Module 1 Fundamentals of Nursing Study Guide

Flashcards covering fundamentals of nursing, legal responsibilities, safety protocols, disaster management, and sensory perception.

Assault

A threat of harm to an individual.

Battery

Unwanted touch or an unauthorized procedure performed on a client.

False imprisonment

Unjustified restriction or confinement of a person against their will.

Negligence

Failure to act reasonably or an unreasonable failure to act.

Malpractice

Professional negligence by a healthcare provider.

Informed Consent (Nurse's Role)

Witnesses the signature, verifies voluntariness and understanding, and contacts the provider for any unanswered questions.

Never events

Serious, identifiable, and preventable adverse events such as wrong-site surgery or serious medication-related harm.

RACE

Fire response mnemonic: Rescue, Alarm, Contain/Confine, Extinguish.

PASS

Fire extinguisher use mnemonic: Pull, Aim at base, Squeeze, Sweep.

Class A Extinguisher

Used for ordinary combustibles such as paper, wood, and upholstery.

Class B Extinguisher

Used for flammable liquids and gases.

Class C Extinguisher

Used for electrical fires.

Immediate (Triage Category)

Red tag; life-threatening but survivable injuries requiring urgent care.

Delayed (Triage Category)

Yellow tag; serious injuries that can wait $30\,\text{min}$ to $2\,\text{hr}$ for treatment.

Minimal (Triage Category)

Green tag; minor injuries, also known as the walking wounded.

Expectant (Triage Category)

Black tag; unlikely to survive with available resources; provided with comfort care.

Horizontal Evacuation

The lateral movement of clients to a safe area on the same floor before vertical evacuation is used.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

A colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that binds to hemoglobin, reducing tissue oxygen.

SOAP

Documentation format representing Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan.

PIE

Documentation format representing Problem, Intervention, and Evaluation.

DAR

Documentation format representing Data, Action, and Response.

Restraint Time Limits (Adult)

Maximum of $\text{4\,hr}$ for an initial order.

Restraint Time Limits (9–17 years)

Maximum of $\text{2\,hr}$ for an initial order.

Restraint Time Limits (Under 9 years)

Maximum of $\text{1\,hr}$ for an initial order.

Internal Emergency

An event that disrupts the facility itself, such as a power failure, water loss, or internal fire.

External Emergency

An event originating in the community that affects facility response, such as a hurricane, epidemic, or terrorism.

Sensory Deprivation

A state of receiving too little sensory input; managed by adding meaningful stimulation and social contact.

Sensory Overload

A state of excessive or unmanageable sensory input; managed by reducing noise, light, and visitors.

Aphasia

A communication disorder where the nurse should use simple phrases, one speaker at a time, and allow response time.

Presbyopia

Vision loss associated with the aging process.

Presbycusis

Age-related high-frequency hearing loss.

RAS (Reticular Activating System)

The system that helps regulate wakefulness, consciousness, and arousal by filtering sensory stimuli.

Sensoristasis

The optimal level of sensory stimulation or arousal for an individual.

Sensory Adaptation

The physiological adjustment to constant or repeated stimuli.

Snellen Chart

A diagnostic tool used to assess distance vision.

Rosenbaum Chart

A diagnostic tool used to assess near vision.

Tonometry

A test used to measure intraocular pressure.

Bioterrorism

The intentional release of pathogenic organisms or biological agents to cause illness, fear, or disruption.

Self-determination

The principle that a patient controls their own choices and exercises autonomy over their care.

Advocacy

Protecting patient rights, dignity, and safety while speaking up against unsafe or unjust care.

Sensory deprivation

Reduced sensory input from the internal or external environment.