Fundamentals of Nursing

by OpenStax

Fundamentals of Nursing aligns with the outcomes and competencies of a nursing fundamentals course. It is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and practical expertise essential for delivering holistic and patient-centered care. The authors emphasize the application of clinical judgment across diverse healthcare environments, ensuring readiness to deliver high-quality, compassionate care in an inclusive and supportive manner.

Description from LibreTexts.

Subjects: Medicine, Nursing
Licence: CC BY 4.0, as LibreTexts states it
Who can read: Teens profiles and older, judged from its title and subjects

LibreTexts writes equations in TeX, and here they show as TeX; the PDF has them typeset.

Front Matter
TitlePage
InfoPage
Table of Contents
Licensing
1: Introduction to the Nursing Profession- Evolution, Theories, and Practice
1.0: Introduction
1.1: Evolution of Nursing and Nursing Practice
1.2: Nursing Education Programs
1.3: Nursing as a Profession
1.4: History and Evolution of Nursing Theories
1.5: Selected Nursing Theorist
1.6: Application of Theories in Nursing Practice
1.7: Summary
1.8: Key Terms
1.9: Assessments
1.9.0: Review Questions
1.9.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
1.9.2: Reflection Questions
1.9.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
1.9.4: Competency-Based Assessments
1.10: References
2: Communication
2.0: Introduction
2.1: Types of Communication
2.2: Models of Communication
2.3: Effective Communication
2.4: Therapeutic Communication
2.5: Barriers to Communication
2.6: Summary
2.7: Key Terms
2.8: Assessments
2.8.0: Review Questions
2.8.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
2.8.2: Reflection Questions
2.8.3: Critical-Thinking Questions about Case Studies
2.8.4: What Should the Nurse Do?
2.8.5: Competency-Based Assessments
2.9: References
3: Healthcare Delivery Systems
3.0: Introduction
3.1: Levels of Care
3.2: Organizational Frameworks and Structure
3.3: Barriers to Healthcare Access
3.4: Culture
3.5: Summary
3.6: Key Terms
3.7: Assessments
3.7.0: Review Questions
3.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
3.7.2: Reflection Questions
3.7.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
3.7.4: Competency-Based Assessments
3.8: References
4: Health, Wellness, and Community-Based Health Care
4.0: Introduction
4.1: Defining Health and Wellness
4.2: Models of Health
4.3: Health Promotion and Illness Prevention
4.4: Community-Based Health Care
4.5: Community-Based Healthcare Initiatives
4.6: Population Health
4.7: Summary
4.8: Key Terms
4.9: Assessments
4.9.0: Review Questions
4.9.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
4.9.2: Reflection Questions
4.9.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
4.9.4: Competency-Based Assessments
4.10: References
5: Cultural Competence
5.0: Introduction
5.1: Understanding Cultural Differences
5.2: Ethical Practice in Culture and Diversity
5.3: Cultural Practice in Nursing
5.4: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
5.5: Summary
5.6: Key Terms
5.7: Assessments
5.7.0: Review Questions
5.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
5.7.2: Reflection Questions
5.7.3: Critical-Thinking Questions about Case Studies
5.7.4: What Should the Nurse Do?
5.7.5: Competency-Based Assessments
5.8: References
6: Promoting Individualized Care
6.0: Introduction
6.1: Patient-Centered and Holistic Health Care
6.2: Foundations for Providing Person-Centered Care
6.3: Summary
6.4: Key Terms
6.5: Assessments
6.5.0: Review Questions
6.5.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
6.5.2: Reflection Questions
6.5.3: Critical-Thinking Questions about Case Studies
6.5.4: What Should the Nurse Do?
6.5.5: Competency-Based Assessments
6.6: References
7: Vital Signs
7.0: Introduction
7.1: Indicators of Physiologic Functioning
7.2: How to Perform Vital Signs
7.3: Teaching Patients to Perform Vital Signs
7.4: Summary
7.5: Key Terms
7.6: Assessments
7.6.0: Review Questions
7.6.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
7.6.2: Reflection Questions
7.6.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
7.6.4: Competency-Based Assessments
7.7: References
8: Admission, Transfer, and Discharge
8.0: Introduction
8.1: Patient Admission
8.2: Patient Transfer
8.3: Patient Discharge
8.4: Summary
8.5: Key Terms
8.6: Assessments
8.6.0: Review Questions
8.6.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
8.6.2: Reflection Questions
8.6.3: Critical-Thinking Questions about Case Studies
8.6.4: What Should the Nurse Do?
