Health Promotion & Maintenance NCLEX Guide: Screenings, Immunizations & Lifespan
Complete guide to the Health Promotion and Maintenance NCLEX category. Covers screenings, immunizations, prenatal care, and developmental stages.
Health Promotion and Maintenance: NCLEX Category Guide
Health Promotion and Maintenance accounts for approximately 6-12% of NCLEX-RN questions. This category tests your knowledge of expected growth and development, disease prevention, and health screening guidelines across the lifespan.
Health Screening Guidelines
Know the recommended screening schedules. Breast cancer: mammography annually starting at age 40 (some guidelines say 45 or 50 depending on risk). Cervical cancer: Pap smear every 3 years starting at age 21 or every 5 years with HPV co-testing starting at age 30. Colorectal cancer: screening begins at age 45 with colonoscopy every 10 years or annual stool-based tests. Blood pressure screening at every healthcare visit. Diabetes screening for adults aged 35-70 who are overweight or obese. Cholesterol screening starting at age 20 every 4-6 years for average risk.
Immunization Schedule
Know the CDC immunization schedule for children and adults. Key childhood vaccines include DTaP, IPV, MMR, varicella, hepatitis B, and influenza. MMR and varicella are live vaccines and contraindicated in immunosuppressed patients and pregnant women. Tdap booster is recommended during each pregnancy (27-36 weeks). Annual influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. Pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for adults 65 and older and those with chronic conditions.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal visit schedule: monthly through week 28, every 2 weeks from weeks 28-36, then weekly until delivery. Assess for warning signs: vaginal bleeding, severe headache, visual changes, epigastric pain, decreased fetal movement, and fluid leakage. Expected weight gain: 25-35 pounds for normal BMI. Key lab screenings include blood type and Rh factor, glucose tolerance test (24-28 weeks), Group B strep culture (35-37 weeks), and genetic screening options.
Developmental Milestones
Erikson stages are frequently tested. Infants: Trust vs. Mistrust. Toddlers: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt. Preschoolers: Initiative vs. Guilt. School-age: Industry vs. Inferiority. Adolescents: Identity vs. Role Confusion. Know age-appropriate safety concerns: choking hazards for infants, drowning prevention for toddlers, bicycle safety for school-age. Practice with our category guide flashcards and category guide mini-exams.