Nursing RN

Hi, I’m Kathy with Level Up RN! In this video, we’ll be discussing plating methods , specifically the pour plate method and the spread plate method . At the end of this video, I’ll quiz you on key points to test your understanding—so stay tuned! If you have our Level Up RN Microbiology Flashcards , grab your card on plating methods and follow along. Pay close attention to the bold red text on the back, as those are the concepts most likely to appear on exams. What Are Plating Methods? Plating methods are laboratory techniques used to isolate, count, and grow microorganisms . In many cases, the sample needs to be diluted before plating to ensure a countable number of colonies after incubation. (For a detailed explanation of serial dilution, check out our separate video in this playlist!) Now, let’s break down each method. 1. Pour Plate Method With the pour plate method , the bacterial sample is mixed with liquid agar and then poured onto a sterile Petri dish . ...

Hi, I’m Kathy with Level Up RN! In this lesson, we’ll cover binary fission —the primary method of bacterial reproduction—and explore the bacterial growth curve in detail. At the end, I’ll quiz you on key concepts, so stay tuned! If you have our Level Up RN Microbiology Flashcards , grab the ones on binary fission and bacterial growth to follow along. Pay special attention to the bold red text on the back of the cards—these are high-yield facts you’re likely to be tested on! What Is Binary Fission? Binary fission is the process by which prokaryotic cells (such as bacteria) reproduce. Unlike mitosis in eukaryotic cells , binary fission is: Asexual – No genetic recombination occurs (except for mutations). Rapid – Some bacteria, like Escherichia coli (E. coli), can divide every 20 minutes under optimal conditions. Efficient – Each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the parent’s genetic material. This ability to reproduce quickly gives bacteria an evolut...

Hi, I'm Maris, and in this article, I'll walk you through a comprehensive assessment of bowel sounds, rebound tenderness, Murphy’s sign, and McBurney’s point . These are crucial physical exam techniques used to assess gastrointestinal and abdominal health . I’ll be referencing our Health Assessment Flashcards , available at LevelUpRN.com . If you prefer digital resources, check those out as well! Bowel Sounds: What They Reveal About GI Function Bowel sounds, or peristaltic sounds , reflect the movement of air, fluid, and food through the intestines. These sounds originate from intestinal smooth muscle contractions coordinated by the enteric nervous system (ENS) . 1. Normal Bowel Sounds High-pitched clicks and gurgles , often described as cascading sounds Occur irregularly (not rhythmic) Typically heard 5 to 30 times per minute Clinical significance : Normal peristalsis, indicating that food is moving through the GI tract 👉 Everyday example: If you’v...

Hi, I’m Kathy with Level Up RN! In this lesson, we’ll explore the biogeochemical cycles , including the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, sulfur cycle, and phosphorus cycle . These cycles are crucial for maintaining life on Earth by ensuring the continuous recycling of essential elements. By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a solid grasp of: ✔ How elements move between living organisms and the environment ✔ Key biological and chemical processes driving these cycles ✔ Why these cycles are essential for life and environmental balance Stay tuned for a quiz at the end to test your understanding! If you have our Level Up RN Microbiology Flashcards , grab the ones covering biogeochemical cycles so you can follow along. What Are Biogeochemical Cycles? A biogeochemical cycle refers to the movement of chemical elements between the biosphere (living organisms), lithosphere (earth’s crust), hydrosphere (water), and atmosphere (air) . These cycles ensure the continuous availa...

Hi, I’m Maris, and in this video, I’ll walk you through the correct technique for performing an abdominal assessment , including how to auscultate and palpate the abdomen properly. This is a critical skill in nursing and healthcare because abnormal findings can indicate serious conditions, from intestinal obstructions to peritonitis . I’ll be following along with our Health Assessment Flashcards , which you can find on our website, leveluprn.com . If you prefer a digital version, check out Flashable , the interactive, online format of all our flashcards. Why the Abdominal Assessment Follows a Different Order Unlike most physical assessments, the abdominal exam follows a specific order to prevent altering bowel sounds before auscultation. The correct sequence is: Inspection – Visually assessing the abdomen Auscultation – Listening for bowel sounds and vascular sounds Percussion – Evaluating gas patterns and organ size Palpation – Feeling for abnormalities l...

Hi, I'm Kathy with Level Up RN! In this article, I'll provide a high-level review of photosynthesis to help you with your microbiology class and exams . At the end of this video, I'll quiz you on some key concepts, so be sure to stick around and test your understanding! If you have our Level Up RN Microbiology Flashcards , grab the ones on photosynthesis so you can follow along. And if you prefer digital resources, our flashcards are also available online. Where Does Photosynthesis Happen? Photosynthesis takes place inside the chloroplast , which contains stacks of grana . Each granum is made up of thylakoid membranes , where photosynthetic pigments like chlorophyll are arranged into photosystems . The fluid surrounding the thylakoids is called the stroma . The two main stages of photosynthesis occur in different parts of the chloroplast: Light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoid membrane . Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) occur in ...