Free NCLEX® Study Guides & Nursing School Cheat Sheets

EP 76 - Graves Disease

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN breaks down Graves disease, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, in a way that actually makes sense. In under 15 minutes, you’ll walk through the HPT axis, how autoantibodies hijack the thyroid, why TSH is low when T3 and T4 are high, and how that all translates into classic symptoms like weight loss, heat intolerance, tremors, anxiety, tachycardia, and exophthalmos. You’ll also connect lab findings to the real-life case of a patient who feels like a “hummingbird” and learn what red flags to watch for as hyperthyroidism progresses. 

This episode is ideal for nursing students learning endocrine content for the first time, NCLEX® preppers trying to lock in the difference between hypo- and hyperthyroidism, and new grads who want a clear framework for teaching patients about meds like methimazole, beta blockers, eye protection, and when to worry about thyroid storm. 

Morgan Taylor

Nov 20, 2025

15 mins

EP 75 - Prepping for Finals Week...What Actually Works?

In this special episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down her proven, go-to strategy for preparing for finals—tools she used through her BSN, DNP, certification exams, and NP boards. If finals are coming fast (and let’s be honest—they always do), this episode gives you a practical roadmap to study effectively without burning out. 

Dr. Taylor shares the exact three-part system she teaches her own students—and still uses herself today. You’ll learn why starting early matters more than you think, how to break down your study plan into actionable steps, and which study methods actually get information into long-term memory. Plus, she’ll talk through how to approach the day before the exam so you walk in clear-headed and ready to perform. 

Perfect for nursing students heading into finals week, anyone juggling multiple classes at once, or NCLEX® preppers who need a repeatable, reliable study framework. Whether you’re overwhelmed, starting late, or just want to feel more confident walking into your exams, this episode gives you the structure you need to succeed. 

Morgan Taylor

Nov 19, 2025

14 mins

EP 93 - Blood Transfusion Reactions

What happens inside the body when a blood transfusion goes wrong — and what should a nurse do about it? In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor breaks down everything you need to know about transfusion reactions, from the microscopic science to real-world clinical decision-making. 

We walk through a real clinical case with a 62-year-old patient receiving packed red blood cells after a GI bleed, and follow the nurse step by step from baseline vitals to a developing reaction, covering exactly what to assess, what to do first, and why the order of your actions matters. 

Whether you're in nursing school, prepping for the NCLEX, or brushing up on med-surg skills, this episode gives you the clinical clarity and confidence to act fast when it matters most. 

Morgan Taylor

Mar 17, 2026

22 mins

EP 92 - Pheochromocytoma

In this episode of Pulse Check with Archer Nursing, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN tackles pheochromocytoma—a rare but high-yield endocrine disorder that shows up frequently on nursing exams and can cause life-threatening hypertensive crises if not managed correctly. 

You’ll start with an NCLEX-style scenario involving a patient preparing for adrenalectomy, then walk through the adrenal gland anatomy and the physiology behind catecholamines. From there, the episode breaks down why a tumor in the adrenal medulla can send the body into repeated “fight-or-flight” attacks. 

If you’re studying for nursing exams or want a simple way to remember this tricky endocrine concept, this episode breaks it down step-by-step so it finally sticks. 

Morgan Taylor

Mar 10, 2026

18 mins

EP 91 - What to Do to Get Ready for Clinicals

This special episode steps away from pathophysiology and dives into something every nursing student feels: clinical anxiety. 

If you’ve ever spiraled the night before clinical wondering what you’ll be asked, who your preceptor will be, or what you might mess up—this episode is for you. We're breaking preparation down into four practical, realistic buckets so you can walk into clinical feeling grounded, organized, and ready to learn. 

Whether you’re about to start your very first rotation or heading into a new specialty, this episode gives you a mindset shift and step-by-step prep strategy to help you get more out of every clinical day. 

