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Master The NCLEX-PN (2020)

Master The NCLEX-PN (2020) ensures success with step-by-step guidance and test strategies.

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    Downloaded from StudyXY.com [= Ww + StudyXY oi as . Za \ Rr ' BE \ Stu dy Anything This ContentHas been Posted On StudyXY.com as supplementary learning material. StudyXY does not endrose any university, college or publisher. Allmaterials posted are under the liability of the contributors. | 8) www.studyxy.com

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    MASTER THE™ NCLEX-PN® 5TH EDITION

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    About Peterson’s Peterson’s® has been your trusted educational publisher for over 50 years. It’s a milestone we’re quite proud of, as we continue to offer the most accurate, dependable, high-quality educational content in the field, providing you with everything you need to succeed. No matter where you are on your academic or professional path, you can rely on Peterson’s for its books, online information, expert test-prep tools, the most up-to-date education exploration data, and the highest quality career success resources— everything you need to achieve your education goals. For our complete line of products, visit Www.petersons.com. For more information, contact Peterson’s, 8740 Lucent Blvd., Suite 400, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129; 800-338-3282; or find us online at www.petersons.com. Peterson’s makes every reasonable effort to obtain from reliable sources accurate, complete, and timely information about the tests covered in this book. Nevertheless, changes can be made in the tests or the administration of the tests at any time and Peterson’s makes no representation or warranty, either expressed or implied as to the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the information contained in this book. © 2018 Peterson’s. All rights reserved. Previous editions © 2001, 2003, 2007, 2009 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this work covered by the copyright herein may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means—graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, Web distribution, or information storage and retrieval systems—without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission to use material from this text or product, complete the Permission Request Form at www.petersons.com/permissions. ISBN: 978-0-7689-4240-8 Printed in the United States of America 10987654321 201918 Fifth Edition StudyXY

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    Petersonspublishing.com/publishingupdates Check out our website at www.petersonspublishing.com/publishingupdates to see if there is any new information regarding the tests and any revisions or corrections to the content of this book. We’ve made sure the information in this book is accurate and up-to-date; however, the test format or content may have changed since the time of publication. + Studyxy

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    Contents Before You Begin How This Book Is Organized Special Study Features How to Get the Most Out of Your Review Top 10 Strategies to Raise Your Score Give Us Your Feedback You’re Well on Your Way to Success! PART I: NCLEX-PN® BASICS 1 All About the NCLEX-PN® Exam About Practical Nursing and the Job Outlook Exam Basics The NCLEX-PN® Test Plan Percentage of Exam Items Integrated Nursing Processes What to Expect on the Exam Top 10 Strategies for Choosing the Correct Answer Summing It Up PART II: NCLEX-PN® REVIEW 2 Basic Nursing Concepts The Nursing Process Documentation Role of the PN/VN Pain Management Nutrition Nutritional Assessment Therapeutic Diets Infection Control Legal Principles of PN Practice Illegal Behavior Risk Management Ethical Principles Professional Organizations Summing It Up

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    Practice Exercises: Basic Nursing Concepts Answer Key and Explanations 3 Nursing Procedures Vital Signs Hygiene Mobility Feeding the Client Elimination—Bowel Elimination—Urinary Hot and Cold Therapy ‘Wound Care Asepsis Collecting Specimens Care of the Dying Summing It Up Practice Exercises: Nursing Procedures Answer Key and Explanations 4 Pharmacology Basic Concepts Medication Legislation Medication Names Medication Actions Medication Metabolism (Pharmacokinetics) Medication Forms Responsibilities of the PN/VN in Medication Administration Medication Interactions Legal Aspects of Medication Administration Routes of Medication Administration Calculation of Medication Dosages Medications that Require Specific Nursing Actions or Considerations Summing It Up Practice Exercises: Pharmacology Answer Key and Explanations 5 Maternal/Newborn Nursing Basic Concepts Anatomy Physiology Childbearing Maternal Changes During Pregnancy Signs of Pregnancy Antepartum Care Labor and Delivery Postpartum Newborn Summing It Up

