Nursing Exam Cram Sheet for the NCLEX-RN 
                The final mountain that nursing students must summit before becoming a registered nurse is the NCLEX. Preparing for the NCLEX can be stressful as 
                taking in colossal amounts of information has never been easy. This is where this cram sheet can help-- it contains condensed facts about the licensure 
                exam and key nursing information. When exam time comes, you can write and transfer these vital information from your head to a blank sheet of paper 
                provided by the testing center. 
               1.  Test Information                                                        Rephrase the question—putting the                      5.  ABG Values 
                         Six hours—the maximum time allotted                               question into your own words can pluck                           pH: 7.36—7.45 
                          for the NCLEX is 6 hours. Take breaks if                          the unneeded info and reveal the core of                         HCO3: 24—26 mEq/L 
                          you need a time out or need to move                               the stem.                                                        CO2: 35—45 mEq/L 
                          around.                                                          Make an educated guess—if you can’t                              PaO2: 80%—100% 
                         75/265—the minimum number of                                      make the best answer for a question                              SaO2: >95% 
                          questions you can answer is 75 and a                              after carefully reading it, choose the                 6.  Acid-Base Balance 
                          maximum of 265.                                                   answer with the most information.                                Remember ROME (respiratory 
                         Read the question and answers                          2.  Vital Signs                                                              opposite/metabolic equal) to remember 
                          carefully—do not jump into conclusions                           Heart rate: 80—100 bpm                                            that in respiratory acid/base disorders 
                          or make wild guesses.                                            Respiratory rate: 12-20 rpm                                       the pH is opposite to the other 
                         Look for keywords—Avoid answers with                             Blood pressure: 110-120/60 mmHg                                   components.   
                          absolutes like always, never, all, every,                        Temperature: 37 °C (98.6 °F)                                     Use the Tic-Tac-Toe Method for 
                          only, must, except, none, or no.                       3.  Hematology values                                                        interpreting ABGs. Read more about it 
                         Don’t read into the question—Never                               RBCs: 4.5—5.0 million                                             here (http://bit.ly/abgtictactoe). 
                          assume anything that has not been                                WBCs: 5,000—10,000                                     7.  Chemistry Values 
                          specifically mentioned and don’t add                             Platelets: 200,000—400,000                                       Glucose: 70—110 mg/dL 
                          extra meaning to the question.                                   Hemoglobin (Hgb): 12—16 gm (female);                             Specific Gravity: 1.010—1.030 
                         Eliminate answers that are clearly wrong                          14—18 gm (male).                                                 BUN: 7-22 mg/dL 
                          or incorrect—to increase your probability                        Hematocrit (Hct): 37—47 (female); 40—                            Serum creatinine: 0.6—1.35 mg/dL 
                          of selecting the correct answer!                                  54 (male)                                                        LDH: 100-190 U/L 
                         Watch for grammatical                                  4.  Serum electrolytes                                                      Protein: 6.2—8.1 g/dL 
                          inconsistencies—Subjects and verbs                               Sodium: 135—145 mEq/L                                            Albumin: 3.4—5.0 g/dL 
                          should agree. If the question is an                              Potassium: 3.5—5.5 mEq/L                                         Bilirubin: <1.0 mg/dL 
                          incomplete sentence, the correct answer                          Calcium: 8.5—10.9 mEq/L                                          Total Cholesterol: 130—200 mg/dL 
                          should complete the question in a                                Chloride: 95—105 mEq/L                                           Triglyceride: 40—50 mg/dL 
                          grammatically correct manner.                                    Magnesium: 1.5—2.5 mEq/L                                         Uric acid: 3.5—7.5 mg/dL 
                                                                                           Phosphorus: 2.5—4.5 mEq/L                                        CPK: 21-232 U/L 
                                    
          Via: http://nurseslabs.com/nclex-cram-sheet/ 
               8.  Therapeutic Drug Levels                                                 1 gram (g) = 1,000 mg                                            Category C—Risk not ruled out. 
