Fundamentals of Nursing - Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Focus on fundamentals of nursing questions
• Relevant for nursing exams: Foundations of Nursing, HESI, ATI, NCLEX

Standard Precautions

• Question: When should a nurse wear gloves?
  • Answer: During oral hygiene
  • Reason: Possible contact with saliva or other body fluids
  • General Rule: "If it's wet, wear gloves"

Documenting Pulse Findings

• Question: How to document a pulse rate above normal?
  • Answer: Tachycardia
  • Heart Rate Norms: 60-100 beats per minute
  • Terms:
    • Tachypnea: Increased breathing rate
    • Hyperpyrexia: High fever
    • Arrhythmia: Irregular heartbeat

Proper Body Mechanics

• Question: How to assist a client from a chair using a wide base of support?
  • Answer: Bend at knees, face client, place hands on client’s forearms, and lift
  • Avoid bending at waist to maintain center of gravity

Mouth Care for Unconscious Clients

• Question: Best position for an unconscious client during mouth care?
  • Answer: Side-lying position
  • Reason: Reduces risk of aspiration

Nursing Process Phases

• Question: Phase implemented when taking vital signs?
  • Answer: Assessment
  • Assessment: Gathering information
• Nursing Process Steps: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Intervention, Evaluation

Systematic Nursing Care

• Question: What best describes the method of planning and providing nursing care?
  • Answer: Nursing Process

Gas Exchange

• Question: Where does gas exchange occur?
  • Answer: Lungs, specifically in the alveoli

Organ Functions

• Stomach: Temporary storage of food
• Gallbladder: Releases enzymes for breaking down fats
• Urinary Bladder: Stores urine
• Liver: Metabolizes drugs and important for clotting
• Heart: Pumps oxygen-rich blood

Hormones and Secretion

• Question: Hormone secreted by islets of Langerhans?
  • Answer: Insulin
  • Location: Pancreas

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

• Components: Love/belonging, physiological needs, self-actualization
• Priority: Physiological needs (e.g., airway, breathing, circulation)

Types of Illness

• Question: Characterized by severe symptoms of short duration?
  • Answer: Acute illness

Measurement Conversions

• Question: How many mLs are in teaspoons?
  • Answer: 25 mLs for 5 teaspoons

Conclusion

• Shorter video than usual
• Encouragement to like, subscribe, and share
• Intention to provide more content in the future