Ace Your NCLEX-RN® Test Plan: Client Needs Classes and Exams with Picmonic: #1 Visual Mnemonic Study Tool for Registered Nurse (RN) Students

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing. Whether you're studying for your classes or getting ready for a big exam, we're here to help.

get premium

NCLEX-RN® Test Plan: Client Needs | Registered Nurse (RN) School Study Aid

Neurovascular Assessment 6 P's

Pain

Paresthesia

Pulse

Pallor

Pressure

Paralysis

1 min

Cognitive Abilities Assessment

Collecting/Organizing Objective Information

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)

Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (MoCA)

Mini-Cog

2 mins

Cerebellar Assessment

Observe Rapid Alternating Movements (RAM)

Touch Thumb to Each Finger

Finger-Nose-Finger Test

Heel-to-Shin Test

Observe Gait

2 mins

Skull, Scalp and Hair Assessment

Inspect Size, Shape and Contour

Inspect and Palpate Areas for Tenderness or Lesions

Inspect for Tenderness, Lesions or Rashes

Inspect for Dandruff

Inspect for Lice or Nits

Inspect Quality and General Appearance of Hair

Observe Hair Distribution

2 mins

Head, Face and Neck Assessment

Inspect Size and Shape of Skull

Palpate Temporal Artery

Observe Facial Expression

Inspect Facial Structures and Symmetry

Look for Symmetry

Check Range of Motion

Inspect Lymph Nodes and Thyroid Gland

Confirm Trachea is Midline

2 mins

Eye Assessment

Eye and Eyebrow Symmetry

Eyeball Alignment

Examine Cornea and Lens for Cloudiness

Iris and Pupil Shape and Size

Pupillary Light Reflex and Accommodation

P.E.R.R.L.A

2 mins

Visual Perceptual Hierarchy

Oculomotor Control

Visual Fields

Visual Acuity

Visual Attention

Visual Scanning

Pattern Recognition

Visual Memory

Visual Cognition

Adaptation Through Vision

A Child Makes Parents See Appropriately

3 mins

Nose Assessment

Inspect for Deformity or Asymmetry

Inspect for Inflammation and Skin Lesions

Check for Nasal Obstruction

Inspect Nasal Mucosa

Note Discharge, Bleeding or Foreign Body

Palpate the Sinus Areas

2 mins

Ear Assessment

Inspect Position and Symmetry

Inspect for Lesions, Drainage, Nodules or Redness

Inspect Opening of Ear Canal

Insert Speculum

Position Scope

View Structures

Light Reflect

Whisper Test

Weber’s Test

Rinne Test

4 mins

Throat and Mouth Assessment

Inspect for Color, Asymmetry and Swelling

Inspect Lips, Teeth, Gums and Oral Mucosa

Assess Tongue

Examine Pharynx with Tongue Depressor

2 mins

Skin Assessment

Observe for Abnormal Skin Pigmentation

Inspect for Cyanosis

Observe Skin for Pallor

Observe for Jaundice

Inspect for Erythema

Check the Temperature

Inspect for Diaphoresis or Dehydration

Imprint Thumb Firmly for 3 to 4 Seconds

Note the Characteristics

Palpate Lesion

4 mins

Nail Assessment

View Index Finger at its Profile

Look at Consistency

Observe Color

Check Capillary Refill

2 mins

Gastrointestinal System Assessment

Inspect Mouth, Jaw, Teeth, Gums and Oral Mucosa

Inspect Tongue

Palpate Areas for Tenderness/Lesions

Inspect Abdominal Quadrants

Auscultate

Percuss

Palpate

Light Palpation

Deep Palpation

Check for Rebound Tenderness and Ascites

Inspect Perianal Area

Palpate Rectum with Gloved Index Finger

6 mins

Abdomen Assessment

4 Quadrants

Contour, Shape, Symmetry

Umbilicus

Bowel Stethoscope

Vascular Sounds

Percuss 4 Quadrants

Tympany or Dullness

Light Palpation

Deep Palpation

Rebound Tenderness

5 mins

Reflexes Assessment

Hyperactive

Hypoactive

Biceps

Triceps

Brachioradialis

Patellar (Quadriceps)

