Conditions Browser

Browse high-yield NCLEX condition cards by body system, then drill etiology, meds, nursing actions, complications, cues, hooks, and diagnostics.

Showing 199 condition cards

all content needs review

Addison's disease

high priority

Endocrine

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Low BP, low sodium, high potassium. Abrupt steroid stop can cause crisis.
First actions
Assess hypotension, weakness, hyperpigmentation, nausea, and dehydration. Teach stress-dose steroid plan and medical alert identification.
Open card

AKI

high priority

Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Abruptly reduced or absent urine output. Leg, ankle, or foot edema from fluid retention.
First actions
Trend urine output, daily weight, edema, lung sounds, BUN/creatinine, and potassium. Avoid nephrotoxins and clarify renal dosing concerns.
Open card

Alcohol withdrawal

high priority

Mental Health

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Tremor, tachycardia, diaphoresis after stopping alcohol. DTs can be life-threatening.
First actions
Monitor CIWA-type symptoms, vital signs, tremors, hallucinations, and seizure risk. Provide quiet environment, fluids/nutrition, thiamine as ordered.
Open card

Aortic stenosis

high priority

Cardiac

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Angina, syncope, dyspnea with systolic murmur. Avoid assuming fainting after exertion is benign.
First actions
Assess exertional chest pain, syncope, dyspnea, murmur, fatigue, and heart failure signs. Report syncope, chest pain, or new/worsening dyspnea promptly.
Open card

Aplastic anemia

high priority

Hematologic / Immune

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Pancytopenia: low RBCs, WBCs, and platelets. Fever or bleeding is priority.
First actions
Assess fatigue, pallor, dyspnea, bleeding, bruising, fever, and infection signs. Use bleeding and infection precautions based on counts.
Open card

ARDS

high priority

Respiratory

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Severe dyspnea after sepsis/trauma. Low PaO2 despite high oxygen.
First actions
Monitor severe hypoxemia that does not correct easily with oxygen. Support mechanical ventilation strategies and prone positioning if ordered.
Open card

Asthma

high priority

Respiratory

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Wheezing, especially during an exacerbation. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
First actions
Assess work of breathing, wheezing, oxygenation, and ability to speak. Use rescue bronchodilator first during acute bronchospasm per protocol.
Open card

Asystole

high priority

Cardiac

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Flatline rhythm. CPR and epinephrine pathway, not shock.
First actions
Confirm rhythm in more than one lead and assess pulse. Start CPR and follow non-shockable arrest protocol.
Open card

Atrial fibrillation

high priority

Cardiac

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Irregularly irregular rhythm. No consistent P waves.
First actions
Assess hemodynamic stability before focusing on rhythm label. Monitor rate, blood pressure, symptoms, and anticoagulation safety.
Open card

Atrioventricular septal defect

high priority

Cardiac + Pediatrics + OB / Newborn

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Congenital heart disease plus poor feeding. Common association with Down syndrome.
First actions
Assess feeding fatigue, sweating with feeds, tachypnea, cyanosis, weight gain, and hepatomegaly. Conserve energy with clustered care and feeding support.
Open card

Bipolar disorder

high priority

Mental Health

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Grandiosity, pressured speech, little sleep. Do not argue with delusions/grandiosity.
First actions
Provide low-stimulation environment during mania. Set clear limits and offer high-calorie finger foods if unable to sit.
Open card

Bowel obstruction

high priority

GI / Liver / Pancreas

needs review
Signs / symptoms
No flatus/stool plus distention. Feculent vomiting is severe.
First actions
Assess pain, distention, vomiting, bowel sounds, and last stool/flatus. Keep NPO and prepare NG decompression or surgery pathway if ordered.
Open card

Burns

high priority

Integumentary / Burns / Wounds

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Airway before burn appearance. Circumferential burns can impair circulation.
First actions
Prioritize airway for face/neck burns, soot, hoarseness, or enclosed-space fire. Estimate burn size/depth and monitor fluids, urine output, and pain.
Open card

Burns - fourth-degree

high priority

Integumentary / Burns / Wounds

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Electrical burn with small entrance wound can hide deep injury. Tea-colored urine suggests myoglobin.
First actions
Prioritize ABCs, cervical spine/trauma assessment if indicated, and rapid burn/trauma team activation. Monitor pulses, sensation, movement, urine output, potassium, CK, and renal function.
Open card

Burns - third-degree

high priority

Integumentary / Burns / Wounds

needs review
Signs / symptoms
White, brown, charred, leathery, or painless center. Painless does not mean less severe.
First actions
Assess airway first, especially with facial burns, soot, hoarseness, or enclosed-space fire. Monitor circulation distal to circumferential burns and report tight eschar or decreased pulses.
Open card

C. difficile

high priority

Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Watery foul diarrhea after antibiotics. Alcohol sanitizer alone is not enough for spores.
First actions
Use contact enteric precautions and soap-and-water hand hygiene. Assess stool frequency, dehydration, abdominal pain, fever, and WBC.
Open card

Cardiac tamponade

high priority

Cardiac

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Dyspnea or tachypnea. Sharp chest pain that may radiate to the neck, shoulder, back, or abdomen.
First actions
Assess airway, breathing, circulation, blood pressure trend, heart sounds, JVD, pulse pressure, and mental status. Keep the client on oxygen, maintain IV access, and notify the provider or rapid response for suspected tamponade.
Open card

Cardiomyopathy

high priority

Cardiac

needs review
Signs / symptoms
New dyspnea, edema, S3, weight gain. Syncope or palpitations in hypertrophic disease is priority.
First actions
Assess dyspnea, edema, fatigue, weight gain, lung sounds, pulses, and activity tolerance. Monitor rhythm changes and signs of poor perfusion.
Open card

Cirrhosis

high priority

GI / Liver / Pancreas

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Prolonged PT/INR because liver makes clotting factors. Confusion plus high ammonia.
First actions
Assess bleeding, ascites, edema, jaundice, mental status, and infection signs. Monitor PT/INR, albumin, ammonia, electrolytes, and weight.
Open card

CKD

high priority

Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Fatigue from anemia. Itching/uremia.
First actions
Monitor labs, weight, edema, blood pressure, skin, and diet restrictions. Teach renal diet elements as prescribed: sodium, potassium, phosphorus, fluid.
Open card

Compartment syndrome

high priority

Musculoskeletal

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Pain out of proportion is early. Pulselessness is late.
First actions
Report severe pain, pain with passive stretch, paresthesia, pallor, pulselessness late. Loosen constrictive dressing/cast per protocol and keep limb at heart level.
Open card

Concussion

high priority

Neuro + Pediatrics

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Normal CT does not mean no concussion. Return-to-play requires stepwise clearance.
First actions
Assess LOC, vomiting, headache, confusion, amnesia, seizure, pupils, gait, anticoagulant use, and worsening symptoms. Teach cognitive/physical rest and gradual return to school, work, or play per provider instructions.
Open card

Congenital heart concerns

high priority

Pediatrics

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Poor feeding is cardiac work in infants. Squatting can relieve some cyanotic spells in older children.
First actions
Assess feeding fatigue, sweating with feeds, cyanosis, weight gain, and oxygenation. Cluster care and conserve energy.
Open card

COPD

high priority

Respiratory

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Frequent coughing or wheezing. Shortness of breath during everyday activities.
First actions
Position upright, coach pursed-lip breathing, and assess oxygenation. Administer oxygen as ordered and monitor CO2 retention risk based on protocol.
Open card

