Dictionary

NCLEX words

The exam's own working vocabulary: assess, reinforce, prioritize, UAP and the rest.

RACEA memory aid for the steps to take in a fire: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish or Evacuate.

range of motionHow far a joint can move in each of its normal directions, and the exercises that move joints through it.

rapid response teamA team of critical care staff who come quickly to the bedside of a client whose condition is getting worse.

read-backWriting down a spoken order or test result and reading it back to the person who gave it, so they can confirm it is right.

reassessmentAssessing a client again to see what has changed or how they responded to care.

recognize cuesThe first step of the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model: picking out the client information that matters most.

reddenedTurned red, used for skin or tissue that has become redder than normal.

reference rangeThe range of results for a lab test that is expected in healthy people, also called the normal range.

referralSending a client to another professional, service or agency for care or help that they need.

registered nurseA nurse who has passed the NCLEX-RN and holds a state license to practice as an RN.

reinforceTo repeat and support teaching or care that has already been started, so the client remembers and follows it.

repositioningChanging a client's body position on a regular schedule, or moving a device to a new place.

respite careShort-term care of a person so that their usual family caregiver can take a break.

restraintAny device, drug or method used to limit a person's movement or behavior that they cannot easily remove or refuse.

return demonstrationHaving a client or caregiver perform a skill they were just taught, while the nurse watches, to confirm they can do it correctly.

rights of delegationFive checks a nurse uses before handing a task to someone else: right task, circumstance, person, directions and communication, and supervision.

rights of medication administrationThe checklist of things a nurse confirms each time before giving a medicine, such as the right client, drug, dose, route and time.

room airOrdinary air breathed without added oxygen; it is about 21% oxygen.

root cause analysisA structured review after a serious error or harmful event that looks for the underlying system problems that let it happen.

rousableAble to be woken up.