Study Guide to Accompany Fundamentals of Nursing

Fundamentals of Nursing” cover the essential principles, skills, and procedures for providing safe and compassionate patient care. This includes mastering the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation) and learning core skills like patient assessment, medication administration, infection control, and hygiene. It also involves understanding physiological needs, professional responsibilities like ethics and legalities, and patient advocacy. 

Core components

• The nursing process: A systematic framework for patient care, often remembered with the acronym ADPIE:
• Assessment: Gathering patient data.
• Diagnosis: Identifying the patient's nursing needs.
• Planning: Developing a plan to meet those needs.
• Implementation: Carrying out the plan.
• Evaluation: Assessing the patient's progress and modifying the plan as needed.
• Physiological care: Administering care for basic needs, including:
• Oxygenation, fluid/electrolyte balance, and nutrition.
• Wound care, mobility, and elimination.
• Medication administration and IV therapy.
• Infection control and safety:
• Implementing asepsis and infection control practices.
• Ensuring patient safety through proper procedures and the "five rights of delegation".
• Professional and ethical responsibilities:
• Patient advocacy and effective communication.
• Understanding legal and ethical standards, such as patient rights and confidentiality (HIPAA).
• Recognizing and managing one's own well-being to prevent burnout.
• Patient and family-centered care:
• Providing culturally sensitive care.
• Teaching patients and families about health literacy and care.
• Assisting with developmental stages and supporting spiritual well-being.