Coronary artery disease

high priority

Cardiac

needs review
Signs / symptoms
May remain asymptomatic until a complication occurs. Exertional or stress-related chest pressure, squeezing, tightness, or burning.
First actions
Treat new chest pain as circulation priority: stop activity, assess pain, vitals, oxygenation, ECG pathway, and ordered medications. Ask about aspirin allergy, recent phosphodiesterase inhibitor use, hypotension, and anticoagulant/bleeding history before routine medication assumptions.
Open card

Croup

high priority

Pediatrics + Respiratory + Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Barking cough and inspiratory stridor. Agitation worsens airway narrowing.
First actions
Assess stridor at rest, retractions, oxygen saturation, agitation, drooling, and fatigue. Keep the child calm and upright; provide humidified air/oxygen and medications as ordered.
Open card

Cystic fibrosis

high priority

Autoimmune / Genetic + Respiratory + GI / Liver / Pancreas + Pediatrics

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Thick mucus plus recurrent respiratory infections. Greasy bulky stools indicate malabsorption.
First actions
Assess respiratory effort, cough/sputum, oxygenation, growth, stools, hydration, and infection signs. Support airway clearance, pancreatic enzyme timing with meals/snacks if ordered, high-calorie nutrition, and infection prevention.
Open card

Depression

high priority

Mental Health

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Safety question comes before general support. Energy may improve before mood.
First actions
Assess suicide risk, sleep, appetite, energy, and functioning. Encourage small achievable activities and therapeutic communication.
Open card

Diabetes insipidus

high priority

Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Very dilute high-volume urine. High sodium and intense thirst.
First actions
Monitor urine output, thirst, sodium, serum osmolality, weight, and dehydration signs. Replace fluids and give desmopressin if ordered for central DI.
Open card

Diabetes mellitus

high priority

Endocrine

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia. Never ignore low glucose symptoms.
First actions
Monitor glucose, hypoglycemia signs, foot care, infection risk, and diet/med timing. Teach sick-day rules and when to seek care.
Open card

DIC

high priority

Hematologic / Immune

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Bleeding and clotting at the same time. Sepsis plus oozing from IV sites is classic.
First actions
Assess bleeding from lines, gums, wounds, stool/urine, and signs of organ ischemia. Treat underlying cause and prepare blood products or clotting support as ordered.
Open card

DKA

high priority

Endocrine

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Fruity breath, Kussmaul respirations, ketones, acidosis. Check potassium before insulin infusion.
First actions
Assess airway/breathing, dehydration, Kussmaul respirations, and mental status. Expect fluids, potassium monitoring, and insulin protocol.
Open card

Eclampsia

high priority

OB / Newborn

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Seizure precautions and magnesium monitoring. Airway after seizure.
First actions
Protect airway, turn to side, call for help, and time seizure. Do not restrain or place objects in mouth.
Open card

Encephalitis

high priority

Neuro

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Fever plus altered mental status. Seizure precautions.
First actions
Monitor neuro status, airway, fever, and seizure activity. Maintain safety and reduce stimulation.
Open card

Endocarditis

high priority

Cardiac + Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Fever plus new murmur. Petechiae, splinter hemorrhages, Janeway lesions, Osler nodes.
First actions
Assess fever, new murmur, petechiae, embolic signs, IV drug use risk, dental/procedure history, and heart failure signs. Obtain ordered blood cultures before antibiotics when possible and do not delay urgent sepsis care.
Open card

Epiglottitis

high priority

Pediatrics + Respiratory + Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Drooling, tripod, dysphagia, distress. Do not put anything in the mouth or throat.
First actions
Keep the child calm and upright; do not inspect throat with tongue blade if epiglottitis is suspected. Call rapid response/provider and prepare controlled airway management.
Open card

EVD care

high priority

Neuro

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Do not independently lower the drain to increase output. Leveling matters before readings.
First actions
Keep system leveled and zeroed per facility policy. Clamp only for ordered activities or transport per protocol.
Open card

Fat embolism

high priority

Musculoskeletal

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Respiratory distress 24-72 hours after fracture plus petechiae. Oxygenation priority.
First actions
Assess sudden respiratory distress, confusion, and petechial rash after fracture. Support oxygenation and notify provider rapidly.
Open card

Frostbite

high priority

Integumentary / Burns / Wounds

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Waxy, numb, pale or hard skin after cold exposure. Do not rub frostbitten tissue.
First actions
Assess ABCs, core temperature, perfusion, sensation, skin color, blisters, and trauma risk. Rewarm only when refreezing will not occur; use warm water per protocol, not direct dry heat.
Open card

Glaucoma

high priority

Eye / Ear

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Halos around lights, severe eye pain, nausea in acute angle closure. Do not rub after surgery.
First actions
Teach correct eye drop technique and punctal pressure when instructed. Report severe eye pain, halos, nausea, or sudden vision change.
Open card

Glomerulonephritis

high priority

Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes + Autoimmune / Genetic + Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Hematuria, proteinuria, edema, hypertension. Recent strep infection cue.
First actions
Assess blood pressure, edema, urine color/output, weight, and neurologic symptoms from hypertension. Track renal labs, electrolytes, and fluid balance.
Open card

Graves disease

high priority

Autoimmune / Genetic + Endocrine + Eye / Ear

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Heat intolerance, weight loss, tachycardia, tremor. Fever with sore throat on antithyroid meds is urgent.
First actions
Assess heart rate, temperature, weight loss, tremor, anxiety, diarrhea, eye symptoms, and thyroid storm signs. Teach antithyroid medication adverse effects such as fever/sore throat reporting.
Open card

Guillain-Barre syndrome

high priority

Neuro + Autoimmune / Genetic

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Ascending weakness after illness. Vital capacity decline is urgent.
First actions
Monitor respiratory function, swallowing, and autonomic changes. Assess ascending weakness and ability to cough.
Open card

Heart blocks

high priority

Cardiac

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Slow pulse with dizziness or hypotension. Dropped QRS complexes or AV dissociation.
First actions
Assess pulse, blood pressure, mental status, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and perfusion. Hold or question rate-slowing medications when bradycardic or symptomatic per parameters.
Open card

Heart failure

high priority

Cardiac

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Exertional dyspnea that may progress to dyspnea at rest. Orthopnea or waking at night short of breath.
First actions
Monitor daily weight, edema, lung sounds, oxygenation, and intake/output. Position upright for dyspnea and administer oxygen/diuretics as ordered.
Open card

Hemodialysis

high priority

Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
No bruit/thrill is urgent. Expected post-dialysis weight is lower.
First actions
Assess access bruit/thrill before treatment for fistula/graft. Avoid BP, IV sticks, or blood draws in access arm.
Open card

Hemophilia

high priority

Hematologic / Immune + Autoimmune / Genetic + Pediatrics

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Bleeding into joints. Head injury is emergency even if symptoms are subtle.
First actions
Assess bleeding, joint pain/swelling, neuro changes after head injury, and history of factor replacement plan. Avoid IM injections and rectal temperatures when possible; apply prolonged pressure after venipuncture.
Open card

Hemopneumothorax

high priority

Respiratory + Cardiac + Musculoskeletal

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Trauma plus unilateral absent breath sounds. Tracheal deviation or hypotension is late and critical.
First actions
Assess airway, breathing, circulation, chest rise, lung sounds, tracheal position, oxygen saturation, and shock signs. Apply oxygen, notify rapid response/provider, and prepare for chest tube insertion or emergency decompression as ordered.
Open card

Hepatic encephalopathy

high priority

GI / Liver / Pancreas

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Asterixis, confusion, ammonia elevation. Lactulose causing stools is expected within ordered goal.
First actions
Assess orientation, asterixis, sleep pattern, and airway risk. Monitor stool goal, hydration, and electrolytes with lactulose.
Open card

HHS

high priority

Endocrine

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Very high glucose, high osmolality, little/no ketones. Altered mental status from dehydration/osmolality.
First actions
Assess profound dehydration, mental status, and infection signs. Administer fluids and monitor electrolytes/glucose per protocol.
Open card

