Nursing Fundamentals is one of the core study topics in our Medicine catalog. This page gathers the essentials: what the topic covers, the key concepts and
terminology, worked examples and exam-style questions — everything also available as 218 companion flashcards for spaced-repetition practice.
Main questions this page answers:
- Normal adult oral temperature range in °C
- Normal adult resting respiratory rate
- Normal adult resting heart rate
- Normal adult blood pressure range
- Order of vital sign assessment
- Best site for infant blood pressure
- What does a pulse oximeter measure?
- How long to count a pulse if irregular?
Normal adult oral temperature range in °C
Approximately 36.1°C to 37.2°C (97.0°F to 99.0°F). Average is 37.0°C (98.6°F). Values above 38.0°C (100.4°F) typically indicate fever.
Z-track IM injection purpose
Prevents tracking of medication through subcutaneous tissue, which can cause staining or irritation. Used for irritating drugs like iron dextran; technique displaces skin laterally.
SBAR communication format
Situation (what is happening), Background (relevant history), Assessment (your clinical impression), Recommendation (what you need). Standardizes nurse-to-provider handoffs.
Eye/face protection PPE indications
Wear during procedures likely to generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions (suctioning, wound irrigation, airway management, surgery).
Normal adult oral temperature range in Fahrenheit?
97.5°F to 99.5°F (average 98.6°F). Values above 100.4°F typically indicate fever; hypothermia is below 95°F. Rectal readings run ~0.5–1°F higher, axillary ~0.5–1°F lower.
Normal adult MAP (mean arterial pressure) value and calculation?
Normal MAP is 70-100 mmHg. Calculation: MAP = (SBP + 2×DBP) ÷ 3. MAP reflects perfusion pressure to organs; values
First-line treatment for hypernatremia?
Treat underlying cause and replace water gradually. Use hypotonic IV fluids (D5W or 0.45% NS) slowly to avoid cerebral edema. Sodium should not decrease faster than 0.5 mEq/L per hour.
Kussmaul respirations: description and significance?
Kussmaul breathing is deep, rapid, and labored respirations (>20/min) without pauses. Classic compensatory response to metabolic acidosis, especially diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and renal failure.
Routes of medication administration abbreviations?
PO (by mouth), IV (intravenous), IM (intramuscular), SC/SQ (subcutaneous), ID (intradermal), SL (sublingual), PR (rectal), PV (vaginal), IN (intranasal), IT (intrathecal), Neb (nebulizer), GT (gastrostomy tube).
What is the normal adult respiratory rate?
12–20 breaths per minute. Bradypnea 20 require further assessment; always count a full 60 seconds for accuracy.