BS Nursing First Year - Beginner Friendly Notes
Anatomy and Physiology
This subject teaches you what your body is made of and how it works.
Basic Body Organization:
- Cells - Smallest part of the body
- Tissues - Group of cells doing the same job
- Organs - Like the heart, lungs, and brain
- Systems - Organs that work together (like the respiratory system)
Major Body Systems:
- Circulatory - Heart and blood vessels; delivers oxygen and nutrients
- Respiratory - Lungs; brings in oxygen, removes carbon dioxide
- Digestive - Stomach and intestines; breaks down food
- Nervous - Brain and nerves; controls everything
- Muscular & Skeletal - Movement and body support
- Urinary - Removes waste from blood
- Integumentary - Skin, hair, nails; protects the body
- Endocrine - Glands that release hormones
- Reproductive - Organs for reproduction
Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of the chemical stuff happening inside your body.
Main Biomolecules:
- Carbohydrates - Quick energy (e.g. rice, bread, sugar)
BS Nursing First Year - Beginner Friendly Notes
- Proteins - Build and repair body tissues (e.g. eggs, chicken)
- Fats (Lipids) - Store energy and protect organs (e.g. oils, cheese)
- Nucleic Acids - DNA and RNA; carry genetic info
Enzymes - Proteins that speed up chemical reactions (e.g. digestion)
ATP - Your body's energy currency
pH Level - Measures acidity
- 0-6 = Acidic
- 7 = Neutral
- 8-14 = Basic
- Blood pH should be around 7.35-7.45
Microbiology and Parasitology
This subject is about tiny organisms that you can't see but can affect your health.
Main Microorganisms:
- Bacteria - Can be helpful or harmful (e.g. TB, pneumonia)
- Viruses - Need a host to survive (e.g. COVID-19, flu)
- Fungi - Cause infections like ringworm or candidiasis
- Protozoa - Live in dirty water; cause diarrhea
- Parasites (Helminths) - Worms that live inside the body (e.g. tapeworm)
How to protect yourself:
- Wash hands
- Clean food and water
BS Nursing First Year - Beginner Friendly Notes
- Practice good hygiene
- Wear gloves, mask, and follow infection control in clinics
Mathematics for Nursing
You'll use math to give the correct amount of medicine, check IV fluids, and read vital signs.
Conversions to Remember:
- 1 L = 1,000 mL
- 1 g = 1,000 mg
- 1 mg = 1,000 mcg
- 1 tsp = 5 mL
- 1 tbsp = 15 mL
Dosage Formula:
Desired ÷ Have × Volume = Amount to give
Example: You need 500 mg, and you have 250 mg tablets
500 ÷ 250 = 2 tablets
IV Drip Rate Formula:
(Volume × Drop Factor) ÷ Time (in minutes) = gtts/min
Example: 1000 mL IV over 8 hours, Drop factor = 15
(1000 × 15) ÷ 480 = 31.25 drops/min