Cancer
- The Four Major Categories of Cancer
- Risk Factors for Specific Cancers
- Cancer Prevention
- Patient Teaching
- Management of the Client with Cancer
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Bone Marrow Transplantation and Peripheral Stem Cell Transplantation (PSCT)
- Types of Transplants
- Nursing Care After Transplantation
- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Prognosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Treatment of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Diagnostic Tests for Review
- Pharmacology for Review
- Exam Prep Questions
- Answer Rationales
- Suggested Reading and Resources
CHAPTER 10 Caring for the Client with Disorders of the Gastrointestinal System
- Ulcers
- Types of Ulcers
- Treatment of Ulcers
- Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
- Crohn’s Disease (Regional Enteritis)
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Diverticulitis
- Diagnosis of Diverticulitis
- Treatment of Diverticulitis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Diseases Associated with the Liver
- Hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
- Pancreatitis
- Cholecystitis/Cholelithiasis
- Symptoms of Cholecystitis and Cholelithiasis
- Diagnosis of Cholecystitis/Cholethiasis
- Treatment of Cholecystitis
- Treatment of Cholecystitis
- Diagnosis of Cholecystitis/Cholethiasis
- Treatment of Cholethiasis
- Clostridium Difficile
- Food-Borne Illnesses
- Diagnostic Tests for Review
- Pharmacology for Review
- Exam Prep Questions
- Answer Rationales
- Suggested Reading and Resources
CHAPTER 11 Caring for the Client with Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System
- Fractures
- Treating Fractures
- Compartment Syndrome
- Osteomyelitis
- Osteoporosis
- Treatment of Osteoporosis
- Gout
- Treatment of the Client with Gout
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Musculoskeletal Surgical Procedures
- Fractured Hip and Hip Replacement
- Total Knee Replacement
- Amputations
- Assistive Devices for Ambulation
- Crutches
- Canes
- Walkers
- Diagnostic Tests for Review
- Pharmacology for Review
- Exam Prep Questions
- Answer Rationales
- Suggested Reading and Resources
CHAPTER 12 Caring for the Client with Disorders of the Endocrine System
- Pituitary Disorders
- Tumors of the Pituitary
- Thyroid Disorders
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Parathyroid Disorders
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Adrenal Gland Disorders
- Adrenocortical Insufficiency (Addison’s Disease)
- Adrenocortical Hypersecretion (Cushing’s Syndrome)
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Diagnostic Tests for Review
- Pharmacology Categories for Review
- Exam Prep Questions
- Answer Rationales
- Suggested Reading and Resources
CHAPTER 13 Caring for the Client with Disorders of the Cardiovascular System
- Hypertension
- Medications Used to Treat Hypertension
- Heart Block
- Toxicity to Medications
- Malfunction of the Conduction System
- Myocardial Infarction
- Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction
- Management of Myocardial Infarction Clients
- Buerger’s Disease
- Thrombophlebitis
- Raynaud’s Syndrome
- Aneurysms
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Diagnostic Tests for Review
- Pharmacology Categories for Review
- Exam Prep Questions
- Answer Rationales
- Suggested Reading and Resources
CHAPTER 14 Caring for the Client with Disorders of the Neurological System
- Seizures
- Types of Seizures
- Treatment of Seizure Clients
- Status Epilepticus
- Brain Injuries
- Epidural Hematomas
- Subdural Hematoma
- Treatment of Epidural and Subdural Hematomas
- Increased Intracranial Pressure
- Treatment of ICP
- Neurological Assessment
- Cranial Nerve Assessment
- Glasgow Coma Scale
- Intracranial Pressure Monitors
- Care of the Client with Intracranial Surgery (Craniotomy)
- Cerebrovascular Accident/Stroke
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Potential Complications with SCI Clients
- Guillain-Barré
- Treating Clients with Guillian-Barré
- Degenerative Neurological Disorders
- Diagnostic Tests for Review
- Pharmacology for Review
- Exam Prep Questions
- Answer Rationales
- Suggested Reading and Resources
CHAPTER 15 Caring for the Client with Psychiatric Disorders
- Anxiety-Related Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
- Dissociative Identity Disorder
- Somatoform Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Phobic Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Personality Disorders
- Cluster A
- Cluster B
- Cluster C
- Managing Clients with Personality Disorders
- Psychotic Disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar Disorders
- Substance Abuse
- Alcoholism
- Other Commonly Abused Substances
- Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence
- Conduct Disorder
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
- Autistic Disorder
- Eating Disorders
- Diagnostic Tests for Review
- Pharmacology Categories for Review
- Exam Prep Questions
- Answer Rationales
- Suggested Reading and Resources
CHAPTER 16 Caring for the Maternal/Infant Client
- Signs of Pregnancy
- Presumptive Signs
- Probable Signs
- Positive Signs
- Prenatal Care
- Prenatal Diet and Weight Maintenance
- Alpha-Fetoprotein Screening
- Other Prenatal Diagnostic Tests
- Assessing Fetal Heart Tones
- Ultrasonography
- Signs of Complications of Pregnancy
- Types of Abortions
- Complications Affecting Pregnancy
- Diabetes in Pregnancy
- Preeclampsia
- Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
- Cord Prolapse
- Abruptio Placenta
- Placenta Previa
- Maternal Infections
- Preterm Labor
- Intrapartal Care
- Stages of Labor
- Phases of Labor
- Important Terms You Should Know
- Prelabor Testing
- Fetal Monitoring
- Pharmacologic Management of Labor
- Postpartum Care
- Terms Associated with the Normal Newborn
- Rh Incompatibility
- Contraception
- Diagnostic Tests for Review
- Pharmacology Categories for Review
- Exam Prep Questions
- Answer Rationales
