Nursing RN

Hi, I’m Kathy with Love Larn! In this video, I’ll be breaking down how to measure bacterial growth using both direct and indirect methods . By the end of the video, you'll have a clear understanding of these techniques, and I’ll even include a quiz to test your knowledge—so stay tuned! If you have our Level Up RN Microbiology Flashcards , grab them now to follow along. These flashcards are also available on Flashable , which provides personalized learning and progress tracking . Why Measure Bacterial Growth? Microbiologists use bacterial growth measurements to: ✔️ Determine infection severity in clinical samples. ✔️ Assess water and food contamination levels. ✔️ Optimize bacterial cultures for industrial and pharmaceutical applications . ✔️ Monitor the effectiveness of antibiotics and disinfectants . Now, let's explore the direct and indirect methods used to measure bacterial growth. Direct Methods of Measuring Bacterial Growth Direct methods prov...

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 ...

Hi, I’m Maris from Level Up RN , and in this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential steps of heart auscultation using a stethoscope . By the end of this article, you’ll understand: ✅ How to properly use your stethoscope ✅ The five auscultation sites and what they reveal about heart function ✅ Normal heart sounds ( S1 & S2 ) and abnormal findings ( S3, S4, murmurs, friction rubs ) I'll also include mnemonics and memory hacks to help you recall key concepts easily! If you’re using our Health Assessment Flashcards , follow along—or grab a set at LevelUpRN.com . Understanding Your Stethoscope A stethoscope has two primary components for listening: 1. The Diaphragm (for High-Pitched Sounds) Larger side of the chest piece Used for high-pitched sounds such as: ✔️ Normal heart sounds (S1, S2) ✔️ Lung sounds (breath sounds) ✔️ Bowel sounds Requires firm pressure against the patient’s skin 2. The Bell (for Low-Pitched Sounds) Smaller side o...

LHi, I’m Maris from Level Up RN , and in this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential steps of heart auscultation using a stethoscope . By the end of this article, you’ll understand: ✅ How to properly use your stethoscope ✅ The five auscultation sites and what they reveal about heart function ✅ Normal heart sounds ( S1 & S2 ) and abnormal findings ( S3, S4, murmurs, friction rubs ) I'll also include mnemonics and memory hacks to help you recall key concepts easily! If you’re using our Health Assessment Flashcards , follow along—or grab a set at LevelUpRN.com . Understanding Your Stethoscope A stethoscope has two primary components for listening: 1. The Diaphragm (for High-Pitched Sounds) Larger side of the chest piece Used for high-pitched sounds such as: ✔️ Normal heart sounds (S1, S2) ✔️ Lung sounds (breath sounds) ✔️ Bowel sounds Requires firm pressure against the patient’s skin 2. The Bell (for Low-Pitched Sounds) Smaller side ...

Hi, I'm Maris, and in this video, we’re diving into two important lung assessment techniques: whispered pectoriloquy and egophony . I'll be following along with our Health Assessment Flashcards , which you can find on our website LevelUpRN.com . If you prefer digital resources, check out Flashable , the digital version of all our flashcards. Now, let’s get started! 1. Whispered Pectoriloquy As the name suggests, whispered pectoriloquy involves listening to a patient’s whispered voice through a stethoscope . Here’s how it works: Have the patient whisper a phrase—common choices include “99” or counting from 1 to 10. Place the stethoscope over different areas of the lung fields. Listen carefully as you move the stethoscope side to side, working your way down the lungs. Expected Findings Normally, as you move away from the larynx , the whispered words should become quieter . Abnormal Findings If the whispered words remain clear and distinct , especially...

Hi, I'm Kathy with Level Up RN. In this video, I’ll continue my microbiology review series by discussing fermentation . At the end of the video, I’ll include a short quiz to test your understanding of the key points—so be sure to stick around for that! If you have our Level Up RN Microbiology Flashcards , grab your card on fermentation so you can follow along. What is Fermentation? Fermentation is an anaerobic process that releases energy from organic molecules like glucose. It begins with glycolysis but does not involve the citric acid cycle or the electron transport chain . As a result, fermentation only produces two ATP molecules through glycolysis. The two main types of fermentation you should know are: Lactic Acid Fermentation Alcohol Fermentation Let’s take a closer look at each. Lactic Acid Fermentation In lactic acid fermentation , pyruvate (produced in glycolysis) is reduced by NADH to form lactic acid . At the same time, NADH is oxidized back...

In this article, we’ll cover the various types of wound drainage, also known as exudate. Knowing how to identify these types is crucial for nurses, as the drainage can provide important clues about how well a wound is healing—or if there’s a potential infection. Let’s dive in! Why Identifying Wound Drainage Matters As a nurse, observing wound drainage helps you answer critical questions: Is the wound healing properly? Is there a risk of infection? When assessing wound drainage, focus on these key factors: Color: Does the color match what you'd expect at this stage of healing? Consistency: Is the drainage thin and watery, or thick and sticky? Amount: Is the amount decreasing as expected, or is it increasing (a possible warning sign)? Odor: Does the drainage have a smell? Foul odors can indicate infection. 1. Serous Drainage What it looks like: Clear or very pale yellow Thin and watery Why it happens: Serous drainage is mainly composed of blood...

Hi everyone, it’s Nurse Sarah! In this review, we’ll dive into syphilis , a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). I’ll cover how it spreads, its stages, and the nurse’s role in treatment and patient education. Let’s get started! What is Syphilis? Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum . It spreads in two main ways: Sexual Transmission Syphilis is transmitted through direct contact with painless sores called chancres . These sores can appear on the genitals, anus, mouth, or mucous membranes. Mother-to-Baby Transmission The bacterium can pass from mother to baby during pregnancy or delivery. It crosses the placenta through the bloodstream or can be transmitted during birth if the baby comes into contact with chancres . Stages of Syphilis and Their Symptoms Syphilis progresses through four stages , each with distinct symptoms. Remember these stages and their key signs, as they’re commonly tested on nursing exams! 1. Primary Stage ...

Hi, I'm Kathy with Level Up RN! In today’s article, we’re diving into the process of translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins . This is a key concept in microbiology and a fundamental part of understanding how our cells function. Stay tuned until the end because I’ll quiz you on the essential points we’ll cover. And if you’ve got our Level Up RN Microbiology Flashcards , grab them now! They’re a perfect companion to follow along, especially focusing on the bold red text—those are the must-know facts for your microbiology class. What is the Genetic Code? The genetic code is like an instruction manual that directs the cell on how to translate mRNA into amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Codons : These are groups of three nucleotides on the mRNA strand, and each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid. For example: UGG codes for the amino acid tryptophan . UUA codes for the amino acid leucine . Key Codons You Need to Kn...