How much chem is actually used in ap??

Published

Specializes in Maternal Child, Home Health, Med/Surg.

Just wondering because I can't seem to figure it out.. Lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It's a surprise ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Maternal Child, Home Health, Med/Surg.
It's a surprise ;)

Lol, that doesn't help me! I'm trying to figure out how to prepare before fall!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day:

I'm taking A & P 1 this fall, so I'm not sure. If I had the same curiosity, I would see if I could get the text book(s) in advance and look for words like biochemistry, cell chemistry, and the like. I would also ask the professor if I could get a copy of the syllabus early so I could look; and if I felt bold enough, I would ask the professor the question on chemistry.

Thank you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Not much in detail. It almost used as reference.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.

I don't recall alot of chemistry in A & P I or II. Obviously you will study some biochemistry, but it's not like you need to prepare for it, you will be taught what you need to know. You will see alot of potassium/calcium roles in the body. It's far more Biology than Chemistry though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

Aside from Na/K pumps in neurons and acid/base balance in blood, there's not much chem involved. It's pretty basic. You can do a Google search for videos that explain it all, such as Khan Academy or Interactive-Biology. I wouldn't worry too much about chem in A&P. Our school does Anatomy as a separate course from Physiology. We had zero chem in Anatomy and just the bit I referenced above in Physiology.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Just get your A&P I book and study the chapter's on cell biology and chemistry and you will know. That is all you will need.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There was a chapter about chemistry in my A&P book but my instructor skipped over the whole thing. Maybe yours will too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I used my chemistry knowledge more in my A&P II class. I found myself looking back over my chemistry book during the kidney, respiratory, and nutrition/electrolyte sections. I am sure you will see stuff you learned in chemistry again in some of your nursing classes. The CBC blood work and other chem panels will require an understanding of how the electrolytes work together in our bodies.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.

Enough that you will need to really understand the basics and extensively in med-surg once you are in nursing school. CBC, lab work etc..etc... I would learn it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I also wanted to add that certain drugs like Lasix will lower electrolytes like potassium. They use large amounts of Albuterol to lower high potassium. For every 3 K leaving the cell it takes 2 Na and 1 H going in the cell. If you don't have enough of one then you will have problems with the other. Chemistry will not be going away with actual nursing classes and it won't go away with graduation. The above poster is right in that you really need to understand your chemistry to help you understand what is going on with the patient. Blood work is ordered most of the time to help figure out what is going on.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion