Nursing Fundamentals Summary

Introduction to Nursing Fundamentals

  • Accelerated nursing program with 5-week terms, weekly assessments.
  • Importance of time management in studies.

The Nursing Process: ADPIE

  • Assessment: Gather data (observation, physical exam, interview).
    • Types: Initial, focused, emergency, time-lapsed.
  • Diagnosis: Identify patient responses to health issues.
  • Planning: Develop measurable goals and interventions.
  • Implementation: Execute planned nursing interventions.
  • Evaluation: Assess effectiveness of interventions and revise if necessary.

Vital Signs

  • Normal ranges:
    • Heart Rate: 60−10060-100 bpm
    • Respiratory Rate: 12−2012-20 breaths/min
    • Body Temperature: 97−99°F97-99°F (or 36.1−37.2°C36.1-37.2°C)
    • Blood Pressure: Systolic 90−12090-120 mmHg, Diastolic 60−8060-80 mmHg
    • O2 Saturation: 95−100%95-100\%

Pain Assessment

  • Pain assessment is essential; evaluate using mnemonics like OLDCARTS and PQRST.
  • Monitor the 5th vital sign: pain.

Infection Control

  • Healthcare-associated infections are preventable.
  • Follow the "BEFORE BEFORE, AFTER AFTER" mnemonic for hand hygiene guidelines.

Patient Safety & Fall Prevention

  • Falls are a leading cause of injury; assess fall risk using specific scales.
  • Implement interventions to mitigate fall risks like keeping call lights in reach.

Medication Administration

  • The 10 Rights of Medication Administration:
    • Right Patient, Medication, Dose, Route, Time, Documentation, Reason, Response, Education, to Refuse.

Therapeutic Communication

  • Build trust with patients through active listening, open-ended questions, and empathy.
  • Avoid non-therapeutic responses such as false reassurance.

Documentation

  • Legal aspect of nursing; document promptly and factually.
  • Observe best practices to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Delegation

  • Delegate tasks appropriately using the 5 Rights of Delegation.

Systematic Physical Assessment

  • Follow a head-to-toe sequence using techniques of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.

NCLEX Test Strategies

  • Familiarity with NCLEX-style questions starts in Fundamentals.
  • Focus on keywords, prioritization, and patient-centered care.