Breathing and circulation
Breathing (respiratory) disorders such as asthma, pneumonia and COPD cause cough and shortness of breath. Nurses count breathing rate, check oxygen, sit the person upright, give oxygen or inhalers as ordered and teach breathing exercises.
Circulatory disorders such as high blood pressure, heart failure and heart attack affect the heart and vessels. Nurses measure pulse and blood pressure, watch for chest pain and swelling, limit salt and teach medicines and activity.
Digestion, nutrition, metabolism and hormones
Digestive and absorption disorders (ulcer, diarrhoea, constipation, liver disease): nurses watch pain, vomiting and stool, give suitable food, and prevent dehydration.
Nutrition and metabolic disorders (diabetes, obesity, malnutrition): meal planning, blood sugar checks, weight care and long-term teaching.
Endocrine (hormone) disorders (thyroid disease, diabetes): medicines on time, watching tiredness, weight and mood.
Body defence, fluid balance and urine
Body defence disorders (infection, allergy, immune disease): hand washing, protecting the person from germs, watching fever and rash.
Internal environment (fluid and salt balance) disorders, like kidney failure: record intake and urine output, weigh daily, watch swelling.
Urinary disorders (infection, leaking, blockage): privacy, skin care, bladder habits, fluid advice.
Brain, senses and movement
Brain and nerve disorders (stroke, epilepsy, dementia): check alertness, speech and limb strength, keep the person safe, help with rehabilitation.
Sensory disorders (poor sight or hearing): speak clearly, good light, guide movement, protect from injury.
Movement disorders (fracture, arthritis, weak muscles): safe moving, change position often, support exercise, prevent bed sores.
Reproductive and breast disorders
Includes menstrual problems, infection, and breast lumps. Nurses listen kindly, protect privacy, teach self-checks and when to see a doctor, and support the person's feelings.
Try it
In the 3D, tap one function and say aloud: what goes wrong, what the nurse WATCHES, how she RELIEVES, what she TEACHES. Do three. At home: find out which of the 12 functions an elder in your family has trouble with and how they manage it.
Key formulas and definitions
- 12 functions: breathing, circulation, digestion, nutrition/metabolism, fluid balance, hormones, defence, brain/nerves, senses, movement, urine, reproduction/breast
- Nursing pattern: Watch โ Relieve โ Teach
- Fluid balance: intake โ output (record both)
Worked examples
1. A man is short of breath. List three nursing actions.
Count breathing rate and check oxygen; raise the head of the bed; give oxygen or inhaler as ordered. Later, teach breathing exercises.
2. A patient with kidney failure drank 1200 mL and passed 800 mL of urine. What is the balance, and why record it?
1200 โ 800 = +400 mL. A rising plus may mean the body holds fluid and swells, so the nurse reports it.
3. After a stroke, a woman has weak right leg and unclear speech. What does nursing include?
Check alertness, speech and strength; prevent falls; help safe movement and position changes; support speech and walking practice; teach family.
Common mistakes
- Treating all patients with one routine. Each function needs its own focus.
- Forgetting to record fluid in and fluid out in kidney disorders.
- Talking loudly to a person with poor sight. Use clear words and good light instead.
- Skipping teaching. Most functional disorders are long-term.