NCLEX Study Resources: NCLEX Categories and Subcategories

A safe and effective care environment is very important for patients. As a nurse you will manage and strengthen the care environment, meaning you will be responsible for direct care of clients, confirming the environment is safe and assessing the situation of the environment to facilitate positive results for patients.

Management of care (17% - 23%)

Possible topics include:

1. Client plan of care
2. Advocacy
3. Collaboration with care team
4. Client confidentiality
5. Reporting abuse, neglect, or communicable diseases to the appropriate authorities

Safety and Infection Control (9% - 15%)

Possible topics include:

1. Security procedures
2. Safe handling of hazardous materials
3. How to report substance abuse and other unsafe practices by personnel
4. Standard precautions for infection control
5. Error incidence reports

Providing care that combines preventative strategies for optimal health with education on maintaining good health is very critical.

Possible topics include:

1. Identification of risk factors for each developmental stage
2. Maternity, prenatal, and postpartum care
3. Preventative practices, such as routine exams
4. Evaluation of the use of physical assessment equipment
5. Growth, development, and transition stages of all age groups

This relates to the promotion and support of a patient’s emotional, social, and mental health.

Possible topics include:

1. Crisis intervention
2. Evaluation for abuse/neglect
3. Cultural awareness of factors that may influence health care decisions
4. Grief and loss resources
5. Stress management techniques

This category has four subcategories, and they all address physiological adaptation, such as providing care for acute or chronic conditions. It is a nurse’s job to support health and wellness for patients.

Basic Care and Comfort (6% - 12%)

Basic care and comfort relates to providing assistance with daily living tasks

Possible topics include:

1. Procedures to evaluate and help patients with assistive devices
2. Evaluation of the need for non-pharmacological interventions for comfort
3. How to assess nutritional needs
4. Evaluation of tube-feeding side effects
5. How to evaluate complications in clients with immobility

Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (12% - 18%)

These therapies relate to administering medications, whether that is orally, intravenous, or subcutaneous injections.

Possible topics include:

1. Knowledge of the rights of medication administration
2. Identification of contraindications, allergies, possible side effects, and adverse effects of medication
3. Following agency policy before administering blood
4. Calculation of doses
5. Monitoring client response to medication

Reduction of Risk Potential (9% - 15%)

Reduction of risk potential is about reducing risk of complications. Your role is to reduce or eliminate possible complications from procedures, medications, etc.

Possible topics include:

1. Monitoring changes in vital signs
2. Diagnostic testing and evaluation of results
3. Providing education to patients on complication prevention
4. Inserting and monitoring devices, such as gastrointestinal tubes, catheters, and chest tubes
5. Post-operative client education

Physiological Adaptation (11% - 17%)

Physiological adaptation relates to monitoring bodily functions for abnormalities.

Possible topics include:

1. Body system alterations due to drainage tubes, ventilation, chemotherapy, radiation treatment, surgery, chronic disease, and other conditions
2. Managing care of patients with cardiovascular conditions
3. Evaluation of adverse responses to therapy
4. Interventions for recovery
5. Electrolyte imbalance