Hirschsprung disease

high priority

Pediatrics + GI / Liver / Pancreas + OB / Newborn

needs review
Signs / symptoms
No meconium in first 24 to 48 hours. Ribbon-like stools.
First actions
Assess delayed meconium, abdominal distention, bilious vomiting, feeding intolerance, and stool pattern. Monitor for enterocolitis signs: fever, explosive diarrhea, lethargy, worsening distention.
Open card

Hydrocephalus

high priority

Pediatrics + Neuro + OB / Newborn

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Bulging fontanel and increasing head circumference. Sunsetting eyes.
First actions
Assess head circumference, fontanel, sutures, vomiting, feeding, irritability, sunset eyes, and LOC. Monitor for increased ICP and shunt malfunction/infection if a VP shunt is present.
Open card

Hypercalcemia

high priority

Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Stones, bones, groans, psychiatric overtones. Shortened QT can occur.
First actions
Encourage fluids if allowed and mobility. Monitor constipation, confusion, kidney stones, and ECG changes.
Open card

Hyperkalemia

high priority

Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Peaked T waves. K kills.
First actions
Place on cardiac monitor and assess ECG changes. Clarify potassium-raising medications and supplements.
Open card

Hypermagnesemia

high priority

Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Absent reflexes and slow respirations on magnesium. Calcium gluconate antidote.
First actions
Assess reflexes, respirations, blood pressure, LOC, and urine output. Hold magnesium and notify provider for toxicity signs.
Open card

Hypernatremia

high priority

Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Very thirsty, dry, neurologic changes. DI can cause high sodium.
First actions
Assess thirst, dry mucosa, restlessness, confusion, and volume status. Replace free water carefully as ordered.
Open card

Hyperthyroidism / Graves disease

high priority

Endocrine

needs review
Signs / symptoms
High metabolism: hot, fast, thin, anxious. Thyroid storm is emergency.
First actions
Assess tachycardia, heat intolerance, weight loss, tremor, and eye symptoms. Monitor for thyroid storm signs: fever, severe tachycardia, agitation.
Open card

Hypocalcemia

high priority

Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Chvostek/Trousseau signs. Pancreatitis can lower calcium.
First actions
Assess tingling, tetany, cramps, seizures, and airway spasm. Use seizure precautions if severe.
Open card

Hypoglycemia

high priority

Endocrine

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Cold, clammy, shaky. Treat first if symptomatic and glucose is low.
First actions
Assess glucose immediately for sweating, shakiness, confusion, or seizure. Give fast-acting carbohydrate if awake and able to swallow.
Open card

Hypokalemia

high priority

Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Weakness, U waves, constipation. Loop diuretics can cause it.
First actions
Monitor ECG, muscle weakness, bowel sounds, and potassium replacement safety. Never give IV potassium push.
Open card

Hypomagnesemia

high priority

Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Twitchy like low calcium. Low Mg can keep K low.
First actions
Assess tremors, seizures, dysrhythmias, and electrolyte pairs. Monitor ECG and administer replacement safely.
Open card

Hyponatremia

high priority

Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Confusion with low sodium. Sodium swells or shrinks the brain.
First actions
Assess mental status, headache, nausea, weakness, and seizure risk. Institute seizure precautions for severe symptoms.
Open card

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome

high priority

OB / Newborn + Cardiac + Pediatrics

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Critical congenital heart disease screen failure. Cyanosis/shock as PDA closes.
First actions
Assess cyanosis, poor feeding, tachypnea, weak pulses, lethargy, shock signs, and oxygen saturation differences. Maintain prostaglandin infusion pathway if ordered to keep ductus arteriosus open and monitor for apnea.
Open card

Increased ICP

high priority

Neuro

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Headache. Vomiting.
First actions
Assess level of consciousness, pupils, motor response, and vital sign trends. Keep head midline and elevate HOB as ordered to support venous drainage.
Open card

Insect bites and stings

high priority

Integumentary / Burns / Wounds + Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Wheezing or tongue swelling after sting is airway emergency. Bull's-eye rash after tick exposure needs evaluation.
First actions
Assess airway, breathing, circulation, swelling of lips/tongue, wheezing, hives, hypotension, and bite location. Use emergency response for anaphylaxis signs and follow ordered epinephrine pathway.
Open card

Intussusception

high priority

OB / Newborn + Pediatrics + GI / Liver / Pancreas

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Currant jelly stool is late. Episodic crying with knees to chest.
First actions
Assess intermittent severe abdominal pain, drawing legs up, vomiting, lethargy, abdominal mass, and stool changes. Keep NPO, monitor hydration/perfusion, and prepare diagnostic/therapeutic enema or surgery pathway as ordered.
Open card

Kawasaki disease

high priority

Pediatrics + Cardiac + Autoimmune / Genetic

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Fever five days or more plus mucous membrane and extremity changes. Heart/coronary risk makes it priority.
First actions
Assess persistent fever, conjunctivitis, strawberry tongue, cracked lips, rash, swollen hands/feet, and cervical lymph node. Monitor cardiac status and prepare IVIG/aspirin pathway as ordered.
Open card

Leukemia

high priority

Hematologic / Immune + Pediatrics

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Fatigue, bruising, recurrent infections, bone pain. Fever during chemotherapy is emergency.
First actions
Assess fever, infection, bleeding, bruising, fatigue, bone pain, lymph nodes, and treatment side effects. Use infection and bleeding precautions based on counts.
Open card

Lower GI bleed

high priority

GI / Liver / Pancreas

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Bright red or maroon stool. Orthostatic hypotension means volume loss.
First actions
Assess amount/color of stool blood and hemodynamic stability. Trend Hgb/Hct and prepare diagnostics as ordered.
Open card

Mechanical ventilation basics

high priority

Respiratory

needs review
Signs / symptoms
High pressure alarm can mean obstruction/coughing/kink. Low pressure alarm can mean leak/disconnection.
First actions
Assess airway security, breath sounds, chest rise, alarms, and oxygenation. If distress occurs, assess the client first, then equipment.
Open card

Meningitis

high priority

Neuro

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Fever, stiff neck, photophobia. Droplet precautions may be needed for suspected bacterial meningitis.
First actions
Initiate indicated isolation precautions promptly. Assess fever, neck stiffness, photophobia, LOC, and rash.
Open card

MI / acute coronary syndrome

high priority

Cardiac

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Crushing chest pressure, diaphoresis, nausea, radiating pain. Troponin trend matters.
First actions
Assess chest pain, vital signs, oxygenation, and obtain ECG promptly. Check contraindications before nitroglycerin.
Open card

Multiple myeloma

high priority

Hematologic / Immune

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Bone pain plus anemia and high calcium. Renal protection matters.
First actions
Assess bone pain, fractures, fatigue, infection signs, renal function, hydration, and hypercalcemia symptoms. Use fall/fracture precautions and monitor kidney labs.
Open card

Myasthenia gravis

high priority

Neuro + Autoimmune / Genetic

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Ptosis, diplopia, dysphagia, weakness worse later in day. Respiratory decline is priority.
First actions
Assess respiratory effort, swallowing, chewing fatigue, and ptosis. Schedule activities after medication peak when possible.
Open card

Myoglobinuria

high priority

Integumentary / Burns / Wounds

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Positive blood on dipstick with few RBCs can suggest myoglobin context. Dark urine after muscle injury.
First actions
Report dark cola-colored urine after trauma/seizure/crush. Monitor kidney function, potassium, and urine output.
Open card