                         Carbamazepine (Tegretol): 4—10                                   1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2 lbs                                         Examples: Rifampicin (Rifampin), 
                          mcg/ml                                                           1 lb = 16 oz                                                      Theophylline (Theolair).  
                         Digoxin (Lanoxin): 0.8—2.0 ng/ml                                 Convert C to F: C+40 multiply by 9/5 and                         Category D—Positive evidence of risk. 
                         Gentamycin (Garamycin): 5—10 mcg/ml                               subtract 40                                                       Examples: Phenytoin, Tetracycline.  
                          (peak), <2.0 mcg/ml (valley)                                     Convert F to C: F+40 multiply by 5/9 and                         Category X—Contraindicated in 
                         Lithium (Eskalith): 0.8—1.5 mEq/L                                 subtract 40                                                       Pregnancy. Examples: Isotretinoin 
                         Phenobarbital (Solfoton): 15—40                        11. Maternity Normal Values                                                  (Accutane), Thalidomide (Immunoprin), 
                          mcg/mL                                                           Fetal Heart Rate: 120—160 bpm                                     etc. 
                         Phenytoin (Dilantin): 10—20 mcg/dL                               Variability: 6—10 bpm                                            Pregnancy Category N—Not yet 
                         Theophylline (Aminophylline): 10—20                              Amniotic fluid: 500—1200 ml                                       classified 
                          mcg/dL                                                           Contractions: 2—5 minutes apart with                   14. Drug Schedules 
                         Tobramycin (Tobrex): 5—10 mcg/mL                                  duration of < 90 seconds and intensity                           Schedule I—no currently accepted 
                          (peak), 0.5—2.0 mcg/mL (valley)                                   of <100 mmHg.                                                     medical use and for research use only 
                         Valproic Acid (Depakene): 50—100                                 APGAR Scoring: Appearance, Pulses,                                (e.g., heroin, LSD, MDMA). 
                          mcg/ml                                                            Grimace, Activity, Reflex Irritability. Done                     Schedule II—drugs with high potential 
                         Vancomycin (Vancocin): 20—40 mcg/ml                               at 1 and 5 minutes with a score of 0 for                          for abuse and requires written 
                          (peak), 5 to 15 mcg/ml (trough)                                   absent, 1 for decreased, and 2 for                                prescription (e.g., Ritalin, 
               9.  Anticoagulant therapy                                                    strongly positive. Scores 7 and above                             hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine 
                         Sodium warfarin (Coumadin) PT: 10—12                              are generally normal, 4 to 6 fairly low,                          (Demerol), and fentanyl).  
                          seconds (control). The antidote is                                and 3 and below are generally regarded                           Schedule III—requires new prescription 
                          Vitamin K.                                                        as critically low.                                                after six months or five refills (e.g., 
                         INR (Coumadin): 0.9—1.2                                          AVA: The umbilical cord has two arteries                          codeine, testosterone, ketamine).  
                         Heparin PTT: 30—45 seconds (control).                             and one vein.                                                    Schedule IV—requires new prescription 
                          The antidote is protamine sulfate.                     12. STOP—Treatment for maternal hypotension                                  after six months (e.g., Darvon, Xanax, 
                         APTT: 23.3—31.9 seconds                                     after an epidural anesthesia:                                           Soma, and Valium). 
                         Fibrinogen level: 203—377 mg/dL                                  Stop infusion of Pitocin.                                        Schedule V—dispensed as any other 
               10. Conversions                                                             Turn the client on her left side.                                 prescription or without prescription 
                         1 teaspoon (t) = 5 ml                                            Administer oxygen.                                                (e.g., cough preparations, Lomotil, 
                         1 tablespoon (T) = 3 t = 15 ml                                   If hypovolemia is present, push IV fluids.                        Motofen).  
                         1 oz = 30 ml                                           13. Pregnancy Category of Drugs                                   15. Medication Classifications 
                         1 cup = 8 oz                                                     Category A—No risk in controlled human                           Antacids—reduces hydrochloric acid in 
                         1 quart = 2 pints                                                 studies                                                           the stomach.  
