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Nursing & Healthcare Exam Prep

Ran Chen, EA, CFP®

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/

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  • 53 episodes
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  • English

Episodes 53

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  • Monday · 3 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 40, Chief Complaint and Subjective vs Objective Data

    This 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: - How to correctly document a chief complaint using the patient's exact words. - The critical difference between subjective data (what the patient says) and objective data (what you observe). - A common exam trap involving patient-reported measurements versus clinically observed findings. - How to use the PQRST mnemonic to thoroughly characterize a patient's symptoms. - Key signs and symptoms that require immediate escalation to a provider. 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

  • Sunday · 3 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 39, Health History and Medication Reconciliation

    This 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 differences between past medical, family, and social history and how to categorize patient information for the exam. - Why you must document the specific reaction to a patient's allergy, not just the allergen itself. - To recognize exam traps related to over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. - The precise scope of practice for a CCMA during medication reconciliation: identify and report discrepancies, but never independently alter the medication list. - How to use the 'APPLE' mnemonic (Ask, Pull, Put, Look, Escalate) to remember the safe and correct steps for medication reconciliation.

  • Saturday · 2 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 38, Patient Intake and Two-Identifier Verification

    This 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 two primary patient identifiers are always full name and date of birth. - Why a patient's room number is never an acceptable form of identification. - How accurate demographic verification prevents the creation of duplicate medical records. - The correct sequence of the patient intake process, from arrival to documenting the chief complaint. - The importance of using "Name and DOB before you go" as a mental check for patient safety. 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

  • Friday · 3 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 37, Body-System Integration and Common Disorders

    This 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 distinguish between a medical assistant's objective observations (e.g., vital signs, edema) and a provider's diagnosis (e.g., congestive heart failure). - How to recognize the interconnectedness of body systems, such as when cardiovascular issues manifest with respiratory symptoms. - The importance of reporting a complete clinical picture of related abnormal findings rather than isolated measurements. - The purpose of common medications related to integrated disorders, like Furosemide for fluid retention. - How to apply the 'V.O.R.D.' (Vitals, Observations, Report, Document) mental shortcut to stay within the CCMA scope of practice. 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

  • Thursday · 3 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 36, Lymphatic Immune and Hematologic Systems

    This 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 differentiate between innate (non-specific, rapid) and adaptive (specific, memory-based) immunity. - How vaccines work by stimulating active immunity and the production of specific antibodies. - To correlate basic CBC lab results with clinical conditions, such as low hemoglobin indicating anemia and a high white blood cell count suggesting infection. - The primary functions of blood components: erythrocytes for oxygen transport, leukocytes for fighting infection, and thrombocytes for clotting. - A mnemonic, "Never Let Monkeys Eat Bananas," to recall the five types of white blood cells in order of prevalence (Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, Basophils). 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

  • September 9 · 3 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 35, Reproductive Systems and Pregnancy Basics

    This 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 key anatomical structures of the male and female reproductive systems relevant to the CCMA exam. - The roles of essential hormones like FSH and LH in the menstrual cycle, particularly the LH surge that triggers ovulation. - How to apply Naegele's rule (LMP - 3 months + 7 days + 1 year) to accurately calculate a patient's estimated due date. - The definitions and application of the terms Gravida (total pregnancies) and Para (births after 20 weeks). - Critical CCMA responsibilities including proper urine specimen collection, handling, and the absolute importance of patient privacy under HIPAA. 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

  • September 8 · 3 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 34, Urinary System Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

    This 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 nephron is the kidney's core functional unit, performing filtration, reabsorption, and secretion to form urine and maintain homeostasis. - The kidneys regulate the body's fluid and electrolyte balance, which is critical for maintaining stable blood pressure and proper nerve and muscle function. - A clean-catch midstream specimen is the standard for routine urinalysis to prevent contamination, requiring specific patient instructions for cleansing and collection. - Key abnormal urinalysis findings a CCMA must recognize include glucose and ketones (possible diabetes), nitrites and leukocyte esterase (infection), and protein (potential kidney disease). - Reportable findings like significant blood, high glucose, or positive nitrites in urine require immediate communication to the provider. 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