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    Practice Exercises: Maternal/Newborn Nursing Answer Key and Explanations 6 Pediatric Nursing Basic Concepts Nursing Care of Sick Children Child Development Toddler Development Preschool-Aged Child Development (3-6 years) School-Aged Child Development (6-12 years) Adolescent Development (12-20 years) Respiratory Disorders Gastrointestinal Disorders Genitourinary Disorders Endocrine Disorders Cardiovascular Disorders Hematopoietic Disorders Neurological Disorders Musculoskeletal Disorders Cognitive and Sensory Disorders Skin Disorders Growth and Development Disorders Summing It Up Practice Exercises: Pediatric Nursing Answer Key and Explanations 7 Psychiatric Nursing Basic Concepts Personality and Self-Concept Anxiety Anxiety Disorders Assessment and Treatment Destructive Coping: Disorders of Abuse and Dependence Affective Disorders Thought Disturbances Pharmacological Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders Summing It Up Practice Exercises: Psychiatric Nursing Answer Key and Explanations 8 The Neurologic System Basic Concepts Central Nervous System Peripheral Nervous System Autonomic Nervous System Neurons Neurological Assessment Neurologic System Disorders

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    Summing It Up Practice Exercises: The Neurologic System Answer Key and Explanations 9 The Sensory System Basic Concepts The Eye Eye Disorders The Ear Ear Disorders Summing It Up Practice Exercises: The Sensory System Answer Key and Explanations 10 The Endocrine System Basic Concepts Endocrine Glands Endocrine Disorders Pancreas Summing It Up Practice Exercises: The Endocrine System Answer Key and Explanations 11 The Gastrointestinal System Basic Concepts Digestive System Assessment of the GI System GI System Disorders Liver Gallbladder Pancreas Summing It Up Practice Exercises: The Gastrointestinal System Answer Key and Explanations 12 The Urinary and Renal Systems Basic Concepts Anatomy and Physiology Urinary and Renal Assessment Urinary and Renal Disorders Summing It Up Practice Exercises: The Urinary and Renal Systems Answer Key and Explanations 13 The Hematologic and Immune Systems Basic Concepts Physiology of the Blood Physiology of the Immune System

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    Hematological System Disorders Immune System Disorders Summing It Up Practice Exercises: The Hematologic and Immune Systems Answer Key and Explanations 14 Oncology Basic Concepts Cancer Diagnosis Cancer Treatment Nursing Care Summing It Up Practice Exercises: Oncology Answer Key and Explanations 15 The Integumentary System Basic Concepts Skin Structure and Function Skin Assessment Integumentary System Disorders Summing It Up Practice Exercises: The Integumentary System Answer Key and Explanations 16 The Respiratory System Basic Concepts Anatomy and Physiology Diagnostic Tests for Respiratory Function Respiratory System Disorders Summing It Up Practice Exercises: The Respiratory System Answer Key and Explanations 17 The Reproductive System Basic Concepts The Male Reproductive System The Female Reproductive System Client Assessment Male Reproductive System Disorders Female Reproductive System Disorders Other Reproductive Disorders Summing It Up Practice Exercises: The Reproductive System Answer Key and Explanations 18 The Cardiovascular System Basic Concepts Cardiovascular Anatomy

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    Cardiac Physiology Blood Composition Assessment of the Cardiovascular System Diagnostic Tests for Cardiovascular Assessment Cardiovascular System Disorders Vascular Disorders Summing It Up Practice Exercises: The Cardiovascular System Answer Key and Explanations 19 The Musculoskeletal System Basic Concepts Skeleton Joints and Connective Tissue Muscular System Musculoskeletal System Disorders Summing It Up Practice Exercises: The Musculoskeletal System Answer Key and Explanations PART III: TWO PRACTICE TESTS Practice Test 1 Answer Sheet Answer Key and Explanations Practice Test 2 Answer Sheet Answer Key and Explanations APPENDICES Appendix A: State Boards of Nursing Appendix B: PN/VN Organizations Appendix C: Websites of Interest + Studyxy

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    Before You Begin

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    HOW THIS BOOK IS ORGANIZED Peterson’s Master the™ NCLEX-PN® provides a review of your practical nursing studies in outline form and as an overview of the Test Plan for the NCLEX-PN exam. This self-tutoring process combines the most effective practice with the content that you can expect to see on the actual exam. Taking the NCLEX-PN is a skill. It shares some aspects with other endeavors, such as competing in athletics. It requires discipline and practice to succeed. These are skills that can be improved through coaching, but ultimately, improvement also requires practice. Peterson’s Master™ the NCLEX-PN® gives you both. « “Top 10 Strategies to Raise Your Score” outlines time-tested strategies for doing your best on the exam. « Part I includes all you need to know about the NCLEX-PN Test Plan and exam. « Part II provides a content review that will help you do your best on the exam. « Part IIT consists of two complete Practice Tests that simulate the actual exam, so you're fully prepared for test day. » Appendices provide information on state boards of nursing and professional organizations, as well as websites you can check for health, education, and job information. SPECIAL STUDY FEATURES Overview Each chapter begins with a bulleted overview listing the topics that are covered in the chapter. The overviews tell you immediately where to look for a topic that you need to review. Summing It Up

