need help with the basics

with regard to what the nclex uses as baseline information for lab values you should go to their web site for specific information about the test. they publish (and have online) a candidate bulletin that gives information about what is covered on the test. if specific normal lab levels are important to the taking of the test they will be listed in this bulletin at this site. www.ncsbn.org/ it is likely that the only lab values you will need to know are the most common ones, such as potassium, calcium, sodium, chloride, glucose, bun, blood counts, urine ph and abgs. learn those first.

http://www.ocalaregional.com/cpm/venous.htm - venous access devices self-study module

http://www.nursingcenter.com/prodev/ce_article.asp?tid=582125 - "on the road to successful i.v. starts", a ce offering from nursing 2005, may 2005. a beautiful article with explanations and good photographs of what the author is explaining.

http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/pt/glance.html - information on the pt and inr tests and how they relate to the use of coumadin.

http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/aptt/test.html - ptt and how it relates to the use of heparin

http://www.drugs.com/pdr/coumadin_for_injection.html - pdr information on coumadin

http://www.drugs.com/pdr/heparin_sodium_injection.html - pdr information on heparin

http://www.bddiabetes.com/us/ - the patient site for people with diabetes sponsored by becton-dickinson one of the manufacturers of insulin syringes - there is a page here on the new pen needles that gives specific information about the gauge and lengths of the needles on these home use syringes. you can also link into information about the specifications of the various insulin syringes that bd manufactures by clicking on the tab "for professionals" and then clicking on "insulin syringe facts".

http://www.medlineplus.gov/ - medline plus has a section about drugs that now includes information on herbals that are commonly used. click on "drugs and supplements" at the left side of this home page.

http://www.drugstore.com/pharmacy/drugchecker/ - this is my favorite site for checking on the interactions between two or more drugs or herbs. follow the directions to input the drugs you want to check the interactions of. if there are any interactions, this site will give them to you.