  • September 7 · 3 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 33, Digestive System and Nutrient Absorption

    This 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 differentiate the roles of the liver (produces bile) and the gallbladder (stores bile), a common point of confusion on the exam. - That the small intestine is the main site for nutrient absorption, while the large intestine's primary function is water absorption. - How to properly instruct a patient for a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), including crucial dietary and medication restrictions to ensure test accuracy. - A simple mnemonic, 'TRUE', to remember items to avoid before an FOBT: Turnips/raw veggies, Red meat, Unnecessary Vitamin C, and NSAIDs. - To identify critical gastrointestinal red-flag symptoms, such as hematemesis and melena, that require immediate medical attention. 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

  • September 6 · 3 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 32, Respiratory System and Oxygenation

    This 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 key difference between asthma (reversible) and COPD (progressive) for patient scenarios. - How to identify signs of respiratory distress like tachypnea and cyanosis, and the CCMA's duty to report immediately. - Common causes of inaccurate pulse oximetry readings, such as nail polish, and the correct first action to take. - Critical patient education for using a steroid inhaler, including the importance of rinsing the mouth to prevent thrush. - The primary site of gas exchange in the lungs (the alveoli) and its relevance to oxygenation. 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

  • September 5 · 2 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 31, Cardiovascular Anatomy and Circulation

    This 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 precise order of blood flow through the heart's four chambers and four valves. - How to use the 'Try Pulling My Aorta' mnemonic to remember the valve sequence (Tricuspid, Pulmonic, Mitral, Aortic). - The electrical conduction pathway of the heart, starting from the SA node, which is the heart's natural pacemaker. - The critical difference between pulmonary and systemic circulation, including the exam trap related to the pulmonary artery and veins. - Key clinical warning signs of a myocardial infarction, such as radiating chest pain and diaphoresis, that a CCMA must recognize. 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

  • September 4 · 3 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 30, Endocrine System and Glucose Regulation

    This 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 opposite functions of insulin (lowers blood sugar) and glucagon (raises blood sugar). - How to differentiate signs of hypoglycemia ("cool and clammy, need some candy") from hyperglycemia ("hot and dry, sugar's high"). - Why a CCMA's first priority for a patient in distress is to report findings to a licensed provider, not to treat independently. - Critical procedural steps for accurate point-of-care glucose testing, such as wiping away the first drop of blood. - The correct emergency response and scope of practice boundaries for an unconscious diabetic patient. 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

  • September 3 · 3 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 29, Nervous System and Special Senses

    This 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 the Central (brain/spinal cord) and Peripheral (all other nerves) nervous systems. - How to distinguish between the sympathetic ("fight or flight") and parasympathetic ("rest and digest") autonomic divisions in clinical scenarios. - The CCMA's role in basic vision and hearing screenings, including the Snellen and Ishihara tests. - The essential mnemonic FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time) for recognizing stroke symptoms. - Why immediately notifying the provider is the only correct first step for a patient showing signs of a stroke. 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

  • September 2 · 3 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 28, Musculoskeletal System and Medical Assisting

    This 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: - How to select the correct patient position, such as Fowler's or Sims', for specific clinical scenarios. - The critical parameters for fitting axillary crutches, including the 2-3 finger-width gap and proper elbow flexion. - How to instruct a patient on the three-point gait for crutches when they are non-weight-bearing on one leg. - A simple mnemonic to differentiate between a sprain (ligament injury) and a strain (muscle or tendon injury). - The immediate supportive actions a medical assistant should take for a suspected fracture in an outpatient setting. 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

  • September 1 · 2 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 27, Integumentary System and Skin Findings

