Fundamental Concepts and Skills for Nursing

Nursing and the Health Care System

An introduction to the roles and responsibilities of nursing within the health care framework.

Concepts of Health

Understanding the definitions and dimensions of health, illness, stress, and health promotion.

Legal and Ethical Aspects of Nursing

Exploration of the legal responsibilities and ethical considerations in nursing practice.

Nutritional Therapy and Assisted Feeding

Techniques and guidelines for providing nutritional support and assistance in feeding patients.

Assisting with Respiration and Oxygen Delivery

Methods for supporting patients with respiratory issues and administering oxygen.

Promoting Urinary Elimination

Strategies to assist patients in maintaining normal urinary function.

Promoting Bowel Elimination

Techniques to encourage regular bowel movements in patients.

Pain, Comfort, and Sleep

Understanding the management of pain, comfort measures, and promoting sleep in patients.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Overview of non-conventional treatment methods used alongside traditional medical practices.

The Nursing Process

A systematic approach to patient care involving assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Assessment, Nursing Diagnosis, and Planning

The initial steps in the nursing process that involve evaluating patient needs and creating care plans.

Implementation and Evaluation

Carrying out nursing interventions and assessing their effectiveness.

Pharmacology and Preparation for Drug Administration

Knowledge and skills required for safe medication administration.

Administering Oral, Topical, and Inhalant Medications

Methods for delivering medications via oral, topical, and inhalation routes.

Administering Intradermal, Subcutaneous, and Intramuscular Injections

Techniques for giving injections in different layers of skin and muscle.

Administering Intravenous Solutions and Medications

The process of delivering fluids and medications directly into the bloodstream.

Documentation of Nursing Care

The importance and methods of accurately recording patient care and outcomes.

Communication and the Nurse-Patient Relationship

The role of effective communication in building trust and rapport with patients.

Patient Education and Health Promotion

Strategies for teaching patients about health management and disease prevention.

Delegation, Leadership, and Management

Skills necessary for effective delegation and leadership within nursing teams.

Care of the Surgical Patient

Best practices for managing the care of patients undergoing surgical procedures.

Providing Wound Care and Treating Pressure Injuries

Techniques for managing wounds and preventing pressure ulcers.

Promoting Musculoskeletal Function

Interventions aimed at maintaining and improving musculoskeletal health.

Growth and Development: Infancy Through Adolescence

Understanding the stages of growth and development from infancy to adolescence.

Adulthood and the Family

Exploration of adult development and family dynamics.

Promoting Healthy Adaptation to Aging

Strategies to assist older adults in adapting to the aging process.

Cultural and Spiritual Aspects of Patient Care

The significance of cultural and spiritual considerations in nursing care.

Loss, Grief, and End-of-Life Care

Approaches to support patients and families dealing with loss and end-of-life issues.

Common Physical Care Problems of the Older Adult

Identification and management of prevalent physical health issues in elderly patients.

Common Psychosocial Care Problems of Older Adults

Understanding and addressing the psychological and social challenges faced by older adults.

Standard Steps for All Nursing Procedures

A guideline outlining the essential steps to follow in nursing procedures.

NFLPN Nursing Practice Standards for the Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse

Standards that guide the practice of licensed practical and vocational nurses.

American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses

Ethical guidelines that govern nursing practice and conduct.

Standard Precautions

Infection control practices to prevent the spread of pathogens.

Most Common Laboratory Test Values

Reference ranges for frequently performed laboratory tests.

NANDA-I Approved Nursing Diagnoses, 2015-2017

A list of standardized nursing diagnoses recognized by NANDA International.

Infection Prevention and Control: Protective Mechanisms and Asepsis

Strategies for preventing infection through aseptic techniques and protective measures.

Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance

Understanding the principles of maintaining fluid and electrolyte homeostasis in patients.

Concepts of Basic Nutrition and Cultural Considerations

Knowledge of nutritional needs and the impact of culture on dietary practices.

Copyright

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Publisher's Permissions Policies

Details on how to seek permission, further information about the Publisher's permissions policies and our arrangements with organizations such as the Copyright Clearance Center and the Copyright Licensing Agency, can be found at our website: www.elsevier.com/permissions.

Knowledge and Best Practice

Knowledge and best practice in this field are constantly changing.

Practitioners Responsibility

Practitioners and researchers must always rely on their own experience and knowledge in evaluating and using any information, methods, compounds, or experiments described herein.

Safety Precautions

They should be mindful of their own safety and the safety of others, including parties for whom they have a professional responsibility.

Drug Information Verification

Readers are advised to check the most current information provided on procedures featured or by the manufacturer of each product to verify the recommended dose or formula, the method and duration of administration, and contraindications.

Liability Disclaimer

To the fullest extent of the law, neither the Publisher nor the authors, contributors, or editors assume any liability for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products liability, negligence or otherwise.

International Standard Book Number

International Standard Book Number: 978-0-323-39621-9.

Content Strategist

Nancy O'Brien.

Content Development Manager

Ellen Wurm-Cutter.

Senior Content Development Specialist

Rebecca Leenhouts.

Publishing Services Manager

Jeff Patterson.

Book Production Specialist

Bill Drone.

Design Direction

Renee Duenow.

Print Number

Last digit is the print number: 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1.

Dedication

I dedicate this edition to my sister, Mary, devoted wife and mom, proud new grandma, nurse, and my best friend.

Contributor: Predrag Miskin

DrHS, MScN, RN, PHN, DMSRN, Nursing Faculty, Biological and Health Sciences, De Anza College, Cupertino, California.

