7 Reasons Why Chemistry is Important in Nursing
Written By:
Darby Faubion
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Darby lives in Louisiana and loves exploring the state’s rich culture and history. Darby has a passion for caring for veterans and a special interest in those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In her quest to make a difference for veterans, she founded a non-profit called “Operation Battle Buddy.” Read Full Bio »» RN, BSN, MBA
Are you a nursing student or a nurse struggling with chemistry? Do you find yourself questioning why is chemistry important in nursing? If anybody understands, I do! Chemistry can be difficult to comprehend, especially if it is something you do not have a genuine interest in learning.
Take it from me: learning about chemistry is essential if you want to provide quality patient care. In this article, I will share 7 reasons why chemistry is important in nursing to help you gain better insight. Remember, the more you learn, the more valuable you become to your patients, team, and the nursing profession, and the greater an impact you can have on patient outcomes.
Why is Chemistry Important in Nursing?
(The following are the 7 reasons why chemistry is important in nursing.)
REASON #1: Chemistry Influences Individual Health Conditions
One of the main reasons chemistry is important in nursing is that chemistry influences each human’s individual
health condition. Changes in body chemistry can lead to various imbalances or disease processes. For example, imbalances in chemical compounds can contribute to diseases affecting the thyroid, heart, kidneys, and other organs. Chemical imbalances can lead to the development of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, or cardiac disease.
One of my good friends studies genetics, and she shared with me that even the slightest changes in a patient’s chemistry can have a significant impact on their health. Sharon uses chemical and genetic markers to identify changes in patients to conduct research. Although I must admit chemistry is not something I have a deep understanding of like her, I certainly have a great appreciation for the role chemistry plays in influencing health conditions of all patients.
REASON #2: Chemistry Helps Nurses Understand the Human Body at the Molecular Level
Chemistry is important in nursing because it gives nurses insight into the structure of cells and tissues. Biochemistry, which is a branch of chemistry, focuses on how substances and chemical processes occur within the human body. When nurses understand chemistry, we can better comprehend the reactions that occur in various pathways within our patient’s bodies.
REASON #3: Understanding Chemistry Helps Nurses Analyze Lab Results
Chemistry is important in nursing because we use chemical markers to identify specific health conditions patients may be experiencing. For example, a patient presented to the pediatric unit where I used to work. The mother reported the child was experiencing fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and frequent infections. The doctor ordered a chest X-ray and some blood lab tests.
When the results of the complete blood count (CBC) came back, they included extremely elevated white blood cells, low red blood cells, and low platelet levels. The nurse assigned to the patient notified me, as well as the charge nurse and the attending pediatrician. Based on the results of the CBC, the attending pediatrician ordered more tests. After extensive testing, the child was diagnosed with leukemia. Had it not been for recognizing the abnormality in the blood chemistry and alerting the doctor, the child’s symptoms could have been overlooked or misdiagnosed until a later time.
REASON #4: Nurses Must Understand Chemistry to Comprehend How Drugs Act Within the Body
Chemistry is important in nursing because we can identify key functional properties that contribute to a drug’s intended functions and expected therapeutic effects. As a nurse, when I understand drug chemistry, I can make more informed decisions about medication administration and be more aware of potential drug actions, interactions, or possible adverse reactions.
REASON #5: Chemistry Plays an Important Role in Wound Management
Although I had been a nurse for several years before becoming certified as a wound care nurse, I did not think much about how different enzymes play a role in tissue repair and the management of diverse types of wounds. To say that wound care is a whole other level of nursing is truly an understatement!
Chemistry is important in nursing because it helps us understand
the role of enzymes, how they grow, and the chemical signals related to tissue repair and regeneration. Once we understand this, we can make evidence-based decisions that support positive wound care interventions, such as choosing the appropriate type of dressing materials to promote wound healing.
REASON #6: Chemistry Helps Nurses Create Individualized Patient Care Plans
Understanding chemistry is essential to preparing individualized patient care plans designed to help patients achieve their best possible outcomes. As nurses, we use chemistry to consider a patient’s enzyme activity, metabolic rate, and ability to metabolize drugs. We also use our knowledge to identify if there are disruptions in normal chemical levels within the body, such as when an electrolyte imbalance occurs, which may be the result of factors such as hormonal disorders, kidney disease, or medication side effects.
When considering a patient’s individual biochemistry, we can tailor nursing interventions and individualize care plans, using a
patient-centered approach to optimize and improve patient outcomes.
REASON #7: There Are Constant Changes in Medicinal Chemistry, and Nurses Need to Be Aware
One of my favorite things about nursing is that there is always something new to learn if you are willing to do so, and that concept is true regarding chemistry in nursing. One reason understanding chemistry is important in nursing is because as pharmacologic advances continue, the way we view medicinal chemistry will change. Nurses must have a solid foundation in chemistry upon which to add new knowledge. With a clear understanding of the impact of chemistry on pharmacologic interventions, you will be better equipped to advocate for patients to receive appropriate treatment and promote safe, positive outcomes.
My Final Thoughts
With all the important subjects you must learn in nursing school and beyond, it is natural sometimes to wonder which are the most essential. When I first began nursing school, I imagined listening to heartbeats, monitoring blood pressures, and doing all those other "nurse things." When I realized chemistry was on the list of required subjects, I couldn't help but wonder, "Why is chemistry important in nursing?”
Thankfully, the nurses and healthcare educators who paved the way before me understood what a vital role chemistry plays in providing patient care. In this article, I shared some insight and 7 reasons why chemistry is important in nursing. If chemistry is not your favorite subject, let me encourage you to learn as much as you can anyway. What you learn and apply now can make a huge difference in the lives of your patients later!
List Of Sources Used For This Article
1.
“The Chemistry of Health” (
National Institutes of Health)
2.
“Enzymes: How They Work and What They Do” (
Medical News Today)
3.
“What Is Patient-Centered Care in Nursing? (with Examples, Key Principles, Importance, & Challenges)” (
nursingprocess.org)
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.