NCLEX Tip of the Day 2/14

[SkateBetty]

There were no tips yesterday...sorry! I never got around to it. Anyhow, this is my last tip post, because tomorrow is my exam. Good luck to all of you!

BSA is considered the most accurate method for medication dosing with kids. (I though it was weight, but apparently not)

Place a wheelchair parallel to the bed on the side of weakness

If one nurse discovers another nurse has made a mistake it is always appropriate to speak to her before going to management. If the situation persists, then take it higher.

Sepsis and anaphylaxis (along with the obvious hemorrhaging) reduce circulating volume by way of increased capillary permeability, which leads to reduced preload (volume in the left ventricle at the end of diastole). This is a toughie...think about it.

Amniotic fluid is alkaline, and turns nitrazine paper blue. Urine and normal lady partsl discharge are acidic, and turn it pink.

Gonorrhea is a reportable disease

Remember the phrase "step up" when picturing a person going up stairs with crutches. The good leg goes up first, followed by the crutches and the bad leg. The opposite happens going down. The crutches go first, followed by the good leg.

While treating DKA, bringing the glucose down too far and too fast can result in increased intracranial pressure d/t water being pulled into the CSF.

Polyuria is common with the hypercalcemia caused by hyperparathyroidism.

Remember the action of vasopressin because it sounds like "press in", or vasoconstrict.

Water intoxication will be evidenced by drowsiness and altered mental status in a patient with TUR syndrome, or as an adverse reaction to desmopressin (for diabetes insipidus).

Burning sensation in the mouth, and brassy taste are adverse reactions to Lugol solution (for hyperthyroid). Report it to the doc.

Give synthroid on an empty stomach

Extra insulin may be needed for a patient taking Prednisone (remember, steroids cause increased glucose).

Nonfat milk reduces reflux by increasing lower esophageal sphincter pressure

Patients with GERD should lay on their left side with the HOB elevated 30 degrees.

Unusual positional tip - Low-fowlers recommended during meals to prevent dumping syndrome. Limit fluids while eating.

In emphysema the stimulus to breathe is low PO2, not increased PCO2 like the rest of us, so don't slam them with oxygen. Encourage pursed-lip breathing which promotes CO2 elimination, encourage up to 3000mL/day fluids, high-fowlers and leaning forward.

Theophylline causes GI upset, give with food

TB drugs are liver toxic. (Does your patient have hepB?) An adverse reaction is peripheral neuropathy.

That's it! Happy studying, friends, and wish me luck tomorrow.

[hhbkhs]

I wish you all the luck in the world. You have been so kind to share your notes with everyone else and I will be checking to see what you thought about the NCLEX. I know you will pass! Thanks again for taking the time to share with everyone!! Go get'em!

[Nivashni]

Good luck with yr exam.Thanx so much for all the great tips...You are in my toughts and prayers...You will pass

[nursemomruns]

Good luck to you!

Here are a couple of exam questions to help you out:

1. The number of questions you receive on the NCLEX exam

a. determines if you pass or fail

b. does not indicate if you pass or fail

c. is randomly determined for each candidate

d. will be 75 if you pass or fail

2. The best thing to do the day before the NCLEX exam is:

a. review commonly prescribed medications

b. go out for a few drinks with friends

c. study 100 NCLEX-type questions in your areas of weakness

d. Immerse yourself in a warm, relaxing bath

[SkateBetty]

Good luck to you!

Here are a couple of exam questions to help you out:

1. The number of questions you receive on the NCLEX exam

a. determines if you pass or fail

b. does not indicate if you pass or fail

c. is randomly determined for each candidate

d. will be 75 if you pass or fail

2. The best thing to do the day before the NCLEX exam is:

a. review commonly prescribed medications

b. go out for a few drinks with friends

c. study 100 NCLEX-type questions in your areas of weakness

d. Immerse yourself in a warm, relaxing bath

:chuckle :chuckle :chuckle

Thanks for the advice and the laugh!

1:b and 2:d

[suzanne4, RN]

Now go and turn off your computer and take some time for yourself, you deserve it.

[napoca]

I wish you all the luck for your exam!

And thanks for the free cours! It's a great help!

[RedShoeNurse]

The *BEST* of luck to you. I have been following your tips silently for days now and they have really helped me.

Let us know how it goes... youre truly an

[babydimples]

GoD bless you Betty! Thanks for the tips:)

[crb613, BSN, RN]

Good Luck & thanks so much for all the great tips!

[oldnurse newnurse]

Goodluck and God Bless You, I will be praying for you.

[johnnrachel]

You have been such an inspiration to us all. I test one week from today!!!!!!!!! I wish you the best of luck. Please keep us posted and I will say a special prayer for you tonight.