Necrotizing enterocolitis

high priority

OB / Newborn + Pediatrics + GI / Liver / Pancreas + Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Preterm infant with distended abdomen and bloody stool. Pneumatosis intestinalis on x-ray.
First actions
Assess abdominal distention, residuals/emesis, bloody stools, temperature instability, apnea, lethargy, and perfusion. Stop feeds/NPO per order, decompress with NG/OG tube, maintain IV fluids/TPN, and monitor labs/imaging.
Open card

Nephritic syndrome

high priority

Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Tea or cola-colored urine. Hypertension plus hematuria.
First actions
Assess blood pressure, edema, urine color/output, headache, and respiratory status. Monitor creatinine, BUN, potassium, urinalysis, and fluid balance.
Open card

Nephrotic syndrome

high priority

Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Massive proteinuria, edema, low albumin, high lipids. Frothy urine and periorbital swelling.
First actions
Assess edema, daily weight, urine output, blood pressure, infection signs, and respiratory status if severe edema. Monitor urine protein, albumin, kidney function, and lipid findings as ordered.
Open card

Neutropenia

high priority

Hematologic / Immune + Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Fever with neutropenia is an emergency. Low WBC may mean muted infection signs.
First actions
Treat fever as priority and follow neutropenic fever protocol. Use hand hygiene, avoid sick contacts and unsafe foods per policy, and monitor oral/skin/perineal sites.
Open card

Newborn jaundice

high priority

OB / Newborn + Pediatrics + GI / Liver / Pancreas

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Jaundice in first 24 hours is pathologic until proven otherwise. Lethargy/poor feeding/high-pitched cry is priority.
First actions
Assess timing, skin/sclera color, feeding, stools/urine, weight loss, lethargy, and risk factors. Monitor bilirubin levels by age in hours and prepare phototherapy or exchange transfusion pathway if ordered.
Open card

Omphalocele

high priority

OB / Newborn + Pediatrics + GI / Liver / Pancreas

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Organs covered by sac at umbilicus. Do not compress the sac.
First actions
Protect sac with sterile saline dressings and clear covering per protocol; position to avoid pressure/torsion. Maintain thermoregulation, NPO status, IV fluids, and monitor perfusion/respiratory status.
Open card

Open fractures

high priority

Musculoskeletal

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Do not push bone back in. Sterile cover and neurovascular checks.
First actions
Cover with sterile dressing and immobilize. Assess neurovascular status and bleeding.
Open card

Opioid overdose

high priority

Mental Health

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Pinpoint pupils, respiratory depression, decreased LOC. Ventilation is priority.
First actions
Support airway and breathing immediately. Administer naloxone per protocol and reassess respirations.
Open card

Osteomyelitis

high priority

Musculoskeletal

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Bone pain plus fever after open fracture/wound. Long antibiotic course.
First actions
Assess fever, localized bone pain, swelling, drainage, and labs. Administer antibiotics as ordered and monitor line safety if long-term IV therapy.
Open card

Oxytocin use

high priority

OB / Newborn

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Contractions too frequent or no resting tone. Late decelerations with oxytocin need action.
First actions
Monitor fetal heart rate, contraction frequency/duration/resting tone, and maternal status. Stop infusion and intervene per protocol for tachysystole or nonreassuring fetal pattern.
Open card

Pancreatitis

high priority

GI / Liver / Pancreas

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Severe epigastric pain to back. Low calcium can occur.
First actions
Assess severe epigastric pain radiating to back, nausea, and fluid status. Keep NPO if ordered, manage pain, and give IV fluids per protocol.
Open card

Pediatric gastroenteritis / dehydration

high priority

Pediatrics

needs review
Signs / symptoms
No tears, dry mucosa, decreased wet diapers. Weight is a sensitive fluid measure.
First actions
Assess mucous membranes, tears, capillary refill, fontanel, urine output, and weight. Use oral rehydration for mild/moderate dehydration when appropriate.
Open card

Pediatric respiratory distress

high priority

Pediatrics

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Restlessness can be early hypoxia. Bradycardia is late in pediatric respiratory failure.
First actions
Assess work of breathing, retractions, nasal flaring, grunting, stridor, and color. Keep child calm and position of comfort.
Open card

Pertussis

high priority

Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Whooping cough, post-tussive vomiting. Infants can have apnea without classic whoop.
First actions
Use droplet precautions. Assess cough spells, apnea, cyanosis, feeding difficulty, and dehydration.
Open card

Placenta previa

high priority

OB / Newborn

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Painless bleeding. No vaginal exam.
First actions
Assess painless bright red bleeding. Avoid vaginal exams until previa is ruled out by ultrasound.
Open card

Placental abruption

high priority

OB / Newborn

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Painful bleeding with board-like uterus. Concealed bleeding can hide volume loss.
First actions
Assess painful bleeding, rigid/tender uterus, contractions, and fetal distress. Monitor for shock and DIC; bleeding can be concealed.
Open card

Pneumonia

high priority

Respiratory

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Cough, which may produce sputum. Fever or chills.
First actions
Assess respiratory rate, lung sounds, oxygenation, fever, and sputum. Encourage coughing, deep breathing, fluids if allowed, and mobility.
Open card

Pneumothorax

high priority

Respiratory

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Sudden chest pain and unilateral absent breath sounds. Tracheal deviation and hypotension are late tension signs.
First actions
Assess breath sounds, chest rise, tracheal position, oxygenation, and distress. Prepare chest tube or needle decompression pathway for tension signs per protocol.
Open card

Postpartum hemorrhage

high priority

OB / Newborn

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Boggy fundus plus heavy bleeding. Massage fundus first for atony.
First actions
Assess fundus, lochia, vital signs, bladder distention, and shock signs. Massage boggy uterus and empty bladder per protocol.
Open card

Preeclampsia

high priority

OB / Newborn

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Headache, visual spots, RUQ pain are severe warning signs. Magnesium toxicity: absent reflexes, slow respirations.
First actions
Monitor BP, headache, visual changes, RUQ pain, reflexes, clonus, and urine output. Reduce stimulation and implement seizure precautions.
Open card

Pulmonary embolism

high priority

Respiratory

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Sudden shortness of breath after immobility or surgery. Unexplained tachycardia/hypoxia.
First actions
Assess sudden dyspnea, chest pain, tachycardia, hypoxia, and anxiety. Apply oxygen and notify provider/rapid response per severity.
Open card

Pyelonephritis

high priority

Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
CVA tenderness plus fever. Systemic signs make it priority.
First actions
Assess fever, chills, flank pain, nausea/vomiting, and urine findings. Monitor sepsis signs and kidney function.
Open card

Pyloric stenosis

high priority

OB / Newborn + Pediatrics + GI / Liver / Pancreas

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Projectile vomiting but still hungry. Hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis.
First actions
Assess projectile nonbilious vomiting, hunger after vomiting, weight loss, dehydration, and olive-like mass. Correct fluids/electrolytes as ordered before surgery.
Open card

Restraints / seclusion

high priority

Mental Health

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Never for punishment or convenience. Frequent assessment and time-limited orders.
First actions
Try de-escalation and least restrictive options first. Obtain/renew orders and monitor/document per policy.
Open card

Retinal detachment

high priority

Eye / Ear

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Curtain coming down is classic. No pain does not mean no emergency.
First actions
Treat sudden flashes, floaters, or curtain over vision as urgent. Limit activity and position as ordered before/after repair.
Open card

Rhabdomyolysis

high priority

Integumentary / Burns / Wounds

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Tea-colored urine after crush or prolonged down time. K and kidneys are priority.
First actions
Monitor urine color/output, CK, creatinine, potassium, and pain/swelling. Give aggressive fluids as ordered to protect kidneys.
Open card