                         1 pint = 2 cups                                                  Category B—No risk in other studies.                             Antianemics—increases blood cell 
                         1 grain (gr) = 60 mg                                              Examples: Amoxicillin, Cefotaxime.                                production.  
                                    
          Via: http://nurseslabs.com/nclex-cram-sheet/ 
                         Anticholinergics—decreases oral                                   dose. Check digitalis and potassium                    18. Developmental Milestones 
                          secretions.                                                       levels.                                                          2—3 months: able to turn head up, and 
                         Anticoagulants—prevents clot                                     Aluminum Hydroxide (Amphojel)—                                    can turn side to side. Makes cooing or 
                          formation,                                                        Treatment of GERD and kidney stones.                              gurgling noises and can turn head to 
                         Anticonvulsants—used for management                               WOF constipation.                                                 sound.  
                          of seizures and/or bipolar disorders.                            Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)—Treatment of                              4—5 months: grasps, switch and roll 
                         Antidiarrheals—decreases gastric                                  anxiety and itching. WOF dry mouth.                               over tummy to back. Can babble and 
                          motility and reduce water in bowel.                              Midazolam (Versed)—given for                                      can mimic sounds.  
                         Antihistamines—block the release of                               conscious sedation. WOF respiratory                              6—7 months: sits at 6 and waves bye-
                          histamine.                                                        depression and hypotension.                                       bye. Can recognize familiar faces and 
                         Antihypertensives—lower blood                                    Amiodarone (Cordarone)—WOF                                        knows if someone is a stranger. Passes 
                          pressure and increases blood flow.                                diaphoresis, dyspnea, lethargy. Take                              things back and forth between hands.  
                         Anti-infectives—used for the treatment                            missed dose any time in the day or to                            8—9 months: stands straight at eight, 
                          of infections,                                                    skip it entirely. Do not take double dose.                        has favorite toy, plays peek-a-boo. 
                         Bronchodilators—dilates large air                                Warfarin (Coumadin)—WOF for signs of                             10—11 months: belly to butt.  
                          passages in asthma or lung diseases                               bleeding, diarrhea, fever, or rash. Stress                       12—13 months: twelve and up, drinks 
                          (e.g., COPD).                                                     importance of complying with                                      from a cup. Cries when parents leave, 
                         Diuretics—decreases water/sodium                                  prescribed dosage and follow-up                                   uses furniture to cruise. 
                          from the Loop of Henle.                                           appointments.                                          19. Cultural Considerations 
                         Laxatives—promotes the passage of                                Methylphenidate (Ritalin)—Treatment of                           African Americans—May believe that 
                          stool.                                                            ADHD. Assess for heart related side-                              illness is caused by supernatural causes 
                         Miotics—constricts the pupils.                                    effects and reported immediately. Child                           and seek advice and remedies form faith 
                         Mydriatics—dilates the pupils.                                    may need a drug holiday because the                               healers; they are family oriented; have 
                         Narcotics/analgesics—relieves                                     drug stunts growth.                                               higher incidence of high blood pressure 
                          moderate to severe pain.                                         Dopamine—Treatment of hypotension,                                and obesity; high incidence of lactose 
               16. Rules of nines for calculating Total Body                                shock, and low cardiac output. Monitor                            intolerance with difficulty digesting milk 
                    Surface Area (TBSA) for burns                                           ECG for arrhythmias and blood pressure.                           and milk products. 
                         Head: 9%                                                         Rifampicin—causes red-orange tears                               Arab Americans—May remain silent 
                         Arms: 18% (9% each)                                               and urine.                                                        about health problems such as STIs, 
                         Back: 18%                                                        Ethambutol—causes problems with                                   substance abuse, and mental illness; a 
                         Legs: 36% (18% each)                                              vision, liver problem.                                            devout Muslim may interpret illness as 
                         Genitalia: 1%                                                    Isoniazid—can cause peripheral neuritis,                          the will of Allah, a test of faith; may rely 
               17. Medications                                                              take vitamin B6 to counter.                                       on ritual cures or alternative therapies 
                         Digoxin (Lanoxin)—Assess pulses for a                                                                                               before seeking help from health care 
                          full minute, if less than 60 bpm hold                                                                                               provider; after death, the family may 
                                    
          Via: http://nurseslabs.com/nclex-cram-sheet/ 
                     want to prepare the body by washing               Native Americans—May turn to a                     Cirrhosis (stable)—normal protein 
                     and wrapping the body in unsewn white              medicine man to determine the true                 Cirrhosis with hepatic insufficiency—
                     cloth; postmortem examinations are                 cause of an illness; may value the ability          restrict protein, fluids, and sodium.  
