Best Nclex Study Hacks Podcasts (2025)

1
Diabetic Emergencies: Mastering DKA and HHS Crisis Management 14:33

Play Pause

2d ago14:33

14:33

Check out ThinkLikeANurse.org COMPREHENSIVE NOTES Core Difference: DKA vs HHS DKA (Type 1 diabetic, absolute insulin deficiency) No insulin → body burns fat → ketones formed → metabolic acidosis Deep, rapid Kussmaul respirations Total body potassium depleted though serum may appear high State of starvation + dehydration HHS (Type 2 diabetic, relati…

1
SIADH vs DI: Clear, Simple, & Finally Understandable 15:26

2d ago15:26

15:26

Check out thinklikeanurse.org Comprehensive Notes Core Concept Both conditions revolve around one hormone: ADH, the body’s water-saving signal. SIADH: Too much ADH → body holds water (soaked inside) DI: Not enough ADH or kidneys ignore ADH → body loses water (dry inside) The blood and urine move in opposite directions in each disorder. SIADH — “Soa…

1
Respiratory Emergencies: ARDS, Pulmonary Edema & Tension Pneumothorax 14:31

2d ago14:31

14:31

This episode breaks down three of the most dangerous respiratory emergencies nurses face: ARDS, cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and tension pneumothorax. Using clear bedside cues and rapid-action frameworks, you learn how to spot these crises early, understand the physiology driving them, and take the immediate steps that prevent collapse. From pink f…

1
Electrolyte Emergencies: Lifesaving Moves Every Nurse Must Know for NCLEX 13:17

2d ago13:17

13:17

Check out thinklikeanurse.org for more #Comprehensive Notes ##I. Overview Focus: 6 electrolytes + 4 acid–base disorders Goal: Know one classic sign + one lifesaving intervention for each NCLEX weight: High (8–16 questions across categories) Foundational rule: Always assess volume status first — dry vs overloaded guides almost every intervention II.…

1
Shock, Sepsis & SIRS: Early Clues, Fast Actions & Bedside Nursing Pearls 13:25

3d ago13:25

13:25

Visit thinklikeanurse.org Comprehensive Episode Notes 1. What Shock Really Is Core definition: inadequate tissue perfusion, leading to anaerobic metabolism, rising acid, cellular hypoxia, and eventual organ failure. All shock types follow the same three-stage progression: Stage 1: Compensated – tachycardia, tachypnea, cool pale skin, anxiety, decre…

1
18 Pharmacology Red Flags With 1 Simple & Clear Action for each 15:12

3d ago15:12

15:12

Check out www.thinklikeanurse.org 1. Opioids – Respiratory Depression Red Flag: Respiratory rate below 8–10 Action: Stop the infusion immediately, administer naloxone, monitor closely for re-sedation. 2. Heparin – HIT (Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia) Red Flag: Platelets below 100,000 Action: Stop heparin immediately, notify provider, avoid antipl…

1
Dirty Sixty Breakdown: NCLEX Pharmacology Red-Flags & Priority Actions 13:28

3d ago13:28

13:28

Visit thinklikeanurse.org EPISODE NOTES 1. Why Pharmacology Is the Gatekeeper Largest and most feared NCLEX subsection. Students may face 20–50+ pharm questions in a row. Scoring under 58% on pharm practice drops first-time pass chance to ~30%. NCLEX repeatedly tests the same 15–20 high-danger scenarios, not broad memorization. 2. The Strategy Shif…

1
Shock, Sodium, Potassium & pH: The High-Stakes NCLEX Breakdown 15:30

3d ago15:30

15:30

Check out thinklikeanurse.org Comprehensive Episode Notes I. The “Critical Triangle” for NCLEX Fluids, electrolytes, and acid–base interpretation form the foundation of the NCLEX physiological adaptation category. Accounts for ~11–17% of exam questions. Mastery requires recognizing patterns, sequences, and priorities. II. Fluid Volume: Absolute Los…

1
Spotting the Warning Signs: How Nurses Make Life-Saving Decisions 13:25

4d ago13:25

13:25

Check out thinklikeanurse.org Notes: Proactive Risk Management: The focus is on spotting early warning signs of patient deterioration and making life-saving decisions before a crisis escalates. Nurses must be vigilant and act quickly to prevent further harm. ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation): The foundation of every clinical decision. Airway is…

