AIIMS NORCET Nursing Subjects Syllabus

What is the difference between sterilization and disinfection?

Sterilization destroys ALL microorganisms including spores. Disinfection eliminates most pathogens but not necessarily bacterial spores.

What does the Braden Scale assess, and what does a lower score indicate?

It assesses risk of pressure ulcers. Lower score = higher risk (range 6-23).

What are the four stages of pressure ulcers (pressure injuries)?

Stage 1: non-blanchable erythema, intact skin. Stage 2: partial-thickness loss/blister. Stage 3: full-thickness loss, subcutaneous fat visible. Stage 4: full-thickness loss with exposed bone/muscle/tendon.

What is the recommended frequency for repositioning a bedridden patient to prevent pressure ulcers?

At least every 2 hours.

What is the formula for Body Mass Index (BMI) and the normal range?

BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)^2. Normal: 18.5-24.9 kg/m^2.

What does the 'rule of nines' estimate in a burn patient, and what is the percentage for an adult's entire arm?

It estimates total body surface area (TBSA) burned. Each entire arm = 9%.

What is the purpose of pre-operative fasting (NPO), and the typical duration before surgery?

To prevent aspiration of stomach contents under anesthesia. Typically NPO 6-8 hours for solids; 2 hours for clear fluids.

What does the surgical safety 'Time Out' verify just before incision?

Correct patient, correct procedure, and correct surgical site (part of WHO Surgical Safety Checklist).

What is the difference between elective, emergency, and palliative surgery?

Elective: planned, non-urgent. Emergency: immediate, life-saving. Palliative: relieves symptoms without curing the disease.

Define asepsis and distinguish medical from surgical asepsis.

Asepsis = absence of pathogens. Medical asepsis (clean technique) reduces microbe numbers/spread; Surgical asepsis (sterile technique) eliminates all microorganisms.

What is the most common postoperative respiratory complication, and a key nursing intervention to prevent it?

Atelectasis (lung collapse). Prevented by deep breathing, coughing, and incentive spirometry.

What are early signs of postoperative hemorrhage the nurse should monitor?

Tachycardia, hypotension, restlessness, cool/clammy skin, decreased urine output, and increased bleeding/drainage at the site.

What is the triad of Virchow related to deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Venous stasis, endothelial (vessel wall) injury, and hypercoagulability.

What nursing measures help prevent postoperative DVT?

Early ambulation, leg exercises, anti-embolism stockings, intermittent pneumatic compression, hydration, and prophylactic anticoagulants.

What is paralytic ileus, and how does the nurse assess for it postoperatively?

Temporary cessation of bowel motility after surgery. Assessed by auscultating for absent/diminished bowel sounds, distension, and absence of flatus/stool.

What is wound dehiscence versus evisceration?

Dehiscence: partial or total separation of wound edges. Evisceration: protrusion of internal organs through the wound. Cover evisceration with sterile saline-soaked gauze and notify surgeon.

What are the cardinal signs of acute inflammation?

Rubor (redness), Calor (heat), Tumor (swelling), Dolor (pain), and Functio laesa (loss of function).

What is the classic triad of symptoms in diabetes mellitus?

Polyuria (excessive urination), Polydipsia (excessive thirst), and Polyphagia (excessive hunger).

What is the normal fasting blood glucose range, and the diabetic diagnostic threshold?

Normal fasting: 70-100 mg/dL. Diabetes: fasting >=126 mg/dL (or HbA1c >=6.5%, random >=200 mg/dL with symptoms).

What are the classic signs/symptoms of myocardial infarction?

Crushing chest pain radiating to left arm/jaw, dyspnea, diaphoresis, nausea, and anxiety. (May be silent in diabetics/elderly.)

What electrolyte imbalance causes peaked T waves on ECG and can lead to cardiac arrest?

Hyperkalemia (high serum potassium; normal K+ 3.5-5.0 mEq/L).

What is the difference between an epidemic, endemic, and pandemic?

Endemic: constant/usual presence of disease in an area. Epidemic: sudden rise above expected in a community/region. Pandemic: epidemic spread across multiple countries/continents.

Define incidence and prevalence in epidemiology.

Incidence: number of NEW cases in a population over a time period. Prevalence: total number of EXISTING cases (new + old) at a point/period in time.

What are the three levels of disease prevention with an example of each?

Primary: prevent onset (immunization). Secondary: early detection (screening). Tertiary: limit disability/rehabilitation (physiotherapy after stroke).

What is herd immunity?

Indirect protection from an infectious disease that occurs when a high proportion of a population is immune (via vaccination or prior infection), limiting spread to susceptible individuals.

What is the epidemiological triad of disease causation?

Agent, Host, and Environment (interaction of these causes disease).

What does the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) measure and how is it calculated?

Deaths of infants under 1 year per 1,000 live births in a year. IMR = (Infant deaths under 1 yr / Live births in same year) x 1000.

What is the full immunization schedule under India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) at birth?

At birth: BCG, OPV-0 (zero dose), and Hepatitis B (birth dose).

What vaccines are given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks under India's UIP?

OPV 1/2/3, Pentavalent 1/2/3 (DPT+HepB+Hib), Rotavirus, and fIPV (fractional IPV at 6 and 14 weeks). PCV per schedule.

What does the DOTS strategy stand for in tuberculosis control under India's NTEP (formerly RNTCP)?

Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course - a strategy ensuring patients take anti-TB drugs under direct observation to ensure adherence and cure.