ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery) Nursing Notes 2026 are designed to help students prepare for ANM examinations, nursing entrance/recruitment examinations and other competitive nursing exams. These notes cover the most important concepts of Community Health Nursing, Health Promotion, Nutrition, Human Body & Hygiene, Environmental Sanitation, Mental Health, Primary Health Care, Infection & Immunization, Communicable Diseases, First Aid, Maternal and Child Health and other essential nursing topics.

The Indian Nursing Council lists ANM Syllabus (2 Year) among its official publications.

1. Introduction to Nursing

Meaning of Nursing

Nursing is a healthcare profession concerned with the care of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent illness, assist recovery and improve quality of life.

Main Objectives of Nursing

1. Promotion of health
2. Prevention of disease
3. Care of sick persons
4. Rehabilitation
5. Health education
6. Prevention of complications
7. Support for patients and families

Qualities of a Good Nurse

A good nurse should have:

• Compassion
• Patience
• Responsibility
• Honesty
• Good communication skills
• Observation skills
• Emotional stability
• Cleanliness
• Professional ethics
• Ability to work in a team

2. Human Body and Hygiene

Human Body

The human body consists of different systems that work together to maintain normal body functions.

Major Body Systems

Normal Adult Vital Signs

Important vital signs include:

• Temperature
• Pulse
• Respiration
• Blood pressure
• Oxygen saturation

Approximate normal adult values can vary according to the individual and clinical situation.

Body Temperature

Normal body temperature is commonly around 37°C, although it varies with the site of measurement and individual factors.

Pulse

Pulse is the rhythmic expansion of an artery produced by heart contraction.

Common pulse sites:

• Radial
• Carotid
• Brachial
• Femoral
• Popliteal
• Dorsalis pedis

Respiration

Respiration is the process through which oxygen is taken into the body and carbon dioxide is eliminated.

3. Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene means maintaining cleanliness of the body to prevent disease and promote health.

Important Areas

• Bathing
• Oral hygiene
• Hair care
• Nail care
• Hand hygiene
• Genital hygiene
• Clean clothing
• Menstrual hygiene

Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is one of the most important measures for preventing transmission of infection.

Important times include:

• Before touching a patient
• Before an aseptic procedure
• After risk of exposure to body fluids
• After touching a patient
• After touching the patient's surroundings

4. Nutrition

Nutrition is the process by which the body obtains and uses nutrients for energy, growth, repair and maintenance.

Major Nutrients

1. Carbohydrates

Main source of energy.

Sources:

• Rice
• Wheat
• Potato
• Maize
• Sugar
• Fruits

2. Proteins

Required for:

• Growth
• Tissue repair
• Formation of enzymes and hormones
• Maintenance of body tissues

Sources:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Fish
• Meat
• Pulses
• Soybean
• Nuts

3. Fats

Functions:

• Provide energy
• Help absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
• Protect organs
• Maintain body temperature

4. Vitamins

Important vitamins include:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B complex
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K

5. Minerals

Important minerals:

• Iron
• Calcium
• Iodine
• Zinc
• Sodium
• Potassium

6. Water

Water is essential for:

• Regulation of body temperature
• Transportation of nutrients
• Removal of waste
• Maintaining fluid balance

5. Important Vitamin Deficiencies

Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency can cause iron-deficiency anemia.

Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Pallor
• Reduced exercise tolerance

6. Maternal Nutrition

Pregnant women require adequate:

• Protein
• Iron
• Folic acid
• Calcium
• Iodine
• Vitamins
• Water
• Energy

Importance of Folic Acid

Folic acid is especially important around conception and during pregnancy because adequate folate helps reduce the risk of certain neural tube defects.

7. Environmental Sanitation

Environmental sanitation refers to measures that maintain a healthy environment and reduce exposure to disease-causing factors.

Major Components

• Safe drinking water
• Proper disposal of human waste
• Waste management
• Food hygiene
• Clean surroundings
• Drainage
• Vector control
• Proper housing
• Personal hygiene

Safe Drinking Water

Unsafe water can contribute to diseases such as:

• Cholera
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis E
• Diarrhoeal diseases

8. Waste Management

Healthcare waste should be handled according to applicable biomedical-waste rules and institutional procedures.

Basic principles:

1. Segregate waste at the point of generation.
2. Use appropriate containers.
3. Avoid unnecessary handling.
4. Use personal protective equipment when required.
5. Follow authorized disposal procedures.

9. Community Health Nursing

Community Health Nursing focuses on improving the health of individuals, families and communities.

The INC ANM curriculum gives substantial emphasis to Community Health Nursing, including classroom learning and practical community experience.

