Lecture Notes - Preparation for Nursing Exams

Introduction

• Greetings to everyone, hope everyone is doing well.
• Today's session is about tests and discussion for nursing exams.
• Emphasis on preparation for the upcoming nursing exams (NORESET, etc.).

Recommended Books for Nursing Exam Preparation

• Best Books for MCQ Practice:
  • Lipincott and Mosby: Both are highly recommended for MCQ practice.
  • Sounders: Good for theory but has fewer questions.
  • Always prefer the latest edition of the books for updated content.
  • Target High: Another good book for additional practice.

National Nursing Skill Assessment Test (NNSET)

• Discussion on the NNSET and its importance for C+ and PRO subscribers.
• Encourage all students who haven’t attempted the test to do so post-session.
• Review performance based on marked questions and reattempt if necessary.

Nutritional Assessment in Surgical Patients

• Assessment Methods:
  • Serum Albumin: Best indicator of malnutrition in surgical patients.
  • Mid Arm Circumference (MAC) and Triceps Skin Fold Thickness for anthropometric measurements.
  • Discussed the significance of BMI in assessing nutritional status.

BMI (Body Mass Index)

• BMI Categories:
  • Underweight: <18.5
  • Normal: 18.5 - 24.9
  • Pre-obesity: 25 - 29.9
  • Obesity Class I: 30 - 34.9
  • Obesity Class II: 35 - 39.9
  • Morbid Obesity: >40
• BMI Calculation Formula:
  • Weight in kg / (Height in m)^2
  • Alternative for pounds: Weight in pounds / (Height in inches)^2 * 703

Anthropometric Measurements

• Key Measurements:
  • BMI, Mid Upper Arm Circumference, Skin Fold Thickness.
  • Specific tape (Shakir tape) used for MAC assessment in pediatric patients.
  • Skin Fold Thickness measured using calipers at Biceps, Triceps, Subscapular, and Suprailiac sites.

Wound Healing and Management

• Definitions of Dehiscence and Evisceration in wound management.
• Emphasized the importance of recognizing signs of wound complications.

Chest Tube Drainage (ICD) Function Check

• Key indicators of functioning:
  • Continuous air bubbling indicates a leak.
  • Movement of water column during respiration indicates normal functioning.

Massive Blood Transfusion Complications

• Potential Complications:
  • Hypocalcemia, Hyperkalemia, Hypokalemia, Hypothermia.
  • Hypercalcemia is NOT a complication of massive blood transfusion.

Urinary Tract Stones Management

• Best Procedure:
  • Lithotripsy is the preferred method for eliminating stones from the urinary tract.

Glucose Testing after Hypophysectomy

• Importance of testing for glucose in drainage to rule out CSF leakage.

Summary and Recommendations

• Keep practicing volatile topics, especially in chest tube drainage and nutritional assessment.
• Focus on MCQ practice using recommended books and resources.
• Prepare for upcoming sessions on crash courses and important updates.