Ace Your NCLEX-RN® Test Plan: Client Needs Classes and Exams with Picmonic: #1 Visual Mnemonic Study Tool for Registered Nurse (RN) Students
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NCLEX-RN® Test Plan: Client Needs | Registered Nurse (RN) School Study Aid
Neurovascular Assessment 6 P's
- Pain
- Paresthesia
- Pulse
- Pallor
- Pressure
- Paralysis
1 min
Cognitive Abilities Assessment
- Mental Status Examination (MSE)
- Collecting/Organizing Objective Information
- Cognitive assessment tests
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (MoCA)
- Mini-Cog
2 mins
Cerebellar Assessment
- Coordination
- Observe Rapid Alternating Movements (RAM)
- Touch Thumb to Each Finger
- Finger-Nose-Finger Test
- Heel-to-Shin Test
- Observe Gait
2 mins
Skull, Scalp and Hair Assessment
- Skull
- Inspect Size, Shape and Contour
- Inspect and Palpate Areas for Tenderness or Lesions
- Scalp
- Inspect for Tenderness, Lesions or Rashes
- Inspect for Dandruff
- Inspect for Lice or Nits
- Hair
- Inspect Quality and General Appearance of Hair
- Observe Hair Distribution
2 mins
Head, Face and Neck Assessment
- Head
- Inspect Size and Shape of Skull
- Palpate Temporal Artery
- Face
- Observe Facial Expression
- Inspect Facial Structures and Symmetry
- Neck
- Look for Symmetry
- Check Range of Motion
- Inspect Lymph Nodes and Thyroid Gland
- Confirm Trachea is Midline
2 mins
Eye Assessment
- Inspect External Structures
- Eye and Eyebrow Symmetry
- Eyeball Alignment
- Inspect Eyeball Structures
- Examine Cornea and Lens for Cloudiness
- Iris and Pupil Shape and Size
- Pupillary Light Reflex and Accommodation
- P.E.R.R.L.A
2 mins
Visual Perceptual Hierarchy
- Foundation of Visual Perceptual Hierarchy
- Oculomotor Control
- Visual Fields
- Visual Acuity
- Visual Perceptual Hierarchy
- Visual Attention
- Visual Scanning
- Pattern Recognition
- Visual Memory
- Visual Cognition
- Adaptation Through Vision
- Mnemonic
- A Child Makes Parents See Appropriately
3 mins
Nose Assessment
- External Nose
- Inspect for Deformity or Asymmetry
- Inspect for Inflammation and Skin Lesions
- Nasal Cavity
- Check for Nasal Obstruction
- Inspect Nasal Mucosa
- Note Discharge, Bleeding or Foreign Body
- Sinus Area
- Palpate the Sinus Areas
2 mins
Ear Assessment
- EXTERNAL EAR
- Inspect Position and Symmetry
- Inspect for Lesions, Drainage, Nodules or Redness
- Inspect Opening of Ear Canal
- OTOSCOPIC EXAMINATION
- Insert Speculum
- Position Scope
- View Structures
- Light Reflect
- HEARING ACUITY TESTS
- Whisper Test
- Weber’s Test
- Rinne Test
4 mins
Throat and Mouth Assessment
- MOUTH
- Inspect for Color, Asymmetry and Swelling
- Inspect Lips, Teeth, Gums and Oral Mucosa
- Assess Tongue
- THROAT
- Examine Pharynx with Tongue Depressor
2 mins
Skin Assessment
- Inspect the skin
- Observe for Abnormal Skin Pigmentation
- Inspect for Cyanosis
- Observe Skin for Pallor
- Observe for Jaundice
- Inspect for Erythema
- Palpate the Skin
- Check the Temperature
- Observe the Skin for Moisture
- Inspect for Diaphoresis or Dehydration
- Check skin for edema
- Imprint Thumb Firmly for 3 to 4 Seconds
- Look for lesions
