Nursing RN

Hi, I’m Maris! In this article, I’ll walk you through how to perform a neurologic assessment, covering key tests like stereognosis , graphesthesia , and the Romberg test . I'll be following along with our Health Assessment Flashcards , which you can find on our website at LevelUpRN.com . Prefer digital resources? Check out Flashables , the digital version of all our flashcards. Let’s dive in! Components of a Neurologic Assessment Before we get into the specific tests, let’s quickly review what a comprehensive neurologic assessment includes: Observation of Gait Tandem Walk Romberg Test Coordination Tests (e.g., finger-to-nose, heel-to-shin) Sensory Testing (vibration, light touch, deep touch) Stereognosis & Graphesthesia Reflex Assessment Now, let's break down each of these components. 1. Observing Gait One of the first things I assess—often without even thinking about it—is gait . How does the patient walk? Do they walk upright with good b...

Hi, I’m Kathy with Level Up RN ! In this article, we’re going to break down the process of transcription —an essential topic in microbiology. At the end of this lesson, I’ll quiz you on key points to test your understanding, so be sure to stick around for that! If you have our Level Up RN Microbiology Flashcards , pull them out now to follow along. Focus on the bold red text on the back of the cards—these are the high-yield facts you’re most likely to see on your exams. What is Transcription? Transcription is the process by which messenger RNA (mRNA) is synthesized from a DNA template . Think of DNA as the original blueprint and mRNA as a photocopy of a specific section of that blueprint. This "photocopy" carries the genetic instructions needed to make a protein. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process: DNA provides the instructions. mRNA is created by copying these instructions. The mRNA is then used to build proteins through a process called t...

Hi, I’m Maris! In today’s article, I’m going to walk you through the process of assessing extremities, with a special focus on some essential upper extremity assessment tests . I’ll be using our Health Assessment Flashcards as a reference throughout this guide. You can find these flashcards on our website at LevelUpRN.com . If you’re someone who prefers digital tools, I highly recommend checking out Flashables , the digital version of our flashcards, for easy on-the-go learning. Let’s get started with the essentials! Step-by-Step Approach to Extremity Assessment When assessing extremities, it’s important to follow a clear, systematic process to ensure that you don’t miss anything. While our flashcards break down the assessment for upper and lower extremities separately, for the purposes of this video, I’ll combine both into one cohesive guide. That said, it’s still a good idea to review the individual cards for more specific details on things like pulse points and l...

Hi, I’m Kathy with Level Up RN! In this video, we’ll explore DNA replication in prokaryotic cells , an essential concept for your microbiology class. Understanding this process will help you grasp how cells duplicate their genetic material before division. We’ll also cover key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA replication. At the end of this video, I have a quiz to test your knowledge, so stick around! If you have our Level Up RN Microbiology Flashcards , grab your DNA replication flashcards and follow along. Pay special attention to the bold red text —these are high-yield facts likely to appear on exams. What is Semiconservative Replication? DNA replication follows a semiconservative model , meaning that: The two strands of the parental DNA separate. Each original strand serves as a template to synthesize a new complementary strand . After replication, each daughter DNA molecule consists of: One original (parental) strand One newly synth...

Hello everyone, it's Nurse Sarah here! Today, I'm going to guide you through one of the more unique question types you might encounter on the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) exam—the drop-down close question. This question type can be a bit tricky, so it's crucial to understand how to approach it effectively. Let's get started! What is a Drop-Down Close Question? A drop-down close question differs significantly from the traditional multiple-choice or select-all-that-apply questions. Instead of choosing from a list of predetermined answers, you're required to fill in the blanks within a given statement or scenario by selecting options from drop-down menus. This type of question is designed to test not only your knowledge but also your ability to apply that knowledge in a clinical context. In a drop-down close question, you are presented with a scenario—often drawn from real-world nursing situations. The scenario will include patient information, such as clini...

Let's explore the various types of congenital heart defects, starting with Tetralogy of Fallot . This condition is characterized by four key abnormalities, which can be remembered with the acronym "RAPS" : R ight ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement) A orta displacement P ulmonary stenosis (narrowing) S eptal defect, specifically a ventricular septal defect (VSD) Patients with Tetralogy of Fallot often experience "Tet spells," where they become cyanotic (bluish skin due to lack of oxygen). To alleviate these spells, the knee-to-chest position is recommended. Next is Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) , where there is a hole in the wall (septum) between the right and left ventricles. You can remember this condition with the word "HOLE." Patients with VSD may develop heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, often leading to frequent lung infections, poor growth, and weight gain. Additionally, extra heart sounds, or murmurs, can often be heard...

Hello everyone, it’s Nurse Sarah here, and today, we're diving deep into the world of junctional rhythms. Junctional rhythms are an essential topic in cardiac nursing and understanding them is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective patient management. This guide will provide you with a thorough understanding of what junctional rhythms are, how they manifest on an ECG, their clinical significance, and the nursing interventions required to manage patients with these arrhythmias. What Are Junctional Rhythms? Junctional rhythms are abnormal heart rhythms that originate from the AV (atrioventricular) junction, a critical area that includes the AV node and the bundle of His. These rhythms occur when the heart’s primary pacemaker, the sinoatrial (SA) node, fails to generate impulses at the normal rate or the impulses are blocked before reaching the ventricles. In these cases, the AV junction steps in as the backup pacemaker to maintain the heart's rhythm, albeit at a...