NURSING FLASHCARDS

Elevate your nursing expertise with complete coverage of 15 essential areas:

✅ FUNDAMENTALS

• Medical Terminology, Abbreviations, Prefixes, and Suffixes
• Overview of the Healthcare Delivery System
• Nursing Ethics, Legal Principles, and Professional Responsibility
• The Nursing Process (ADPIE) – Step-by-Step Breakdown
• Infection Prevention: HAIs, Immunity, and Infection Stages
• Infection Control: Precautions, PPE, Asepsis, and Hand Hygiene
• Patient and Nurse Safety, Restraints, and Fire Protocols
• Scope of Practice and Safe Delegation Guidelines
• Clinical Prioritization and Decision-Making Strategies
• Assessment and Interpretation of Vital Signs
• Head-to-Toe Physical Examination Techniques
• Lab Value Cheat Sheets and Memory Shortcuts
• Electrolyte Imbalances: Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphate
• Dosage Calculation Rules, Conversions, and Formulas
• Blood Transfusion Safety and Monitoring Guidelines
• Medication Administration Principles and Best Practices
• Peripheral and Central IV Line Management
• IV Therapy Concepts: ICF, ECF, Osmosis, and Diffusion
• IV Fluid Types: Hypertonic, Isotonic, and Hypotonic Solutions
• IV Therapy Complications and Nursing Interventions
• Pressure Injury Classification, Prevention, and Wound Care
• Skin Assessment: Lesions, Turgor, Color, and Edema Evaluation
• Ambulation Devices: Crutches, Walkers, Canes, and Scale Use
• Patient Positioning and Anatomical Body Planes
• Urinary Elimination: Incontinence, Catheters, and Care Techniques
• Bowel Elimination: Constipation, Diagnostics, and Education
• Nutrition Basics: Macronutrients vs. Micronutrients
• Functions of Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fats, and Cholesterol
• Vitamins and Minerals Overview for Nursing Practice
• Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition Delivery Methods
• Ostomy Types, Stoma Care, and Pouching Systems
• Oxygenation: Lung Sounds, Hypoxia, and Delivery Devices
• Pain Types and Evidence-Based Pain Management
• Therapeutic Communication Strategies in Patient Care
• Temperature Regulation and Malignant Hyperthermia
• Perioperative Nursing Care and Surgical Phases

✅ NEUROLOGICAL

• Overview of the Nervous System
• Neurological Assessment Techniques
• Function and Testing of Cranial Nerves
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive Decline
• Acute Confusion States (Delirium)
• Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident)
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome
• Encephalopathy and Altered Mental Status
• Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Syndromes
• Hydrocephalus and CSF Imbalance
• Elevated Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
• Meningitis and Central Nervous System Infections
• Multiple Sclerosis and Demyelinating Disorders
• Myasthenia Gravis and Neuromuscular Transmission Issues
• Parkinson’s Disease and Motor Dysfunction
• Seizure Disorders and Epilepsy
• Spinal Cord Trauma and Neurological Impairment
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Management of Ventricular Drainage Systems (EVD vs. VP Shunt)

✅ RESPIRATORY

• Overview of Respiratory System Structure and Function
• Respiratory Assessment Techniques and Key Findings
• Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Basics and Interpretation Tips
• ABG Analysis: Respiratory Acidosis vs. Respiratory Alkalosis
• ABG Analysis: Metabolic Acidosis vs. Metabolic Alkalosis
• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Overview
• Asthma Pathophysiology, Triggers, and Management
• Chest Tube Insertion, Maintenance, and Complications
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Essentials
• Pneumothorax vs. Hemothorax – Causes and Interventions
• Pleural Effusion vs. Pulmonary Edema – Key Differences
• Pneumonia Types, Symptoms, and Nursing Care
• Pulmonary Embolism – Risk Factors, Signs, and Treatment
• Tuberculosis Precautions, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
• Upper Respiratory Disorders – Common Conditions and Care