Rheumatic heart disease

high priority

Pediatrics + Cardiac + Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Strep throat history plus migratory joint pain/murmur. Antibiotic completion prevents rheumatic fever.
First actions
Assess history of sore throat, fever, joint pain, murmur, chest pain, shortness of breath, and chorea. Promote completion of antibiotics for strep throat and follow-up prophylaxis when prescribed.
Open card

RSV

high priority

Pediatrics + Respiratory + Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Infant with wheezing, retractions, poor feeding. Bradycardia/apnea are late danger cues.
First actions
Assess work of breathing, retractions, nasal flaring, grunting, oxygen saturation, hydration, and feeding. Use contact/droplet precautions per policy and suction nares before feeds when ordered.
Open card

Schizophrenia

high priority

Mental Health

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Ask what the voices are saying. Acknowledge feelings, present reality.
First actions
Assess command hallucinations and safety risk. Use clear reality-based statements without arguing.
Open card

Seizure disorder

high priority

Neuro

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Brief staring or a lapse of awareness. Impaired or complete loss of consciousness.
First actions
Protect from injury, lower to side if possible, and time the seizure. Do not restrain and do not place objects in the mouth.
Open card

Sepsis

high priority

Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Clammy or sweaty skin. Confusion or disorientation.
First actions
Recognize fever or hypothermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, confusion, and low urine output. Obtain cultures/lactate as ordered and give antibiotics/fluids promptly.
Open card

Septic shock

high priority

Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Warm flushed early shock can become cold clammy late shock. Low urine output signals poor perfusion.
First actions
Support airway, oxygenation, IV access, fluids, and vasopressor pathway as ordered. Track MAP, lactate, urine output, mental status, and skin perfusion.
Open card

SIADH

high priority

Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Low sodium, low serum osmolality, concentrated urine. Weight gain without edema can occur.
First actions
Monitor neuro status, sodium, intake/output, daily weight, and seizure risk. Implement fluid restriction if ordered.
Open card

Sickle cell disease

high priority

Hematologic / Immune + Autoimmune / Genetic + Pediatrics

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Severe pain crisis needs prompt pain control. Fever is high priority.
First actions
Assess pain, oxygenation, hydration, fever, neurologic changes, chest symptoms, and splenic enlargement in children. Support oxygen if hypoxic, fluids as ordered, pain control, warmth, and infection evaluation.
Open card

Spina bifida

high priority

OB / Newborn + Pediatrics + Neuro + Musculoskeletal

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Do not put diaper over open sac. Prone positioning before repair.
First actions
If sac is open, place prone, protect sac with sterile moist dressing per protocol, and prevent contamination. Assess lower extremity movement/sensation, bladder/bowel function, latex allergy risk, and signs of hydrocephalus.
Open card

Spinal cord injury

high priority

Neuro

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Bradycardia and hypotension after spinal injury suggest neurogenic shock. Pounding headache with high BP later suggests autonomic dysreflexia.
First actions
Protect airway and spinal alignment during acute care. Monitor for neurogenic shock, spinal shock, and autonomic dysreflexia risk.
Open card

Status epilepticus

high priority

Neuro

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Seizure lasting several minutes. Repeated seizures without waking.
First actions
Call for emergency help and protect airway, oxygenation, and IV access. Prepare rescue medication per protocol.
Open card

Stroke / TIA

high priority

Neuro

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Sudden unilateral face, arm, or leg numbness or weakness. Facial droop or downward arm drift.
First actions
Determine last known well and perform focused neuro assessment. Maintain airway and aspiration precautions; keep NPO until swallow screen if indicated.
Open card

Suicide precautions

high priority

Mental Health

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Direct questions do not plant the idea. Sudden calm after decision can be concerning.
First actions
Ask directly about suicidal thoughts, plan, means, and intent. Maintain observation level and remove hazards per policy.
Open card

SVT

high priority

Cardiac

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Narrow fast regular rhythm. Unstable tachycardia needs synchronized cardioversion.
First actions
Assess stability: blood pressure, chest pain, mental status, perfusion. Prepare vagal maneuvers or adenosine for stable clients per protocol.
Open card

Systemic lupus erythematosus

high priority

Autoimmune / Genetic + Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes + Hematologic / Immune + Integumentary / Burns / Wounds

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Butterfly rash plus photosensitivity and joint pain. Proteinuria/edema means renal involvement.
First actions
Assess fatigue, fever, joint pain, rash, photosensitivity, edema, urine changes, chest pain, and infection risk. Teach sun protection, rest/activity balance, medication adherence, and infection reporting.
Open card

TBI

high priority

Neuro

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Battle sign, raccoon eyes, CSF leak. One dilated pupil after head trauma.
First actions
Prioritize airway, oxygenation, cervical spine precautions, and perfusion. Trend GCS, pupils, motor response, and signs of basilar skull fracture.
Open card

Thrombocytopenia

high priority

Hematologic / Immune

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Petechiae and low platelets. New severe headache with low platelets is urgent.
First actions
Assess petechiae, bruising, mucosal bleeding, stool/urine blood, and neurologic changes. Use bleeding precautions and avoid unnecessary IM injections or rectal temperatures.
Open card

Tuberculosis

high priority

Respiratory

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Night sweats, weight loss, chronic cough, hemoptysis. Negative pressure room for suspected active TB.
First actions
Use airborne precautions for suspected/active pulmonary TB. Teach prolonged medication adherence and public health follow-up.
Open card

Upper GI bleed

high priority

GI / Liver / Pancreas

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Hematemesis, coffee-ground emesis, melena. Circulation priority.
First actions
Assess airway, circulation, orthostatic symptoms, emesis, stool, and vital signs. Maintain IV access and prepare fluids/blood/endoscopy pathway as ordered.
Open card

V-fib

high priority

Cardiac

needs review
Signs / symptoms
No pulse with chaotic rhythm. Defibrillation, not synchronized cardioversion.
First actions
Call code, start CPR, and defibrillate per protocol. Continue high-quality compressions and rhythm checks per algorithm.
Open card

V-tach

high priority

Cardiac

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Wide-complex tachycardia. Pulse/no pulse changes the whole answer.
First actions
Check pulse and assess stability immediately. If pulseless, start CPR and defibrillation pathway.
Open card

Anemia

medium priority

Hematologic / Immune

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Low Hgb/Hct plus fatigue and shortness of breath. Active bleeding changes priority to circulation.
First actions
Assess fatigue, pallor, dyspnea, tachycardia, dizziness, and activity tolerance. Trend Hgb/Hct and identify bleeding or nutritional causes.
Open card

Atrial flutter

medium priority

Cardiac

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Sawtooth flutter waves. Count ventricular rate and assess stability.
First actions
Assess symptoms and perfusion. Monitor rate control and anticoagulation safety.
Open card

Atrial septal defect

medium priority

Cardiac + Pediatrics + OB / Newborn

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Often subtle murmur or exercise intolerance. Infant cardiac issues often show during feeding.
First actions
Assess murmur, fatigue with feeds or activity, respiratory infections, growth, and cyanosis. Monitor for heart failure signs in infants and children.
Open card

Beriberi

medium priority

Neuro + Cardiac + GI / Liver / Pancreas

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Alcohol-use risk plus confusion or ataxia makes thiamin a priority cue. Thiamin supports energy and nerves.
First actions
Assess confusion, ataxia, weakness, tachycardia, weight loss, poor intake, and alcohol-use risk. Give thiamin as ordered before glucose-containing fluids when ordered for high-risk alcohol withdrawal/malnutrition contexts.
Open card

Brachial plexus palsy

medium priority

OB / Newborn + Pediatrics + Neuro + Musculoskeletal

needs review
Signs / symptoms
One arm limp after shoulder dystocia. Asymmetric Moro reflex.
First actions
Assess spontaneous movement, Moro reflex symmetry, grasp, clavicle fracture signs, and pain. Protect affected arm from traction and position/support it as ordered.
Open card

