1. Introduction
Foundations of Nursing Skills is a core course in nursing education that equips students with essential knowledge, attitudes, and technical skills required for safe, effective, and compassionate patient care. It emphasizes the integration of theory and practice, preparing students to function as competent members of the healthcare team. The course covers fundamental concepts such as infection control, communication, patient safety, basic procedures, documentation, and professional ethics.

2. Role of the Nurse
Caregiver: Provides holistic care addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

Advocate: Protects patient rights and ensures equitable treatment.

Educator: Teaches patients and families about health, treatments, and self-care.

Collaborator: Works with interdisciplinary teams to optimize outcomes.

Leader: Guides peers and contributes to quality improvement initiatives.

3. Patient-Centered Care
Respect for patient autonomy and dignity.

Incorporating cultural, spiritual, and personal preferences.

Shared decision-making between nurse and patient.

Empathy and therapeutic communication to build trust.

4. Infection Control and Asepsis
Hand Hygiene: Most effective method to prevent transmission.

Standard Precautions: Gloves, masks, gowns when appropriate.

Transmission-Based Precautions: Contact, droplet, airborne isolation.

Sterile Technique: Used in invasive procedures to prevent contamination.

Environmental Cleaning: Regular disinfection of surfaces and equipment.

5. Vital Signs Assessment
Temperature: Oral, rectal, tympanic, axillary methods.

Pulse: Rate, rhythm, strength, and location.

Respiration: Rate, depth, rhythm, and effort.

Blood Pressure: Accurate measurement using sphygmomanometer.

Pain Assessment: Fifth vital sign, using standardized scales.

6. Communication Skills
Verbal Communication: Clear, concise, and professional language.

Nonverbal Communication: Body language, eye contact, tone.

Active Listening: Demonstrating understanding and empathy.

Documentation: Accurate, timely, and legally sound charting.

SBAR Technique: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation for handoff communication.

7. Patient Safety
Fall Prevention: Bed rails, call lights, non-slip footwear.

Medication Safety: “Five Rights” – right patient, drug, dose, route, time.

Safe Environment: Proper lighting, clutter-free spaces.

Error Reporting: Transparency and learning from mistakes.

Delegation: Assigning tasks appropriately based on scope of practice.

8. Basic Nursing Procedures
Bed Making: Clean, wrinkle-free linens to promote comfort.

Positioning: Fowler’s, supine, prone, lateral, Sims’ positions.

Mobility Assistance: Safe transfer techniques, use of gait belts.

Personal Hygiene: Bathing, oral care, grooming.

Feeding Assistance: Supporting patients with swallowing difficulties.

Elimination Needs: Catheter care, bedpans, toileting assistance.

9. Nutrition and Hydration
Importance of balanced diet for healing and recovery.

Monitoring intake and output.

Identifying signs of dehydration or malnutrition.

Assisting with feeding while respecting dignity.

Collaborating with dietitians for specialized diets.

10. Comfort and Rest
Promoting sleep hygiene.

Managing pain effectively.

Providing emotional support.

Creating a quiet, therapeutic environment.

Using relaxation techniques.

11. Ethics and Professionalism
Confidentiality: Protecting patient information.

Accountability: Owning actions and decisions.

Respect: Valuing diversity and individuality.

Integrity: Upholding honesty and trustworthiness.

Professional Boundaries: Maintaining therapeutic relationships.

12. Cultural Competence
Awareness of cultural differences in health beliefs and practices.

Avoiding stereotyping and bias.

Providing language support when needed.

Respecting dietary, religious, and social customs.

Incorporating cultural assessment into care planning.

13. Documentation and Informatics
Accurate charting ensures continuity of care.

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) improve accessibility and safety.

Legal implications of documentation.

Use of standardized terminologies.

Confidentiality in digital systems.

14. Critical Thinking in Nursing
Applying the nursing process: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.

Prioritizing patient needs.

Recognizing changes in patient condition.

Problem-solving and decision-making.

Reflective practice to improve skills.

15. Foundations of Clinical Judgment
Recognizing normal vs. abnormal findings.

Anticipating complications.

Using evidence-based practice.

Collaborating with healthcare team.

Continuous learning and professional development.

16. Conclusion
ADNG 1050 Foundations of Nursing Skills provides the essential building blocks for safe, effective, and compassionate nursing practice. By mastering infection control, communication, patient safety, basic procedures, and ethical principles, nursing students develop the competence and confidence to deliver high-quality care. These foundational skills are the cornerstone of professional nursing and prepare students for advanced clinical responsibilities.

📝 Quiz: ADNG 1050 Foundations of Nursing Skills
Multiple Choice (Choose the best answer)

What is the primary role of the nurse in patient care? a) Administer medication only b) Provide holistic care c) Focus on technology d) Perform surgery

Which practice is most effective in preventing infection transmission? a) Wearing gloves only b) Hand hygiene c) Using antibiotics d) Patient isolation

Which vital sign is considered the “fifth vital sign”? a) Oxygen saturation b) Pain c) Weight d) Blood sugar

What does SBAR stand for in communication? a) Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation b) Safety, Balance, Action, Response c) Standard, Basic, Accurate, Reliable d) Support, Behavior, Attitude, Respect

Which of the following is NOT one of the “Five Rights” of medication administration? a) Right patient b) Right drug c) Right diagnosis d) Right route

Which position is best for a patient with breathing difficulties? a) Supine b) Fowler’s c) Prone d) Sims’

What is the nurse’s role in nutrition? a) Prescribe diets b) Monitor intake and output c) Perform surgery d) Ignore patient preferences

Which principle ensures patient information is protected? a) Accountability b) Confidentiality c) Integrity d) Autonomy

Which cultural competence practice is essential? a) Stereotyping patients b) Respecting dietary customs c) Ignoring language barriers d) Assuming uniform beliefs

Which documentation system improves accessibility and safety? a) Paper charts b) Electronic Health Records (EHRs) c) Verbal reports d) Informal notes

Which step of the nursing process involves identifying patient problems? a) Assessment b) Diagnosis c) Planning d) Evaluation

Which safety measure helps prevent patient falls? a) Dim lighting b) Bed rails and call lights c) Ignoring clutter d) Restricting mobility

Which ethical principle requires honesty and trustworthiness? a) Integrity b) Confidentiality c) Respect d) Accountability

Which factor is critical in promoting patient rest? a) Excessive noise b) Quiet environment c) Bright lighting d) Frequent interruptions

Why is ADNG 1050 considered foundational? a) It focuses only on advanced procedures b) It provides essential skills for safe, effective nursing practice c) It eliminates the need for clinical judgment d) It replaces professional ethics

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