Nursing Quick Reference

Clinical reference for RNs, LPNs, and nursing students

Assessment

• Vital Signs — normal ranges for adults, pediatric, and neonatal patients
• Assessment Tools — Glasgow Coma Scale, APGAR, Braden, pain scales, fall risk

Lab & Diagnostics

• Lab Values — CBC, BMP, CMP, coagulation, cardiac markers, liver, thyroid, urinalysis
• ABG Interpretation — arterial blood gas analysis with Tic-Tac-Toe method
• Electrolytes — sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus imbalances

Pharmacology

• Drug Calculations — desired-over-have, weight-based dosing, BSA, concentration
• IV Fluids & Drip Rates — fluid types, drip rate formulas, compatibility
• Common Medications — high-alert drugs, antihypertensives, anticoagulants, insulin, antibiotics

Systems

• Cardiac — EKG rhythms, heart sounds, cardiac output, hemodynamic values
• Respiratory — oxygen delivery, ventilator settings, breath sounds, chest tubes

Clinical

• Wound Care — pressure injury staging, wound measurement, dressing selection
• Isolation Precautions — standard, contact, droplet, airborne, protective
• Pediatric — growth milestones, pediatric vitals, weight-based dosing, immunizations
• Emergency & ACLS — BLS/ACLS algorithms, code medications, rapid response

Reference

• Abbreviations — common medical and nursing abbreviations