Alex Ndolo

Fundamentals of Nursing Patient Care, Vital Signs, and Infection Control 2025 Edition Prepared for students in Nursing and Health Sciences 📘 Table of Contents-. Introduction to Nursing Fundamentals Patient Care Basics Measuring Vital Signs Infection Prevention and Control Communication and Patient Safety Sample NCLEX-Style Questions References 1. Introduction to Nursing Fundamentals Nursing is both a science and an art. It involves providing holistic care to individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent illness, and assist in recovery. Core Principles:     Compassionate care Evidence-based practice Patient advocacy Ethical responsibility 2. Patient Care Basics Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):     Bathing and hygiene Feeding and nutrition Mobility and positioning Elimination (toileting) Key Skills:    Bed making Assisting with ambulation Monitoring fluid intake/output 3. Measuring Vital Signs Vital signs are critical indicators of a patient’s physiological status. Vital Sign Temperature Pulse (HR) Respiratory Rate Blood Pressure Oxygen Saturation Normal Range (Adult) 36.5°C – 37.5°C (97.7°F–99.5°F) 60 – 100 bpm 12 – 20 breaths/min 90/60 – 120/80 mmHg 95% – 100% Notes Oral, rectal, axillary methods Check rate, rhythm, strength Observe depth and pattern Use correct cuff size Measured with pulse oximeter 4. Infection Prevention and Control Chain of Infection: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Infectious agent Reservoir Portal of exit Mode of transmission Portal of entry Susceptible host Standard Precautions:     Hand hygiene (before and after patient contact) Use of PPE (gloves, masks, gowns) Safe injection practices Environmental cleaning 5. Communication and Patient Safety Effective Communication:    Use of therapeutic communication techniques Active listening Cultural sensitivity Patient Safety Measures:    Fall prevention Medication safety (5 Rights: right patient, drug, dose, route, time) Proper documentation 6. Sample NCLEX-Style Questions Q1: A nurse is taking a patient’s blood pressure and records 140/90 mmHg. What is the best interpretation? 1. 2. 3. 4. Normal Hypotension Prehypertension Hypertension ✅ Answer: D. Hypertension Q2: Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection? 1. 2. 3. 4. Wearing gloves Using hand sanitizer Handwashing with soap and water Wearing a face mask ✅ Answer: C. Handwashing with soap and water 7. References    Potter & Perry’s Fundamentals of Nursing, 10th Edition World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines on Infection Control NCLEX-RN Test Plan (2025)