NCLEX Exam: Types and Overview

What is the NCLEX?

• National Council Licensure Examination
• Standardized test for nursing licensure in the United States and Canada
• Administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

Types of NCLEX Exams

• NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse)
  • For registered nurses (RNs)
  • Focuses on safe and effective care, health promotion, and maintenance
• NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse)
  • For practical or vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs)
  • Focuses on safe and effective care, health promotion, and maintenance

Exam Format

• Computer-adaptive test (CAT)
• 75-265 questions (depending on the candidate's performance)
• 5 hours to complete the exam
• Questions are divided into four major categories:
  1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
  2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
  3. Psychological Integrity
  4. Physiological Integrity

Question Types

• Multiple-choice questions
• Select-all-that-apply questions
• Fill-in-the-blank questions
• Drag-and-drop questions

Registration and Eligibility

• Candidates must apply to their state's board of nursing to register for the exam
• Eligibility requirements vary by state, but typically include:
  • Graduation from an accredited nursing program
  • Completion of all program requirements
  • Meeting the state's age and education requirements

Passing the NCLEX

• Passing score is determined by the NCSBN
• Candidates must answer a minimum number of questions correctly to pass
• Results are reported as "pass" or "fail" only; no numerical score is provided

Retaking the NCLEX

• Candidates who fail the exam can retake it after a 45-day waiting period
• There is no limit on the number of times the exam can be retaken
• Candidates must re-register and pay the exam fee for each attempt

What is the NCLEX?

• The NCLEX is a standardized test for nursing licensure in the United States and Canada.
• It is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

Types of NCLEX Exams

• NCLEX-RN is for registered nurses (RNs) and focuses on safe and effective care, health promotion, and maintenance.
• NCLEX-PN is for practical or vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) and focuses on safe and effective care, health promotion, and maintenance.

Exam Format

• The NCLEX is a computer-adaptive test (CAT) with 75-265 questions.
• The exam takes 5 hours to complete.
• Questions are divided into four major categories: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychological integrity, and physiological integrity.

Question Types

• Multiple-choice questions
• Select-all-that-apply questions
• Fill-in-the-blank questions
• Drag-and-drop questions

Registration and Eligibility

• Candidates must apply to their state's board of nursing to register for the exam.
• Eligibility requirements vary by state, but typically include graduation from an accredited nursing program, completion of all program requirements, and meeting the state's age and education requirements.

Passing the NCLEX

• The passing score is determined by the NCSBN.
• Candidates must answer a minimum number of questions correctly to pass.
• Results are reported as "pass" or "fail" only; no numerical score is provided.

Retaking the NCLEX

• Candidates who fail the exam can retake it after a 45-day waiting period.
• There is no limit on the number of times the exam can be retaken.
• Candidates must re-register and pay the exam fee for each attempt.

Cardiovascular Disease

Definition

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels, leading to death and disability worldwide.

Types of Cardiovascular Disease

Atherosclerosis

• Buildup of plaque in arteries, leading to hardening and narrowing.

Coronary Artery Disease

• Buildup of plaque in coronary arteries, leading to heart attacks.

Heart Failure

• Inability of the heart to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.

Hypertension

• High blood pressure, leading to heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

Peripheral Artery Disease

• Buildup of plaque in peripheral arteries, leading to leg pain and cramping.

Risk Factors

Modifiable Risk Factors

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Unhealthy diet

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

• Age
• Family history
• Gender
• Ethnicity

Signs and Symptoms

• Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Pain or weakness in the arms or legs
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Palpitations

Diagnosis

• Physical examination
• Medical history
• Laboratory tests (e.g., lipid profile, blood glucose)
• Imaging tests (e.g., echocardiogram, stress test)
• Angiography

Treatment and Prevention

Lifestyle Changes

• Healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Weight management
• Stress reduction
• Smoking cessation

Medications

• Statins (to lower cholesterol)
• Beta blockers (to lower blood pressure)
• ACE inhibitors (to lower blood pressure)
• Aspirin (to prevent blood clots)

Surgical Interventions

• Angioplasty
• Bypass surgery
• Heart transplantation