fundamentals

What is included in the assessment phase of the nursing process?

Assessment is the systematic collection of data from the patient, including normal ranges for vital signs, lab values, inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation, and various patient positions.

What are the different types of IV fluids and their uses?

IV Fluids include Crystalloids for hydration, Colloids for volume expansion, Blood Products for blood loss, and Hypertonic Solutions for treating cerebral edema.

What is the role of infection control and PPE in nursing practice?

Infection Control protects healthcare workers and patients; PPE includes gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection to prevent pathogen spread.

What interventions should be taken for abnormal vital signs?

For high blood pressure: monitor and notify the provider; for low blood pressure: assess symptoms and elevate legs; for high/low temperature: administer antipyretics or warm blankets; for respiratory rate: provide oxygen and notify the healthcare team.

What are the different types of charting and documentation, and what is their purpose?

Types of Documentation include Narrative for detailed accounts, SOAP for structured progress notes, PIE for problem-solving, and Flow Sheets for tracking daily activities.

What is the sleep cycle, and how does it impact the body?

The sleep cycle consists of stages from light sleep to REM; it impacts physiology by restoring energy, promoting immune function, and regulating mood.

How do you document and calculate intake and output (I&O)?

Documenting I&O involves recording fluids taken and lost, ensuring total input equals output; normal ranges suggest 2,000-3,000 mL intake and matching output.

What is Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and how does it guide nursing care?

Maslow's Hierarchy includes physiological needs, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization, guiding nursing care by prioritizing immediate patient needs.

What are sentinel events and how should they be handled?

Sentinel Events are unexpected occurrences causing serious injury or death; they should be reported immediately, investigated, and strategies to prevent recurrence developed.

What are the guidelines for using restraints in nursing?

Restraints ensure patient safety; they must be physician-ordered, regularly reassessed, and used as a last resort.

What are the key components of first aid, emergency care, and fire safety?

First Aid involves CPR and bleeding control; Fire Safety uses RACE (Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish) and PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) for extinguishers.

What are common side effects of medications, and how should they be managed?

Common Side Effects include nausea from antibiotics and sedation from opioids, managed by monitoring for reactions and notifying the healthcare provider.

What is pain assessment, and what are the intervention theories?

Pain Assessment uses the PQRST method; intervention theories include Gate Control Theory and the Biopsychosocial Model, considering various pain influences.