Objectives

• Promote community health
• Prevent diseases
• Identify health problems
• Provide basic healthcare
• Conduct health education
• Support maternal and child health
• Encourage immunization
• Promote sanitation
• Assist in referral services

10. Primary Health Care

Primary health care is the first level of contact between individuals and the health system.

Principles of Primary Health Care

Commonly emphasized principles include:

1. Equitable distribution
2. Community participation
3. Intersectoral coordination
4. Appropriate technology

Elements

Primary healthcare may include:

• Health education
• Nutrition
• Maternal and child healthcare
• Immunization
• Prevention and control of endemic diseases
• Treatment of common illnesses
• Essential medicines
• Safe water and sanitation

11. Health Education

Health education helps people develop knowledge, attitudes and practices that support health.

Objectives

• Increase health awareness
• Encourage healthy behavior
• Prevent disease
• Promote early healthcare seeking
• Improve community participation

Methods

Individual methods

• Interview
• Counseling
• Home visit

Group methods

• Group discussion
• Demonstration
• Lecture

Mass methods

• Posters
• Radio
• Television
• Newspapers
• Social media

12. Communication in Nursing

Communication is the exchange of information between people.

Types

• Verbal communication
• Non-verbal communication
• Written communication
• Visual communication

Barriers

• Language differences
• Noise
• Lack of attention
• Cultural differences
• Fear
• Anxiety
• Poor listening
• Misunderstanding

Effective Communication

A nurse should:

• Listen carefully
• Speak clearly
• Maintain appropriate eye contact
• Respect privacy
• Use simple language
• Avoid unnecessary medical terminology
• Show empathy

13. Infection and Immunization

An infection occurs when disease-producing microorganisms enter and multiply in a host.

Common Infectious Agents

• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Fungi
• Protozoa
• Helminths

Chain of Infection

The chain generally includes:

Infectious agent → Reservoir → Portal of exit → Mode of transmission → Portal of entry → Susceptible host

Breaking any link can help prevent transmission.

14. Infection Prevention

Important measures include:

• Hand hygiene
• Personal protective equipment
• Sterilization
• Disinfection
• Safe injection practices
• Proper waste disposal
• Respiratory hygiene
• Environmental cleaning

15. Immunization

Immunization helps protect individuals against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Important Terms

Vaccine: Biological preparation that stimulates an immune response.

Immunity: Ability of the body to resist a particular infection or disease.

Types of Immunity

Active immunity: The person's own immune system produces the response.

Passive immunity: Ready-made antibodies are received from another source.

16. Communicable Diseases

Communicable diseases can spread directly or indirectly from an infected source/person/animal or through environmental routes, depending on the disease.

Common Examples

• Tuberculosis
• Malaria
• Dengue
• Cholera
• Typhoid
• Measles
• Hepatitis
• Influenza
• COVID-19

17. Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Common Symptoms

• Persistent cough
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Weakness

Prevention

• Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment
• Respiratory hygiene
• Adequate ventilation
• Contact investigation when indicated
• Appropriate vaccination according to national recommendations

18. Malaria

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites and is transmitted by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

Symptoms

• Fever
• Chills
• Sweating
• Headache
• Weakness

Prevention

• Mosquito control
• Insecticide-treated nets
• Reduction of mosquito breeding sites
• Early diagnosis and treatment

19. Dengue

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted mainly by infected Aedes mosquitoes.

Symptoms may include:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nausea
• Rash

Warning signs require urgent medical assessment.

20. First Aid

First aid is the immediate assistance provided to a sick or injured person until appropriate medical care is available.

Objectives

1. Preserve life
2. Prevent deterioration
3. Promote recovery
4. Arrange appropriate medical assistance

21. First Aid for Bleeding

Basic principles:

• Ensure scene safety.
• Apply firm direct pressure to external bleeding using appropriate material.
• Seek emergency medical assistance for severe bleeding.
• Monitor the person's condition.

Do not remove an embedded object from a wound; stabilize it and seek medical help.

22. Burns

For a minor thermal burn:

1. Remove the person from the source of heat.
2. Cool the burn with cool running water.
3. Remove jewelry or restrictive items near the area if they are not stuck.
4. Cover with a clean, non-stick dressing.
5. Seek medical care when appropriate.

Avoid applying ice directly to the burn.

23. Fracture

A fracture is a break or crack in a bone.

Signs

• Pain
• Swelling
• Deformity
• Bruising
• Loss of function
• Abnormal movement

First Aid

• Keep the injured area still.
• Support/splint it where appropriate.
• Do not attempt to straighten a deformed limb.
• Arrange medical assessment.

24. CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an emergency procedure used when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

Basic sequence:

Check safety → Check responsiveness → Call for emergency help/AED → Begin CPR → Use AED when available and appropriate

For actual emergencies, follow current local resuscitation guidance and trained-provider protocols.

25. Mental Health

Mental health is an important component of overall health.

Common Mental Health Problems

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress-related problems
• Substance-use disorders
• Psychotic disorders

Warning Signs

• Persistent sadness
• Social withdrawal
• Major sleep changes
• Significant appetite changes
• Loss of interest
• Confusion
• Unusual behavior

A person with severe symptoms or immediate safety concerns should receive professional assessment.

26. Child Health Nursing

Child health nursing focuses on the physical, psychological and social development of children.

Important Areas

• Growth
• Development
• Nutrition
• Immunization
• Hygiene
• Common childhood illnesses
• Newborn care
• Breastfeeding
• Child safety

The official ANM curriculum includes Child Health Nursing as a major study area.

27. Growth and Development

Growth

Growth refers mainly to measurable physical changes such as:

• Height
• Weight
• Head circumference
• Body size

Development

Development refers to progressive acquisition of skills and abilities.

Major domains:

• Physical
• Cognitive
• Language
• Social
• Emotional

28. Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding provides nutrition and immune protection to infants.

Important Points

• Early initiation is encouraged according to current national guidance.
• Exclusive breastfeeding is generally recommended for the first 6 months.
• Complementary foods are introduced around 6 months while breastfeeding continues.

Advantages

For the baby:

• Appropriate nutrition
• Immune protection
• Reduced risk of some infections

For the mother:

• Supports postpartum recovery
• Promotes mother–infant bonding
• May help reduce the risk of certain diseases

29. Maternal and Reproductive Health

Important areas for ANM students include:

• Antenatal care
• Intranatal care
• Postnatal care
• Newborn care
• Family planning
• Reproductive health
• Identification of danger signs
• Referral

Antenatal Care

The objectives include:

• Monitoring maternal health
• Monitoring fetal growth
• Identifying risk factors
• Providing appropriate supplements according to guidelines
• Immunization as recommended
• Health education
• Birth preparedness

30. Danger Signs During Pregnancy

Important warning signs requiring prompt medical evaluation include:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Severe headache
• Convulsions
• Severe abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe swelling or sudden concerning symptoms
• Reduced or absent fetal movement when normally expected

31. Postnatal Care

Postnatal care focuses on the health of the mother and newborn after delivery.

Important areas:

• Monitoring bleeding
• Monitoring vital signs
• Breastfeeding support
• Perineal/wound care
• Nutrition
• Mental health
• Family planning
• Newborn assessment
• Recognition of danger signs

32. Family Planning

Family planning enables individuals and couples to make informed decisions about:

• Number of children
• Timing of pregnancy
• Spacing between pregnancies

Methods include:

Temporary Methods

• Condoms
• Oral contraceptive pills
• Injectable contraceptives
• Intrauterine contraceptive devices
• Other approved methods

Permanent Methods

• Female sterilization
• Male sterilization

Counseling should be voluntary, informed and respectful of individual choice.

33. Important Nursing Terminology

34. Important One-Liners for ANM Exams

1. The basic structural and functional unit of the body is the cell.
2. The heart pumps blood throughout the body.
3. Hemoglobin carries oxygen in red blood cells.
4. The kidneys play a major role in removing metabolic waste and maintaining fluid/electrolyte balance.
5. The lungs are the major organs of gas exchange.
6. Insulin is produced by pancreatic beta cells.
7. Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy.
8. Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets in children.
9. Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia.
10. Hand hygiene is a fundamental infection-prevention measure.
11. Malaria is transmitted by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
12. Dengue is mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
13. TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
14. First aid aims to preserve life and prevent deterioration until appropriate care is available.
15. Exclusive breastfeeding is generally recommended for the first six months.
16. Community participation is an important principle of primary health care.
17. Health education aims to promote healthier knowledge, attitudes and practices.
18. Pulse, respiration, temperature and blood pressure are major vital signs.
19. A fracture is a break or crack in a bone.
20. ANM stands for Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery.

35. High-Scoring Topics for ANM Nursing 2026

For exam preparation, students should give special attention to:

⭐ Very Important

• Human anatomy and physiology
• Nutrition
• Personal hygiene
• Community health nursing
• Primary health care
• Immunization
• Communicable diseases
• Maternal health
• Child health
• Newborn care
• First aid
• Infection prevention
• Health education
• Family planning
• Mental health

⭐ Important Practical Topics

• Hand washing
• Vital signs
• First aid
• Dressing
• Basi