Achilles Tendon

Plantar Reflex (Babinski Sign)

3 mins

ROM Assessment

Active ROM (AROM)

Active Assisted ROM (AAROM)

Passive ROM (PROM)

Neck Flexion, Extension and Rotation

Shoulder Flexion, Extension and Rotation

Elbow Flexion and Extension

Fingers and Wrist Flexion and Extension

Hip and Knee Flexion

Hip Abduction and Rotation

Ankle Rotation

Toe Flexion and Extension

Lumbar Rotation and Spine Inspection

4 mins

Cardiac and Circulation Assessment

Inspect General Appearance

Inspect Chest

Note Location of Apical Impulse

Percuss Chest Wall

Auscultate Heart Sounds: S1, S2, S3, S4

Auscultate for Pericardial Friction Rub and Murmurs

Assess Skin, Fingernails and Toenails

Check Carotid Artery and Jugular Vein

Palpate Skin for Temperature, Texture, Turgor

Check Capillary Refill Time

Palpate Arterial Pulses Bilaterally

5 mins

Male Urinary System Assessment

Past Medical History

Medications

Urination Pattern

Inspection

Palpation

Auscultation

Percussion

Intake and Output

Characteristic of Urine

2 mins

Male Reproductive System Assessment

Inspect the Penis and Urethral Meatus

Inspect the Scrotum, Testicles and Pubic Hair

Inspect the Inguinal and Femur

Palpate the Entire Penile Shaft

Palpate Both Testicles

Palpate Epididymides and Both Spermatic Cords

Palpate for Direct or Indirect Inguinal Hernia and Femoral Hernia

Palpate Prostate Gland

3 mins

Female Reproductive System Assessment

Past Genitourinary and Gynecological History

Current and Past Medication Use

Urine Collection and Characteristics

Inspect External Genitalia

Palpate External Genitalia

Inspect Internal Genitalia Using Lubricated Speculum

Examine Vaginal Wall for Color, Texture, and Integrity

Examine Cervix for Color, Position, Size, Shape, Mucosal Integrity and Discharge

Palpate Internal Genitalia

Note Abnormal Findings

4 mins

Airway and Lungs Assessment

Examine Back of Chest

Determine Respiratory Rate for 1 Minute

Assess for Abnormalities with Uneven Movement or Use of Accessory Muscles

Inspect Skin, Nails and Mucous Membrane

Palpate for Crepitus, Tenderness, Alignment, Masses or Retraction

Palpate for Tactile Fremitus

Check Chest-Wall Symmetry and Expansion

Note Resonance, Hyperresonance, Dullness and Tympany

Use Diaphragm of Stethoscope to Listen to Full Inspiration and Full Expiration

Ask Patient to Breathe Through Mouth

Normal Breath Sounds

Abnormal Breath Sounds

5 mins

Strength Assessment

Assess Patient Appearance for Abnormalities

Observe ROM of Upper and Lower Extremities

Hand Grips

Dorsiflexion and Plantarflexion

Hip and Knee Flexion Against Resistance

Manual Muscle Test (MMT) Grading System

2 mins

Female Urinary System Assessment

Past Medical History

Urination Pattern

Medications

Urine Collection

Inspect Areas Over Kidney and Bladder

Percuss Kidneys

Palpate Kidneys and Bladder

Note Abnormal Findings

Intake and Output

Characteristic of Urine

2 mins

Cranial Nerves I and II Assessments

Cranial Nerve I - Olfactory Nerve

Use Familiar Attainable Smells

Note Any Sense of Smell Asymmetry

Cranial Nerve II - Optic Nerve

Test Visual Fields

2 mins

Cranial Nerves III, IV and VI Assessments

Cranial Nerve III - Oculomotor Nerve

Cranial Nerve IV - Trochlear Nerve

Cranial Nerve VI - Abducens Nerve

Assess Extraocular Movements, P.E.R.R.L.A

Note Any Nystagmus

2 mins

Cranial Nerves V and VII Assessments

Cranial Nerve V - Trigeminal Nerve

Assess Temporal and Masseter Muscles

Assess Light Touch Sensation

Cranial Nerve VII - Facial Nerve

Note Mobility and Facial Symmetry

2 mins

Cranial Nerves VIII, IX and X Assessments

Cranial Nerve VIII - Acoustic (Vestibulocochlear) Nerve

Test Hearing to Normal Conversation

Whisper Test

Cranial Nerve IX - Glossopharyngeal Nerve

Cranial Nerve X - Vegus Nerve

Depress the Tongue and Say “Ahh”