1
High-Risk Drugs & Critical Interactions Every Nurse Must Know: Mastering Medication Safety 15:11

4d ago15:11

15:11

Notes: Check out thinklikeanurse.org to get more out on this! The Ten Rights of Medication Administration: Includes the original five (patient, drug, dose, route, time), expanded to emphasize the critical thinking required by right documentation, right education, and patient’s right to refuse. Independent double checks for high-alert drugs (insulin…

1
How To Master The Most Overlooked NCLEX Category: Basic Care That Isn't Basic 12:53

5d ago12:53

12:53

I. Assistive Devices & Mobility Canes Handle height: aligns with greater trochanter. Elbow slightly flexed (15–30 degrees). Too high → shrugging; too low → stooping → fall risk. Walkers Height at wrist crease with arms relaxed. Promotes upright posture and stability. Crutches (major safety trap) Two to three finger widths between axilla and crutch …

1
Psychosocial Red Flags For NCLEX: Abuse, DT’s, Suicide & Cognitive Changes 11:11

6d ago11:11

11:11

Psychosocial Integrity for NCLEX: Abuse, Suicide Risk, and Therapeutic Communication 00:00 – Welcome to Think Like a Nurse Host intro: Brooke Wallace – ICU nurse, organ transplant coordinator, clinical instructor, published author Mission: Make complex nursing topics easier to understand, absorb, and apply Why psychosocial integrity matters: only ~…

1
Top Safety Traps on the NCLEX And How To Avoid Them 16:09

10d ago16:09

16:09

1. Safety Culture: From Blame to Learning Non-punitive reporting → encourages learning from near-misses. Focus on system improvement, not punishment. Incident reports: Internal risk-management tools—never document “incident report filed” in the chart. Chart only objective facts and nursing actions. 2. Fall Prevention: Mnemonic FALLS F – Floors clea…

1
Nursing Prioritization NCLEX Playbook: Safety, Assessment & Critical Thinking 12:48

11d ago12:48

12:48

Episode Notes: Prioritizing Critical Nursing Care & Assessment 1. Normal Aging: What Is Expected Less subcutaneous fat Presbycusis (age-related high-frequency hearing loss) Reduced vital capacity → gets breathless more easily Slower gait, unsteady movement Slower cognitive processing Mild recent-memory decline Key nursing actions: Monitor intake an…

1
Critical Nursing Assessment Red Flags: Stridor, Pneumothorax, Hemmorhage & More 16:01

11d ago16:01

16:01

Health Promotion & Maintenance (HPM) Overview Covers lifespan: preconception → newborn → pediatrics → adults → geriatrics. Nurse’s role: proactive teaching, risk reduction, assessing needs, prevention, and early recognition of red-flag assessment findings. Four Levels of Prevention Primordial Prevention Prevents risk factors from ever emerging. Exa…

1
The 10–16% You Can’t Afford to Miss: Safety & Infection Control on the NCLEX 13:41

11d ago13:41

13:41

This episode, created by Brooke Wallace, dives deep into one of the most tested and essential areas for nursing students—Safety and Infection Control (10–16% of the NCLEX). Listeners learn how to apply a “safety culture” mindset, document correctly, prevent injury, respond to emergencies, and follow infection control principles that protect both pa…

1
5 Legal Traps Nurses Fall Into - NCLEX Delegation, Documentation And DNR explained 19:45

12d ago19:45

19:45

The 5 Biggest Traps That Can Cost a Nurse Their License 1. Ignoring a DNR or Invalid Advance Directive The Trap: Starting CPR or aggressive care despite a valid DNR — or honoring an unsigned “living will.” Why It’s Dangerous: Violating patient autonomy can legally count as battery. Avoid It: Verify validity (signatures, dates, physician order). If …