✅ CARDIOVASCULAR

• Overview of Cardiac Anatomy, Chambers, Layers, and Key Terminology
• Cardiac Output and Blood Flow Through the Heart
• Electrical Conduction System and Cardiac Function
• Comprehensive Cardiac Assessment Techniques
• EKG Basics and Step-by-Step Rhythm Interpretation
• Cardiac Rhythms: Sinus, SVT, Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter
• Junctional Rhythms, PVCs vs. PACs, Ventricular Rhythms
• Life-Threatening Rhythms: V-Fib, V-Tach, Asystole
• Defibrillation vs. Cardioversion – When and How to Use
• Heart Blocks – Types, Causes, and Clinical Implications
• Coronary Artery Disease – Risk Factors and Management
• Angina Pectoris – Stable vs. Unstable Presentations
• Myocardial Infarction – Signs, Interventions, and Nursing Care
• Cardiac Tamponade – Assessment and Emergency Response
• Cardiomyopathy – Types and Impact on Cardiac Function
• Infective Endocarditis – Pathophysiology and Nursing Role
• Heart Failure – Left vs. Right-Sided Symptoms and Treatment
• Hypertension – Classification, Complications, and Management
• PAD vs. PVD – Key Differences in Assessment and Care

✅ MUSCULOSKELETAL

• Overview of Musculoskeletal Structure and Function
• Musculoskeletal Assessment Techniques and Key Findings
• Compartment Syndrome – Early Signs and Emergency Response
• Degenerative Disc Disease – Causes and Clinical Impact
• Fractures – Types, Healing Process, and Nursing Care
• Gout – Triggers, Symptoms, and Treatment Overview
• Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis – Key Differences
• Osteomyelitis – Infection, Diagnosis, and Management
• Osteoporosis – Risk Factors, Prevention, and Interventions

✅ GASTROINTESTINAL (GI)

• Overview of the Gastrointestinal System and Its Functions
• GI System Assessment Techniques and Red Flag Symptoms
• Cholecystitis – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
• Pancreatitis – Acute vs. Chronic and Nursing Interventions
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Crohn’s vs. Ulcerative Colitis
• Diverticulitis vs. Diverticulosis – Differences and Management
• GERD, Gastritis, and Peptic Ulcer Disease – Key Comparisons
• Gastrointestinal Bleeds – Upper vs. Lower GI Bleeding
• Hepatitis – Types, Transmission, and Liver Impact
• Cirrhosis – Progression, Symptoms, and Complications
• Acute Liver Failure – Emergency Signs and Supportive Care
• Bowel Obstruction – Causes, Signs, and Nursing Priorities

✅ RENAL / URINARY

• Overview of Renal Function and Urinary Tract Anatomy
• Urinary System Assessment and Key Indicators
• Acute Kidney Injury – Causes, Phases, and Nursing Care
• Chronic Kidney Disease – Stages and Management
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) – Symptoms and Treatment
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – Prevention and Interventions
• Glomerulonephritis – Inflammation, Triggers, and Complications
• Nephrotic Syndrome – Protein Loss and Fluid Imbalance
• Renal Calculi (Kidney Stones) – Risk Factors and Pain Management
• Hemodialysis – Process, Access Sites, and Monitoring
• Peritoneal Dialysis – Procedure, Complications, and Patient Teaching

✅ ENDOCRINE

• Overview of Endocrine Glands and Hormone Regulation
• Key Hormone Functions and Feedback Mechanisms
• Addison’s Disease vs. Cushing’s Syndrome – Hormonal Imbalance
• Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus – Pathophysiology and Care
• Hypoglycemia vs. Hyperglycemia – Signs and Interventions
• DKA vs. HHNS – Critical Differences and Emergency Management
• Hypoparathyroidism vs. Hyperparathyroidism – Calcium Regulation
• Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism – Symptoms and Treatments
• Diabetes Insipidus vs. SIADH – Fluid Balance Disorders
• Pheochromocytoma – Rare Tumor and Hypertensive Crisis