- Note the Characteristics
- Palpate Lesion
4 mins
Nail Assessment
- Observe the Nails
- View Index Finger at its Profile
- Look at Consistency
- Observe Color
- Check Capillary Refill
2 mins
Gastrointestinal System Assessment
- Mouth
- Inspect Mouth, Jaw, Teeth, Gums and Oral Mucosa
- Inspect Tongue
- Palpate Areas for Tenderness/Lesions
- ABDOMEN
- Inspect Abdominal Quadrants
- Auscultate
- Percuss
- Palpate
- Light Palpation
- Deep Palpation
- Check for Rebound Tenderness and Ascites
- Rectum and Anus
- Inspect Perianal Area
- Palpate Rectum with Gloved Index Finger
6 mins
Abdomen Assessment
- Inspect the Abdomen
- 4 Quadrants
- Contour, Shape, Symmetry
- Umbilicus
- Auscultate
- Bowel Stethoscope
- Vascular Sounds
- Percussion
- Percuss 4 Quadrants
- Tympany or Dullness
- Palpate
- Light Palpation
- Deep Palpation
- Rebound Tenderness
5 mins
Reflexes Assessment
- Grading
- Hyperactive
- Hypoactive
- Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTRs)
- Biceps
- Triceps
- Brachioradialis
- Patellar (Quadriceps)
- Achilles Tendon
- Cutaneous (Superficial) Reflexes
- Plantar Reflex (Babinski Sign)
3 mins
ROM Assessment
- Types of ROM
- Active ROM (AROM)
- Active Assisted ROM (AAROM)
- Passive ROM (PROM)
- Upper Extremity
- Neck Flexion, Extension and Rotation
- Shoulder Flexion, Extension and Rotation
- Elbow Flexion and Extension
- Fingers and Wrist Flexion and Extension
- Lower Extremity
- Hip and Knee Flexion
- Hip Abduction and Rotation
- Ankle Rotation
- Toe Flexion and Extension
- Lumbar Rotation and Spine Inspection
4 mins
Cardiac and Circulation Assessment
- HEART ASSESSMENT
- Inspect General Appearance
- Inspect Chest
- Note Location of Apical Impulse
- Percuss Chest Wall
- Auscultate Heart Sounds: S1, S2, S3, S4
- Auscultate for Pericardial Friction Rub and Murmurs
- VASCULAR SYSTEM ASSESSMENT
- Assess Skin, Fingernails and Toenails
- Check Carotid Artery and Jugular Vein
- Palpate Skin for Temperature, Texture, Turgor
- Check Capillary Refill Time
- Palpate Arterial Pulses Bilaterally
5 mins
Male Urinary System Assessment
- Health History
- Past Medical History
- Medications
- Urination Pattern
- Physical Examination
- Inspection
- Palpation
- Auscultation
- Percussion
- Assessment of Urine
- Intake and Output
- Characteristic of Urine
2 mins
Male Reproductive System Assessment
- Inspection
- Inspect the Penis and Urethral Meatus
- Inspect the Scrotum, Testicles and Pubic Hair
- Inspect the Inguinal and Femur
- Palpation
- Palpate the Entire Penile Shaft
- Palpate Both Testicles
- Palpate Epididymides and Both Spermatic Cords
- Palpate for Direct or Indirect Inguinal Hernia and Femoral Hernia
- Palpate Prostate Gland
3 mins
Female Reproductive System Assessment
- HEALTH HISTORY
- Past Genitourinary and Gynecological History
- Current and Past Medication Use
- Urine Collection and Characteristics
- EXTERNAL GENITALIA EXAM
- Inspect External Genitalia
- Palpate External Genitalia
- INTERNAL GENITALIA EXAM
- Inspect Internal Genitalia Using Lubricated Speculum
- Examine Vaginal Wall for Color, Texture, and Integrity
- Examine Cervix for Color, Position, Size, Shape, Mucosal Integrity and Discharge