Contributor: Karen V. Anderson

MSN, RN, Associate Dean of Nursing, Nursing Department, Kaplan College, San Diego, California.

Contributor: Shelley Eckvahl

BSN, MSN, Professor, Nursing, Chaffey Community College, Rancho Cucamonga, California.

Contributor: Louise S. Frantz

MHA, Ed, BSN, RN, Practical Nursing Program Coordinator, Continuing Education, Penn State Berks, Reading, Pennsylvania.

Schmitz, RN, BSN, PHN

Associate Faculty at Health Occupations Department, Mission College, Santa Clara, California; Part-Time Faculty at Health Technology Department, De Anza College, Cupertino, California; American Heart Association ACLS, BLS, and First Aid Instructor at Nurse Education Workshops Inc, San Jose, California.

Garry Johnson, DHSc, RN, CCRN, CMSRN

Nursing Professor at Evergreen Valley College, San Jose, California; Adjunct Nursing Professor at Samuel Merritt University, San Mateo, California; Mission College, Santa Clara, California.

Gerald "Jerry" Thompson, MSN, RN, CNE

Assistant Professor of Undergraduate Nursing at Samuel Merritt University, Oakland, California.

Joanne Heck, RN, MSN

LPN Instructor at Parkland College, Health Professions, Champaign, Illinois.

Sherri L. Andrews, RN, MSN

Faculty at Bedford County Public Schools, Bedford County School of Practical Nurses, Bedford Science and Technology Center, Bedford, Virginia.

Kathleen Garrubba Hopkins, PhD, MSIE, RN

NINR/NIH Fellow at University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Sharyn Boyle, MSN, RN-BC

LPN Instructor at Passaic County Technical Institute, LPN Program, Wayne, New Jersey.

Dawn Johnson, MSN, RN, Ed

Director of Practical Nursing Program at Great Lakes Institute of Technology, Nursing, Erie, Pennsylvania.

Fleurdeliz Cuyco, BS

Compliance Director/Instructor at Preferred College of Nursing, Los Angeles, California.

Russlyn A. St. John, RN, MSN

Professor Emeritus at St. Charles Community College, Nursing & Allied Health, Cottleville, Missouri.

Natalie O. DeLeonardis, MSN, RN

Coordinator, North Campus Outreach Practical Nursing Program at Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Kelly Stone, RN, BSN

Coordinator of Practical Nursing Program at University of Arkansas Community College Batesville, Batesville, Arkansas.

Louise S. Frantz, MHA, Ed, BSN, RN

Coordinator of Practical Nursing Program at Penn State University—Berks Campus, Continuing Education, Reading, Pennsylvania.

Judith M. Thompson, RN, MN, CMSRN

Nursing Faculty at Richmond Community College, Hamlet, North Carolina.

Chasity Girvin, BSN, MSN, RN

Nursing Faculty/Sim Lab Coordinator at Fayette County Career & Technical Institute, LPN Program, Uniontown, Pennsylvania.

Tawne D. Blackful, RN, MSN, MEd

Supervisor of Health Services and School Nurse at Lawrence Hall Youth Services, Chicago, Illinois.

Toni L.E. Pritchard, BSN, MSN, EdD

Allied Health Professor, Practical Nursing Program at Central Louisiana Technical College—Lamar Salter Campus, Leesville, Louisiana.

Barbara Carrig, BSN, MSN, APN

LPN Nurse Program Coordinator, Academic/Clinical Instructor at Passaic County Technical Institute, Wayne, New Jersey.

Pamela Reyes, RN, BSN, MSN

Assistant Director of Nursing at Porter and Chester Institute, Rocky Hill, Connecticut.

Dolores Cotton, MSN, RN

Practical Nursing Coordinator at Meridian Technology Center, Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Barbra Robins, BSN, MSN

Program Director at Leads School of Technology, New Castle, Delaware.

Laurie F. Fontenot, BSN, RN

Department Head, Health Services Division at Acadiana Technical College—C.B. Coreil Campus, Ville Platte, Louisiana.

Faye Silverman, RN, MSN/Ed, PHN, WOCN

Director of Nursing at Kaplan College, North Hollywood, California.

Shelly R. Hovis, RN, MS

Director of Practical Nursing at Kiamichi Technology Centers, Antlers, Oklahoma.

Patty Knecht, MSN, RN

Director of Practical Nursing at Center for Arts and Technology—Brandywine Campus, Coatesville, Pennsylvania.

LPN/LVN

Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse, a type of nurse who provides basic medical care.

Evidence-based practice

A practice that emphasizes the use of the best available evidence in making decisions about patient care.

Nursing process

A systematic method used by nurses to plan and provide care for patients.

Patient education

The process of educating patients about their health, treatment options, and self-care.

Cultural competence

The ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures.

Critical thinking

The ability to analyze information and make reasoned judgments.

Collaboration

Working together with other health care professionals to provide coordinated care.

Communication in nursing

The process of exchanging information between nurses and patients or other healthcare providers.

Basic nursing skills

Fundamental skills that every nurse must learn to provide patient care.

Medication administration

The process of giving medications to patients as prescribed.

Care of the surgical and immobile patient

Specific nursing care practices for patients who have undergone surgery or are unable to move.

Caring for the elderly

Nursing practices focused on the health and well-being of elderly patients.

Basic physiologic needs

The essential physical requirements necessary for human survival, such as food, water, and shelter.

Long-term care facilities

Places that provide care for individuals who have chronic illnesses or disabilities.

Home care agencies

Organizations that provide medical and non-medical services to patients in their homes.

IV therapy

Intravenous therapy, a medical technique that delivers fluids directly into a vein.