- Suggested Reading and Resources
CHAPTER 17 Caring for the Pediatric Client
- Growth and Development
- Infant (28 Days to 1 Year)
- Toddler (1–3 Years)
- Preschooler (3–5 Years)
- School Age (6–12 Years)
- Adolescence (12–18 Years)
- Congenital Anomalies
- Anomalies of the Gastrointestinal System
- Anomalies of the Musculoskeltal System
- Anomalies of the Cardiovascular System
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism
- Respiratory Disorders
- Acute Otitis Media
- Tonsillitis
- Laryngotracheobronchitis
- Acute Epiglottitis
- Bronchiolitis
- Cystic Fibrosis (Mucoviscidosis)
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Gastroenteritis
- Pyloric Stenosis
- Intussusception
- Celiac (Gluten-Induced Enteropathy, Celiac Sprue)
- Cardiovascular Disorders
- Rheumatic Fever
- Kawasaki’s Disease (Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome)
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Scoliosis
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (Coxa Plana)
- Muscular Dystrophies
- Childhood Cancer
- Wilms Tumor (Nephroblastoma)
- Leukemia
- Osteogenic Sarcoma (Osteosarcoma)
- Ingestion of Hazardous Substances
- Salicylate Overdose
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Overdose
- Lead (Plumbism)
- Iron Poisoning
- Diagnostic Tests for Review
- Pharmacology Categories for Review
- Exam Prep Questions
- Answer Rationales
- Suggested Reading and Resources
Practice Exam 1
Answers to Practice Exam 1
Practice Exam 2
Answers to Practice Exam 2
APPENDIX A Things You Forgot
APPENDIX B Need to Know More?
APPENDIX C Alphabetical Listing of Nursing Boards in the United States and Protectorates
Glossary
About the Author
- Wilda Rinehart received an Associate Degree in Nursing from Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville, Mississippi. After working as a staff nurse and charge nurse, she became a public health nurse and served in that capacity for a number of years. In 1975, she received her nurse practitioner certification in the area of obstetrics-gynecology from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. In 1979, she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Mississippi University for Women. In 1980, she completed her Master of Science degree in Nursing from the same university and accepted a faculty position at Northeast Mississippi Community College, where she taught medical-surgical nursing and maternal-newborn nursing. In 1982, she founded Rinehart and Associates Nursing Consultants. For the past 26 years, she and her associates have worked with nursing graduates and schools of nursing to assist graduates to pass the National Council Licensure Exam for Nursing. She has also worked as a curriculum consultant with faculty to improve test construction. Ms. Rinehart has served as a convention speaker throughout the southeastern United States and as a reviewer of medical-surgical and obstetric texts. She has co-authored materials used in seminars presented by Rinehart and Associates Nursing Review. As the president of Rinehart and Associates, she serves as the coordinator of a company dedicated to improving the quality of health through nursing education.
- Dr. Diann Sloan received an Associate Degree in Nursing from Northeast Mississippi Community College, a Bachelor of Sience degree in Nursing from the University of Mississippi, and a Master of Science degree in Nursing from Mississippi University for Women. In addition to her nursing degrees, she holds a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Georgia State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education , with minors in both Psychology and Educational Psychology, from Mississippi State University. She has completed additional graduate studies in healthcare administration at Western New England College and the University of Mississippi. Dr. Sloan has taught pediatric nursing, psychiatric mental health nursing, and medical surgical nursing in both associate degree and baccalaureate nursing programs. As a member of Rinehart and Associates Nursing Review, Dr. Sloan has conducted test construction workshops for faculty and nursing review seminars for both registered and practical nurse graduates. She has co-authored materials used in the item-writing workshops for nursing faculty and Rinehart and Associates Nursing Review. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau nursing honor society.
- Clara Hurd received an Associate Degree in Nursing from Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville, Mississippi (1975). Her experiences in nursing are clinically based, having served as a staff nurse in medical-surgical nursing. She has worked as an oncology, intensive care, orthopedic, neurological, and pediatric nurse. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama, and her Master of Science degree in Nursing from the Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, Mississippi. Ms Hurd is a certified nurse educator. She currently serves as a nurse educator consultant and an independent contractor. Ms. Hurd has taught in both associate degree and baccalaureate degree nursing programs. She was a faculty member of Mississippi University for Women; Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee; Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee; and Northeast Mississippi Community College. Ms. Hurd joined Rinehart and Associates in 1993. She has worked with students in preparing for the National Council Licensure Exam and with faculty as a consultant in writing test items. Ms. Hurd has also been a presenter at nursing conventions on various topics, including item-writing for nursing faculty. Her primary professional goal is to prepare the student and graduate for excellence in the delivery of healthcare.
Product Details
- Paperback: 600 pages
- Publisher: Pearson Education; 3 edition (2011)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0789741067
- ISBN-13: 978-0789741066
- Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 1.4 inches
List Price: $39.99