Morgan Taylor

Mar 03, 2026

11 mins

EP 90 - Meningitis

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor breaks down meningitis—a high-risk, high-priority emergency you absolutely need to recognize quickly on exams and in clinical practice. 

You’ll start with a classic NCLEX-style scenario: a college student with sudden severe headache, fever, stiff neck, and photophobia. From there, Dr. Taylor walks you through the anatomy of the meninges (dura, arachnoid, pia), what happens inside the subarachnoid space, and why inflammation in a closed skull leads to increased intracranial pressure and decreased cerebral perfusion. 

If you’re studying for exams, preparing for clinical, or working in the ED, this episode will help you confidently recognize and prioritize one of the most time-sensitive infectious emergencies in nursing. 

Morgan Taylor

Feb 24, 2026

14 mins

EP 89 - Aortic Dissection

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor breaks down aortic dissection - one of the most time-sensitive, high-stakes emergencies you’ll see on exams and in real life. 

You’ll start with an NCLEX-style practice question featuring the classic red flags, then walk through exactly what’s happening inside the aorta and why a single tear can turn into a life-threatening emergency in minutes. 

If you’re studying for exams, working in the ED, or just want a clean, memorable framework for this topic, this one’s for you!

Morgan Taylor

Feb 17, 2026

21 mins

EP 88 - Should You Apply to NP School? What to Consider First!

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor sits down with experienced family nurse practitioner, Hiva Kolodrubetz, to have an honest discussion about the nurse practitioner role—what it really looks like, who it’s right for, and how to know if (and when) you’re ready to take that step. 

Together, they unpack the growing pressure many nurses feel to “just go to NP school,” why that mindset can be risky, and how role clarity, planning, and quality education matter far more than speed or titles. 

Perfect for nursing students, bedside nurses, future NPs, and anyone questioning their next step in nursing. Tune in to gain clarity, confidence, and perspective before making a big career move.

Morgan Taylor

Feb 10, 2026

37 mins

EP 87 - Gestational Diabetes

In this episode of Pulse Check with Archer Nursing, Dr. Morgan Taylor breaks down gestational diabetes in a super clear, test-ready way—starting with what the placenta does to metabolism and ending with the newborn complications nurses watch for after delivery. 

Dr. Taylor is joined by Dr. Jennifer Bonner, CNM, who walks through a high-stakes real-world scenario and shares practical counseling points for pregnancy management and long-term prevention. 

You’ll learn why pregnancy is basically a “metabolic stress test,” how placental hormones drive insulin resistance, and what happens when mom can’t keep blood sugars in range. 

Perfect for: nursing students, OB rotations, NCLEX prep, and anyone who wants GDM to finally “click.”

Morgan Taylor

Feb 03, 2026

29 mins

EP 86 - Pericarditis

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN breaks down pericarditis from the ground up—starting with the anatomy of the pericardium and walking through how inflammation can escalate into the life-threatening complication of cardiac tamponade. 

You’ll follow a real bedside scenario, learn how to recognize classic pericarditis findings versus true red flags, and connect the pathophysiology directly to what you’ll see on exams and in clinical practice. 

This episode is ideal for nursing students, new grads, and bedside nurses who want a clear, test-ready understanding of pericarditis, how to distinguish expected findings from dangerous deterioration, and how to quickly recognize cardiac tamponade when seconds matter. 

Morgan Taylor

Jan 27, 2026

22 mins

EP 85 - Stroke

In this episode of Pulse Check with Archer Nursing, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN breaks down strokes in a clear, test-ready way—starting with the two major types (ischemic vs hemorrhagic) and why identifying which one is happening changes everything about treatment and nursing priorities. 

You’ll walk through a realistic ED scenario, learn why “last known well” drives the entire plan of care, and connect key actions—glucose check, CT scan, blood pressure control, and thrombolytic eligibility—back to the core concept: the brain can’t wait for oxygen. 

