2026 NURSING SUCCESS MASTER BUNDLE
[NCLEX-RN • HESI • ATI • MED-SURG]
Comprehensive Study Guide: Pharmacology, Lab Values, and Clinical Judgment
Updated for the 2026 Test Plan | Digital Edition
SECTION 1: PHARMACOLOGY SUFFIX & NURSING
PRIORITY
Suffix Drug Class Nursing Priority / "NCLEX Gold"
-pril ACE Inhibitors Monitor for Dry Cough and life-threatening Angioedema.
-sartan ARBs Risk of Hyperkalemia; avoid salt substitutes.
Check HR before giving; hold if < 60 bpm. Mask
-olol Beta Blockers
hypoglycemia.
Calcium Channel
-dipine Monitor for peripheral edema and gingival hyperplasia.
Blockers
-statin Antilipidemics Report Muscle Pain immediately (Rhabdomyolysis).
-terol Beta 2 Agonists "Rescue" inhaler; expect tachycardia and tremors.
-
Proton Pump Inhibitors Long-term risk: Bone fractures and C. diff infection.
prazium
Highest risk for Anaphylaxis; monitor for 30 mins post-
-cillin Penicillins
admin.
SECTION 2: THE CRITICAL LAB VALUES CHEAT SHEET
Potassium (K+): 3.5 – 5.0 mEq/L
Sodium (Na+): 135 – 145 mEq/L
Calcium (Ca+): 9.0 – 10.5 mg/dL
Magnesium (Mg+): 1.3 – 2.1 mEq/L
WBC Count: 5,000 – 10,000/mm³
Platelets: 150,000 – 400,000/mm³
, INR: 2.0 – 3.0 (Therapeutic for Warfarin)
pH: 7.35 – 7.45 | PaCO2: 35 – 45 | HCO3: 22 – 26
SECTION 3: EMERGENCY ANTIDOTES
Opioids: Naloxone
Warfarin: Vitamin K
Heparin: Protamine Sulfate
Benzodiazepines: Flumazenil
Magnesium Sulfate: Calcium Gluconate
SECTION 4: PREMIUM 20-QUESTION PRACTICE EXAM
STUDENT INSTRUCTION: Answer all questions before proceeding. A Comprehensive Rationale Key
explaining every correct and incorrect option is provided at the end of this document.
Q1: A patient’s laboratory report indicates a Serum Potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. Which EKG change
should the nurse monitor for?
A) Presence of U-waves
B) Tall, Peaked T-waves
C) ST-segment depression
D) Widened P-waves
Q2: Which statement by a patient newly prescribed Warfarin indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "I will use a soft-bristled toothbrush."
B) "I am going to eat much more spinach and kale."
C) "I will get my INR checked regularly."
D) "I will avoid taking Aspirin."
Q3 (SATA): A nurse is preparing to administer Digoxin. Which findings require the nurse to hold the
medication? (Select all that apply)
A) Apical pulse of 52 bpm.
B) Patient reports seeing "yellow halos."
C) Serum Digoxin level of 2.5 ng/mL.
D) Serum Potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L.
E) Patient reports blurred vision.
Q4: Which medication is the priority antidote for an Opioid overdose?
[NCLEX-RN • HESI • ATI • MED-SURG]
Comprehensive Study Guide: Pharmacology, Lab Values, and Clinical Judgment
Updated for the 2026 Test Plan | Digital Edition
SECTION 1: PHARMACOLOGY SUFFIX & NURSING
PRIORITY
Suffix Drug Class Nursing Priority / "NCLEX Gold"
-pril ACE Inhibitors Monitor for Dry Cough and life-threatening Angioedema.
-sartan ARBs Risk of Hyperkalemia; avoid salt substitutes.
Check HR before giving; hold if < 60 bpm. Mask
-olol Beta Blockers
hypoglycemia.
Calcium Channel
-dipine Monitor for peripheral edema and gingival hyperplasia.
Blockers
-statin Antilipidemics Report Muscle Pain immediately (Rhabdomyolysis).
-terol Beta 2 Agonists "Rescue" inhaler; expect tachycardia and tremors.
-
Proton Pump Inhibitors Long-term risk: Bone fractures and C. diff infection.
prazium
Highest risk for Anaphylaxis; monitor for 30 mins post-
-cillin Penicillins
admin.
SECTION 2: THE CRITICAL LAB VALUES CHEAT SHEET
Potassium (K+): 3.5 – 5.0 mEq/L
Sodium (Na+): 135 – 145 mEq/L
Calcium (Ca+): 9.0 – 10.5 mg/dL
Magnesium (Mg+): 1.3 – 2.1 mEq/L
WBC Count: 5,000 – 10,000/mm³
Platelets: 150,000 – 400,000/mm³
, INR: 2.0 – 3.0 (Therapeutic for Warfarin)
pH: 7.35 – 7.45 | PaCO2: 35 – 45 | HCO3: 22 – 26
SECTION 3: EMERGENCY ANTIDOTES
Opioids: Naloxone
Warfarin: Vitamin K
Heparin: Protamine Sulfate
Benzodiazepines: Flumazenil
Magnesium Sulfate: Calcium Gluconate
SECTION 4: PREMIUM 20-QUESTION PRACTICE EXAM
STUDENT INSTRUCTION: Answer all questions before proceeding. A Comprehensive Rationale Key
explaining every correct and incorrect option is provided at the end of this document.
Q1: A patient’s laboratory report indicates a Serum Potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. Which EKG change
should the nurse monitor for?
A) Presence of U-waves
B) Tall, Peaked T-waves
C) ST-segment depression
D) Widened P-waves
Q2: Which statement by a patient newly prescribed Warfarin indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "I will use a soft-bristled toothbrush."
B) "I am going to eat much more spinach and kale."
C) "I will get my INR checked regularly."
D) "I will avoid taking Aspirin."
Q3 (SATA): A nurse is preparing to administer Digoxin. Which findings require the nurse to hold the
medication? (Select all that apply)
A) Apical pulse of 52 bpm.
B) Patient reports seeing "yellow halos."
C) Serum Digoxin level of 2.5 ng/mL.
D) Serum Potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L.
E) Patient reports blurred vision.
Q4: Which medication is the priority antidote for an Opioid overdose?