                     discouraged unless required by law.                to endure pain or grief with silent                Constipation—high-fiber, increased 
                     May avoid pork and alcohol if Muslim.              stoicism; diet may be deficient in                  fluids 
                     Islamic patients observe month long                vitamin D and calcium because many                 COPD—soft, high-calorie, low-
                     fast of Ramadan (begins approximately              suffer from lactose intolerance or don’t            carbohydrate, high-fat, small frequent 
                     mid-October); people suffering from                drink milk; obesity and diabetes are                feedings 
                     chronic illnesses, pregnant women,                 major health concerns; may divert eyes             Cystic Fibrosis—increase in fluids.  
                     breast-feeding, or menstruating don’t              to the floor when they are praying or              Diarrhea—liquid, low-fiber, regular, fluid 
                     fast. Females avoid eye contact with               paying attention.                                   and electrolyte replacement 
                     males; use same-sex family members as             Western Culture—May value technology               Gallbladder diseases—low-fat, calorie-
                     interpreters.                                      almost exclusively in the struggle to               restricted, regular 
                    Asian Americans—May value ability to               conquer diseases; health is understood             Gastritis—low-fiber, bland diet 
                     endure pain and grief with silent                  to be the absence, minimization, or                Hepatitis—regular, high-calorie, high-
                     stoicism; typically family oriented;               control of disease process; eating                  protein 
                     extended family should be involved in              utensils usually consists of knife, fork,          Hyperlipidemias—fat-controlled, calorie-
                     care of dying patient; believes in “hot-           and spoon; three daily meals is typical.            restricted 
                     cold” yin/yang often involved; sodium      20. Common Diets                                           Hypertension, heart failure, CAD—low-
                     intake is generally high because of               Acute Renal Disease—protein-restricted,             sodium, calorie-restricted, fat-controlled 
                     salted and dried foods; may believe                high-calorie, fluid-controlled, sodium and         Kidney Stones—increased fluid intake, 
                     prolonged eye contact is rude and an               potassium controlled.                               calcium-controlled, low-oxalate 
                     invasion of privacy; may not without              Addison’s disease—increased sodium,                Nephrotic Syndrome—sodium-restricted, 
                     necessarily understanding; may prefer              low potassium diet.                                 high-calorie, high-protein, potassium-
                     to maintain a comfortable physical                ADHD and Bipolar—high-calorie and                   restricted.  
                     distance between the patient and the               provide finger foods.                              Obesity, overweight—calorie-restricted, 
                     health care provider.                             Burns—high protein, high caloric,                   high-fiver 
                    Latino Americans—May view illness as a             increase in Vitamin C.                             Pancreatitis—low-fat, regular, small 
                     sign of weakness, punishment for evil             Cancer—high-calorie, high-protein.                  frequent feedings; tube feeding or total 
                     doing; may consult with a curandero or            Celiac Disease—gluten-free diet (no                 parenteral nutrition. 
                     voodoo priest; family members are                  BROW: barley, rye, oat, and wheat).                Peptic ulcer—bland diet 
                     typically involved in all aspects of              Chronic Renal Disease—protein-                     Pernicious Anemia—increase Vitamin 
                     decision making such as terminal                   restricted, low-sodium, fluid-restricted,           B12 (Cobalamin), found in high amounts 
                     illness; may see no reason to submit to            potassium-restricted, phosphorus-                   on shellfish, beef liver, and fish.  
                     mammograms or vaccinations.                        restricted. 
                            
        Via: http://nurseslabs.com/nclex-cram-sheet/