✅ HEMATOLOGY

• Overview of the Hematologic System and Blood Components
• Types of Anemia – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
• Sickle Cell Anemia – Triggers, Crisis Management, and Care
• Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) – Signs and Interventions
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – Risk Factors and Prevention
• Hemophilia – Bleeding Risk and Clotting Factor Replacement
• Thrombocytopenia – Platelet Deficiency and Bleeding Precautions

✅ IMMUNE

• Overview of Immune Function and Immune Response
• General Overview of Cancer and Its Progression
• Types of Cancer – Classification and Key Features
• Cancer Treatments – Chemotherapy, Radiation, and Side Effects
• Leukemia – Types, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
• Lymphoma – Hodgkin’s vs. Non-Hodgkin’s Differences
• Multiple Myeloma – Bone Marrow Involvement and Symptoms
• Polycythemia – Elevated RBCs and Associated Risks
• HIV/AIDS – Transmission, Stages, and Nursing Care
• Lyme Disease – Stages, Diagnosis, and Management
• Psoriasis vs. Eczema – Skin Manifestations and Triggers
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – Autoimmune Effects and Flare Management

✅ CRITICAL CARE

• ACLS vs. BLS – Quick Reference and Key Differences
• Arterial Lines – Purpose, Insertion, and Monitoring
• Mechanical Ventilation – Basics and Nursing Considerations
• Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) – Indications and Process
• Shock Overview – Pathophysiology and Early Recognition
• Hypovolemic, Cardiogenic, and Obstructive Shock – Core Concepts
• Anaphylactic, Septic, and Neurogenic Shock – Distributive Shock Types
• Sepsis – Progression, Early Signs, and Interventions
• Burn Injury Overview – Degrees and Initial Assessment
• Burn Management – Phases, Parkland Formula, and Rule of 9’s
• Trauma and Emergency Nursing – Priorities and Interventions
• Disaster Triage – START System and Priority Codes
• Drug Overdose and Poisoning – Assessment and Emergency Response
• Organ Donation – Ethical Considerations and Nursing Role

✅ MENTAL HEALTH

• Overview of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing
• Mental State Examination – Components and Interpretation
• Common Types of Therapy – CBT, DBT, Group, and More
• ADHD – Characteristics, Diagnosis, and Treatment
• Aggression and Abuse – Identification and Safety Planning
• Anxiety Disorders – Types, Symptoms, and Interventions
• Autism Spectrum Disorder – Communication and Behavioral Support
• Bipolar Disorder – Manic and Depressive Episodes
• Depression – Clinical Presentation and Care Approaches
• Eating Disorders – Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Patterns and Treatment
• Personality Disorders – Clusters and Clinical Features
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Triggers and Coping Strategies
• Schizophrenia – Positive/Negative Symptoms and Medication
• Somatoform Disorders – Physical Symptoms with Psychological Origin
• Substance Use Disorders – Dependence, Withdrawal, and Recovery

✅ OB / MATERNITY

• GTPAL System and Key Maternity Terms
• Contraceptive Methods and Infertility Basics
• Pregnancy Signs and Naegele’s Rule for EDD
• Trimesters and Fetal Growth Milestones
• Physiological Changes During Pregnancy
• Rh Incompatibility – Risks and Prevention
• Placenta Previa – Signs and Nursing Care
• Placental Abruption – Emergency Recognition and Response
• Ectopic Pregnancy – Diagnosis and Risk Management
• Molar Pregnancy (Hydatidiform Mole) – Signs and Follow-Up
• Spontaneous Abortion – Types and Interventions
• Infection-Related Pregnancy Complications (HIV, STIs, GBS, TORCH)
• Medical Complications – Hyperemesis, GDM, Preeclampsia, HELLP
• Stages of Labor – From Onset to Delivery
• True Labor vs. False Labor – Key Differences
• The 5 P’s of Labor – Passenger, Passageway, Powers, Position, Psyche
• Fetal Station and Positioning – Assessment Techniques
• Fetal Heart Tones – Normal Ranges and Variations
• Labor Complications – Cord Prolapse, Dystocia, Meconium, PROM, Precipitous Labor
• Newborn Assessment – APGAR and Immediate Care
• Postpartum Assessment – Recovery and Red Flags
• Postpartum Hemorrhage – Causes and Emergency Interventions
• Newborn Care – Thermoregulation, Feeding, and Routine Procedures