- Palpate Internal Genitalia
- Note Abnormal Findings
4 mins
Airway and Lungs Assessment
- Inspection
- Examine Back of Chest
- Determine Respiratory Rate for 1 Minute
- Assess for Abnormalities with Uneven Movement or Use of Accessory Muscles
- Inspect Skin, Nails and Mucous Membrane
- Palpation
- Palpate for Crepitus, Tenderness, Alignment, Masses or Retraction
- Palpate for Tactile Fremitus
- Check Chest-Wall Symmetry and Expansion
- Note Resonance, Hyperresonance, Dullness and Tympany
- AUSCULTATION
- Use Diaphragm of Stethoscope to Listen to Full Inspiration and Full Expiration
- Ask Patient to Breathe Through Mouth
- Normal Breath Sounds
- Abnormal Breath Sounds
5 mins
Strength Assessment
- Inspection
- Assess Patient Appearance for Abnormalities
- Observe ROM of Upper and Lower Extremities
- Assess Motor Power
- Hand Grips
- Dorsiflexion and Plantarflexion
- Hip and Knee Flexion Against Resistance
- Manual Muscle Test (MMT) Grading System
2 mins
Female Urinary System Assessment
- Health History
- Past Medical History
- Urination Pattern
- Medications
- Urine Collection
- Assessment
- Inspect Areas Over Kidney and Bladder
- Percuss Kidneys
- Palpate Kidneys and Bladder
- Note Abnormal Findings
- Assessment of Urine
- Intake and Output
- Characteristic of Urine
2 mins
Cranial Nerves I and II Assessments
- Cranial Nerve I - Olfactory Nerve
- Use Familiar Attainable Smells
- Note Any Sense of Smell Asymmetry
- Cranial Nerve II - Optic Nerve
- Test Visual Fields
2 mins
Cranial Nerves III, IV and VI Assessments
- Cranial Nerve III - Oculomotor Nerve
- Cranial Nerve IV - Trochlear Nerve
- Cranial Nerve VI - Abducens Nerve
- Assess Extraocular Movements, P.E.R.R.L.A
- Note Any Nystagmus
2 mins
Cranial Nerves V and VII Assessments
- Cranial Nerve V - Trigeminal Nerve
- Assess Temporal and Masseter Muscles
- Assess Light Touch Sensation
- Cranial Nerve VII - Facial Nerve
- Note Mobility and Facial Symmetry
2 mins
Cranial Nerves VIII, IX and X Assessments
- Cranial Nerve VIII - Acoustic (Vestibulocochlear) Nerve
- Test Hearing to Normal Conversation
- Whisper Test
- Cranial Nerve IX - Glossopharyngeal Nerve
- Cranial Nerve X - Vegus Nerve
- Depress the Tongue and Say “Ahh”
- Touch the Posterior Pharyngeal
2 mins
Cranial Nerves XI and XII Assessments
- Cranial Nerves XI - Spinal Accessory Nerve
- Examine Sternocleidomastoid Muscles
- Examine Trapezius Muscles
- Cranial Nerve XII - Hypoglossal Nerve
- Inspect the Tongue
- Note Lingual Speech
2 mins
Shoulder Exam
- Inspect
- Skin
- Shape
- Palpate
- Humeral Head
- Acromioclavicular Joint
- Rotator Cuff
- Clavicle
- Spine of Scapula
- Range of Motion
- Flexion
- Extension
- Abduction
- Adduction
- Internal Rotation
- External Rotation
3 mins
Low Back Assessment
- Low Back Assessment
- Inspection
- Functional Exam
- Movement
- Palpation
- Flexion and Extension
- Rotation
- Hyperextension
- Lateral Bend
- Special Tests
- Straight Leg Raise Test
4 mins
Knee Assessment
- Facts
- Inspection
- Palpation
- Check Range of Motion
- Assess Strength
- Neurovascular Assessment
- Special Tests
- Ballottement and Effusion
- Ligament Integrity