Touch the Posterior Pharyngeal

2 mins

Cranial Nerves XI and XII Assessments

Cranial Nerves XI - Spinal Accessory Nerve

Examine Sternocleidomastoid Muscles

Examine Trapezius Muscles

Cranial Nerve XII - Hypoglossal Nerve

Inspect the Tongue

Note Lingual Speech

2 mins

Shoulder Exam

Skin

Shape

Humeral Head

Acromioclavicular Joint

Rotator Cuff

Clavicle

Spine of Scapula

Flexion

Extension

Abduction

Adduction

Internal Rotation

External Rotation

3 mins

Low Back Assessment

Inspection

Movement

Palpation

Flexion and Extension

Rotation

Hyperextension

Lateral Bend

Straight Leg Raise Test

4 mins

Knee Assessment

Inspection

Palpation

Check Range of Motion

Assess Strength

Neurovascular Assessment

Ballottement and Effusion

Ligament Integrity

Meniscal Integrity

4 mins

Oral Cavity

Mouth

Mechanical Digestion

Salivary Amylase Begins Carbohydrate Breakdown

Lingual Lipase Begins Lipid Breakdown

Esophagus

Bolus

Peristalsis

1 min

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Frontal Lobe

Parietal Lobe

Temporal Lobe

Occipital Lobe

Medulla Oblongata

Cerebellum

Pons

Spinal Cord

Dorsal Root Ganglia

Grey Matter

White Matter

2 mins

Eye

Sclera

Cornea

Iris

Lens

Ciliary Muscles

Optic Nerve

Rods

Cones

Retina

1 min

Autonomic Nervous System

Sympathetic Nervous System

Fight or Flight

All Preganglionic Neurons Release Acetylcholine

Sympathetic Postganglionic Neurons Release Norepinephrine

Antagonistic Effects of Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Rest and Digest

Parasympathetic Postganglionic Neurons Release Acetylcholine

2 mins

Macroscopic Bone Structure

Compact Bone

Yellow Bone Marrow

Spongy Bone

Red Bone Marrow

Long Bone

Epiphysis

Epiphyseal Plate

Diaphysis

Metaphysis

Periosteum

2 mins

Middle Cerebral Artery

Contralateral paralysis upper limb and face

Contralateral loss of sensation of upper limb and face

Affects Wernicke's area and Broca's area

Aphasia if Lesion in Dominant (Left) Hemisphere

Hemineglect if lesion in nondominant (right) hemisphere

1 min

Anterior Cerebral Artery

Contralateral paralysis of lower limb

Contralateral loss of sensation in lower limb

1 min

Carpal Bones

"Some Lovers Try Positions That They Can't Handle"

Scaphoid

Lunate

Triquetrum

Pisiform

Trapezium

Trapezoid

Capitate

Hamate

1 min

Foot Bones

Tiger Cubs Need MILC

Talus

Calcaneus

Navicular

Medial Cuneiform

Intermediate Cuneiform

Lateral Cuneiform

Cuboid

1 min

Cranial Bones

Occipital

Parietal

Frontal

Temporal

Ethmoid

Sphenoid

52 secs

Facial Bones

Vomer

Conchae

Nasal

Maxilla

Mandible

Palatine

Zygomatic

Lacrimal

1 min

Pelvic Bones

Ilium

Iliac Crest

ASIS (Anterior Superior Iliac Spine)

AIIS (Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine)

Acetabulum

Pubis

Pubic Symphysis

Obturator Foramen

Ischium

Sacrum

Coccyx

1 min

Coronary Arteries

Aortic Root

Right Coronary Artery (RCA)

Right (Acute) Marginal Artery

Posterior Descending Artery (PDA)

Left Coronary Artery (LCA)