✅ PEDIATRICS

• Pediatric CPR Cheat Sheet – Age-Specific Interventions
• Developmental Milestones – From Infancy to Preschool
• Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development
• Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory
• Pediatric Immunization Schedule – Timelines and Guidelines
• Pediatric Vital Signs – Normal Ranges by Age
• Common Communicable Diseases in Children
• Spina Bifida – Types and Associated Complications
• Bronchiolitis – Signs, Symptoms, and Care
• Croup – Barking Cough and Airway Management
• Epiglottitis – Life-Threatening Airway Emergency
• Otitis Media – Diagnosis and Pain Relief
• Cystic Fibrosis – Respiratory and GI Involvement
• Kawasaki Disease – Diagnosis and Cardiac Risk
• Reye’s Syndrome – Link to Aspirin and Care Priorities
• Scarlet Fever – Rash, Fever, and Strep Connection
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) – Prevention Tips
• Febrile Seizures – Triggers and Parental Education
• Cerebral Palsy – Types and Supportive Care
• Phenylketonuria (PKU) – Screening and Dietary Management
• Muscular Dystrophy – Duchenne vs. Becker Differences
• Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip – Signs and Treatment
• Congenital Heart Defects – TOF, VSD, PDA, HLHS, and More
• Cleft Lip and Palate – Surgical Repair and Feeding Tips
• Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis – Projectile Vomiting and Surgery
• Intussusception – Red Currant Jelly Stool and Intervention
• Hirschsprung Disease – Bowel Obstruction and Surgical Management

✅ PHARMACOLOGY

• Common Drug Prefixes and Suffixes for Quick Identification
• Therapeutic Drug Levels and Antidote Reference Guide
• Emergency Medications – Indications and Rapid Use
• Anticonvulsants – Mechanism of Action and Monitoring
• Anticholinergics vs. Cholinergics – Effects and Uses
• Bronchodilators – Beta-2 Agonists, Anticholinergics, Methylxanthines
• Respiratory Anti-Inflammatories – Steroids, Leukotriene Modifiers, Mast Cell Stabilizers
• Allergy & Secretion Control – Expectorants, Mucolytics, Decongestants, Antihistamines
• Cardiac Pharmacology – Adrenergic Receptors and Cardiac Output
• Adrenergic Blockers – Alpha and Beta Blocker Classes
• RAAS Inhibitors – ACE Inhibitors and ARBs Overview
• Cardiotonic Agents – Digoxin, Milrinone, Dopamine, Dobutamine
• Vasodilators – CCBs, Nitrates, Hydralazine Mechanisms
• Antihyperlipidemics – Statins, Bile Acid Resins, Fibrates
• Diuretics – Loop, Thiazide, Potassium-Sparing, and Osmotic Types
• Anticoagulants – Heparin, Warfarin, DOACs and Monitoring
• Vasopressors – Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, Vasopressin, Phenylephrine
• Acid Suppressants – Antacids, H2 Blockers, PPIs, Sucralfate
• Antibiotics – Overview of Major Classes and Common Uses
• Immunosuppressants – Mechanism and Safety Considerations
• Non-Opioid Analgesics – Types and Indications
• Opioid Analgesics – Dosing, Side Effects, and Antagonists
• Mood Stabilizers – Lithium and Anticonvulsant Options
• Antidepressants – SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, and TCAs
• Anxiolytics – Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Buspirone
• Antipsychotics – Typical vs. Atypical Agents and Side Effects
• Insulin Types – Onset, Peak, Duration, and Clinical Use

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