Med-Surg Nursing Study Guide 2026 — Free Notes for Every Body System

High-Yield Med-Surg Topics

Cardiovascular

• Heart failure — dyspnea, edema, crackles. Treat with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers
• MI — chest pain, diaphoresis, nausea. MONA: Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Aspirin

Respiratory

• COPD — pursed lip breathing, low-flow oxygen, avoid high FiO2
• Pneumonia — fever, productive cough, crackles. Position semi-Fowlers
• Asthma — bronchospasm, wheezing. Short-acting beta agonist first

Neurological

• Stroke — FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time). tPA within 3-4.5 hours
• Increased ICP — HOB 30 degrees, avoid Trendelenburg

Endocrine

• Diabetes — monitor blood glucose, insulin, hypoglycemia signs
• Thyroid — hypothyroid (cold, slow, weight gain) vs hyperthyroid (hot, fast, weight loss)

Browse free med-surg notes at studyrift.com/documents.