- Meniscal Integrity
4 mins
Oral Cavity
- Characteristics
- Mouth
- Mechanical Digestion
- Salivary Amylase Begins Carbohydrate Breakdown
- Lingual Lipase Begins Lipid Breakdown
- Esophagus
- Bolus
- Peristalsis
1 min
Central Nervous System (CNS)
- Characteristics
- Frontal Lobe
- Parietal Lobe
- Temporal Lobe
- Occipital Lobe
- Medulla Oblongata
- Cerebellum
- Pons
- Spinal Cord
- Dorsal Root Ganglia
- Grey Matter
- White Matter
2 mins
Eye
- Characteristics
- Sclera
- Cornea
- Iris
- Lens
- Ciliary Muscles
- Optic Nerve
- Rods
- Cones
- Retina
1 min
Autonomic Nervous System
- Characteristics
- Sympathetic Nervous System
- Fight or Flight
- All Preganglionic Neurons Release Acetylcholine
- Sympathetic Postganglionic Neurons Release Norepinephrine
- Antagonistic Effects of Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems
- Parasympathetic Nervous System
- Rest and Digest
- Parasympathetic Postganglionic Neurons Release Acetylcholine
2 mins
Macroscopic Bone Structure
- Characteristics
- Compact Bone
- Yellow Bone Marrow
- Spongy Bone
- Red Bone Marrow
- Long Bone
- Epiphysis
- Epiphyseal Plate
- Diaphysis
- Metaphysis
- Periosteum
2 mins
Middle Cerebral Artery
- Contralateral paralysis upper limb and face
- Contralateral loss of sensation of upper limb and face
- Affects Wernicke's area and Broca's area
- Aphasia if Lesion in Dominant (Left) Hemisphere
- Hemineglect if lesion in nondominant (right) hemisphere
1 min
Anterior Cerebral Artery
- Contralateral paralysis of lower limb
- Contralateral loss of sensation in lower limb
1 min
Carpal Bones
- "Some Lovers Try Positions That They Can't Handle"
- Scaphoid
- Lunate
- Triquetrum
- Pisiform
- Trapezium
- Trapezoid
- Capitate
- Hamate
1 min
Foot Bones
- Tiger Cubs Need MILC
- Talus
- Calcaneus
- Navicular
- Medial Cuneiform
- Intermediate Cuneiform
- Lateral Cuneiform
- Cuboid
1 min
Cranial Bones
- Occipital
- Parietal
- Frontal
- Temporal
- Ethmoid
- Sphenoid
52 secs
Facial Bones
- Vomer
- Conchae
- Nasal
- Maxilla
- Mandible
- Palatine
- Zygomatic
- Lacrimal
1 min
Pelvic Bones
- Ilium
- Iliac Crest
- ASIS (Anterior Superior Iliac Spine)
- AIIS (Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine)
- Acetabulum
- Pubis
- Pubic Symphysis
- Obturator Foramen
- Ischium
- Sacrum
- Coccyx
1 min
Coronary Arteries
- Aortic Root
- Right Coronary Artery (RCA)
- Right (Acute) Marginal Artery
- Posterior Descending Artery (PDA)
- Left Coronary Artery (LCA)
- Left Anterior Descending (LAD) Artery
- Circumflex Artery
- Left Marginal Artery
1 min
Anterior Thigh Muscles
- Innervation
- Femoral Nerve
- Muscles
- Iliopsoas
- Psoas Innervated by L1-3
- Sartorius
- Pectineus
- Quadriceps Femoris
- Vastus Lateralis
- Vastus Intermedius
- Vastus Medialis
- Rectus Femoris
2 mins
Posterior Thigh Muscles
- Innervation
- Sciatic Nerve
- Muscles
- Biceps Femoris
- Long and Short Head
- Flex Knee
- Extend Hip
- Laterally Rotate Hip
- Semitendinosus and Semimembranosus
- Flex Knee
- Extend Thigh
- Medially Rotate Thigh and Leg
1 min
Medial Thigh Muscles
- Action
- Adduct the Thigh
- Innervation
- Obturator Nerve
- Muscles
- Adductor Magnus
- Tibial Nerve
