Fundamental Concepts and Skills for Nursing

Professor Patricia A. Williams works in the Department of Nursing at De Anza College, Cupertino, California.

• UNIT I INTRODUCTION TO NURSING AND THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM1. Nursing and the Health Care System2. Concepts of Health, Illness, Stress, and Health Promotion3. Legal and Ethical Aspects of NursingUNIT II THE NURSING PROCESS4. The Nursing Process, Critical Thinking, and Clinical Judgment5. Assessment, Data Analysis/Problem Identification, and Planning6. Implementation and EvaluationUNIT III COMMUNICATION IN NURSING7. Documentation of Nursing Care8. Communication and the Nurse-Patient Relationship9. Patient Education and Health Promotion10. Delegation, Leadership, and ManagementUNIT IV DEVELOPMENTAL, PSYCHOSOCIAL, AND CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS11. Growth and Development: Infancy Through Adolescence12. Adulthood and the Family13. Promoting Healthy Adaptation to Aging14. Cultural and Spiritual Aspects of Patient Care15. Sexuality and Patient Care16. Loss, Grief, and End-of-Life CareUNIT V BASIC NURSING SKILLS17. Infection Prevention and Control: Protective Mechanisms and Asepsis18. Infection Prevention and Control in the Hospital and Home19. Safely Lifting, Moving, and Positioning Patients20. Assisting With Hygiene, Personal Care, Skin Care, and the Prevention of Pressure Injuries21. Patient Environment and Safety22. Measuring Vital Signs23. Assessing Health Status24. Admitting, Transferring, and Discharging Patients25. Diagnostic Tests and Specimen CollectionUNIT VI MEETING BASIC PHYSIOLOGIC NEEDS26. Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance27. Concepts of Basic Nutrition and Cultural Considerations28. Nutritional Therapy and Assisted Feeding29. Assisting With Respiration and Oxygen Delivery30. Promoting Urinary Elimination31. Promoting Bowel Elimination32. Pain, Comfort, and Sleep33. Integrative Health ApproachesUNIT VII MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION34. Pharmacology and Preparation for Drug Administration35. Administering Oral, Topical, and Inhalant Medications36. Administering Intradermal, Subcutaneous, and Intramuscular Injections37. Administering Intravenous Solutions and MedicationsUNIT VIII CARE OF THE SURGICAL AND IMMOBILE PATIENT38. Care of the Surgical Patient39. Providing Wound Care and Treating Pressure Injuries40. Promoting Musculoskeletal FunctionUNIT IX CARING FOR OLDER ADULTS41. Common Physical Care Problems of the Older Adult42. Common Psychosocial Care Problems of the Older AdultAppendixA. Standard Steps for All Nursing ProceduresB. Standards of Practice and Educational Competencies of Graduates of Practical/Vocational Nursing ProgramsC. American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for NursesD. Standard PrecautionsE. Most Common Laboratory Test Values