NCLEX-RN Exam Cram, Third Edition

Appendix A. Things You Forgot

Throughout this book, we have tried to help you to simplify preparation for the NCLEX exam. This appendix includes information you have learned during nursing school but might have forgotten.

Therapeutic Drug Levels

Here are some of the therapeutic blood levels that are important for the nurse to be aware of when taking the NCLEX^® exam:

• Digoxin:0.5–2.0 ng/ml

• Lithium:0.6–1.5 mEq/L

• Dilantin:10–20 mcg/dl

• Theophylline:10–20 mcg/dl

Note

Lab values vary by age and some books might have different reference values.

Vital Signs

Here are some of the normal ranges for vital signs:

• Heart rate:80–100 beats per minute

• Newborn heart rate:100–180 beats per minute

• Respiratory rate:12–20 respirations per minute ...