Bronchitis

medium priority

Respiratory + Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Cough with mucus and wheeze after URI. Antibiotic stewardship cue.
First actions
Assess work of breathing, oxygen saturation, lung sounds, fever, sputum, and risk factors. Teach fluids, rest, cough hygiene, smoking avoidance, and that antibiotics are not routine for viral bronchitis.
Open card

Burns - second-degree

medium priority

Integumentary / Burns / Wounds

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Blisters, wet appearance, severe pain. Do not pop blisters for routine first aid teaching.
First actions
Prioritize airway for face/neck/inhalation risk before wound appearance. Assess TBSA, pain, circulation, wound color/moisture, and tetanus status.
Open card

Candidiasis / thrush

medium priority

Respiratory + Infectious Disease + Integumentary / Burns / Wounds

needs review
Signs / symptoms
White patches that may bleed when scraped. Recent antibiotics or inhaled steroid use.
First actions
Inspect mouth, tongue, mucosa, skin folds, and swallowing ability. Teach rinsing mouth after inhaled corticosteroids and completing ordered antifungal therapy.
Open card

Cast care

medium priority

Musculoskeletal

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Use palms, not fingertips, on wet plaster. Severe unrelieved pain is not normal.
First actions
Perform neurovascular checks and elevate as ordered. Keep cast dry and do not insert objects inside.
Open card

Cataracts

medium priority

Eye / Ear

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Cloudy painless vision. Post-op eye shield and activity restrictions.
First actions
Teach glare reduction and safety with poor night vision. After surgery, avoid bending, heavy lifting, and eye rubbing per instructions.
Open card

Celiac disease

medium priority

Autoimmune / Genetic + GI / Liver / Pancreas + Pediatrics

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Gluten triggers immune gut damage. Diet teaching is lifelong, not temporary.
First actions
Assess diarrhea, bloating, weight/growth, anemia signs, rash, and dietary pattern. Teach lifelong gluten-free diet and label reading for wheat, barley, and rye.
Open card

Cerebral palsy

medium priority

Pediatrics + Neuro

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Spasticity or abnormal tone with developmental delay. Swallowing and aspiration are safety priorities.
First actions
Assess tone, mobility, feeding/swallowing, seizure history, skin integrity, constipation, and caregiver support. Promote therapy referrals, adaptive equipment, nutrition, aspiration prevention, and safe positioning.
Open card

Cleft lip and palate

medium priority

OB / Newborn + Pediatrics + Eye / Ear

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Feeding comes before cosmetic concern. Cleft palate has more suction/aspiration issues than isolated lip.
First actions
Assess feeding, airway, aspiration risk, weight gain, and caregiver coping. Use specialty nipples/positioning as ordered and burp frequently.
Open card

Client rights

medium priority

Mental Health

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Voluntary clients can often request discharge depending on law/policy. Medication cannot be used for staff convenience.
First actions
Protect privacy, informed consent, and refusal rights unless legal exceptions apply. Use least restrictive interventions.
Open card

Crohn's disease

medium priority

GI / Liver / Pancreas + Autoimmune / Genetic

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Skip lesions, fistulas, right lower quadrant pain. Smoking worsens risk.
First actions
Assess diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and malnutrition. Monitor fistula/abscess signs and dehydration.
Open card

Cushing's syndrome

medium priority

Endocrine

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Moon face, truncal obesity, thin skin, striae. Do not stop steroids abruptly.
First actions
Assess glucose, blood pressure, infection signs, skin integrity, and muscle weakness. Teach steroid taper safety if caused by exogenous steroids.
Open card

Diverticulitis

medium priority

GI / Liver / Pancreas

needs review
Signs / symptoms
LLQ pain with fever. Peritonitis signs are emergency.
First actions
Assess left lower quadrant pain, fever, stool changes, and peritoneal signs. Teach acute versus prevention diet instructions as prescribed.
Open card

Down syndrome newborn manifestations

medium priority

OB / Newborn

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Hypotonia, single palmar crease, upward slanting eyes may be noted. Cardiac assessment matters.
First actions
Assess feeding, tone, temperature, glucose, and cardiac signs. Support family teaching and referral coordination.
Open card

Eczema

medium priority

Integumentary / Burns / Wounds + Pediatrics + Autoimmune / Genetic

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Dry itchy flexural rash. Moisturize after bathing.
First actions
Assess itch, sleep disruption, infection signs, triggers, and skin integrity. Teach moisturizers, gentle cleansers, trigger avoidance, and correct topical medication use.
Open card

ESBL / Klebsiella

medium priority

Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
ESBL means resistant gram-negative concern. Culture and susceptibility matter.
First actions
Use contact precautions as directed by policy. Monitor culture results and response to ordered therapy.
Open card

Fractures

medium priority

Musculoskeletal

needs review
Signs / symptoms
The 5 Ps plus pain. Neurovascular checks are repeated.
First actions
Assess neurovascular status distal to injury: pulses, color, warmth, movement, sensation, pain. Immobilize and elevate as ordered.
Open card

Gestational diabetes

medium priority

OB / Newborn

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Baby may be large but become hypoglycemic after birth. Diet teaching and glucose logs.
First actions
Teach glucose monitoring, meal planning, and fetal movement awareness. Monitor for hypoglycemia if medication is used.
Open card

Growth and development safety

medium priority

Pediatrics

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Toddlers explore and need locked hazards. Adolescents need privacy and risk screening.
First actions
Match teaching to age: infant safe sleep, toddler poisoning/falls, school-age bikes, adolescent driving/substance risk. Use caregiver teaching and anticipatory guidance.
Open card

Hand-foot-mouth disease

medium priority

Pediatrics + Infectious Disease + Integumentary / Burns / Wounds

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Mouth sores plus hand and foot rash. Dehydration from mouth pain is priority.
First actions
Assess hydration, mouth pain, fever, rash, and daycare/school exposure. Teach hand hygiene, surface cleaning, avoiding shared cups/utensils, and comfort fluids.
Open card

Hashimoto thyroiditis

medium priority

Autoimmune / Genetic + Endocrine

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Everything slows down. Do not stop thyroid replacement abruptly.
First actions
Assess fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, weight change, bradycardia, and medication timing. Teach taking levothyroxine consistently and separating from calcium/iron per instructions.
Open card

Hemangioma

medium priority

OB / Newborn + Pediatrics + Integumentary / Burns / Wounds

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Most are benign, but airway/eye/feeding location is priority. Beta-blocker treatment requires safety monitoring.
First actions
Assess size, location, growth rate, bleeding, ulceration, and impact on vision, airway, feeding, or diaper area. Teach caregivers not to pick or injure lesion and to report bleeding or ulceration.
Open card

Hodgkin lymphoma

medium priority

Hematologic / Immune

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Painless lymphadenopathy plus B symptoms. Fever during treatment is priority.
First actions
Assess painless lymph node swelling, fever, night sweats, weight loss, pruritus, and infection risk. Monitor chemotherapy/radiation side effects, fertility concerns, and long-term cardiac/pulmonary risks.
Open card

Hypertension

medium priority

Cardiac

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Often silent. Hypertensive emergency means severe BP plus organ damage symptoms.
First actions
Confirm accurate BP technique and trend readings. Assess for target organ symptoms: chest pain, neuro change, dyspnea, kidney concerns.
Open card

Hypothyroidism

medium priority

Endocrine

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Cold, slow, puffy, constipated. Overreplacement looks hyperthyroid.
First actions
Assess fatigue, cold intolerance, bradycardia, weight gain, and constipation. Teach consistent levothyroxine timing and lifelong therapy when indicated.
Open card