1
Top 10 NCLEX Traps in Legal and Ethical Nursing And How To Avoid Them 15:02

13d ago15:02

15:02

✅ The 10 NCLEX Traps Covered in the Episode Assuming the spouse is the automatic decision maker → Trap: Ignoring the legal requirement for a designated healthcare proxy. Mixing up advance directives vs. medical orders → Trap: Treating a living will or POLST as interchangeable with a DNR. Misunderstanding informed consent roles → Trap: Thinking the …

1
ICU & Cardiac Pharmacology Masterclass: Beta Blockers, Clot Busters & NCLEX Priorities 15:20

14d ago15:20

15:20

Episode Notes Key Concepts & Takeaways Hypertensive Crisis Types Urgent: BP >180/120 without organ damage. Oral meds (Clonidine, Captopril). Gradual BP reduction over 24–48 hrs. Watch for rebound hypertension (Clonidine) and angioedema (Captopril). Emergent: BP >180/120 with organ damage. IV meds (Labetalol, Nicardipine, Nitroprusside). ICU monitor…

1
EKG Interpretation For NCLEX: 7 Must-Know Rhythms & What to Do 14:53

14d ago14:53

14:53

Systematic Approach (6 Steps): Rate – Regular: 300 Rule (300 ÷ # large boxes between R waves). Irregular: 6-Second Strip Method (R waves in 6 seconds × 10). Rhythm – Regular or irregular? P Wave – Present before every QRS? PR Interval – Normal: 0.12–0.20 sec (3–5 small boxes). If the R is far from P → first-degree block. QRS Complex – Narrow (<0.12…

1
Quick Cardiac Review: Angina, Heart Failure, Pharmacology and NCLEX Must-Knows 18:18

14d ago18:18

18:18

Episode Notes (High-Yield for NCLEX) Three major cardiac buckets: Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) – blocked arteries and myocardial infarction Pump failure – heart failure and cardiogenic shock Infection and inflammation – pericarditis and infective endocarditis Constant NCLEX theme: Assessment before action Time is muscle in ACS Fluid status is kin…

1
Cardiac Assessment NCLEX Prep for Nursing Students: Murmurs, JVD, Heart Failure & Cardiac Pharmacology Explained 18:38

16d ago18:38

18:38

etting Up for a High-Quality Cardiac Assessment Quiet, warm, well-lit environment is non-negotiable so you don’t miss subtle sounds. Standard position: supine with head of bed at about 30–45 degrees for blood pressure and jugular vein assessment. Use left lateral decubitus to bring the apex closer to the chest wall for a faint apical pulse or mitra…

1
Cracking the ABG Code: ABG Interpretation For Nurses 12:50

17d ago12:50

12:50

Why ABG interpretation feels like decoding secret language — and how to simplify it. 02:30 – Foundations of Acid-Base Balance CO₂ = acid (lungs control it) Bicarb = base (kidneys control it) The body maintains balance (homeostasis) through both systems. 06:00 – Respiratory Acidosis Cause: CO₂ retention (slow, shallow breathing) Examples: Opioid ove…

1
Top 10 NCLEX Questions For Respiratory 13:48

17d ago13:48

13:48

What You’ll Learn Assessment Mastery: Spot accessory-muscle use—the tell-tale elevated shoulders signal fatigue. Surfactant Secrets: The “dish-soap” analogy that keeps alveoli open. Pleural Effusion Clue: Why absent breath sounds—not crackles—confirm compression. Asthma Red Flag: A silent chest means airway closure and impending failure. Post-Op Pr…

1
ABGs Simplified With 3 Tools And Why Nurses Care 14:40

18d ago14:40

14:40

Episode Notes What You’ll Learn The 5 ABG parts you must know cold Three proven interpretation methods (4-step, ROME, Tic-Tac-Toe) How to spot respiratory vs. metabolic problems fast Compensation (uncompensated, partial, full) and what it tells you about timing Nursing priorities for each imbalance (what to do now vs. what to fix next) Key ABG Comp…

1
How the Respiratory System Works Explained For Nurses 15:43

18d ago15:43

15:43

EPISODE NOTES Episode Title: Respiratory System Made Simple: What Every Nurse Must Know Created by: Brooke Wallace – ICU Nurse, Organ Transplant Coordinator, Clinical Instructor, and Author Website: ThinkLikeANurse.org 🔹 What You’ll Learn Core respiratory anatomy nurses need to know cold Why the right main bronchus is the “danger zone” The 4 key st…

