Study Guides
In-depth study guides covering the most commonly tested content on the LPN/LVN exit exam and NCLEX-PN. Each guide includes comparison tables, mnemonics, key protocols, and a downloadable cheatsheet.
83 free study guides in 8 subjects · 105 printable cheatsheets
Master reference — separate from the 83 topic guides
NCLEX-PN Lab Values & Therapeutic Ranges
One master reference — CBC, electrolytes, ABGs, coagulation, digoxin, lithium, HbA1c, and vital signs, with sources
Anatomy & Physiology
11 GuidesCardiovascular System
Heart anatomy, conduction system, cardiac cycle, blood pressure regulation
Respiratory System
Airways, alveoli, surfactant, gas exchange, ABG interpretation, oxygen transport
Renal & Urinary System
Kidney anatomy, the nephron, urine formation, RAAS, ADH, BUN/creatinine
Nervous System
CNS/PNS, brain, cranial nerves, ANS, neurotransmitters, GCS, ICP, stroke
Endocrine System
Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, pancreas; hormones, feedback, glucose
Digestive System
GI tract, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas; digestion & absorption
Musculoskeletal System
Bones, joints, cartilage, skeletal muscle, bone remodeling, fractures, calcium
Integumentary System
Skin layers, hair, nails, glands, thermoregulation, wound healing, pressure injuries
Hematologic & Immune System
Blood, RBCs/WBCs, clotting, lymphatic system, immunity, CBC labs
Reproductive System
Male & female anatomy, spermatogenesis, oogenesis, the menstrual cycle, HPG axis, hormones
Special Senses
Eye & vision, ear & hearing, balance, smell & taste, rods/cones, Weber & Rinne tests
Fundamentals
15 GuidesAcid-Base Balance
ABG interpretation, 4 disorders, ROME mnemonic, compensation
Assessment & Core Skills
Vital signs, pain assessment, neuro checks, respiratory and cardiovascular assessment
Death, Dying & End of Life
Kubler-Ross stages, advance directives, hospice care, grief support
Elimination (Bowel & Bladder)
Urine output, incontinence, catheters, CAUTI, impaction, ostomy care
Fluid & Electrolytes
IV fluids, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus imbalances
Immunizations
Active vs passive immunity, vaccine schedules, live-vaccine rules, injection sites, contraindications
Infection Control & Safety
Precautions, PPE, hand hygiene, fire safety, fall prevention
Legal & Ethical Nursing
Patient rights, HIPAA, scope of practice, informed consent, restraints
Medication Administration
10 rights, high-alert meds, insulin safety, drug calculations
Mobility, Immobility & Body Mechanics
Body mechanics, immobility hazards, pressure injuries, DVT, assistive devices
Nutrition & Diet Therapy
Therapeutic diets, vitamins, food-drug interactions, dysphagia, tube feedings, TPN
Oxygenation & Airway Basics
O2 delivery devices, suctioning, pulse oximetry, ABGs, breath sounds
Pain Management
Pain scales, opioids, non-opioids, naloxone, PCA, non-drug methods
Perioperative & Wound Care
Pre/intra/post-op nursing, wound healing, pressure injury staging
Prioritization & Delegation
ABCs, Maslow, 5 rights of delegation, RN/LPN/UAP scope, who-do-you-see-first strategy
Med-Surg
12 GuidesCardiac System
Heart failure, MI, angina, dysrhythmias, hypertension
Endocrine System
DM types, DKA vs HHS, thyroid, Cushing vs Addison, SIADH vs DI
Gastrointestinal Disorders
PUD, GERD, IBD, liver disease, pancreatitis, appendicitis
Hematology Disorders
Anemia, sickle cell, leukemia, clotting disorders, transfusions
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Fractures, compartment syndrome, hip replacement, RA vs OA
Neurological Disorders
Stroke, ICP, seizures, meningitis, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's
Renal System
AKI, CKD, dialysis, kidney stones, UTI, electrolyte management
Respiratory Disorders
Asthma vs COPD, pneumonia, TB, PE, oxygen delivery systems
Burns & Shock
Burn depth, rule of nines, fluid resuscitation, types of shock
Oncology & Cancer Care
Chemo, radiation, neutropenic precautions, oncologic emergencies
Sensory Disorders
Cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, hearing loss, Ménière's
Immune & Infectious Disease
HIV/AIDS, autoimmune, anaphylaxis, sepsis, isolation precautions
Pharmacology
11 GuidesCardiovascular Medications
ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, CCBs, nitrates, diuretics, digoxin
Drug Classifications & Key Medications
Suffixes, antidotes, therapeutic levels, antibiotics, psych meds — the master drug reference
OB/Maternity Medications
Oxytocin, mag sulfate, tocolytics, RhoGAM, newborn medications
Pain & Anesthesia Medications