ICDs

medium priority

Cardiac

needs review
Signs / symptoms
ICD shock is expected for detected lethal rhythm but repeated shocks need evaluation.
First actions
Teach shock plan and when to seek emergency care. Assess anxiety and device site.
Open card

Impetigo

medium priority

Pediatrics + Integumentary / Burns / Wounds + Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Honey-colored crust around nose/mouth. Contagious skin lesion teaching.
First actions
Assess rash location, drainage, fever, spread, and household/daycare exposure. Teach hand hygiene, covering lesions, not sharing towels, and completing antibiotics if prescribed.
Open card

Inguinal hernia

medium priority

OB / Newborn + Pediatrics + GI / Liver / Pancreas

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Bulge worse with crying/straining. Nonreducible painful bulge is emergency.
First actions
Assess groin/scrotal/labial bulge, reducibility, pain, vomiting, irritability, and skin color. Teach caregivers to report a firm painful nonreducible bulge, vomiting, or color change.
Open card

Iron deficiency anemia

medium priority

Hematologic / Immune + OB / Newborn + Pediatrics + GI / Liver / Pancreas

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Iron teaching often includes vitamin C, constipation prevention, and keeping supplements away from children. Look for bleeding source, not just low intake.
First actions
Assess fatigue, pallor, dyspnea on exertion, diet, pregnancy status, menstrual/GI blood loss, and pica when present. Teach iron administration as ordered; vitamin C can improve absorption and calcium/antacids can interfere with timing.
Open card

Joint replacement precautions

medium priority

Musculoskeletal

needs review
Signs / symptoms
New shortening/internal or external rotation may suggest dislocation depending on joint/surgery. Calf pain/swelling after surgery is DVT concern.
First actions
Monitor neurovascular status, bleeding, infection, pain, and DVT signs. Follow hip/knee movement precautions exactly as ordered.
Open card

Kwashiorkor

medium priority

Pediatrics + GI / Liver / Pancreas + Hematologic / Immune

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Edema with malnutrition points toward protein deficiency. Do not assume edema means fluid overload only.
First actions
Assess edema, skin breakdown, hair changes, growth failure, infection signs, intake, and family food access. Protect skin, prevent infection, and provide ordered gradual nutritional rehabilitation.
Open card

Leukocytosis

medium priority

Hematologic / Immune + Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
High WBC is data, not a diagnosis. Bands/left shift can suggest acute bacterial response.
First actions
Assess fever, source of infection, pain, inflammation, medication history, and sepsis signs. Trend WBC differential with vital signs and cultures/diagnostics.
Open card

Macular degeneration

medium priority

Eye / Ear

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Central blurred spot, straight lines look wavy. Peripheral vision often remains.
First actions
Teach use of Amsler grid if prescribed and report distortion. Promote lighting, magnification, and fall prevention.
Open card

Marasmus

medium priority

Pediatrics + GI / Liver / Pancreas + Hematologic / Immune

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Severe wasting suggests calorie and protein deficiency. Stabilize and refeed carefully.
First actions
Assess wasting, growth failure, dehydration, temperature instability, infection signs, intake, and caregiver resources. Provide ordered warming, hydration, infection prevention, and cautious nutritional rehabilitation.
Open card

Mastectomy drains / JP drains

medium priority

Integumentary / Burns / Wounds

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Bulb must be compressed to create suction. Do not take BP/IV on affected arm if lymph node dissection restrictions apply.
First actions
Compress bulb to maintain suction and measure drainage per policy. Secure drain below incision and avoid pulling.
Open card

Megaloblastic anemia

medium priority

Hematologic / Immune + GI / Liver / Pancreas + OB / Newborn + Neuro

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Folate and B12 both affect RBC formation; B12 also affects nerves. Pregnancy folate teaching starts before pregnancy is known.
First actions
Assess fatigue, pallor, glossitis, diet history, pregnancy status, alcohol use, GI surgery, and neurologic symptoms. Differentiate B12-risk cues from folate deficiency because B12 deficiency can cause neurologic injury.
Open card

Meniere's disease

medium priority

Eye / Ear

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Vertigo plus tinnitus plus hearing loss. Safety is first during an attack.
First actions
Protect from falls during vertigo episodes. Teach low-sodium diet if prescribed and avoid triggers.
Open card

MRSA

medium priority

Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Contact precautions for draining wounds or facility policy. Do not share equipment.
First actions
Use contact precautions as indicated by policy. Perform hand hygiene and dedicated equipment cleaning.
Open card

Multiple sclerosis

medium priority

Neuro + Autoimmune / Genetic

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Heat worsens symptoms. Visual changes, numbness, weakness, fatigue.
First actions
Cluster care with rest periods and avoid overheating. Assess vision, mobility, bladder function, and fatigue.
Open card

Neural tube defect

medium priority

OB / Newborn + Neuro + Pediatrics

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Folate teaching is preconception and early pregnancy teaching. Spina bifida is a key NCLEX-linked neural tube defect.
First actions
Teach folic acid/folate intake for clients who can become pregnant, including before pregnancy recognition. Assess prenatal vitamin use, nutrition access, seizure medication history, diabetes risk, and ordered screening follow-up.
Open card

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

medium priority

Hematologic / Immune

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Can spread extranodally. Night sweats, fever, weight loss.
First actions
Assess lymphadenopathy, B symptoms, abdominal fullness, respiratory symptoms, infection risk, and treatment side effects. Monitor for tumor lysis syndrome with high tumor burden or treatment start.
Open card

Osteomalacia

medium priority

Musculoskeletal + Endocrine + Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Adult bone pain and weakness with low vitamin D points to osteomalacia. Fall prevention is part of nutrition safety.
First actions
Assess bone pain, muscle weakness, gait/fall risk, diet, sunlight exposure, and malabsorption history. Teach prescribed vitamin D/calcium plan and fall prevention.
Open card

Otitis media

medium priority

Eye / Ear + Pediatrics

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Child pulling ear after URI. Drainage can mean rupture.
First actions
Assess pain, fever, drainage, and hearing concerns. Teach medication completion if prescribed.
Open card

Pacemakers

medium priority

Cardiac

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Pacemaker spike without QRS can mean failure to capture. Hiccups or twitching after insertion can suggest lead issue.
First actions
Monitor capture, sensing, and client symptoms. After insertion, limit affected arm movement per instructions and assess incision.
Open card

Parkinson's disease

medium priority

Neuro

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Shuffling gait, mask-like face, pill-rolling tremor. Late dose worsens mobility.
First actions
Support fall precautions, swallowing safety, and medication timing. Encourage mobility, speech/swallow therapy, and nutrition planning.
Open card

Pellagra

medium priority

GI / Liver / Pancreas + Integumentary / Burns / Wounds + Neuro + Mental Health

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Pellagra classically affects skin, GI function, and mental status. Safety and hydration are priority nursing concerns.
First actions
Assess sun-sensitive rash, diarrhea/GI impairment, confusion, insomnia, anxiety, poor intake, and alcohol-use risk. Teach prescribed niacin/nutrition plan and skin protection.
Open card

Peptic ulcer disease

medium priority

GI / Liver / Pancreas

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Coffee-ground emesis or black tarry stool. Board-like abdomen can mean perforation.
First actions
Assess pain pattern, NSAID use, bleeding signs, and anemia symptoms. Teach avoiding NSAIDs/alcohol if instructed and completing H. pylori therapy.
Open card

Pericarditis

medium priority

Cardiac

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Sharp chest pain worse lying flat and better leaning forward. Pericardial friction rub.
First actions
Assess chest pain pattern, friction rub, fever, dyspnea, and signs of tamponade. Position for comfort, often sitting up and leaning forward if tolerated.
Open card

