Nclex-Pn Fundamentals Summary Notes. Updated.

NCLEX-PN FUNDAMENTALS: SUMMARY
NOTES. UPDATED.
The NCLEX-PN Fundamentals section focuses on core nursing concepts required to provide
safe, effective care to patients. Here is a concise summary of the key topics covered:
1. Nursing Process
The nursing process is a systematic approach to patient care. It includes five steps:
 Assessment: Collecting data through observation, patient interviews, and physical

examination.
 Diagnosis: Identifying patient problems or risks using nursing diagnoses.
 Planning: Setting goals and outcomes, and planning interventions.
 Implementation: Executing nursing interventions.
 Evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness of interventions and modifying the care plan if
needed.
2. Basic Client Needs
a. Physiological Needs
 Hygiene: Bathing, oral care, skin integrity.

 Nutrition: Assessing dietary needs, feeding assistance.
 Elimination: Monitoring bowel and urinary patterns.
 Mobility: Positioning, assisting with ambulation, preventing complications like pressure
ulcers or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
b. Safety and Security
 Infection Control: Hand hygiene, aseptic techniques, personal protective equipment

(PPE).
 Fall Prevention: Use of assistive devices, clear pathways, bed rails.
 Medication Administration: Following the “Six Rights” (Right Patient, Medication,
Dose, Time, Route, Documentation).
c. Psychological Needs
 Emotional support, active listening, and promoting coping mechanisms.

3. Vital Signs
 Temperature: Normal range: 97.8–99.1°F (36.5–37.3°C).

 Pulse: Normal range: 60–100 bpm.
 Respiration: Normal range: 12–20 breaths/min.
 Blood Pressure: Normal range: 90/60–120/80 mmHg.
 Pain Assessment: Use tools like the numeric pain scale or Wong-Baker Faces Pain
Scale.
4. Infection Control
 Standard Precautions: Handwashing, gloves for bodily fluids.

 Transmission-Based Precautions:
o Contact Precautions: For MRSA, C. difficile.
o Droplet Precautions: For flu, meningitis.
o Airborne Precautions: For tuberculosis, measles.
5. Documentation and Legal/Ethical Principles
 Accurate Documentation: Ensure charts are timely, objective, and factual.

 Confidentiality: Follow HIPAA regulations to protect patient privacy.
 Ethical Principles:
o Autonomy: Respecting patient decisions.
o Beneficence: Acting in the patient’s best interest.
o Non-Maleficence: Avoiding harm.
o Justice: Providing equitable care.
6. Client Education
 Assess Learning Needs: Evaluate the client’s readiness to learn, literacy, and cultural
factors.
 Teach-Back Method: Verify understanding by asking the client to repeat the
information.
 Topics: Medication use, post-discharge care, disease prevention.
7. Delegation
 Principles:
o Delegate tasks based on the 5 Rights of Delegation:
1. Right Task
2. Right Circumstances
3. Right Person
4. Right Direction/Communication
5. Right Supervision/Evaluation
 Tasks to delegate:
o UAP: Basic hygiene, feeding, and ambulation.
o LPN: Administering medications (excluding IV), dressing changes, collecting
data.
8. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
 Signs of Imbalances:
o Dehydration: Dry skin, low urine output, hypotension.
o Overhydration: Edema, hypertension, pulmonary congestion.
 Electrolytes:
o Sodium (Na+): 135–145 mEq/L
o Potassium (K+): 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
o Calcium (Ca2+): 8.5–10.5 mg/dL
o Magnesium (Mg2+): 1.5–2.5 mg/dL
9. Cultural Competence
 Respect cultural beliefs and practices.

 Adapt care to align with the client’s cultural preferences.
10. End-of-Life Care
 Focus on comfort, dignity, and family support.

 Pain management and palliative care.
 Communicating effectively about the dying process.
11. Safety and Emergency Procedures
 CPR Basics: Follow current BLS guidelines.

 Fire Safety: RACE (Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish).
 Use of Restraints: Apply only when necessary; monitor frequently.
12. Key Practice Questions for NCLEX-PN Fundamentals
 What are the steps in the nursing process?

 How do you prioritize patient care using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
 What are the standard precautions for preventing infections?
 How do you safely delegate tasks to UAPs or LPNs?
 How do you recognize and manage electrolyte imbalances?
Study Tips for NCLEX-PN Fundamentals
1. Focus on Prioritization: Use the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) and Maslow’s
hierarchy of needs.
2. Practice Questions: Use resources like UWorld, Kaplan, and NCLEX question banks.
3. Mnemonic Tools: Learn key mnemonics for pharmacology, safety precautions, and care
prioritization.
4. Simulation Exams: Take timed practice tests to improve time management.
This foundational knowledge is critical for passing the NCLEX-PN and delivering high-quality
patient care.

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NCLEX-PN FUNDAMENTALS: SUMMARY

 Assessment: Collecting data through observation, patient interviews, and physical

2. Basic Client Needs

 Hygiene: Bathing, oral care, skin integrity.

b. Safety and Security

 Infection Control: Hand hygiene, aseptic techniques, personal protective equipment

 Emotional support, active listening, and promoting coping mechanisms.

 Temperature: Normal range: 97.8–99.1°F (36.5–37.3°C).

 Standard Precautions: Handwashing, gloves for bodily fluids.

5. Documentation and Legal/Ethical Principles

 Accurate Documentation: Ensure charts are timely, objective, and factual.

8. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

 Respect cultural beliefs and practices.

10. End-of-Life Care

 Focus on comfort, dignity, and family support.

11. Safety and Emergency Procedures

 CPR Basics: Follow current BLS guidelines.

 What are the steps in the nursing process?

Study Tips for NCLEX-PN Fundamentals

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