Unit 1347 Comprehensive Outline

1. Anatomy and Physiology

1.1 Introduction to Human Body Structure

• Levels of organization: cells, tissues, organs, systems
• Anatomical terminology: planes, directions, positions

1.2 Major Organ Systems

• Cardiovascular system
• Respiratory system
• Digestive system
• Nervous system
• Musculoskeletal system
• Urinary system
• Endocrine system
• Immune system

1.3 Physiological Processes

• Homeostasis
• Circulation and respiration
• Digestion and metabolism
• Neurotransmission and muscle contraction

2. Patient Assessment

2.1 Health History Taking

• Components: chief complaint, past medical history, family history, social history
• Effective communication techniques

2.2 Physical Examination

• Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
• Systematic examination by body system

2.3 Assessment Tools and Documentation

• Use of assessment forms and checklists
• Electronic health records basics

3. Vital Signs Monitoring

3.1 Temperature Measurement

• Methods: oral, tympanic, axillary, rectal
• Normal ranges and factors affecting temperature

3.2 Pulse Assessment

• Pulse sites, rate, rhythm, and strength
• Recognizing abnormalities

3.3 Respiratory Rate

• Counting techniques
• Normal ranges and deviations

3.4 Blood Pressure Monitoring

• Sphygmomanometer use
• Understanding systolic and diastolic values
• Hypertension and hypotension implications

4. Infection Control and Prevention

4.1 Principles of Infection Control

• Chain of infection
• Standard precautions

4.2 Hand Hygiene

• Techniques and timing

4.3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Types and correct usage

4.4 Isolation Precautions

• Contact, droplet, airborne precautions

4.5 Cleaning and Handling Medical Equipment

• Sterilization and disinfection protocols

5. Medication Administration

5.1 Principles of Safe Medication Use

• The 'Five Rights': right patient, drug, dose, route, time

5.2 Dosage Calculations

• Basic math skills and formulae

5.3 Routes of Administration

• Oral, topical, inhalation, injection, etc.

5.4 Medication Interactions and Side Effects

5.5 Documentation and Reporting

6. Wound Care and Dressing Changes

6.1 Wound Assessment

• Types of wounds
• Signs of infection and complications

6.2 Wound Cleaning Techniques

6.3 Dressing Selection and Application

• Types of dressings and their indications

6.4 Stages of Wound Healing

6.5 Preventing Wound Complications

7. Patient Hygiene and Comfort

7.1 Bathing and Skin Care

• Methods and frequency
• Pressure sore prevention

7.2 Oral Care

• Techniques and importance

7.3 Promoting Comfort

• Positioning techniques
• Environmental considerations: noise, lighting, temperature

8. Nutrition and Fluid Balance

8.1 Nutritional Needs in Patient Care

• Macronutrients and micronutrients
• Special dietary considerations

8.2 Assessing Dietary Needs

• Nutritional screening tools

8.3 Monitoring Fluid Intake and Output

• Importance and recording methods

8.4 Recognizing Malnutrition and Dehydration

• Signs and symptoms

9. Patient Mobility and Transfers

9.1 Principles of Safe Patient Handling

• Body mechanics for caregivers

9.2 Transfer Techniques

• Bed to chair, chair to bed, use of transfer aids

9.3 Use of Assistive Devices

• Walkers, canes, wheelchairs

9.4 Injury Prevention

• Preventing falls and musculoskeletal injuries

9.5 Promoting Patient Independence

10. Ethical and Legal Issues in Nursing

10.1 Patient Confidentiality

• Legal frameworks and best practices

10.2 Informed Consent

• Process and documentation

10.3 Advocacy and Patient Rights

10.4 End-of-Life Care

• Ethical considerations and cultural sensitivities

10.5 Professional Boundaries

• Maintaining ethical nurse-patient relationships