Step 1 – divided by body system, to be read in conjunction with our Step 1 Study Guide
Respiratory System
Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology
Anatomy and Physiology of Respiration
Type I Respiratory Failure
Type II Respiratory Failure
Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Failure
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia
V/Q Mismatch
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
Pneumonia – Overview
Pleural Effusion
Cor Pulmonale
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Asthma
ARDS
Assessment, Monitoring and Observations
Respiratory Assessment – Chest Auscultation
Arterial Blood Gas – Sampling
Arterial Blood Gas – Overview
Basic Ventilatory Parameters
Basic Modes of Ventilation
Care of patient requiring NIV
Changing a Chest Drain Bottle
Chest Drain Insertion
Chest Drains – Overview
Common Causes of Airflow Obstruction in Adults
Common Medication used in Respiratory Care
Patient Positioning
Deep Breathing and Effective Coughing
End tidal CO2 monitoring
Endotracheal Intubation
Ventilator Values – Reference Guide
Respiratory Assessment – Nursing Documentation
Oxygen Therapy and Signs of Toxicity
Management of Airway Secretions
Methods of Oxygen Delivery
Non Invasive Ventilation – Overview
Oxygen Humidification
Pulse Oximetry
Respiratory Assessment – Overview
Tracheostomy Care Bundle and NCEPOD standards
Tracheostomy – Indications and Types
Troubleshooting a Chest Drain
Use of Accessory Muscles
Ventilator Care Bundle
Ventilator Weaning and Extubation – Overview
What is sputum?
Cardiovascular System
Anatomy and Physiology
Cardiac Surface Anatomy
Structure and Function of the Heart
Heart Valves
The Cardiac Cycle
Coronary Artery Anatomy
Coronary Artery Structure and Histology
Coronary Veins
Cardiac Conduction System
Cardiac Action Potential
Starling’s Law
Cardiac v Skeletal Muscle
Diseases, Treatment and Management
Acquired Heart Valve Disease – overview
Principles of Cardiac Pacing
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Coronary Artery Disease
Cardiac Tamponade
Management of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Cardiogenic Shock
Common Cardiac Drugs
Fluid Management – Colloid v Crystalloid
Hypertension
Stable Angina
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Unstable Angina
Myocardial Infarction
Left Ventricular Failure
Acute Coronary Syndrome
Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM)
Assessment, Monitoring and Observations
Cardiac Monitoring – Set Up
Heart Rhythms – Overview
Epicardial Pacing following Cardiac Surgery
12 lead ECG Placement
12 lead ECG territories
12 lead ECG Essentials
Normal observation values
Invasive Monitoring – Waveforms – Art, CVP, PA, PCWP
Cardiac Output Monitoring
Cardiac Output Studies – reference range and examples
Arterial Lines – Overview
Arterial Line Insertion – equipment and procedure
Arterial Line Removal
Arterial Line Transducer
Assessment of Skin Turgor
Capillary Refill Time
Central Line removal – indications and procedure
Central line – hazards and complications
Central Line Insertion
Heart Sounds (auscultation)
Renal System
Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology
Acute Kidney Injury
Components of the Renal System
Functions of the Kidney
Assessment, Monitoring and Observations
Basic Considerations in Renal Failure
Importance of Measuring and Recording Fluid Output
Monitoring Fluid Status, Balance, and Renal Function in Acutely Unwell Patients
Renal Replacement Therapy
Indications for Renal Replacement Therapy
Modalities of Renal Replacement Therapy
Ultrafiltration, Convection and Diffusion
Renal Replacement complications
Gastrointestinal System
Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology
Acute and Chronic Liver and Biliary Impairment
Essential Knowledge of the Liver and Biliary System
Essential Knowledge of the Pancreas
GI System and Metabolism
Overview of Gastric Dysfunction
Acute GI conditions
Causes of Liver and Biliary dysfunction
Causes of Pancreatic dysfunction
Assessment, Monitoring and Observations
Bowel Sounds
Common GI Medication
Constipation and Diarrhoea
NG Tube Placement and NPSA Guidance
Nutrition in Critical Illness
Refeeding Syndrome
Types of Stomas and Adjuncts
Neurological System
Pain
Types of Pain – Overview
Pharmacology of Pain Management
Pain Perception
Pain Assessment
Non Pharmacological Pain Management
GCS, ACVPU and Pupils
Pupil Responses
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Assessment
Fall in GCS
How to accurately assess GCS
ACVPU Tool
Pupil assessment
Sedation and delirium assessment and management
Last Reviewed and Updated, AskAlth, London July 2026.