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Reduction of Risk Potential

The Reduction of Risk Potential section of the NCLEX-RN assesses a nurse’s ability to lessen the possibility of post-procedure complications and/or infections. Below is a list of terms and concepts that are covered in the exam.

Diagnostic Tests

• oxygen saturation
• glucose monitoring
• testing for occult blood
• gastric pH
• urine specific gravity
• electrocardiogram test
• fetal heart monitoring
• nonstress test
• amniocentesis
• ultrasound
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Laboratory Values for

• ABGs (pH, PO2, PCO2, SaO2, HCO3)
• BUN
• cholesterol (total) glucose
• hematocrit
• hemoglobin
• hemoglobin A1C (HBA1C)
• platelets
• potassium
• RBC
• sodium
• urine specific gravity and WBC

Monitoring Conscious Sedation

• client physiologic response

Potential for Alterations in Body Systems

• feeding tube
• sedation
• swallowing difficulties
• immobility
• nutritional status
• incontinence
• immobilized limb
• post surgery, diabetes
• nasogastric (NG) tube
• emesis
• contractures
• foot care for client with diabetes mellitus

Potential for Complications of Diagnostic Tests/Treatments/Procedures

• psychomotor skills
• dysrhythmia following cardiac catheterization
• oral/nasogastric tube
• decompression
• chest tubes
• hemorrhage
• embolus
• shock
• fluid restriction
• sodium restriction
• raise side rails
• suicide precautions
• monitor airway
• foot drop
• numbness
• tingling

Potential for Complications from Surgical Procedures and Health Alterations

• signs of thrombocytopenia
• bleeding gums
• bruising
• preventing aspiration
• promoting venous return
• promoting mobility

System Specific Assessment

• level of consciousness
• muscle strength
• mobility
• peripheral edema
• hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia
• sensory impairment
• potential for falls
• level of mobility
• skin integrity

Therapeutic Procedures

• log-rolling
• abduction pillow
• chest tube
• drainage tubes
• wound drainage devices
• continuous bladder irrigation
• preoperative care
• intraoperative care,positioning
• maintain sterile field
• operative assessment

Vital Signs

• hypertension
• bradycardia
• tachypnea
• fever
• pulmonary artery pressure
• intracranial pressure

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