8.6.5: Competency-Based Assessments
8.7: References
9: Safety and Security
9.0: Introduction
9.1: Safety- Individual and Environmental
9.2: Safety- Violence
9.3: Security- Privacy and Informatics
9.4: Summary
9.5: Key Terms
9.6: Assessments
9.6.0: Review Questions
9.6.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
9.6.2: Reflection Questions
9.6.3: Critical-Thinking Questions about Case Studies
9.6.4: What Should the Nurse Do?
9.6.5: Competency-Based Assessments
9.7: References
10: Infection Control and Prevention
10.0: Introduction
10.1: Infection Cycle
10.2: Asepsis and PPE
10.3: Sterile Technique
10.4: Infection Control and Patient Safety
10.5: Summary
10.6: Key Terms
10.7: Assessments
10.7.0: Review Questions
10.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
10.7.2: Reflection Questions
10.7.3: Critical-Thinking Questions about Case Studies
10.7.4: What Should the Nurse Do?
10.7.5: Competency-Based Assessments
10.8: References
11: Medication Administration
11.0: Introduction
11.1: Medication Orders
11.2: Fundamental Principles of Medication Administration
11.3: The Medication Administration Process
11.4: Summary
11.5: Key Terms
11.6: Assessments
11.6.0: Review Questions
11.6.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
11.6.2: Reflection Questions
11.6.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
11.6.4: Competency-Based Assessments
11.7: References
12: Assessment - Recognizing Cues
12.0: Introduction
12.1: The Nurse’s Role in Assessment
12.2: Types of Assessment
12.3: Collection of Assessment Data
12.4: Cognitive Process for Analyzing Assessment Data
12.5: Summary
12.6: Key Terms
12.7: Assessments
12.7.0: Review Questions
12.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
12.7.2: Reflection Questions
12.7.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
12.7.4: Competency-Based Assessments
12.8: References
13: Diagnosis and Planning - Analyzing, Prioritizing, and Generating Solutions
13.0: Introduction
13.1: Evolution of Nursing Diagnosis
13.2: Focus of Nursing Diagnosis
13.3: Categories of Nursing Diagnosis
13.4: Focus of the Planning Phase
13.5: Summary
13.6: Key Terms
13.7: Assessments
13.7.0: Review Questions
13.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
13.7.2: Reflection Questions
13.7.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
13.7.4: Competency-Based Assessments
13.8: References
14: Implementation and Evaluation - Taking Action, Evaluating Outcomes, and Documentation
14.0: Introduction
14.1: The Nurse’s Role in Implementation
14.2: Types of Interventions
14.3: The Nurse’s Role in Evaluation
14.4: Evaluation Methods
14.5: Guidelines for Effective Documentation
14.6: Summary
14.7: Key Terms
14.8: Assessments
14.8.0: Review Questions
14.8.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
14.8.2: Reflection Questions
14.8.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
14.8.4: Competency-Based Assessments
14.9: References
15: Evidence-Based Research, Quality Improvement, and Collaborative Practice
15.0: Introduction
15.1: Evidence-Based Research
15.2: Evidence-Based Clinical Decisions
15.3: Quality Improvement in Nursing
15.4: Nursing Standards of Delegation
15.5: Collaborative Practice
15.6: Interprofessional Approach to Health Care
15.7: Summary
15.8: Key Terms
15.9: Assessments
15.9.0: Review Questions
15.9.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
15.9.2: Reflection Questions
15.9.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
15.9.4: Competency-Based Assessments
15.10: References
16: Legal and Ethical Considerations
16.0: Introduction
16.1: Value Considerations of Care
16.2: Ethics in Nursing Practice
16.3: Legal Dimensions of Care
16.4: Advocacy in Nursing Practice
16.5: Summary
16.6: Key Terms
16.7: Assessments
16.7.0: Review Questions
16.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
16.7.2: Reflection Questions
16.7.3: Critical-Thinking Questions about Case Studies
16.7.4: What Should the Nurse Do?