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    Each review chapter ends with a point-by-point summary that captures the most important information in the chapter. The summaries are a convenient way to review these points one last time before the exam. Bonus Information Three types of bonus information are scattered throughout the book. Each type highlights specific NCLEX-PN facts: NOTE Notes highlight critical information about the NCLEX-PN format. TIP Tips draw your attention to valuable concepts and advice for tackling the NCLEX-PN exam. ALERT! An Alert! warns you about a common test-taking error or makes you aware of an important nursing procedure. Access Two NCLEX-PN Tests Online Peterson’s provides you with access to two additional practice tests for the NCLEX-PN exam. The testing content of these two practice tests was created by the test-prep experts at Peterson’s. The Peterson’s online testing experience resembles the testing experience you will find on the NCLEX-PN exam. You can access these two practice tests at www.petersonspublishing.com/NCLEX-PN. You will be asked to enter your e-mail address, and Peterson’s will e-mail you an activation code and the link needed to access the online practice tests for the NCLEX-PN exam. HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR REVIEW

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    You will need to set aside at least three weeks of study to get the most out of your exam review. Begin by reading the “Top 10 Strategies to Raise Your Score,” and then plan your schedule so that you can dedicate 1 to 2 hours every day to your review. A good plan of study is to review one chapter each day and complete the exercises that accompany it to see how well you have mastered that material. When you have finished your review of all the subjects, take the Practice Tests. This will help you assess how well you do on each Practice Test. After taking each test, review any topics with which you are still having trouble before taking the next test. This will help you sharpen your test-taking skills. TOP 10 STRATEGIES TO RAISE YOUR SCORE In taking the NCLEX-PN exam, some strategies are more useful than others. The following tips will help you raise your score. 1. Create a study plan and stick to it. The right study plan will help you get the most out of this book in the time that you have. 2. Review key test elements daily for several weeks before the exam. Reread the Test Plan to be sure that you understand the categories and subcategories, and reread the information about alternate test formats. 3. Complete all the exercises in this book. Doing so will help you recognize your areas of strength and discover which areas need improvement. 4. If possible, visit the test center before the day of the exam. This will help you become familiar with the location and how long it takes to travel there. On the day of the exam, leave plenty of time to get to the test center in case the buses/subways/trains are running late, the weather is bad, or parking your car is a problem. 5. Avoid cramming the night before the exam. This will only make you feel more nervous. It is not likely to help you learn enough to make a difference on your test score.

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    6. Relax the night before the test. Try to take your mind off the exam for a while. Go to a movie or hang out with a friend—but not with someone who will be taking the test with you. 7. Be sure to bring one acceptable form of identification to the test center. You will not be able to take the exam without the proper form of identification, and you will have to reregister and pay another examination fee. 8. Listen to what the test administrator tells you, and pay attention to the tutorial. Don’t worry, however: You don’t need to be a computer whiz to take the test. 9. Read every word of every question on the exam. Pay attention to details. They provide clues to the answer and help prevent you from selecting the wrong answer choice. 10. Don’t spend too much time on any one question. You have up to 5 hours to complete your exam—but you still can’t afford to spend too much time on any one question. Try to maintain a steady pace. But it is more important to get the questions right as you go through— that is how a CAT (computer adaptive test) works. GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK Peterson’s publishes a full line of books—test prep, education exploration, financial aid, and career preparation. Peterson’s publications can be found at high school guidance offices, college libraries and career centers, and your local bookstore and library. In addition, you can find Peterson’s products online at www.petersons.com. We welcome any comments or suggestions you may have about this publication. Please call our customer service department at 800-338-3282 Ext. 54229 or send an e-mail message to custsvc@petersons.com. Your feedback will help us make educational dreams possible for you—and others like you. YOU'RE WELL ON YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS!

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    Remember that knowledge is power. Using Peterson’s Master the™ NCLEX- PN® will help you become familiar with the kind of content that appears in the actual NCLEX-PN® exam. We look forward to helping you obtain your PN/VN certification. Good luck!

