Lecture Notes Flashcards - Nursing Fundamentals (VOCABULARY)

A comprehensive set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on nursing basics, critical thinking, diagnostics, infection control, and clinical judgment.

Teach-Back Method

A patient education technique where the patient repeats instructions in their own words to confirm understanding; the nurse reteaches if needed.

Troponin

A cardiac marker that is highly specific for myocardial injury and heart attack.

CK-MB

A cardiac enzyme marker indicating heart muscle injury.

BNP

B-type natriuretic peptide; elevated levels are associated with heart failure.

Hemoglobin A1C

A blood test that measures average blood glucose over the past 2–3 months.

Hemoglobin A1C ranges

Normal: <5.7%; Prediabetes: 5.7–6.4%; Diabetes: ≥6.5%.

Thrombocytopenia

Low platelets, which increases the risk of bleeding and bruising.

Causes of Thrombocytopenia

Medications, cancer, infections, autoimmune conditions.

Outcome Statements

Nursing goals that are specific, measurable, and realistic.

SMART criteria

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound goals used to guide outcomes.

Pain outcome example

Example: Pain reduced to 2/10 within 30 minutes after medication.

Strategies to Improve Critical Thinking

Approaches to enhance thinking, including asking why, comparing normal vs abnormal, practicing NCLEX-style questions, reflecting on mistakes, and using evidence-based practice.

Ask 'why' questions

A strategy to probe reasoning and understand underlying causes.

Compare normal vs abnormal

Evaluating data against expected normal ranges to detect deviations.

NCLEX-style questions

Exam-style practice questions used to test clinical judgment and critical thinking.

Reflect on mistakes

Reviewing errors to identify learning gaps and prevent recurrence.

Evidence-based practice

Using current best evidence, along with clinical expertise and patient values, to guide care.

Curiosity

A key attitude in critical thinking involving eagerness to learn and explore.

Fair-mindedness

Being open to different viewpoints and avoiding bias.

Humility

Recognizing limits of one’s knowledge and being willing to adjust conclusions.

Perseverance

Continuing effort to analyze and improve despite challenges.

Confidence

Trust in one’s knowledge and reasoning while remaining evidence-based.

Potassium (K+)

Electrolyte; abnormalities affect cardiac conduction and muscle function.

Sodium (Na+)

Electrolyte; abnormalities affect fluid balance and nerve function.

Calcium (Ca2+)

Electrolyte; abnormal levels cause tetany or kidney stones.

Magnesium (Mg2+)

Electrolyte; abnormal levels cause tremors or respiratory depression.

BUN

Blood urea nitrogen; a kidney function marker; elevation suggests dysfunction.

Creatinine

Waste product measured to assess kidney function; elevation indicates dysfunction.

Lipid Panel

Lab panel measuring cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides to assess cardiovascular risk.

LDL

Low-density lipoprotein; high levels increase cardiovascular risk.

HDL

High-density lipoprotein; higher levels are protective against heart disease; low levels increase risk.

Triglycerides

Blood fats; high levels increase risk of pancreatitis and heart disease.

Potassium-rich foods

Foods that are high in potassium (e.g., bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, beans, fish).

C. diff test

Laboratory test to detect Clostridioides difficile infection.

Occult blood

Hidden blood found in stool, indicating GI bleed or cancer.

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging; detailed imaging of brain, spine, and organs; no metal; may use contrast.

CT Scan

Computed tomography; imaging for tumors, bleeding, fractures; may use dye with kidney precautions.

Urine Analysis (UA)

Urinalysis to assess kidneys and bladder; normal is clear with no protein or blood.

CBC

Complete blood count; evaluates red cells, white cells, and platelets; used to detect anemia, infection, and clotting potential.

Anemia

Low hemoglobin/hematocrit; reduced red blood cells.

Leukopenia

Low white blood cell count.

Leukocytosis

High white blood cell count.

PET Scan

Positron emission tomography imaging; expensive and involves radiation; not routinely used in pregnancy.

CMP

Comprehensive metabolic panel; electrolytes, liver, and kidney function.

BMP

Basic metabolic panel; electrolytes and kidney function tests.

Chain of Infection

Six links: Agent, Reservoir, Portal of exit, Transmission, Portal of entry, Susceptible host.

Precautions & PPE

Protocols to prevent infection spread; include gloves, gown, masks, and respirators depending on risk.

Contact Precautions

Gown and gloves to prevent transmission via direct or indirect contact.

Droplet Precautions

Mask (and sometimes eye protection) to prevent droplet spread.

Airborne Precautions

N95 respirator and negative-pressure room to prevent airborne transmission.

INR

International normalized ratio; therapeutic range around 2–3 for warfarin; normal 0.8–1.2.

aPTT

Activated partial thromboplastin time; normal 30–40 seconds; therapeutic 60–80 seconds for heparin.

Direct vs Indirect Contact

Direct: person-to-person; Indirect: through contaminated objects.

Lines of Defense

First: skin/mucous membranes; Second: inflammation and WBCs; Third: antibodies/T-cells.

Nursing Process (ADPIE)

Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.

HAIs (Healthcare-Associated Infections)

Infections acquired in healthcare settings (e.g., CAUTI); prevented by aseptic technique and daily assessment.

Medical Asepsis

Clean technique to reduce microbes.

Surgical Asepsis

Sterile technique to eliminate all microbes.

Trending

Monitoring patterns in vitals and labs over time to detect changes.

Incubation

Stage 1 of infection, the period between exposure and symptoms.

Prodromal

Stage of early symptoms before full illness.

Illness

Stage when symptoms are present and patient is visibly affected.

Decline

Stage of decreasing symptoms as the body fights infection.

Convalescence

Recovery period after illness.

Informed Consent

Consent given by a patient who understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives; voluntary and witnessed.

Clinical Judgment Process

Recognize cues, analyze information, prioritize, generate solutions, take action, and evaluate outcomes.

Recognize cues

Notice and interpret important indicators from the patient and data.

Analyze

Examine data to understand relationships and meaning.

Prioritize

Determine the order of actions based on urgency and importance.

Generate solutions

Create potential actions or plans to address the patient’s needs.

Take action

Implement the chosen care plan.

Evaluate outcomes

Assess the effectiveness of interventions and adjust as needed.