    This 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: - How to apply the ABCDE mnemonic to identify potential melanoma warning signs for the exam. - The critical difference between objective documentation of skin findings and making an unauthorized diagnosis. - How to differentiate primary skin lesions often tested on the exam, such as a macule (flat) versus a papule (raised). - To recognize the cardinal signs of a wound infection, including erythema, warmth, and purulent drainage. - Key characteristics for classifying first, second, and third-degree burns as they appear on the NHA CCMA exam. 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

  • August 31 · 3 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 26, Cells Tissues Homeostasis and Disease

    This 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: - How osmosis affects red blood cells in hypertonic versus hypotonic solutions. - To focus on the primary function of the four major tissue types (epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous) rather than memorizing subtypes. - How to identify negative feedback as the body's primary mechanism for maintaining homeostasis, using examples like thermoregulation. - To use the 'R-H-S-P' mnemonic for recalling the four cardinal signs of inflammation: Redness, Heat, Swelling, and Pain. - The critical difference between benign (localized, non-cancerous) and malignant (invasive, cancerous) neoplasia. 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

  • August 30 · 3 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 25, Cultural Humility and Social Determinants of Health

    This 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 cultural humility (a process) and cultural competence (an endpoint) for exam purposes. - How to identify social determinants of health, such as transportation or food insecurity, as patient care barriers. - The correct protocol for language access, which involves using a certified interpreter instead of a family member. - How to address low health literacy using exam-approved methods like the teach-back technique. - A simple mnemonic, ASK (Awareness, Seek, Know), to guide your response in scenario-based questions. 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

  • August 29 · 3 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 24, Human Development Stress and Behavioral Health

    This 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: - How to appropriately adapt your communication style based on a patient's developmental stage, from childhood to adolescence. - A mnemonic to identify common defense mechanisms like denial, displacement, and rationalization in patient scenarios. - How to recognize and report observable warning signs of anxiety, depression, and substance use, while staying within the CCMA scope of practice. - The critical protocol of immediately escalating any patient statement or behavior that indicates a risk of harm to themselves or others. - How to distinguish between therapeutic, open-ended communication and non-therapeutic responses like giving false reassurance in exam questions. 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

  • August 28 · 3 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 23, Nutrition Labels Diets and Patient Education

    This 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: - How to apply nutrition label information, like serving size and sodium content, in a realistic patient scenario for the NHA CCMA exam. - The key differences in patient education for common therapeutic diets, such as sodium-restricted, carbohydrate-controlled, and renal diets. - The critical importance of understanding and staying within the CCMA's scope of practice when providing nutritional information. - A common exam trap involving patient questions about supplements and the correct, professional response. - A simple mnemonic, "Don't PRESCRIBE, just PROVIDE," to remember your role in patient dietary education. 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

  • August 27 · 3 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 22, Household Metric and Temperature Conversions

    This 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 conversion factor between pounds and kilograms (1 kg = 2.2 lb) and how to apply it in dosage calculations. - The standard medical conversion for milliliters to teaspoons (1 tsp = 5 mL) for liquid medication administration. - The specific formulas for converting temperatures between Celsius and Fahrenheit and how to avoid common calculation errors. - The patient safety rules for using leading zeros (e.g., 0.5 mg) and avoiding trailing zeros (e.g., 5 mg, not 5.0 mg) to prevent medication errors. - How to use dimensional analysis to systematically solve conversion problems and the importance of performing a final reasonableness check to verify your answer. 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

  • August 26 · 3 min

    NHA CCMA Exam Prep 21, Prescriptions Controlled Substances and Refill Workflow

    This 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 essential components of a valid prescription and common exam traps related to missing information. - Key differences in refill rules for DEA Schedule II, III, and IV controlled substances that are frequently tested. - The correct CCMA workflow for processing a patient's refill request, including when provider authorization is required. - Why medication reconciliation is a critical patient safety task and how it is tested on the exam. - How to recognize red flags for prescription misuse, such as frequent early refills or doctor shopping, and the appropriate escalation steps. 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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