Want to test your procedures knowledge before the NCLEX-RN exam? Below are free sample flashcards from the 120-card procedures section of our 1030-card NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) deck, which covers DKA, Diabetic Ketoacidosis and more.
120
Cards on this topic
1030
Total NCLEX-RN cards
$7
Full access
When preparing a sterile field using a pre-packaged kit, in which order must the nurse unfold the flaps to maintain surgical asepsis?
Show answer →1. Open the flap furthest away from the body first. 2. Open the side flaps. 3. Open the flap closest to the body last. Rationale: This sequence prevents the nurse's unsterile arm from crossing over the sterile field during setup. Exam Strategy: NCSBN frequently tests the far-side-side-near sequence. Remember: Reaching over a sterile field is an automatic breach.
A patient with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) has been receiving 0.9% NS for 4 hours. The blood glucose is now 240 mg/dL. Which IV fluid change does the nurse anticipate to prevent hypoglycemia and cerebral edema?
Show answer →The nurse should anticipate changing the IV fluid to a solution containing dextrose, such as D5 0.45% NS. Rationale: In DKA, as blood glucose drops toward 200-250 mg/dL, dextrose is added to the IV fluids. This allows for continued insulin administration (to resolve the ketosis) while preventing a rapid drop in glucose that could lead to hypoglycemia and a sudden shift in osmolality, potentially causing cerebral edema. Exam Tip: NCLEX often tests the transition point in DKA management—insulin stays on until the anion gap closes, but the fluid must change to include glucose.
Near the end of a transfusion, a patient suddenly develops a high fever (103°F), hypotension, and warm flushed skin. What is the priority nursing suspicion and action?
Show answer →Septic Reaction (Bacterial Contamination). This is most common with platelets because they are stored at room temperature. Management: 1. Stop transfusion immediately. 2. Disconnect and maintain IV with new NS. 3. Notify MD. 4. Obtain blood cultures from the patient. 5. RETURN the blood bag and tubing to the lab for culture. 6. Administer IV fluids and broad-spectrum antibiotics as ordered. Distractor: Do not confuse with febrile reaction; sepsis causes profound hypotension (shock).
After a femoral cardiac catheterization, the client's pedal pulse is faint compared to pre-procedure baseline, and the extremity is cool to the touch. What is the nurse's priority action?
Show answer →Notify the healthcare provider or Rapid Response Team immediately. These are signs of arterial occlusion, hematoma, or retroperitoneal hemorrhage compromising distal blood flow. Nursing Actions: Assess for bleeding/hematoma at the puncture site, maintain bedrest, and keep the affected leg straight. Rationale: Loss of pulses and poikilothermia indicate limb-threatening ischemia. Strategy: NCLEX focuses on the 6 Ps of neurovascular assessment (Pain, Pallor, Pulselessness, Paresthesia, Paralysis, Poikilothermia). Any change from baseline is an emergency.
A patient accidentally pulls their chest tube out of the chest wall. What is the nurse's immediate sequence of actions?
Show answer →1. Apply an occlusive dressing (e.g., petroleum gauze) taped on three sides. 2. Call for help/notify the provider. 3. Assess respiratory status and prepare for stat X-ray or re-insertion. NCLEX Tip: Taping on three sides creates a flutter-valve effect, allowing air to escape during exhalation but preventing it from entering during inhalation, reducing the risk of a tension pneumothorax. If the tube is just disconnected from the tubing, use the sterile water immersion technique.
Keep going
You just saw a few. The full deck covers every NCLEX-RN topic.
One-time payment · less than 1¢ per card · 30-day money-back guarantee
Try 30 free NCLEX-RN cards firstThe full NCLEX-RN deck contains 1030 flashcards, and 120 of them focus on procedures. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our NCLEX-RN deck dedicates 120 of 1030 cards (12%) to procedures — always cross-check the official NCSBN exam outline for the current blueprint weighting.
Yes — the samples on this page are free, and the NCLEX-RN preview page has 30 more free cards. Full access to all 1030 cards is a one-time $7.
Management
90 cards
Obstetrics
70 cards
Pathology
210 cards
Pediatrics
70 cards
Pharmacology
120 cards
Psychology
90 cards
NCLEX-RN practice test
20 mixed questions across every topic, with answers — see where you stand →
NCLEX-RN study guide
Topic weights, difficulty breakdown and a 5-step study plan →
Eligibility rules, fees, question counts and passing standards are set by the certifying body and change over time. Always confirm them at the source before you apply or schedule your exam — our flashcards are practice material, not the official handbook.