Left Anterior Descending (LAD) Artery

Circumflex Artery

Left Marginal Artery

1 min

Anterior Thigh Muscles

Femoral Nerve

Iliopsoas

Psoas Innervated by L1-3

Sartorius

Pectineus

Vastus Lateralis

Vastus Intermedius

Vastus Medialis

Rectus Femoris

2 mins

Posterior Thigh Muscles

Sciatic Nerve

Biceps Femoris

Long and Short Head

Flex Knee

Extend Hip

Laterally Rotate Hip

Semitendinosus and Semimembranosus

Flex Knee

Extend Thigh

Medially Rotate Thigh and Leg

1 min

Medial Thigh Muscles

Adduct the Thigh

Obturator Nerve

Adductor Magnus

Tibial Nerve

Adductor Longus

Adductor Brevis

Gracilis

Obturator Externus

Laterally Rotates Thigh

1 min

Dermatomes - Cervical

C2 - Posterior Cap Distribution

C3 - High Turtleneck

C4 - Low Collar Shirt

C5 - Anterolateral Shoulder

C6 - Thumb

C7 - Middle Finger

C8 - Pinky Finger

1 min

Dermatomes - Thoracic

T1 - Medial Arm

T4 - Nipple

T7 - Xiphoid

T10 - Belly Button

T12 - Pubis

58 secs

Dermatomes - Lumbosacral

L2 - Medial Thigh

L3 - Medial Knee

L4 - Kneecap, Medial Ankle, and Big Toe

L5 - Dorsum of Foot

S1 - Lateral Foot, Posteriolateral Thigh

S 2, 3, 4, 5 - Perianal and Genitals

2 mins

Muscles of Mastication

Temporalis

Masseter

Medial Pterygoid

Lateral Pterygoid

Mandibular Branch (V3) of Trigeminal Nerve

1st Branchial Arch

1 min

Leg Veins

Inferior Vena Cava

Common Iliac (Ilium)

External Iliac (Ilium)

Great Saphenous

Femoral

Popliteal

Small Saphenous

Anterior Tibial

Posterior Tibial

1 min

Leg Arteries

Descending Aorta

Iliac (Ilium)

Common Femoral

Deep Femoral

Superficial Femoral

Popliteal

Anterior Tibial

Posterior Tibial

Peroneal

Dorsalis Pedis

2 mins

Anterior Lower Leg Anatomy

Deep Peroneal Nerve

Dorsiflex Foot

Tibialis Anterior

Invert Foot

Extensor Digitorum Longus

Extend 4 Toes

Extensor Hallucis Longus

Extend Great Toe

1 min

Lateral Lower Leg Anatomy

Superficial Peroneal Nerve

Eversion of Foot

Plantarflexion of Foot

Fibularis Brevis

Fibularis Longus

55 secs

Leg Nerves

Femoral

Saphenous

Posterior Femoral Cutaneous

Sciatic

Tibial

Common Peroneal

Superficial Peroneal

Deep Peroneal

1 min

Deep Gluteal Muscles

Lateral Rotation and Abduction

Gluteus Minimus

Medially Rotates Leg

Piriformis

Superior Gemellus

Obturator Internus

Inferior Gemellus

Quadratus Femoris

Sacrotuberous Ligament

1 min

Rotator Cuff

External Rotation

Teres Minor

Infraspinatus

Internal Rotation

Subscapularis

Abduction

Supraspinatus

1 min

Ejaculation Pathway

SEVEn UP

Seminiferous Tubules

Epididymis

Vas Deferens

Ejaculatory Ducts

Urethra

Penis

1 min

Hand Muscles

Opponens Pollicis

Abductor Pollicis Brevis

Flexor Pollicis Brevis

Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis

Abductor Digiti Minimi Brevis

Opponens Digiti Minimi

Lumbricals

Interossei (Palmar and Dorsal)

Palmaris Brevis

Adductor Pollicis

2 mins

Back Muscles

Latissimus Dorsi

External Oblique

Internal Oblique

Gluteus Medius

Gluteus Maximus

Erector Spinae

Serratus Anterior

Serratus Posterior

2 mins

Lower Limb Bones - Tibia and Fibula

Tibia

Tibial Plateau

Medial and Lateral Condyles

Tibial Tuberosity

Gerdys Tubercle

Fibular Notch

Medial Malleolus

Fibula

Fibular Head

Lateral Malleolus

2 mins

Pathways through the Diaphragm

T8 Level (Caval opening)

