Podcast
Nursing & Healthcare Exam Prep
Hosted by Ran Chen, EA, CFP® · EN
Nursing & Healthcare Exam Prep is a daily podcast designed to help future nurses and healthcare professionals pass their licensing and admission exams with clarity and confidence.
Built and operated by OpenExamPrep, this podcast breaks down major nursing and healthcare exams into focused, easy-to-digest episodes covering NCLEX-RN, NCLEX-PN, CNA certification, and ATI TEAS, across national exam standards and applicable state-level requirements. Each episode targets one key concept, common exam trap, or high-frequency test topic—making it ideal for studying during commutes, workouts, or short study sessions.
Created by Ran Chen, EA, CFP®, a financial professional and exam specialist who has personally passed multiple professional licensing exams, Nursing & Healthcare Exam Prep was developed from firsthand experience with how challenging—and often poorly structured—exam preparation can be. The goal is simple: make nursing and healthcare exam prep clearer, more accessible, and more effective through structured explanations and modern learning tools. Whether you’re preparing for the NCLEX-RN, NCLEX-PN, CNA, or ATI TEAS, just starting your healthcare education journey, or reviewing before test day, this podcast is designed to guide you step by step—one concept at a time.
Free practice tools, AI-powered explanations, and additional exam prep resources are available at: https://open-exam-prep.com/
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Phlebotomy Exam Prep 38, Bleeding Time Test — Modified Ivy Method
1w ago00:02:51Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - The critical importance of maintaining a blood pressure cuff at exactly 40 mmHg during the Modified Ivy Method. - How to correctly perform the blotting procedure every 30 seconds without touching the incision site to avoid invalidating the test. - The normal reference range for bleeding time (2-9 minutes) and what a prolonged result signifies about platelet function. - Why screening for aspirin and NSAID use within the last 7-14 days is a crucial pre-analytical step that is often tested. - The key difference between the bleeding time test, which assesses platelet plug formation, and clotting time tests that evaluate the coagulation cascade. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
Transcribe →Phlebotomy Exam Prep 37, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring — Peak vs Trough
1w ago00:03:08Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - The critical difference between trough (lowest drug concentration) and peak (highest drug concentration) levels. - Why precise timing is the most tested concept for therapeutic drug monitoring on the Phlebotomy exam. - How to correctly time a trough draw, which is always immediately before the next scheduled dose. - How to correctly time a peak draw for IV medications like vancomycin, which is 1-2 hours after the infusion is complete. - A simple mnemonic to remember the difference: "Trough is low, just before the go. Peak is high, after it's all inside." For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
Transcribe →Phlebotomy Exam Prep 36, Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) Protocol
1w ago00:02:25Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - The GTT protocol begins with a mandatory 8 to 12-hour fast before the baseline draw. - A 75-gram glucose load is standard, while a 100-gram load is typically used for gestational diabetes testing in pregnant patients. - Timed draws start immediately after the patient finishes the glucose drink, not when they begin. - If a patient vomits, the test is usually invalid and must be documented and rescheduled. - Gray-top tubes containing sodium fluoride are required for all GTT specimens to prevent glycolysis and ensure accurate results. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
Transcribe →Phlebotomy Exam Prep 35, Allen Test Procedure
2w ago00:03:28Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - The Allen test assesses collateral circulation via the ulnar artery before a radial artery puncture. - A positive result, where the palm pinks up in 5-15 seconds after releasing ulnar pressure, indicates it is safe to proceed. - A negative result, where the hand remains pale, is a contraindication for using the radial artery on that arm. - Exam questions often test the correct interpretation of positive vs. negative results and the appropriate next action. - The term "Modified Allen Test" is the standard procedure tested on the exam, involving the release of the ulnar artery first. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
Transcribe →Phlebotomy Exam Prep 34, Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Collection
2w ago00:03:06Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - The correct procedure and interpretation of the Allen test as a critical safety step before radial artery puncture. - Why a heparinized syringe is essential and the correct 45-degree angle for needle insertion during a radial ABG draw. - The critical post-collection steps, including expelling air bubbles, capping the sample, and gently mixing to prevent clotting. - The specific requirements for transporting an ABG sample in an ice slurry and the importance of analysis within 30 minutes. - Common exam traps such as misinterpreting Allen test results, incorrect sample handling, and the impact of air contamination on results. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
Transcribe →Phlebotomy Exam Prep 33, Blood Culture Order in Draw Sequence
2w ago00:02:50Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - Blood cultures must always be drawn first in the order of draw to prevent microbial contamination from non-sterile tube stoppers. - The principle of 'sterile before systems' dictates that blood cultures precede all other tubes, including light blue top coagulation tubes, regardless of test priority. - Inadequate blood volume is a critical factor that can lead to false-negative blood culture results, as it reduces the sensitivity of the test. - After collection, blood culture bottles should be gently inverted 5 to 8 times to ensure proper mixing of blood and culture media without causing hemolysis. - Pediatric blood culture collections have specific requirements, often utilizing a single aerobic bottle with a much smaller volume based on the patient's weight. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
Transcribe →Phlebotomy Exam Prep 32, Blood Cultures — Aseptic Technique
2w ago00:03:34Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - The critical two-step skin antisepsis technique involving alcohol and chlorhexidine, emphasizing friction and complete air-drying. - Why two separate venipuncture sites are required for blood culture sets to differentiate between true infection and contamination. - The correct order of inoculation—aerobic bottle before the anaerobic bottle—and the scientific reason to prevent oxygen exposure. - The importance of collecting the correct blood volume, typically 8-10 mL per bottle for adults, to avoid false-negative results. - The industry standard for blood culture contamination rates (under 3%) and how this is tested as a quality control measure. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
Transcribe →Phlebotomy Exam Prep 31, Syncope (Fainting) Patient Response
2w ago00:02:54Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - Your first action during a syncopal episode is to immediately release the tourniquet and remove the needle. - Properly position the patient by lowering their head or laying them flat with elevated legs to increase blood flow to the brain. - Patients must be monitored for at least 15 minutes after recovery before being allowed to leave to ensure their safety. - Recognize high-risk indicators like a history of fainting, fasting, or visible anxiety to anticipate and prevent syncope. - Accurate and thorough documentation of the incident is a critical and non-negotiable final step. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
Transcribe →Phlebotomy Exam Prep 30, Arterial Puncture — Recognition
2w ago00:02:01Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - To recognize an arterial puncture by its three key signs: bright red blood, pulsating flow, and rapid tube filling. - That the immediate and highest priority action is to withdraw the needle and apply firm, direct pressure. - Why pressure must be held for a minimum of five minutes to prevent hematoma formation due to high arterial pressure. - That the basilic vein is the most common site for accidental arterial puncture due to its proximity to the brachial artery. - How to properly handle the situation after ensuring patient safety, including documenting the event and labeling the sample as arterial. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
Transcribe →Phlebotomy Exam Prep 29, Nerve Injury Recognition and Response
2w ago00:02:45Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - The hallmark signs of a nerve injury during phlebotomy, such as sharp, shooting, or electric pain. - That the immediate and primary response to suspected nerve injury is to stop the draw and remove the needle. - Why the basilic vein is a high-risk site for venipuncture due to its proximity to major nerves and the brachial artery. - The essential post-incident steps: applying pressure, documenting the event in detail, and notifying a supervisor. - How to differentiate nerve pain from other common complications like hematomas for exam purposes. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
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