Introduction to Nursing Fundamentals and Calculations

Vocabulary flashcards covering measurement systems, unit conversions, professional nursing behaviors, patient safety standards, regulatory bodies, and core nursing care concepts.

Metric System

Also known as the International System, a simple and accurate system of measurement based on decimals that is preferred in healthcare to prevent medication errors.

Joint Commission

A regulating organization in healthcare that establishes and enforces safety standards and medication processes to prevent errors and ensure patient safety.

King Henry Died By Drinking Chocolate Milk

A mnemonic used to recall metric prefix conversions: Kilo, Hecto, Deka, Base Unit, Deci, Centi, and Milli.

Apothecary System

An ancient measurement system using fractions and Roman numerals that is avoided in modern clinical practice due to high risks of confusion and error.

Gallup Ethics Rating for Nurses

An annual poll rating in which 85\text{\null}\% of the public rates their trust in nurses as high or very high due to their reputation for honesty and dedication.

Autonomy in Nursing

A dual concept involving a nurse taking independent initiative to solve problems while simultaneously respecting a patient's right to control their own healthcare decisions.

ANA Code of Ethics

A set of guidelines established by the American Nurses Association directing nurses to practice with compassion, respect, accountability, and adherence to quality standards.

Altruism

A core professional nursing value defined as unselfish concern for the well-being of others, demonstrated through actions like volunteering and helping colleagues.

American Nurses Association (ANA)

A professional organization that defines nursing as the diagnosis and treatment of human responses to actual or potential health problems.

ABC Priority Rule

A critical clinical prioritization framework where Airway, Breathing, and Circulation take precedence over non-life-threatening care issues.

Nurse Practice Act

State-specific laws and regulations enacted to govern nursing practice and protect the public from harm.

QSEN Competencies

The Quality and Safety Education for Nurses initiative outlining the core Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes ($\text{KSA}$) required to prepare nurses to improve healthcare safety and quality.

Scope of Practice

The legal boundary describing the specific duties, procedures, and actions that a licensed healthcare provider is permitted to perform under state law.

Against Medical Advice (AMA)

A legal and clinical process applied when a competent patient chooses to leave the hospital or refuse treatment contrary to healthcare provider recommendations.

Full Spectrum Nursing

A comprehensive framework of care that links critical thinking, clinical action (doing), caring, and deep understanding of individual patient situations.

National League for Nursing (NLN)

An organization focused on nursing education by providing resources and setting high-quality educational standards for nursing programs.

Palliative Care

Specialized care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, often discussed with patients facing end-of-life or terminal prognoses to maintain dignity.