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    PARTI NCLEX-PN® BASICS CHAPTER 1 All About the NCLEX-PN® Exam

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    Chapter 1 All About the NCLEX-PN® Exam OVERVIEW * About Practical Nursing and the Job Outlook + Exam Basics » The NCLEX-PN® Test Plan *» Percentage of Exam Items * Integrated Nursing Processes » What to Expect on the Exam » Top 10 Strategies for Choosing the Correct Answer * Summing It Up ABOUT PRACTICAL NURSING AND THE JOB OUTLOOK The practical nursing profession began in the late 1800s. Women were trained for careers as home “attendants” caring for invalids, the elderly, and children in home settings. The profession moved outside the home during World Wars I and II, when the country had an acute need for nurses to care for wounded soldiers. In the 1940s, the National Association of Practical Nurse Education was formed. The organization developed a curriculum for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and in the late 1950s, the National League for Nursing began accrediting LPN schools in addition to those that trained registered nurses (RNs).

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    Today, more than 1,500 state nursing board—approved training programs for practical nurses/vocational nurses (PN/VNs) are offered through vocational and technical schools and community and junior colleges. Some high schools, hospitals, colleges, and universities also offer PN/VN programs. Admission generally requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Programs are typically one-third class work and two-thirds clinical work, but class content is just as important as gaining clinical experience. Courses usually cover basic nursing concepts and client-care subjects, including anatomy, physiology, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatric nursing, drug therapy, medical-surgical nursing, nutrition, and first aid. Becoming Licensed A PN’s scope of practice is defined by the rules and regulations of the State Board of Nursing of each state. To obtain a license, a PN/VN must pass the NCLEX-PN exam developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), Inc. This is a national test with no state-specific sections. To practice in a state other than the one in which you are originally licensed, a PN must apply to the new state’s Board of Nursing for licensure. Through Interstate Endorsement, the license is usually granted after checking the PN’s records, without the PN having to retake the NLCEX-PN. Requirements vary from state to state, however, so be sure to check with a state’s Board of Nursing for its licensing conditions and process. The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) is another means of gaining mutual recognition licensure. Through the eNLC, a nurse holds a license in the state in which he or she lives but may practice, both in-person and via the Internet, in other states that belong to the eNLC. For the most up-to-date list of states in the compact, visit www.ncsbn.org/eNLC. PN/VNs interested in obtaining information about the eNLC should contact the Board of Nursing in the state in which they live. Appendix A of this book provides contact information for the Boards of Nursing for each state and identifies those participating in the eNLC.

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    NOTE Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN, or VN) is the title given to entry- level nurses practicing in Texas and California. These caregivers are known as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs or PNs) in all other states. The Job Outlook PN/VNs work in many different settings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), about 16 percent of PN/VNs work in hospitals, 38 percent in nursing and residential care facilities, 13 percent in doctors’ offices, and 7 percent have government jobs. The remaining work in places like home health care services, employment services, community care facilities for the elderly, and outpatient care centers. A PN/VN’s job is to provide basic care under the supervision of doctors and RNs. In general, a PN/VN’s duties may include: « gathering client health information « taking vital signs + changing dressings + performing routine laboratory tests « teaching clients good health habits « teaching family members how to care for an ill relative * helping clients with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene Duties may also depend on one’s job setting. As a home health care aide, a PN/VN may prepare meals for a client. In a doctor’s office or clinic, a PN/VN may make appointments and keep medical records. However, as more procedures are performed in doctor’s offices and outpatient facilities, PN/VNs have begun taking on direct care responsibilities for clients

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    undergoing these procedures. PN/VNs who work in nursing homes may evaluate clients and develop care plans. In some states, PN/VNs may also administer prescribed medications and intravenous fluids. In 2016, employment opportunities for PN/VNs numbered 724,500. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that PN/VN positions are projected to grow 12 percent by 2026. Practical nursing is now a fast-growing occupation in part because of the long-term care needs of a growing population of older people. Home health care services, nursing care facilities, and health care providers’ offices and clinics are expected to offer an increasing number of opportunities for PV/VNs. Salaries for PV/VNs are also rising. According to the BLS, in 2016, the median annual salary of PN/VNs was $44,090. Annual earnings are expected to continue rising as the demand for PN/VNs exceeds supply in the next five to ten years. EXAM BASICS NCSBN conducts periodic surveys every three years of the tasks performed by practicing PNs and the knowledge and skills they need to perform them. This information becomes the basis of the Test Plan and the questions for the exam. Both the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams are computer-based tests; they are not available in paper form. You don’t need to be especially computer savvy to take the test. The test administrator will show you how to use the computer, and you will be presented with sample questions to help you get a little practice before you start the actual exam. Mixed in the first 85 questions are 25 questions that NCSBN uses to gather data. They do not count towards determination of pass/fail. They cannot be distinguished from the scored questions. NCLEX-PN tests are administered only at Pearson Professional Centers. There is no minimum time for completing the exam, but the maximum time is 5 hours. The 5-hour limit includes time to take a tutorial, which explains the alternate item formats and provides sample questions.

