Introductory Chemistry
Chemistry is a fundamental science in nursing, providing critical knowledge of how matter
interacts and transforms within the human body and healthcare settings. An understanding of
introductory chemistry enables nurses to grasp the biochemical processes essential for life,
understand drug interactions, and safely manage clinical procedures.
Matter and Its Properties
In nursing, matter refers to substances like medications, fluids, and gases used in patient care.
Matter exists in three states:
Solids: Found in tablets or medical equipment.
Liquids: Includes intravenous (IV) fluids and syrups.
Gases: Examples are oxygen and anesthetic gases.
Matter is classified into:
Elements: Pure substances like oxygen (O₂), vital for respiration.
Compounds: Such as water (H₂O) and glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), essential for hydration and
energy.
Mixtures: Examples include saline solutions and blood, which are critical in treatments.
Physical properties, like solubility, help nurses prepare solutions, while chemical properties are
crucial in understanding reactions, such as the metabolism of drugs.
Atoms, Elements, and the Periodic Table
Atoms, the smallest units of matter, form the foundation of all substances encountered in
nursing. Key components include:
Protons: Define the element.
Neutrons: Contribute to atomic stability.
Electrons: Determine how substances react chemically.
Chemistry is a fundamental science in nursing, providing critical knowledge of how matter
interacts and transforms within the human body and healthcare settings. An understanding of
introductory chemistry enables nurses to grasp the biochemical processes essential for life,
understand drug interactions, and safely manage clinical procedures.
Matter and Its Properties
In nursing, matter refers to substances like medications, fluids, and gases used in patient care.
Matter exists in three states:
Solids: Found in tablets or medical equipment.
Liquids: Includes intravenous (IV) fluids and syrups.
Gases: Examples are oxygen and anesthetic gases.
Matter is classified into:
Elements: Pure substances like oxygen (O₂), vital for respiration.
Compounds: Such as water (H₂O) and glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), essential for hydration and
energy.
Mixtures: Examples include saline solutions and blood, which are critical in treatments.
Physical properties, like solubility, help nurses prepare solutions, while chemical properties are
crucial in understanding reactions, such as the metabolism of drugs.
Atoms, Elements, and the Periodic Table
Atoms, the smallest units of matter, form the foundation of all substances encountered in
nursing. Key components include:
Protons: Define the element.
Neutrons: Contribute to atomic stability.
Electrons: Determine how substances react chemically.