1
10 Priority NCLEX Questions 14:47

18d ago14:47

14:47

Episode Notes: What You’ll Learn: High Fowler’s vs. supine: Why positioning saves oxygenation in COPD The “below 60 rule” for Digoxin (and why bradycardia = danger) Normal newborn vitals that trick NCLEX students The hallmark sign of peritonitis after surgery Early compensation in hypovolemic shock: why tachycardia appears first Insulin teaching mi…

1
7 Respiratory Meds For NCLEX - Nursing Priorities & NCLEX Traps 19:56

19d ago19:56

19:56

Episode Notes Memory map: AIS-BPMA A — Albuterol (SABA, rescue): Give for acute wheeze/bronchospasm. Hold if HR ≥ 120. Assess lungs, O₂ sat, and heart rate. Can increase blood glucose; caution with digoxin. I — Ipratropium (anticholinergic): COPD maintenance med. Watch for dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention. Avoid with glaucoma or enlarged …

1
5 Rapid Fire NCLEX Meds: Master Heart Failure Meds Fast 14:30

20d ago14:30

14:30

📝 EPISODE NOTES 1. Furosemide (Lasix) Strategy: “Check the potassium and the weight!” Key Points: Focus on potassium (low levels = priority) and weight (for fluid status). Risk: Hypokalemia, dehydration, hypotension. Action: Monitor potassium levels, assess weight, check for signs of dehydration. 2. Carvedilol (Coreg) Strategy: “Pulse before pill!”…

1
5 Heart Failure Meds You Must Know For NCLEX 13:58

21d ago13:58

13:58

🧠 EPISODE NOTES 1. Furosemide (Lasix) – “The Diuretic Dynamo” Mnemonic: “Furosemide flushes fluid fast but watch for falling potassium.” Mechanism: Loop diuretic; blocks sodium & chloride reabsorption in the Loop of Henle. Watch for: Hypokalemia (↓ potassium → arrhythmia risk) Hypotension, dehydration, ototoxicity (with rapid IV push) Nursing actio…

1
Understanding Preload, Afterload, and Contractility for Nurses 20:12

21d ago20:12

20:12

Notes: Hemodynamics Overview: Hemodynamics refers to the real-time measure of blood flow to tissues and organs. It is critical for assessing how well the heart and circulatory system are functioning. The primary factors influencing hemodynamics are preload, afterload, and contractility. Cardiac Output (CO) & Cardiac Index (CI): Cardiac Output is th…

1
Easy Hemodynamics For NCLEX- The Pump & Pipe Concept For Nurses 22:33

22d ago22:33

22:33

Episode Notes: What is Hemodynamics? Hemodynamics refers to how blood flows through the body, with the heart acting as a pump, blood vessels as pipes, and blood as the carrier of oxygen to the body’s organs. The nurse's role: monitor blood flow and intervene to prevent complications. The Three Big Pieces of the Heart Pump Stroke Volume (SV): Amount…

1
Hemodynamics For NCLEX - Advanced Cardiovascular System & How ICU Nurses Can Help 13:18

22d ago13:18

13:18

Notes Hemodynamics is the key to understanding tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery. Cardiac output (CO) = Stroke volume (SV) × Heart rate (HR). Normal range: 4-8 L/min. Cardiac index (CI) normal range: 2.5-3.5 L/min/m². CI adjusts CO for body surface area (BSA). Stroke volume (SV) normal range: 60-100 mL/beat, influenced by preload, afterload, and…

1
NCLEX Goldmine: High Alert Meds & The 6 Rights 12:44

22d ago12:44

12:44

Episode Notes Topic: Medication Administration and Safety for nursing students Why It Matters: The pharmacological and parenteral therapies category makes up 12–18% of the NCLEX-RN, and safety principles appear throughout the exam. Safe med administration is the foundation of every pharmacology question — mastering it means mastering NCLEX logic. C…