This episode is perfect for nursing students, new grads, and bedside nurses who want a stronger grasp of stroke triage, thrombolytic safety, and NCLEX-style prioritization—especially when blood pressure control is the key step standing between the patient and lifesaving treatment. 

Morgan Taylor

Jan 20, 2026

16 mins

EP 84 - New Year, New Semester Reset Your Routine for Success

This episode shifts gears to focus on you: your routines, your energy, and how to start a new semester without repeating what didn’t work last time. Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN walks you through a simple, realistic reset to help you feel more grounded, organized, and supported as the semester begins. 

Instead of chasing motivation or trying to become a “new you” overnight, this episode focuses on building a repeatable weekly rhythm that fits your real life and nursing school demands. 

This episode is perfect for nursing students starting a new semester, feeling overwhelmed by schedules and syllabi, or looking for a more sustainable way to balance school, life, and rest. If last semester felt chaotic or exhausting, this reset will help you start fresh—with intention, structure, and self-compassion.

Morgan Taylor

Jan 13, 2026

18 mins

EP 83 - Intussusception

In this episode of Pulse Check with Archer Nursing, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN breaks down intussusception, a pediatric gastrointestinal emergency where one segment of the bowel telescopes into another, cutting off blood flow and causing rapid deterioration if not treated quickly. 

We walk through the classic presentation you’re expected to recognize on exams and in real life—and connect the anatomy, symptoms, and nursing priorities so you know exactly what to do when the signs appear. 

This episode is especially helpful for nursing students, pediatric clinical rotations, NCLEX prep, and new nurses who need to quickly identify intussusception—and understand why prompt intervention can prevent bowel necrosis and surgery.

Morgan Taylor

Jan 06, 2026

19 mins

EP 82 - Abruptio Placentae

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN breaks down placental abruption, a high-stakes obstetric emergency that requires rapid recognition and immediate action. We walk through exactly what happens when the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall—and why this scenario puts both mom and baby at serious risk. 

Using a realistic ED to labor & delivery scenario, this episode connects pathophysiology to bedside priorities so you know what to look for, how to respond, and what truly matters in the moment. 

This episode is essential for nursing students, new grads, and anyone preparing for OB exams or clinicals who needs to confidently identify placental abruption and act without hesitation. 

Morgan Taylor

Dec 30, 2025

16 mins

EP 81 - Jaundice

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN breaks down newborn jaundice, one of the most common (and often misunderstood) conditions you’ll see in mother–baby, pediatrics, and on exams. We walk through why newborns turn yellow, how bilirubin is produced and cleared, and—most importantly—how to recognize when jaundice crosses the line from normal physiology to a true emergency. 

Using a real-world bedside scenario, this episode helps you connect the pathophysiology to what you actually see and do as the nurse. 

This episode is essential for nursing students, new grads, and anyone caring for newborns who wants to feel confident distinguishing “normal yellow” from “act now.” If you’re prepping for exams or clinicals—and want jaundice to finally make sense—this one’s for you. 

Morgan Taylor

Dec 23, 2025

20 mins

EP 80 - Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN breaks down superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome, a true oncologic emergency that nurses must recognize and act on quickly. Using clear anatomy, memorable analogies, and a high-yield case study, this episode walks through why SVC syndrome happens, what it looks like at the bedside, and how to prioritize nursing interventions when the airway is at risk. 

This episode is essential for nursing students, new grads, and bedside nurses caring for oncology or respiratory patients. If you want to feel confident identifying life-threatening complications early—and knowing exactly when to drop everything and act—this episode is for you.

Morgan Taylor

Dec 16, 2025

18 mins

EP 79 - What to Do Over Winter Break (to Actually Recharge)

In this special episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN shifts the focus from pathophysiology and case studies to something nursing students rarely pause to examine: their own nervous system. Instead of diving into shock, sepsis, or cardiac rhythms, Morgan walks you through how to approach winter break with intention—by giving yourself permission to rest, decompress, and reset without guilt. 

