Fundamentals of Nursing Study Guide

Questions and Answers

What is assessment in nursing?

Collecting vital signs, pain levels, and other signs/symptoms.

What does diagnosis refer to in nursing?

Nurse makes a nursing diagnosis based on assessment of patient; not a medical diagnosis.

What does planning entail in nursing?

Nurse comes up with client-centered goals; need to be measurable.

What is meant by implementing in nursing?

Following through with the plan that was developed for the patient. Signup and view all the answers

What is evaluation in nursing?

Goal was met, partially met, not met; how effective the plan was for the patient. Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for temperature?

96.8-100.4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for pulse?

60-100 Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for respirations?

12-20 Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for blood pressure?

100/60-140/90 Signup and view all the answers

What is a normal range for pulse oximetry?

<blockquote> 95% </blockquote> Signup and view all the answers

What does SOLER stand for?

Sit close, observe, lean forward, eye contact, relax. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are types of pain? (Select all that apply)

Chronic Signup and view all the answers

What is pain threshold?

Level of stimulus needed to produce the perception of pain. Signup and view all the answers

What is pain tolerance?

Amount of pain a patient endures without interfering with activities of daily living. Signup and view all the answers

Which factors may influence pain? (Select all that apply)

Genetics Signup and view all the answers

What are common behavioral responses to pain? (Select all that apply)

Crying or moaning Signup and view all the answers

What is pharmacological pain relief?

Analgesics (NSAIDs & non-opioids, opioids, adjuvants). Signup and view all the answers

What are NSAIDs and non-opioids used for?

They have analgesic/antipyretic effects; available OTC; used for moderate to mild pain. Signup and view all the answers

What are opioids used for?

Pain relievers that contain opium or are chemically related; ordered for moderate to severe pain. Signup and view all the answers

What is Naloxone (Narcan)?

Opiate antagonist that reverses opioid-induced respiratory depression. Signup and view all the answers

What does Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) allow?

Client has control with minimum risk of overdose. Signup and view all the answers

What are anesthetics?

Substances that depress CNS from consciousness to unconsciousness; loss of responsiveness to sensory stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What is basal metabolic rate (BMR)?

Energy needed to maintain life. Signup and view all the answers

What are carbohydrates?

Main source of energy; glucose needed for brain and muscle function. Signup and view all the answers

What role do proteins play in the body?

Essential for growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues. Signup and view all the answers

What are fats?

Triglycerides and fatty acids; saturated or unsaturated. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of body weight is composed of water?

60-70% Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of vitamins?

Essential to normal metabolism; can be fat-soluble or water-soluble. Signup and view all the answers

What are minerals in the context of nutrition?

Inorganic elements essential as catalysts in biochemical reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Free Radical Theory?

Presence of free radicals can cause damage to cells, believed to be reversible by certain products. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nursing Process

Assessment: Involves collecting vital signs, pain levels, and other signs or symptoms of the patient.
Diagnosis: Focuses on nursing diagnoses derived from patient assessments, distinct from medical diagnoses.
Planning: Establishes client-centered, measurable goals (e.g., "client will ambulate 10 meters 3x daily for 2 weeks").
Implementing: Execution of the care plan developed for the patient.
Evaluation: Determines if goals were met, partially met, or not met and assesses the effectiveness of the care plan.

Normal Vital Signs Ranges

Temperature: Normal range is 96.8°F to 100.4°F.
Pulse: Normal pulse rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Respirations: Normal respiratory rate ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
Blood Pressure: Normal range is 100/60 mmHg to 140/90 mmHg.
Pulse Oximetry: Normal oxygen saturation level should be greater than 95%.

Communication Techniques

SOLER: A mnemonic for effective communication: Sit close, Observe, Lean forward, Establish eye contact, Relax.

Pain Management

Types of Pain: Includes acute, chronic, cancer-related pain, inferred pathology pain, and idiopathic pain.
Pain Threshold: Refers to the specific level of stimulus required to perceive pain.
Pain Tolerance: Represents the maximum level of pain a patient can endure without affecting daily activities.
Factors Influencing Pain: Age, fatigue, genetic predisposition, neurological status, social and spiritual contexts, psychological state, and cultural background.

Behavioral Responses to Pain

Observable behaviors may include clenching teeth, holding the painful area, altered posture, grimacing, or moaning; confusion may mask pain response.

Pharmacological Pain Relief

Analgesics: Includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), non-opioids, opioids, and adjuvants for managing pain.
NSAIDs & Non-opioids: Over-the-counter options with analgesic and antipyretic effects; inhibit prostaglandin synthesis; caution due to potential liver toxicity when overdosed.
Opioids: Prescribed for moderate to severe pain; common side effects include respiratory depression, constipation, and altered mental status.
Naloxone (Narcan): An opioid antagonist used to reverse respiratory depression caused by opioid overdose.
Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA): Allows patients to manage their pain medication delivery within safe limits, reducing overdose risk.

Anesthetics

Agents that depress the central nervous system for loss of consciousness and sensory responsiveness; may be general or local.

Nutritional Components

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): The energy required for maintaining basic physiological functions.
Carbohydrates: Primary energy source necessary for brain and muscle function; found in grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Proteins: Crucial for growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissue; derived from amino acids; needs to be balanced.
Fats: Comprised of triglycerides and fatty acids; can be classified as saturated, unsaturated, essential, or nonessential.
Water: Constitutes 60-70% of body weight; essential for cellular function and hydration; illness can increase fluid requirements.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins: Required for normal metabolic processes; categorized into fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) and water-soluble (C and B complex).
Minerals: Inorganic elements vital as catalysts in biochemical reactions; assist in maintaining acid/base balance and oxygen transport.

Free Radical Theory

Suggests that free radicals produced during metabolism can damage cells; some evidence indicates that their effects may be mitigated by antioxidant intake.

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Test your knowledge with this study guide focusing on essential nursing concepts. The flashcards cover key terms such as assessment, diagnosis, planning, and implementation in nursing practice, providing a solid foundation for nursing students. Perfect for reviewing important definitions and improving your nursing skills.