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    To help you feel more at ease on the day of the exam, try a virtual tour of a Pearson Professional Testing Center online at www.vue.com/nclex. Taking a Computer-Adaptive Test The NCLEX-PN exam is a computer-adaptive test (CAT). This means that the computer program adjusts to the ability level of the candidate taking the test. As a result, no two tests are exactly alike, but each will test the range of topics and percentage of test items in the Test Plan. All PN/VN candidates answer at least 85 questions (maximum 205). However, the number of questions you receive on your exam does not affect your score. The length of your exam is determined by your responses. When a question is answered correctly, the next question increases in critical thinking requirements. When a question is answered incorrectly, the next question is slightly decreased in critical thinking requirements. The computer continues with this pattern until the computer can predict with 95% certainty that the candidate is a safe or unsafe practitioner. The computer then calculates with 95 percent certainty that your ability is either above or below the passing standard. With a CAT, you see only one question at a time on the computer screen. Once you select an answer and press NEXT, you cannot return to a question to review it. To understand how a CAT works, watch the video at www.ncsbn.org/356.htm. How the NCLEX-PN® Is Scored According to the NCSBN, the passing standard is “the minimum level of ability required for safe and effective entry-level nursing practice.” The passing standard is not based on a standard minimum number of questions answered correctly. Rather, it is reviewed every three years based on an + Studyxy

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    appraisal of the previous three years of tests and on surveys and information from the education and nursing fields. Whether a test-taker passes or fails the exam depends on whether his or her ability, as demonstrated by answering questions, is above or below the passing standard. Registering for Your Exam To register for the NCLEX-PN, you must first check with the State Board of Nursing of the state in which you want to practice. You do not have to take the test in that state, however. States vary in procedure. All states require registration with PearsonVUE. You can register online at www.pearsonvue.com/nclex/ or by phone. Test-takers who have special needs must request testing accommodation before registering for the exam. The Board of Nursing in the state in which the exam will be taken handles these accommodations. After you register for the exam, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) form in an email. Be sure to note the range of validity dates listed on the ATT. You must schedule and take your exam during this time period or you will need to reapply for another ATT. If you want to take the exam outside the United States, you must pay an international scheduling fee. A Value Added Tax (VAT) may also apply. To be admitted to the test center, you need one valid form of identification that includes a recent photograph and your signature. For a list of acceptable forms of identification, refer to the NCSBN website at www.nesbn.org/1221.htm. If your ID does not include a signature but meets all other ID requirements, you will need to bring a secondary form of identification. If you arrive at the test center without acceptable identification, you will be turned away and required to register and pay for the exam again. Before your exam, you will be digitally fingerprinted and photographed, and you will be required to provide your signature. This information accompanies your exam results. THE NCLEX-PN® TEST PLAN

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    The NCLEX-PN exam is built on a Client Needs structure that provides a universal method of defining competency in all nursing settings and that corresponds to state laws and rules. The Test Plan includes the following four Client Needs categories: 1. Safe and Effective Care Environment Coordinated Care « Safety and Infection Control 2. Health Promotion and Maintenance 3. Psychosocial Integrity 4. Physiological Integrity « Basic Care and Comfort + Pharmacological Therapy Reduction of Risk Potential « Physiological Adaptation NOTE The NCLEX-PN Test Plan document describes the scope and content of the exam. You can download a copy of the Test Plan free from the NCSBN website, www.ncsbn.org. Check out the Detailed Test Plan (Educator Version), too. It provides more information about the test content. Safe and Effective Care Environment The Safe and Effective Care Environment category assesses the candidate’s ability to provide “nursing care that contributes to the enhancement of the health care delivery setting and protects clients and health care personnel.” This category includes questions about advocacy, client-care assignments, continuity of care, performance improvement, and the referral process.