1
NCLEX Pharmacology Pneumonics You'll Actually Remember 16:42

23d ago16:42

16:42

Episode Notes: Why pharmacology is the foundation of safe nursing practice The power of mnemonics for nursing students and new grads Breaking down ADME: absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion Using TRAMP for medication safety: time, route, amount, medication, patient Understanding HRD for antibiotic reactions Remembering SHAKE for amphoter…

1
NCLEX Anticoagulants Made Simple: The Brick And Mortar Concept 13:58

23d ago13:58

13:58

Episode Notes Platelets are the bricks; fibrin (clotting factors) is the mortar — together, they form a clot. Antiplatelets like Aspirin and Plavix stop platelets from sticking together (affect the bricks). Anticoagulants like Heparin and Warfarin slow or block clotting factors (affect the mortar). Heparin: rapid IV/SQ action, monitor aPTT (45–80 s…

1
NCLEX Pharmacology - Lisinopril: Master the ACE Pneumonic 19:22

23d ago19:22

19:22

Episode Notes: Drug: Lisinopril Class: ACE inhibitor (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) Mechanism: Blocks conversion of angiotensin one → angiotensin two, leading to vasodilation, reduced afterload, and decreased aldosterone secretion. Therapeutic Uses: Hypertension, heart failure, post-MI, diabetic nephropathy (renal protection). Contraindi…

1
NCLEX Pharmacology - Aspirin: When A Little Pill Becomes A Big Problem 16:28

23d ago16:28

16:28

Key Points to Know for NCLEX Mechanism: Irreversible COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition → decreases prostaglandin and thromboxane A2 production Dose Dependence: Low dose (81 mg) = cardioprotection Moderate (325–650 mg) = pain and fever High (3–6 g/day) = anti-inflammatory Irreversible platelet inhibition: lasts 7–10 days (platelet lifespan) Absolute contra…

1
NCLEX Pharmacology - Metoprolol: Pearls, Pitfalls, and Power-Ups 17:51

25d ago17:51

17:51

Episode Notes Mechanism of Action: Cardioselective beta-1 blocker that slows HR, reduces contractility, and lowers myocardial oxygen demand. Formulations: Tartrate (Lopressor) — Immediate release, given BID or IV for acute use. Succinate (Toprol XL) — Extended release, given once daily for chronic use, especially in heart failure. IV Administration…

1
NCLEX Pharmacology - Metoprolol: Tartrate vs. Succinate — Know It, Don’t Blow It 13:29

25d ago13:29

13:29

Key Takeaways for Nursing Students Two Forms, Two Purposes Metoprolol tartrate (immediate-release): short-acting, used for acute control (e.g., post-MI, hypertension crisis). Metoprolol succinate (extended-release): long-acting, used for chronic control (heart failure, hypertension, stable angina). Never crush succinate — it destroys the time-relea…

1
NCLEX Pharmacology - Lasix: Are Your Ears Ringing 14:38

29d ago14:38

14:38

Transcript Speaker 00:00 - 00:19 Welcome to Think Like a Nurse. This is the show created by Brooke Wallace. She's got 20 years as an ICU and organ transplant nurse. Plus she's a clinical instructor and published author. Yep. And our goal here is pretty straightforward. We take those really complex nursing topics, you know the ones, and try to make …

1
NCLEX Pharmacology - Digoxin: Pharmacology for Nursing Students 16:04

1M ago16:04

16:04

If you’ve ever seen a high-yield NCLEX question about digoxin, this episode is for you. In Think Like a Nurse, created by Brooke Wallace, a 20-year ICU and organ transplant nurse and published author, we make one of nursing’s most high-alert drugs simple to understand. Learn how this cardiac glycoside strengthens the heart, when to hold the dose, h…

1
Top 6 Cardiac Meds You Need To Know: NCLEX Pharmacology & Critical Thinking Made Simple 16:34

1M ago16:34

16:34

Episode: Top 6 Cardiac Meds — NCLEX Pharmacology & Critical Thinking In this episode, Nurse Brooke explores the six essential cardiac medications every nursing student and new grad must master: Aspirin, Atorvastatin, Metoprolol, Lisinopril, Furosemide, and Digoxin. You’ll learn: The mechanisms of action that drive nursing safety decisions When to h…