NUR 342 M5D2 Post

After completing the virtual lab experiences of heart or lungs, describe what you
discovered and how you plan to achieve competence in skills that are new to you.
Working on a neuro-cardiac inpatient unit in the hospital setting, competency with
cardiovascular and respiratory assessment skills is foundational in patient safety and accurately
assessing for changes in patient status. The cardiac and respiratory systems are two of the most
sensitive systems in the human body in terms of acute situations and the acute risk that they
pose to the patient if they are impaired. In the case of the heart, it's responsibility is to support
the circulatory system and to deliver the oxygen the body needs to the various organs and other
tissues. The lungs enrich the blood with this oxygen and therefore are also central in this
process.

There are many chronic and acute conditions that can impair both of these symptoms, as nurses
assessing for these conditions is one of our most important responsibilities. Achieving
competency in these skills takes knowledge, experience, and time. Refreshing myself on the
various assessment techniques, pathophysiologies and abnormal findings through the virtual
labs and the reading has helped me to continue to build my knowledge base regarding these
systems. By continuing to broaden my educational base and practice what I have learned in the
field, I plan to build confidence and competence as a nurse to deliver quality care to my patients.