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    The Coordinated Care subcategory is concerned with the PN’s ability to collaborate with health care team members to provide effective client care. Topics include: + advance directives « continuity of care « advocacy « establishing priorities * client-care assignments « ethical practice « client rights + informed consent « concepts of management and supervision * legal responsibilities and supervision + performance improvement (quality improvement) + confidentiality/information security « collaboration with interdisciplinary team « referral process * resource management * information technology The Safety and Infection Control subcategory is concerned with protecting team members, clients, and clients’ family members and friends from health and environmental hazards. Topics include: * accident/error/injury prevention * handling hazardous and infectious materials * home safety « safe use of equipment + emergency response plan * ergonomic principles

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    * least restrictive restraints and safety devices « reporting of incident/event/irregular occurrence/variance Health Promotion and Maintenance This category relates to the stages of human growth and development and preventing health problems and early detection of health problems. The LPN/VN provides nursing care for clients that incorporates the knowledge of expected stages of growth and development and prevention and/or early detection of health problems. Topics include: « aging process * health promotion/disease prevention * ante-/intra-/postpartum and newborn care * high-risk behaviors + community resources « lifestyle choices « data collection technique * self-care * developmental stages and transitions Psychosocial Integrity Psychosocial Integrity is concerned with the emotional, mental, and social well-being of clients. The LPN/VN provides care that assists with promotion and support of the emotional, mental, and social well-being of clients. Topics include: « abuse or neglect + mental health concepts * behavioral management « religious and spiritual influences on health « chemical and other dependencies

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    * sensory/perceptual alterations * coping mechanisms + stress management * crisis intervention * support systems + cultural awareness « therapeutic communication + end-of-life concepts « therapeutic environment « grief and loss « aging process Physiological Integrity This category is concerned with clients’ physical well-being. The LPN/VN assists in the promotion of physical health and well-being by providing care and comfort, reducing risk potential for clients, and assisting them with the management of health alterations. The Basic Care and Comfort subcategory is concerned with the activities of daily living. Topics may include: * assistive devices * nutrition and oral hydration + elimination + mobility/immobility « personal hygiene nonpharmacological comfort « rest and sleep The Pharmacological Therapies subcategory concerns the administration of medications. Topics may include:

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    + adverse effects/contraindications/interactions and side effects « expected actions/outcomes « pharmacological pain management * dosage calculations + medication administration The Reduction of Risk Potential subcategory assesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to prevent clients from developing complications or health problems related to treatments, procedures, or existing conditions. Topics may include: « diagnostic tests « therapeutic procedures « laboratory values « changes/abnormalities in vital signs « potential for alterations in body systems « potential for complications (diagnostic tests/treatments/procedures) « potential for complications from surgical procedures and health alterations The Physiological Adaptation subcategory deals with acute, chronic, and life- threatening problems related to physical health. Topics may include: « alterations in body systems + medical emergencies * basic pathophysiology « fluid and electrolyte imbalances « unexpected response to therapies PERCENTAGE OF EXAM ITEMS

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    On the NCLEX-PN, percentages are assigned to each category and subcategory of the Client Needs structure. The following table provides the specific percentages as determined by the NCSBN, which oversees the test: Client Needs Category Percentage of Exam Items Safe and Effective Care Environment + Coordinated Care + 18-24 + Safety and Infection Control + 10-16 Health Promotion and Maintenance . 6-12 Psychosocial Integrity «9-15 Physiological Integrity « Basic Care and Comfort «7-13 + Pharmacological Therapies « 10-16 * Reduction of Risk Potential * 9-15 « Physiological Adaptation «7-13 NCLEX-PN exam passing level questions are “application and analysis,” which means that you need to apply what you have learned in class and in your clinical experience to make decisions based on real-life situations. INTEGRATED NURSING PROCESSES The NCLEX-PN is designed to assess a test-taker’s knowledge of the Integrated Processes fundamental to the work of the PN/VN at the same time it evaluates his or her skills in the Client Needs categories. For example, test items that fall under the Reduction of Risk Potential subcategory of Physiological Integrity may also assess the candidate’s knowledge of ways to change a client’s harmful behavior (such as drinking alcohol while pregnant). 1. Clinical Problem-Solving Process (Nursing Process)—Use the scientific approach to client care. Includes data collection, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

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