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Fundamentals of Nursing – Complete Exam Summary
Notes 2026.
1. Definition of Nursing
Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and
abilities, prevention of illness and injury, and care of individuals,
families, communities, and populations.
Key roles of a nurse:
• Caregiver
• Advocate
• Educator
• Communicator
• Manager
• Researcher
2. Nursing Process (ADPIE)
The nursing process is the systematic method used to provide patient
care.
Step Meaning Example
Assessment Collect patient data Vital signs, symptoms
Diagnosis Identify health problems Nursing diagnosis
Planning Develop care plan Set goals
Implementation Perform interventions Administer medication
Evaluation Assess outcomes Did patient improve?
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Memory trick:
ADPIE = Assess, Diagnose, Plan, Implement, Evaluate
3. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in Nursing
Nurses prioritize patient care based on Maslow’s hierarchy.
Levels (from lowest to highest):
1. Physiological needs
2. Safety needs
3. Love and belonging
4. Self-esteem
5. Self-actualization
Example:
Airway problems are treated first because oxygen is a physiological
need.
4. Patient Safety
Patient safety is a top priority in nursing care.
Common safety risks:
• Falls
• Medication errors
• Infections
• Equipment injuries
Safety interventions:
Fundamentals of Nursing – Complete Exam Summary
Notes 2026.
1. Definition of Nursing
Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and
abilities, prevention of illness and injury, and care of individuals,
families, communities, and populations.
Key roles of a nurse:
• Caregiver
• Advocate
• Educator
• Communicator
• Manager
• Researcher
2. Nursing Process (ADPIE)
The nursing process is the systematic method used to provide patient
care.
Step Meaning Example
Assessment Collect patient data Vital signs, symptoms
Diagnosis Identify health problems Nursing diagnosis
Planning Develop care plan Set goals
Implementation Perform interventions Administer medication
Evaluation Assess outcomes Did patient improve?
, 2|Page
Memory trick:
ADPIE = Assess, Diagnose, Plan, Implement, Evaluate
3. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in Nursing
Nurses prioritize patient care based on Maslow’s hierarchy.
Levels (from lowest to highest):
1. Physiological needs
2. Safety needs
3. Love and belonging
4. Self-esteem
5. Self-actualization
Example:
Airway problems are treated first because oxygen is a physiological
need.
4. Patient Safety
Patient safety is a top priority in nursing care.
Common safety risks:
• Falls
• Medication errors
• Infections
• Equipment injuries
Safety interventions:
