Once I remove wallpaper what do I do next?

I'm in the process of removing wallpaper in the kitchen. I noticed that there is nothing under the wallpaper except drywall. Since I've been removing the wallpaper every now and then pieces of the drywall come off too. Once I'm done what can I use to smooth the wall out and paint over? Can I mud over the drywall and exsisting wallpaper with the mudding stuff and then paint? Help!!!