Nursing School Study Guide: Modules 7–10

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering nutrition, elimination, infection, and inflammation based on nursing school study modules.

Inflammation

A nonspecific, adaptive response to injury or harmful stimuli.

Five Cardinal Signs of Inflammation

Redness, warmth, swelling, pain, and impaired function.

Stage 1 Inflammation (Vascular/Cellular)

Characterized by immediate vasoconstriction then vasodilation leading to increased blood flow.

Stage 2 Inflammation (Exudate)

The stage where fluid with proteins and debris forms.

Stage 3 Inflammation (Reparative)

The stage involving scar tissue formation.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

The backflow of gastric contents into the esophagus due to an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Omeprazole (Prilosec)

A Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) that should be taken $30\text{--}60\,min$ before meals; long-term use carries a risk for osteoporosis.

Famotidine (Pepcid)

An H2 Receptor Blocker that reduces acid secretion.

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) Causes

H. pylori infection, long-term NSAID/corticosteroid use, smoking, and alcohol.

Gastric Ulcer

An ulcer where pain occurs $30\text{--}60\,min$ after eating and night pain is rare.

Duodenal Ulcer

The most common ulcer type, where pain occurs $2\text{--}3\,hours$ after eating and can wake the patient up at night.

PUD Perforation

A surgical emergency characterized by sudden severe pain and a rigid abdomen.

Pyloric Stenosis

Narrowing/thickening of the pyloric sphincter characterized by projectile non-bilious vomiting, constant hunger, and an olive-shaped mass in the RUQ.

Cleft Lip/Palate Priority

Feeding safety using specialized nipples and keeping the baby upright.

BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) Assessment

Includes urinary frequency, nocturia, hesitancy, dribbling, and a weak stream.

Tamsulosin (Flomax)

An Alpha-Adrenergic Blocker that relaxes the bladder neck; requires monitoring for orthostatic hypotension and dizziness.

Finasteride

A 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor used to shrink the prostate that can cause sexual dysfunction.

TURP Monitoring

Continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) output must be light pink; if dark red or containing clots, the irrigation rate should be increased.

Renal Colic

Excruciating flank pain radiating to the groin associated with kidney stones.

Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)

A medication used for $1\text{--}2\,days$ only to relieve dysuria; it characteristically turns urine bright orange/red.

Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO)

Rapid onset obstruction characterized by crampy colicky pain and profuse/fecal vomiting, commonly caused by adhesions.

Large Bowel Obstruction

Slow onset obstruction characterized by constipation and ribbon-like stools, commonly caused by cancer.

Enuresis and Encopresis

Enuresis is bedwetting and encopresis is fecal soiling; both are often related to constipation or stress.

Droplet Precautions

Required for Influenza, Pertussis, Mumps, and Pneumonia; includes surgical mask and goggles within $3\,feet$ of the patient.

Airborne Precautions

Required for TB, Measles, and Varicella; includes N95 mask, negative pressure room, and keeping the door closed.

Peak & Trough

Lab tests used to monitor antibiotic levels to ensure therapeutic efficacy and prevent toxicity.

Earliest signs of Hypoxia

Restlessness, agitation, and confusion.

Pneumonia Intervention Priority

A sputum culture must be obtained BEFORE starting antibiotics.

Isoniazid (INH)

A TB medication monitored for hepatotoxicity (jaundice) and peripheral neuropathy; patients should take Vitamin B6 and avoid alcohol.

Rifampin

A TB medication that turns body fluids orange and decreases the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

Otitis Media Ear Drop Application

For children under age $3$, pull the pinna DOWN and BACK; for those over age $3$, pull the pinna UP and BACK.

McBurney's Point

The location in the RLQ where vague periumbilical pain localizes during appendicitis.

Appendicitis Sudden Pain Relief

A possible indication of rupture, which is a life-threatening peritonitis emergency; never apply heat, laxatives, or enemas.

Crohn's Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease characterized by a cobblestone pattern affecting all transmural layers anywhere from mouth to anus.

Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease involving continuous ulcerations in the colon and rectum, often resulting in $20+$ bloody diarrhea stools per day.

Pancreatitis Pathophysiology

Autodigestion where the pancreas digests itself with its own enzymes including amylase, lipase, and protease.

Cullen Sign

Bruising around the umbilicus associated with pancreatitis.

Turner Sign

Bruising on the flanks associated with pancreatitis.

Hepatitis A and E Transmission

Fecal-oral route ("vowels come from the bowel").

Post-Liver Biopsy Care

The patient should lie on their RIGHT side to apply pressure to the liver and prevent bleeding.

Celiac Disease

An autoimmune reaction to gluten (wheat, barley, rye) that damages small intestine villi and causes malabsorption and steatorrhea.