- Adductor Longus
- Adductor Brevis
- Gracilis
- Obturator Externus
- Laterally Rotates Thigh
1 min
Dermatomes - Cervical
- C2 - Posterior Cap Distribution
- C3 - High Turtleneck
- C4 - Low Collar Shirt
- C5 - Anterolateral Shoulder
- C6 - Thumb
- C7 - Middle Finger
- C8 - Pinky Finger
1 min
Dermatomes - Thoracic
- Characteristics
- T1 - Medial Arm
- T4 - Nipple
- T7 - Xiphoid
- T10 - Belly Button
- T12 - Pubis
58 secs
Dermatomes - Lumbosacral
- L2 - Medial Thigh
- L3 - Medial Knee
- L4 - Kneecap, Medial Ankle, and Big Toe
- L5 - Dorsum of Foot
- S1 - Lateral Foot, Posteriolateral Thigh
- S 2, 3, 4, 5 - Perianal and Genitals
2 mins
Muscles of Mastication
- Temporalis
- Masseter
- Medial Pterygoid
- Lateral Pterygoid
- Innervation
- Mandibular Branch (V3) of Trigeminal Nerve
- Embryology
- 1st Branchial Arch
1 min
Leg Veins
- Inferior Vena Cava
- Common Iliac (Ilium)
- External Iliac (Ilium)
- Great Saphenous
- Femoral
- Popliteal
- Small Saphenous
- Anterior Tibial
- Posterior Tibial
1 min
Leg Arteries
- Descending Aorta
- Iliac (Ilium)
- Common Femoral
- Deep Femoral
- Superficial Femoral
- Popliteal
- Anterior Tibial
- Posterior Tibial
- Peroneal
- Dorsalis Pedis
2 mins
Anterior Lower Leg Anatomy
- Innervation
- Deep Peroneal Nerve
- General Action
- Dorsiflex Foot
- Muscles
- Tibialis Anterior
- Invert Foot
- Extensor Digitorum Longus
- Extend 4 Toes
- Extensor Hallucis Longus
- Extend Great Toe
1 min
Lateral Lower Leg Anatomy
- Innervation
- Superficial Peroneal Nerve
- Actions
- Eversion of Foot
- Plantarflexion of Foot
- Muscles
- Fibularis Brevis
- Fibularis Longus
55 secs
Leg Nerves
- Femoral
- Saphenous
- Posterior Femoral Cutaneous
- Sciatic
- Tibial
- Common Peroneal
- Superficial Peroneal
- Deep Peroneal
1 min
Deep Gluteal Muscles
- General Action
- Lateral Rotation and Abduction
- Muscles
- Gluteus Minimus
- Medially Rotates Leg
- Piriformis
- Superior Gemellus
- Obturator Internus
- Inferior Gemellus
- Quadratus Femoris
- Other Structures
- Sacrotuberous Ligament
1 min
Rotator Cuff
- External Rotation
- Teres Minor
- Infraspinatus
- Internal Rotation
- Subscapularis
- Abduction
- Supraspinatus
1 min
Ejaculation Pathway
- SEVEn UP
- Seminiferous Tubules
- Epididymis
- Vas Deferens
- Ejaculatory Ducts
- Urethra
- Penis
1 min
Hand Muscles
- Characteristics
- Opponens Pollicis
- Abductor Pollicis Brevis
- Flexor Pollicis Brevis
- Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis
- Abductor Digiti Minimi Brevis
- Opponens Digiti Minimi
- Lumbricals
- Interossei (Palmar and Dorsal)
- Palmaris Brevis
- Adductor Pollicis
2 mins
Back Muscles
- Superficial
- Latissimus Dorsi
- External Oblique
- Internal Oblique
- Gluteus Medius
- Gluteus Maximus
- Deep
- Erector Spinae
- Serratus Anterior
- Serratus Posterior
2 mins
Lower Limb Bones - Tibia and Fibula
- Characteristics
- Tibia
- Tibial Plateau
- Medial and Lateral Condyles
- Tibial Tuberosity
- Gerdys Tubercle
- Fibular Notch
- Medial Malleolus
- Fibula
- Fibular Head
- Lateral Malleolus
2 mins
Pathways through the Diaphragm
- Characteristics
- T8 Level (Caval opening)
- Inferior Vena Cava
- T10 Level (Esophageal Opening)
