Nursing Fundamentals is the first semester of information that you will
learn in the ADN program at WNMU. This course covers the history of the
nursing profession and much of the basics that you will need to know to
operate as a nurse in almost any medical facility.
The main skill learned is how to administrate medications.
Most weeks will include a test over the following weeks material, so
I will breakdown the material that is covered week by week. This is based on
past years teaching of this class and of course the professors teaching this
class will be different and the material will change as the book has been
changed this year (2010). Your milage may vary, but hopefully if you study
this material before the course begins,
you will have a good idea of what you know that they are talking about, and
what you don't know and need to pay special attention to!
In previous years this course used the book "Fundamentals of Nursing" by
Potter & Perry. When I identify chapters for review or study on this page,
they are from this book unless otherwise stated.
Week 1
Week 1 chapters 1, 5, 6 & 9. The topics include Research & ethics including the Tuskegee Experiment, health & wellness, cultural and etnicity issues in nursing.
Chapter 5 - Nursing Research
Chapter 6 - Health and Wellness
Chapter 9 - Culture and Ethnicity
Study Guide
Week 2
Week 2 covers how to perform a physical assessment.
Chapter 32 - Vital Signs
Chapter 33 - Physical Assessment
Study Guide
Week 3
Week 3 covers chapters 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, & 20. The main topics are
evaluating and planning, critical thinking, nursing diagnosis, and caring.
Chapter 9 - Culture and Ethnicity
Chapter 10 - Family
Chapters 15, 16, & 17 - Nursing Process, Critical Thinking, Assessment & Nursing Diagnosis
Chapter 14 - Older Adults
Week 4
Week 4 covers chapters 22-25. More material on ethics, legal, communication and client education are discussed.
Week 5
Week 5 covers asepsis, medical/surgical, etc.
Week 6
During this week med administration is discussed.
Week 7
I'm still looking for this material...
Week 8
This weeks topics are foley/catheters, tubes, O2 admin, etc.
Week 9
Chapters 38 & 49 are discussed. The topics are client safety, sensory
alterations, skin assessment, etc.
Week 10
This weeks topic is mobility.
Week 11
Another unknown week
Week 12
Fluids and electrolytes are discussed....
Week 13
During this week chapters 42-44 are covered. Topics include: sleep, pain
management and nutrition.
Week 14
Bowel and urinary issues are discussed.
Week 15
Final unknown....
Week 16
Chapters 27 & 30 are covered. Topics include: self concept, sexuality, spiritual health and grief.
Final Exam
The final is going to be over all of the material, so it's best to just go over all of the study guides.....