Inferior Vena Cava

T10 Level (Esophageal Opening)

Esophagus

Vagus Nerve

Esophageal Branches Left Gastric Vessels

T12 Level (Aortic opening)

Aorta

Thoracic Duct

Azygos Vein

2 mins

Lower Limb Bones - Femur

Head

Neck

Greater Trochanter

Lesser Trochanter

Gluteal Tuberosity

Pectineal Line

Linea Aspera

Epicondyles

Condyles

Adductor Tubercle

2 mins

Neck and Shoulder Muscles

Splenius Capitis

Trapezius

Rhomboid Minor

Rhomboid Major

Deltoid

Latissimus Dorsi

Levator Scapulae

Supraspinatus

Infraspinatus

Teres Minor

Teres Major

2 mins

Upper Limb Bones - Humerus

Greater Tubercle

Lesser Tubercle

Anatomic Neck

Surgical Neck

Deltoid Tuberosity

Epicondyles

Coronoid Fossa

Capitulum

Olecranon Fossa

Trochlea

3 mins

Upper Limb Bones - Ulna and Radius

Ulna

Olecranon Process

Coronoid Process

Trochlear Notch

Radial Notch

Styloid Process of Ulna

Head of the Ulna

Radius

Radial Head

Neck

Radial Tuberosity

Styloid Process

Ulnar notch

Listers (aka Dorsal) Tubercle

3 mins

Upper Limb - Arm Muscles

Biceps Brachii

Coracobrachialis

Brachialis

Long Head of Triceps Brachii

Lateral Head of Triceps Brachii

Medial Head of Triceps Brachii

2 mins

Upper Limb - Anterior Forearm Muscles

Pronator Teres

Palmaris Longus

Flexor Carpi Radialis

Flexor Carpi Ulnaris

Flexor Digitorum Superficialis

Flexor Pollicis Longus

Flexor Digitorum Profundus

Pronator Quadratus

2 mins

Foregut Structures, Blood Supply and Innervation

Esophagus

Lower Respiratory Tract

Stomach

Proximal Duodenum

Liver

Gallbladder

Pancreas

Spleen

Celiac Artery

Vagus Nerve

2 mins

Midgut Structures, Blood Supply and Innervation

Distal Duodenum

Jejunum

Ileum

Appendix

Ascending Colon

Proximal 2/3 of Transverse Colon

Superior Mesenteric Artery

Vagus Nerve

Lesser Splanchnic Nerve

2 mins

Hindgut Structures, Blood Supply and Innervation

Distal 1/3 of Transverse Colon

Descending Colon

Sigmoid Colon

Rectum

Pectinate (Dentate) Line

Urogenital Sinus

Inferior Mesenteric Artery

Lumbar Splanchnic Nerves

Pelvic Splanchnic Nerves

2 mins

Inguinal Canal

2MALT

2 Muscles Form the Roof

Internal Oblique

Transverse Abdominus Muscle

2 Aponeuroses Form the Anterior Wall

External and Internal Abdominal Oblique Aponeuroses

2 Ligaments Form Floor

Lacunar Ligament

Inguinal Ligament

2 T's Form the Posterior Wall

Transversalis Fascia

Conjoint Tendon

Deep Ring is Defect in Transversalis Fascia

Superficial Ring is Formed by Defect in the External Abdominal Oblique Aponeurosis

2 mins

Biliary Structures

Gallbladder

Cystic Duct

Common Hepatic Duct

Common Bile Duct

Pancreatic Duct

Major Duodenal Papilla

Ampulla Vater

Sphincter of Oddi

Minor Duodenal Papilla

2 mins

Ace Your Registered Nurse (RN) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,990,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Registered Nurse (RN) student study app.

Picmonic for Registered Nurse (RN) covers information that is relevant to your entire Registered Nurse (RN) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer your NCLEX®-RN, Hesi, ATI, TEAS test, Kaplan exams, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Registered Nurse (RN) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.

It's worth every penny

See more reviews