What you’ll learn: 

• Why your body “crashes” after finals and what real recovery looks like 

• The difference between numbing activities and restorative rest 

• Four types of rest—physical, mental, emotional, and social—and how to choose what your brain actually needs 

• How to build a simple, realistic winter break reset plan you can follow without burnout 

• Gentle ways to prep for next semester without sacrificing your downtime 

This episode is perfect for any nursing student heading into break exhausted, overwhelmed, or unsure how to balance rest with productivity. If you’re craving permission to recharge—and a clear, compassionate plan to start next semester feeling grounded—this is the one to tune into. 

Morgan Taylor

Dec 09, 2025

20 mins

EP 78 - Multiple Sclerosis

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN breaks down multiple sclerosis by zooming in on the nervous system’s “electrical wiring” and what happens when the immune system attacks the myelin coating that keeps signals fast, smooth, and efficient. Through clear analogies and a real case study, you’ll understand why symptoms vary so widely, how relapses and remissions develop, and why heat and fatigue are such powerful triggers. 

This episode is perfect for nursing students reviewing neuro disorders, NCLEX® learners needing a quick but thorough breakdown of MS, and new nurses seeking practical teaching points for clients managing chronic neurologic conditions. A high-yield listen with clear explanations you can use right away. 

Morgan Taylor

Dec 02, 2025

18 mins

EP 77 - Osteoporosis

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN breaks down osteoporosis by starting at the source—how healthy bones remodel themselves through the balance of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and what happens when that balance shifts. You’ll walk through the hormonal players (estrogen, PTH, calcitonin, and vitamin D), why post-menopausal clients are highest risk, and how bone density loss leads to vertebral compression fractures, height changes, and increased fracture risk. Through a real-world case study, you’ll connect symptoms like shrinking height and back pain to DEXA results, lab findings, and the nursing priorities that follow. 

This episode is especially helpful for nursing students learning musculoskeletal disorders, NCLEX® test-takers reviewing chronic conditions and safety priorities, and new-to-practice nurses who need clear teaching points for patients managing bone health at home. A quick listen with high-yield takeaways—no cramming required. 

Morgan Taylor

Nov 25, 2025

17 mins

EP 76 - Graves Disease

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN breaks down Graves disease, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, in a way that actually makes sense. In under 15 minutes, you’ll walk through the HPT axis, how autoantibodies hijack the thyroid, why TSH is low when T3 and T4 are high, and how that all translates into classic symptoms like weight loss, heat intolerance, tremors, anxiety, tachycardia, and exophthalmos. You’ll also connect lab findings to the real-life case of a patient who feels like a “hummingbird” and learn what red flags to watch for as hyperthyroidism progresses. 

This episode is ideal for nursing students learning endocrine content for the first time, NCLEX® preppers trying to lock in the difference between hypo- and hyperthyroidism, and new grads who want a clear framework for teaching patients about meds like methimazole, beta blockers, eye protection, and when to worry about thyroid storm. 

Morgan Taylor

Nov 20, 2025

15 mins

EP 75 - Prepping for Finals Week...What Actually Works?

In this special episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down her proven, go-to strategy for preparing for finals—tools she used through her BSN, DNP, certification exams, and NP boards. If finals are coming fast (and let’s be honest—they always do), this episode gives you a practical roadmap to study effectively without burning out. 

Dr. Taylor shares the exact three-part system she teaches her own students—and still uses herself today. You’ll learn why starting early matters more than you think, how to break down your study plan into actionable steps, and which study methods actually get information into long-term memory. Plus, she’ll talk through how to approach the day before the exam so you walk in clear-headed and ready to perform. 

Perfect for nursing students heading into finals week, anyone juggling multiple classes at once, or NCLEX® preppers who need a repeatable, reliable study framework. Whether you’re overwhelmed, starting late, or just want to feel more confident walking into your exams, this episode gives you the structure you need to succeed. 

Morgan Taylor

Nov 19, 2025

14 mins