WHO pain ladder, opioids, NSAIDs, epidural, PCA pumps
Pediatric Medication Safety
Weight-based dosing, peds antibiotics, vaccines, lead screening
Psychiatric Medications
SSRIs, MAOIs, antipsychotics, NMS, tardive dyskinesia, lithium toxicity, benzodiazepines
Anti-Infective & Antibiotic Medications
Penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, vancomycin, fluoroquinolones
Diuretics & Renal Medications
Loop, thiazide, potassium-sparing, osmotic diuretics, CKD meds, bladder drugs
Gastrointestinal Medications
Antacids, H2 blockers, PPIs, antiemetics, antidiarrheals, laxatives, sucralfate
Respiratory Medications
Bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, leukotriene modifiers, theophylline, mucolytics, inhaler teaching
Endocrine & Diabetic Medications
Insulin types & peaks, mixing, metformin, sulfonylureas, GLP-1 agonists, hypoglycemia, levothyroxine, corticosteroids
OB / Maternity
7 GuidesAntepartum (Prenatal) Care
Prenatal assessment, fetal development, Nagele's rule, prenatal labs, danger signs
High-Risk Pregnancy
GDM, preeclampsia/eclampsia, placenta previa vs abruption, Rh, PROM
Intrapartum Care
Stages of labor, fetal heart rate patterns, ROM, cord prolapse
Newborn Care
APGAR, vital signs, heat loss prevention, jaundice, reflexes, safe sleep
Postpartum Care
BUBBLE-HE assessment, lochia, involution, breastfeeding, PPH, mood disorders
Contraception & Family Planning
Hormonal methods, IUDs, barrier & natural methods, emergency contraception, ACHES/PAINS
Reproductive Health & Menstrual Disorders
Menstrual cycle, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, PMS/PMDD, endometriosis, PCOS, menopause
Pediatrics
12 GuidesCommon Childhood Illnesses
Respiratory, GI, infectious diseases, and nursing care
Congenital Heart Defects
Acyanotic vs cyanotic defects, surgical interventions, nursing care
Growth & Development
Milestones by age, Erikson stages, play types, safety considerations
Nutrition & Fluid Management
Feeding guidelines, dehydration assessment, caloric needs by age
Pediatric Emergencies
Choking, seizures, poisoning, respiratory distress, burns
Pediatric GI Disorders
Cleft lip/palate, pyloric stenosis, intussusception, Hirschsprung, dehydration
Pediatric GU & Renal
UTIs, reflux, nephrotic vs glomerulonephritis, enuresis, hypospadias
Pediatric Oncology
Leukemia (ALL), brain tumors, Wilms tumor, neuroblastoma, neutropenia
Pediatric Musculoskeletal
DDH, clubfoot, scoliosis, fractures, muscular dystrophy, cast care
Pediatric Hematologic Disorders
Sickle cell, hemophilia, iron-deficiency anemia, thalassemia, ITP
Pediatric Neurological Disorders
Increased ICP, hydrocephalus, spina bifida, seizures, cerebral palsy, Reye's
Pediatric Endocrine Disorders
Type 1 diabetes, DKA, hypoglycemia, congenital hypothyroidism, growth hormone
Psychiatric & Mental Health
8 GuidesAnxiety & Trauma Disorders
Levels of anxiety, GAD, panic, phobias, OCD, PTSD, and acute stress disorder
Mood Disorders
Depression, bipolar I & II, mania, suicide assessment, postpartum depression
Personality Disorders
Cluster A, B, C personality disorders, borderline, antisocial, histrionic, narcissistic
Schizophrenia & Psychotic Disorders
Positive vs negative symptoms, hallucinations, delusions, milieu therapy
Substance Use Disorders
Alcohol withdrawal, CIWA, opioid withdrawal, antidotes, CAGE assessment
Cognitive Disorders
Delirium vs dementia, Alzheimer's stages, sundowning, communication, medications
Eating Disorders
Anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating, refeeding syndrome, mealtime nursing care
Therapeutic Communication
Therapeutic techniques, non-therapeutic blocks, SOLER, nurse-client phases, boundaries, de-escalation
Gerontology
7 GuidesNormal Age-Related Changes
Normal vs. red-flag changes by body system, orthostatic, sensory loss, atypical presentation
Polypharmacy & Medication Safety
Beers Criteria, anticholinergic burden, high-alert drugs, start low go slow, med review
Falls: Risk & Prevention
Risk factors, fall-risk meds, Morse scale, orthostatic vitals, prevention, post-fall response
Delirium, Dementia & Depression
The 3 D's, the CAM, reversible vs. not, sundowning, pseudodementia, nursing care
Restraints & Least-Restrictive Safety
What counts as a restraint, alternatives, order rules, safe application, side rails
Elder Abuse & Neglect
Types, warning signs, risk factors, self-neglect, mandatory reporting to APS
Geriatric Assessment & Atypical Presentation
Function-first, atypical presentation, ADLs vs IADLs, screening tools, communication
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