Pernicious anemia

medium priority

Hematologic / Immune + Neuro + GI / Liver / Pancreas

needs review
Signs / symptoms
B12 deficiency can cause neurologic changes; folate alone can mask anemia while neuro injury continues. Intrinsic factor matters for absorption.
First actions
Assess fatigue, pallor, glossitis, paresthesias, gait changes, diet, and GI surgery history. Teach B12 replacement route and schedule as ordered; neurologic symptoms need early reporting.
Open card

Pressure injuries

medium priority

Integumentary / Burns / Wounds

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Non-blanchable redness is stage 1. Do not massage reddened bony prominences.
First actions
Reposition, offload heels, manage moisture, and assess skin routinely. Optimize nutrition and hydration.
Open card

Protein energy malnutrition

medium priority

GI / Liver / Pancreas + Pediatrics + Hematologic / Immune

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Malnutrition priorities are assessment, safety, infection prevention, and cautious nutrition restoration. Edema does not rule out severe protein deficiency.
First actions
Assess weight trends, growth pattern, edema, muscle wasting, intake history, food access, swallowing, GI losses, and infection risk. Monitor albumin/prealbumin only in clinical context; inflammation and hydration can alter interpretation.
Open card

Proteus mirabilis

medium priority

Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
UTI plus stones/catheter context. Do not treat culture alone without clinical plan.
First actions
Assess UTI symptoms, catheter need, hydration, and stone symptoms. Collect urine specimen correctly.
Open card

PVCs

medium priority

Cardiac

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Wide bizarre early beat. PVCs after MI are higher concern.
First actions
Assess frequency, symptoms, oxygenation, and perfusion. Check potassium and magnesium trends when ordered.
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Renal calculi

medium priority

Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Severe colicky flank pain radiating to groin. Hematuria.
First actions
Assess pain, urine output, hematuria, nausea/vomiting, fever, and single-kidney or obstruction risks. Strain urine if ordered and promote fluids when not contraindicated.
Open card

Reportable diseases

medium priority

Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Public health language. Reportable status can vary by location.
First actions
Follow facility policy for reporting; do not assume the nurse personally calls every agency. Know high-yield examples: TB, measles, pertussis, meningococcal disease, STIs, hepatitis per jurisdiction.
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Rheumatoid arthritis

medium priority

Autoimmune / Genetic + Musculoskeletal

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Symmetric small-joint stiffness worse in morning. DMARD/biologic therapy raises infection teaching.
First actions
Assess pain, morning stiffness, joint swelling, function, fatigue, and medication adverse effects. Teach joint protection, heat/cold use, exercise/rest balance, and early reporting of infection if immunosuppressed.
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Rickets

medium priority

Pediatrics + Musculoskeletal + Endocrine + Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Child plus bowed legs or delayed growth points to rickets. Vitamin D helps calcium absorption.
First actions
Assess growth, bone pain, delayed motor milestones, bowing of legs, diet, and supplementation history. Teach prescribed vitamin D/calcium plan and safe nutrition sources.
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Scabies

medium priority

Integumentary / Burns / Wounds + Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Severe itching worse at night. Burrows between fingers/wrists/waistline.
First actions
Assess itching pattern, burrows, household exposure, and secondary infection signs. Use contact precautions as indicated and treat close contacts per provider/public health instructions.
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Scurvy

medium priority

Hematologic / Immune + Integumentary / Burns / Wounds + GI / Liver / Pancreas

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Bleeding gums plus poor wound healing points to vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C supports collagen and iron absorption.
First actions
Assess diet history, bleeding gums, bruising, petechiae, fatigue, and wound healing. Teach vitamin C food sources and supplementation exactly as ordered.
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Thalassemia

medium priority

Hematologic / Immune + Autoimmune / Genetic + Pediatrics

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Microcytic anemia not corrected like simple iron deficiency. Transfusions can create iron overload.
First actions
Assess fatigue, pallor, growth, splenomegaly, and transfusion history. Monitor for iron overload and chelation teaching if ordered.
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Therapeutic communication

medium priority

Mental Health

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Best answer often explores feelings or safety. Do not say 'do not worry'.
First actions
Use open-ended questions, silence, reflection, and clarification. Avoid false reassurance, why questions, advice-giving, or changing subject.
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Thrombocytosis

medium priority

Hematologic / Immune

needs review
Signs / symptoms
High platelet count does not always mean better clotting. Clot symptoms outrank routine lab review.
First actions
Assess for DVT/PE/stroke symptoms, chest pain, headache, vision changes, and bleeding. Trend platelet count with clinical context and iron/inflammation findings.
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Traction

medium priority

Musculoskeletal

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Weights should not rest on floor. Body alignment matters.
First actions
Keep weights hanging freely and ropes in pulleys. Do not remove weights unless ordered or emergency policy requires.
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Ulcerative colitis

medium priority

GI / Liver / Pancreas + Autoimmune / Genetic

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Bloody diarrhea. Continuous colon involvement.
First actions
Assess stool frequency, blood, hydration, and anemia symptoms. Monitor for toxic megacolon and perforation signs.
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Umbilical cord care

medium priority

OB / Newborn

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Cord should dry and fall off naturally. Redness at base that spreads is concerning.
First actions
Keep cord clean and dry; fold diaper below stump. Report redness spreading onto skin, foul drainage, fever, or poor feeding.
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UTI

medium priority

Renal / Urinary / Electrolytes

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Burning and urgency. Fever/flank pain means upper tract concern.
First actions
Assess dysuria, frequency, fever, flank pain, and confusion in older adults. Collect urine specimen correctly before antibiotics if ordered.
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VRE

medium priority

Infectious Disease

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Resistant organism plus contact precautions. Gown and gloves before room entry per policy.
First actions
Use contact precautions as indicated. Clean equipment and surfaces carefully.
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Wound infection

medium priority

Integumentary / Burns / Wounds

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Increasing pain can be infection clue. Purulent drainage and fever.
First actions
Assess redness, warmth, swelling, odor, drainage, pain, fever, and wound edges. Use aseptic technique and obtain cultures as ordered before antibiotics when possible.
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Wound VAC / negative pressure therapy

medium priority

Integumentary / Burns / Wounds

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Alarm often means leak or full canister. Seal integrity matters.
First actions
Maintain airtight seal and ordered suction setting. Assess drainage amount, bleeding, pain, and surrounding skin.
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Xerophthalmia

medium priority

Eye / Ear + Pediatrics + GI / Liver / Pancreas

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Vitamin A is tied to vision and epithelial integrity. Fat-soluble vitamins can become toxic with excessive supplementation.
First actions
Assess night vision concerns, eye dryness, corneal changes, diet, fat malabsorption, and food insecurity. Teach prescribed vitamin A/nutrition plan and safety with fat-soluble vitamin toxicity risk.
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Birthmarks - newborn

low priority

OB / Newborn + Pediatrics + Integumentary / Burns / Wounds

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Document skin findings on admission/newborn assessment. Port-wine stain near eye needs follow-up.
First actions
Document location, size, color, and appearance clearly at birth. Teach that dermal melanocytosis can resemble bruising and should be documented to prevent confusion.
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Burns - first-degree

low priority

Integumentary / Burns / Wounds

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Red, dry, painful skin without blisters. Airway/electrical/chemical burns still change priority regardless of depth.
First actions
Assess burn size, location, cause, pain, and whether deeper injury is present. Cool with clean running water if appropriate and protect skin from further injury.
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GERD

low priority

GI / Liver / Pancreas

needs review
Signs / symptoms
Burning after meals and lying down. Lifestyle teaching is testable.
First actions
Teach small meals, avoiding late meals, and elevating head of bed. Review trigger foods and weight/smoking factors.
Open card