Nursing Skills Overview
Basic nursing skills typically make up 35% of your exam questions. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the essential nursing skills you need to master:
Vital Signs:
- Temperature measurement (oral, axillary, tympanic)
- Pulse (radial, apical)
- Respirations
- Blood pressure
- Pain assessment
- Normal ranges and reporting requirements
Personal Care Skills:
- Bathing techniques
- Oral hygiene
- Hair care
- Nail care
- Perineal care
- Dressing/undressing
- Bed making (occupied/unoccupied)
Positioning and Movement:
- Body alignment principles
- Positioning techniques
- Range of motion exercises
- Transfer techniques
- Turning and repositioning
- Use of positioning devices
Measurements and Observations:
- Height and weight
- Intake and output
- Fluid balance
- Recognition of normal vs. abnormal
- Changes in condition
- Mental status observations
Resident Care Procedures:
- Catheter care
- Oxygen therapy
- Feeding assistance
- Elimination assistance
- Specimen collection
- Basic wound care
Basic Assessment Skills:
- Skin condition
- Level of consciousness
- Physical comfort
- Safety needs
- Emotional status
- Functional abilities
Documentation Requirements:
- Accuracy in recording
- Proper terminology
- Time management
- Legal considerations
- Reporting abnormal findings
Medical Asepsis:
- Clean technique
- Hand hygiene
- PPE use
- Supply management
- Equipment cleaning
- Infection prevention
Key Exam Focus Points:
Procedural Knowledge:
- Step-by-step sequences
- Critical checkpoints
- Safety measures
- Quality indicators
- Time management
Technical Skills Assessment:
- Proper technique
- Equipment use
- Accuracy in measurement
- Safety considerations
- Infection control
Clinical Judgment:
- When to report
- What to document
- How to prioritize
- When to seek assistance
- Recognition of changes
Remember These Important Principles:
- Accuracy is crucial in all measurements
- Safety first in all procedures
- Proper technique prevents complications
- Communication is key
- Documentation must be timely and precise
The Exam Will Test Your Ability To:
- Follow proper procedures
- Maintain resident dignity
- Ensure safety
- Communicate effectively
- Document accurately
- Recognize and report changes
Critical Concepts to Master:
- Standard precautions
- Proper body mechanics
- Privacy measures
- Time management
- Emergency response
- Resident rights
Great start with the basics! Let’s learn from others’ experiences in ‘Nursing Skills Common Errors’.