16.7.5: Competency-Based Assessments
16.8: References
17: Patient and Family Education
17.0: Introduction
17.1: Informed Decision Making and Self-Care
17.2: Methods and Approaches to Learning and Teaching
17.3: The Nurse’s Role in Patient and Family Education
17.4: Evaluation of Teaching and Learning
17.5: Summary
17.6: Key Terms
17.7: Assessments
17.7.0: Review Questions
17.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
17.7.2: Reflection Questions
17.7.3: Critical-Thinking Questions about Case Studies
17.7.4: What Should the Nurse Do?
17.7.5: Competency-Based Assessments
17.8: References
18: Leadership and Management in Nursing
18.0: Introduction
18.1: Concepts of Leadership in Nursing
18.2: Concepts of Management in Nursing
18.3: Implementing Leadership and Management into Nursing Practice
18.4: Certifications for Nurse Leaders and Managers
18.5: Summary
18.6: Key Terms
18.7: Assessments
18.7.0: Review Questions
18.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
18.7.2: Reflection Questions
18.7.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
18.7.4: Competency-Based Assessments
18.8: References
19: Oxygenation and Perfusion
19.0: Introduction
19.1: Respiratory System
19.2: Cardiovascular System
19.3: Factors Affecting Cardiopulmonary Function
19.4: Management of Impaired Cardiopulmonary Functioning
19.5: Summary
19.6: Key Terms
19.7: Assessments
19.7.0: Review Questions
19.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
19.7.2: Reflection Questions
19.7.3: Critical-Thinking Questions about Case Studies
19.7.4: What Should the Nurse Do?
19.7.5: Competency-Based Assessments
19.8: References
20: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
20.0: Introduction
20.1: Fluid and Electrolyte Balances
20.2: Acid-Base Balances
20.3: The Nurse’s Role in Patient Care Management
20.4: Summary
20.5: Key Terms
20.6: Assessments
20.6.0: Review Questions
20.6.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
20.6.2: Reflection Questions
20.6.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
20.6.4: Competency-Based Assessments
20.7: References
21: Nutrition
21.0: Introduction
21.1: Nutritional Concepts
21.2: Factors Affecting Nutrition
21.3: Specialized Diets
21.4: Nutritional Assessment
21.5: Summary
21.6: Key Terms
21.7: Assessments
21.7.0: Review Questions
21.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
21.7.2: Reflection Questions
21.7.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
21.7.4: Competency-Based Assessments
21.8: References
22: Activity
22.0: Introduction
22.1: Importance of Activity, Movement, and Alignment
22.2: Factors Affecting Activity Level
22.3: Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
22.4: Summary
22.5: Key Terms
22.6: Assessments
22.6.0: Review Questions
22.6.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
22.6.2: Reflection Questions
22.6.3: Critical-Thinking Questions about Case Studies
22.6.4: What Should the Nurse Do?
22.6.5: Competency-Based Assessments
22.7: References
23: Neuromuscular Function
23.0: Introduction
23.1: Foundations of Neuromuscular Functioning
23.2: Factors Affecting Neuromuscular Functioning
23.3: Considerations for Care of Neuromuscular Impairment
23.4: Summary
23.5: Key Terms
23.6: Assessments
23.6.0: Review Questions
23.6.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
23.6.2: Reflection Questions
23.6.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
23.6.4: Competency-Based Assessments
23.7: References
24: Skin Integrity
24.0: Introduction
24.1: Structures and Function of the Skin
24.2: Skin Integrity
24.3: Wound Classification
24.4: Wound Healing
24.5: Summary
24.6: Key Terms
24.7: Assessments
24.7.0: Review Questions
24.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
24.7.2: Reflection Questions
24.7.3: Critical-Thinking Questions about Case Studies
24.7.4: What Should the Nurse Do?
24.7.5: Competency-Based Assessments
24.8: References
25: Hygiene
25.0: Introduction
25.1: Hygienic Practices
25.2: Factors Affecting Hygienic Practices
25.3: The Nurse’s Role in Hygiene
25.4: Summary
25.5: Key Terms
25.6: Assessments
25.6.0: Review Questions
25.6.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
25.6.2: Reflection Questions
25.6.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
25.6.4: Competency-Based Assessments
25.7: References
26: Urinary Elimination
26.0: Introduction
26.1: Urinary System
26.2: Functions of the Urinary System
26.3: Factors Affecting Urinary Elimination
26.4: The Nurse’s Role in Urinary Elimination
26.5: Summary
26.6: Key Terms
26.7: Assessments
26.7.0: Review Questions
26.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
26.7.2: Reflection Questions
26.7.3: Critical-Thinking Questions about Case Studies
26.7.4: What Should the Nurse Do?
26.7.5: Competency-Based Assessments
26.8: References
27: Bowel Elimination
27.0: Introduction
27.1: Gastrointestinal Tract Structures and Functions
27.2: Factors Affecting Bowel Elimination
27.3: Diagnostic Evaluation
27.4: Common Conditions Affecting Bowel Elimination
27.5: Summary
27.6: Key Terms
27.7: Assessments
27.7.0: Review Questions
27.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
27.7.2: Reflection Questions
27.7.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
27.7.4: Competency-Based Assessments
27.8: References
28: Sleep and Rest
28.0: Introduction
28.1: Concepts of Sleep and Rest
28.2: Factors Affecting Sleep and Rest
28.3: Effects of Insufficient Sleep
28.4: Nursing Care to Promote Sleep and Rest
28.5: Summary
28.6: Key Terms
28.7: Assessments
28.7.0: Review Questions
28.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
28.7.2: Reflection Questions
28.7.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
28.7.4: Competency-Based Assessments
28.8: References
29: Sensory Alterations
29.0: Introduction
29.1: Sensory Functioning
29.2: Impaired Sensory Function
29.3: Factors Affecting Sensory Function
29.4: Summary
29.5: Key Terms
29.6: Assessments
29.6.0: Review Questions
29.6.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
29.6.2: Reflection Questions
29.6.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
29.6.4: Competency-Based Assessments
29.7: References
30: Pain Assessment
30.0: Introduction
30.1: The Pain Process
30.2: Responses to Pain
30.3: Factors Affecting Pain
30.4: Pain Assessment
30.5: Pain Management
30.6: Summary
30.7: Key Terms
30.8: Assessments
30.8.0: Review Questions
30.8.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
30.8.2: Reflection Questions
30.8.3: Critical-Thinking Questions about Case Studies
30.8.4: What Should the Nurse Do?
30.8.5: Competency-Based Assessments
30.9: References
31: Perioperative Nursing Care
31.0: Introduction
31.1: Surgical Concepts
31.2: Preoperative Phase
31.3: Intraoperative Phase
31.4: Postoperative Phase
31.5: Summary
31.6: Key Terms
31.7: Assessments
31.7.0: Review Questions
31.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
31.7.2: Reflection Questions
31.7.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
31.7.4: Competency-Based Assessments
31.8: References
32: Self-Concept
32.0: Introduction
32.1: Foundations of Self-Concept
32.2: Factors Affecting Self-Concept
32.3: Summary
32.4: Key Terms
32.5: Assessments
32.5.0: Review Questions
32.5.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
32.5.2: Reflection Questions
32.5.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
32.5.4: Competency-Based Assessments
32.6: References
33: Sexuality
33.0: Introduction
33.1: Sexual Identity
33.2: Sexual Fulfillment
33.3: Factors Affecting Sexuality
33.4: The Nurse’s Role in Providing Care
33.5: Summary
33.6: Key Terms
33.7: Assessments
33.7.0: Review Questions
33.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
33.7.2: Reflection Questions
33.7.3: Critical-Thinking Questions about Case Studies
33.7.4: What Should the Nurse Do?
33.7.5: Competency-Based Assessments
33.8: References
34: Stress, Adaptation, and Homeostasis
34.0: Introduction
34.1: Stress and Adaptation
34.2: Effects of Stress on Health and Wellness
34.3: Factors Affecting Stress and Adaptation
34.4: Adaptation Theories and Models
34.5: Summary
34.6: Key Terms
34.7: Assessments
34.7.0: Review Questions
34.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
34.7.2: Reflection Questions
34.7.3: Critical-Thinking Questions about Case Studies
34.7.4: What Should the Nurse Do?
