Fundamentals Study Notes

Bowel elimination involves the physical and chemical processes of waste excretion from the gastrointestinal tract. Nurses must assess bowel sounds, frequency, and stool characteristics to determine gastrointestinal health. Interventions often focus on maintaining regularity, managing incontinence, and providing ostomy care.

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Mobility and body mechanics focus on the safe movement of both the nurse and the patient to prevent injury. Nurses assess the patient's ability to move, provide assistance with transfers, and implement interventions to prevent the hazards of immobility. Maintaining proper body alignment is essential for respiratory and circulatory function.

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Infection control involves practices aimed at preventing the spread of microorganisms in healthcare settings. It is based on the principles of medical and surgical asepsis and the implementation of standard and transmission-based precautions. Protecting the patient and the healthcare worker is the primary goal of these interventions.

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Patient safety and restraints focus on maintaining a secure environment while protecting patient rights. Restraints are physical or chemical means used to limit a patient's movement to prevent harm to themselves or others. Nursing practice emphasizes using the least restrictive environment and strictly following legal and ethical guidelines.

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Pain management is a critical component of nursing care, focusing on the assessment and relief of physical suffering. Because pain is a subjective experience, the patient's self-report is the most reliable indicator. Effective management combines pharmacological treatments with non-pharmacological comfort measures to improve quality of life.

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Fluid and electrolyte balance is essential for maintaining physiological functions such as nerve conduction and muscle contraction. Nurses must understand how water and solutes move between compartments to identify imbalances. Monitoring lab values and clinical signs allows for early intervention in potentially life-threatening conditions.

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