- Esophagus
- Vagus Nerve
- Esophageal Branches Left Gastric Vessels
- T12 Level (Aortic opening)
- Aorta
- Thoracic Duct
- Azygos Vein
2 mins
Lower Limb Bones - Femur
- Femur
- Head
- Neck
- Greater Trochanter
- Lesser Trochanter
- Gluteal Tuberosity
- Pectineal Line
- Linea Aspera
- Epicondyles
- Condyles
- Adductor Tubercle
2 mins
Neck and Shoulder Muscles
- Superficial
- Splenius Capitis
- Trapezius
- Rhomboid Minor
- Rhomboid Major
- Deltoid
- Latissimus Dorsi
- Levator Scapulae
- Deep
- Supraspinatus
- Infraspinatus
- Teres Minor
- Teres Major
2 mins
Upper Limb Bones - Humerus
- Characteristics
- Greater Tubercle
- Lesser Tubercle
- Anatomic Neck
- Surgical Neck
- Deltoid Tuberosity
- Epicondyles
- Coronoid Fossa
- Capitulum
- Olecranon Fossa
- Trochlea
3 mins
Upper Limb Bones - Ulna and Radius
- Characteristics
- Ulna
- Olecranon Process
- Coronoid Process
- Trochlear Notch
- Radial Notch
- Styloid Process of Ulna
- Head of the Ulna
- Radius
- Radial Head
- Neck
- Radial Tuberosity
- Styloid Process
- Ulnar notch
- Listers (aka Dorsal) Tubercle
3 mins
Upper Limb - Arm Muscles
- Anterior Superficial Muscles
- Biceps Brachii
- Anterior Deep Muscles
- Coracobrachialis
- Brachialis
- Posterior Superficial Muscles
- Long Head of Triceps Brachii
- Lateral Head of Triceps Brachii
- Posterior Deep Muscles
- Medial Head of Triceps Brachii
2 mins
Upper Limb - Anterior Forearm Muscles
- Superficial Muscles
- Pronator Teres
- Palmaris Longus
- Flexor Carpi Radialis
- Flexor Carpi Ulnaris
- Intermediate Muscles
- Flexor Digitorum Superficialis
- Deep Muscles
- Flexor Pollicis Longus
- Flexor Digitorum Profundus
- Pronator Quadratus
2 mins
Foregut Structures, Blood Supply and Innervation
- Structures
- Esophagus
- Lower Respiratory Tract
- Stomach
- Proximal Duodenum
- Liver
- Gallbladder
- Pancreas
- Spleen
- Vascular Supply
- Celiac Artery
- Innervation
- Vagus Nerve
2 mins
Midgut Structures, Blood Supply and Innervation
- Structures
- Distal Duodenum
- Jejunum
- Ileum
- Appendix
- Ascending Colon
- Proximal 2/3 of Transverse Colon
- Vascular Supply
- Superior Mesenteric Artery
- Innervation
- Vagus Nerve
- Lesser Splanchnic Nerve
2 mins
Hindgut Structures, Blood Supply and Innervation
- Structures
- Distal 1/3 of Transverse Colon
- Descending Colon
- Sigmoid Colon
- Rectum
- Pectinate (Dentate) Line
- Urogenital Sinus
- Vascular Supply
- Inferior Mesenteric Artery
- Innervation
- Lumbar Splanchnic Nerves
- Pelvic Splanchnic Nerves
2 mins
Inguinal Canal
- 2MALT
- 2 Muscles Form the Roof
- Internal Oblique
- Transverse Abdominus Muscle
- 2 Aponeuroses Form the Anterior Wall
- External and Internal Abdominal Oblique Aponeuroses
- 2 Ligaments Form Floor
- Lacunar Ligament
- Inguinal Ligament
- 2 T's Form the Posterior Wall
- Transversalis Fascia
- Conjoint Tendon
- Deep Ring is Defect in Transversalis Fascia
- Superficial Ring is Formed by Defect in the External Abdominal Oblique Aponeurosis
2 mins
Biliary Structures
- Gallbladder
- Cystic Duct
- Common Hepatic Duct
- Common Bile Duct
- Pancreatic Duct
- Major Duodenal Papilla
- Ampulla Vater
- Sphincter of Oddi
- Minor Duodenal Papilla
2 mins