34.7.5: Competency-Based Assessments
34.8: References
35: Spirituality
35.0: Introduction
35.1: Dimensions of Spirituality
35.2: Applications of Spirituality to Health Care
35.3: Summary
35.4: Key Terms
35.5: Assessments
35.5.0: Review Questions
35.5.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
35.5.2: Reflection Questions
35.5.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
35.5.4: Competency-Based Assessments
35.6: References
36: Grief, Loss, Death, and Dying
36.0: Introduction
36.1: Concepts of Grief and Loss
36.2: Concepts of Death and Dying
36.3: Factors That Affect Grief, Loss, Death, and Dying
36.4: Legal and Ethical Considerations
36.5: Summary
36.6: Key Terms
36.7: Assessments
36.7.0: Review Questions
36.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
36.7.2: Reflection Questions
36.7.3: Critical-Thinking Questions about Case Studies
36.7.4: What Should the Nurse Do?
36.7.5: Competency-Based Assessments
36.8: References
37: Family Dynamics
37.0: Introduction
37.1: Family Concepts
37.2: Family Framework
37.3: Family Dynamics Influence on Health Outcomes
37.4: The Nurse’s Role in Caring for the Family Unit
37.5: Summary
37.6: Key Terms
37.7: Assessments
37.7.0: Review Questions
37.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
37.7.2: Reflection Questions
37.7.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
37.7.4: Competency-Based Assessments
37.8: References
38: Growth and Development
38.0: Introduction
38.1: Stages of Growth and Development
38.2: Specific Developmental Theories
38.3: Application to Care
38.4: Summary
38.5: Key Terms
38.6: Assessments
38.6.0: Review Questions
38.6.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
38.6.2: Reflection Questions
38.6.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
38.6.4: Competency-Based Assessments
38.7: References
39: Conception Through Adolescence
39.0: Introduction
39.1: Growth and Development Stages
39.2: Theories Related to Growth and Development
39.3: Health Risks for Each Stage
39.4: The Nurse’s Role in Preventing Illness
39.5: Summary
39.6: Key Terms
39.7: Assessments
39.7.0: Review Questions
39.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
39.7.2: Reflection Questions
39.7.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
39.7.4: Competency-Based Assessments
39.8: References
40: Young and Middle-Aged Adults
40.0: Introduction
40.1: Growth and Development Stages
40.2: Theories Related to Growth and Development
40.3: Health Risks for Young and Middle-Aged Adults
40.4: The Nurse’s Role in Preventing Illness
40.5: Summary
40.6: Key Terms
40.7: Assessments
40.7.0: Review Questions
40.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
40.7.2: Reflection Questions
40.7.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
40.7.4: Competency-Based Assessments
40.8: References
41: Older Adults
41.0: Introduction
41.1: Growth and Development Stages
41.2: Theories Related to the Older Adult
41.3: Health Risks for Older Adults
41.4: The Nurse’s Role in Preventing Illness
41.5: Summary
41.6: Summary
41.7: Assessments
41.7.0: Review Questions
41.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
41.7.2: Reflection Questions
41.7.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
41.7.4: Competency-Based Assessments
41.8: References
42: Caring for Patients with Disability and Chronic Illness
42.0: Introduction
42.1: Characteristics of Disability
42.2: Healthcare Approach to Disability
42.3: Chronic Disease and Chronic Illness
42.4: Healthcare Approach to Chronic Conditions
42.5: Summary
42.6: Key Terms
42.7: Assessments
42.7.0: Review Questions
42.7.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
42.7.2: Reflection Questions
42.7.3: What Should the Nurse Do?
42.7.4: Competency-Based Assessments
42.8: References
43: Clinical Judgment and Critical Thinking
43.0: Introduction
43.1: Clinical Judgment Measure Model
43.2: Developing Critical Thinking
43.3: Unfolding Case Study Dissection
43.4: Summary
43.5: Key Terms
43.6: Assessments
43.6.0: Review Questions
43.6.1: Check Your Understanding Questions
43.6.2: Reflection Questions
43.6.3: Competency-Based Assessments
43.7: References
44: Appendix
44.0: Appendix A- Adult Lab Values
44.1: Appendix B- Equivalents
45: Answer Key
45.0: Chapter 2
45.1: Chapter 5
45.2: Chapter 6
45.3: Chapter 8
45.4: Chapter 9
45.5: Chapter 10
45.6: Chapter 16
45.7: Chapter 17
45.8: Chapter 19
45.9: Chapter 22
45.10: Chapter 24
45.11: Chapter 26
45.12: Chapter 30
45.13: Chapter 33
45.14: Chapter 34
45.15: Chapter 36
Back Matter
Index
Glossary
Detailed Licensing
Detailed Licensing

Fundamentals of Nursing

Contents