Basic Nursing Skills Flashcards

Signs of poor circulation are

Answer: paleness, cold skin, edema

Poor circulation means blood flow is inadequate to supply tissues with oxygen and nutrients. This often manifests as paleness due to reduced blood in the capillaries, cold skin because of decreased warmth carried by blood, and edema (swelling) as fluid accumulates in tissues due to impaired venous return. These signs indicate a potential compromise in tissue perfusion.

The plan, which begins on the resident’s admission and assists when the resident goes home, is called

Answer: discharge plan

A discharge plan is a comprehensive strategy initiated upon a resident's admission to ensure a smooth and safe transition back home or to another care setting. It involves assessing the resident's needs, coordinating services, and providing education to prepare them and their family for post-discharge care. This proactive planning helps prevent readmissions and promotes continued well-being.

A sitting or semi-sitting position with the head of the bed elevated is called

Answer: Fowler's

Fowler's position describes a standard patient position where the head of the bed is elevated. Specifically, Semi-Fowler's is 30-45 degrees, Fowler's is 45-60 degrees, and High Fowler's is 60-90 degrees. This position is commonly used to improve breathing, facilitate eating, and promote comfort for many residents.

The most important way for the nurse aide to gather information about the safety and well being of the resident is

Answer: observation

Observation is the most crucial method for a nurse aide to gather real-time information about a resident's safety and well-being. By carefully watching for changes in behavior, physical condition, or environment, the CNA can identify potential issues or needs promptly. This direct assessment allows for immediate reporting and intervention, ensuring resident safety.

For most residents, normal respiration ranges between

Answer: 12 to 20 inspirations per minute.

For most adults, a normal respiratory rate ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This rate indicates healthy lung function and adequate oxygen exchange. Deviations outside this range, either too slow (bradypnea) or too fast (tachypnea), can signal underlying health issues and should be reported to the nurse.

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place

Answer: in the lungs

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, known as gas exchange, primarily occurs in the alveoli of the lungs. Oxygen from inhaled air diffuses into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide from the blood diffuses into the alveoli to be exhaled. This vital process is essential for cellular respiration and maintaining life.

Various factors will change pulse rate. Increased pulse rates can be caused by

Answer: exercise

Exercise increases the body's demand for oxygen, causing the heart to pump faster to deliver more oxygenated blood to the muscles. This physiological response leads to an elevated pulse rate. Other factors like stress, fever, or certain medications can also increase pulse rate, while rest, sleep, or depression typically decrease it.

A Hepatitis B vaccination protects the person receiving it against a disease that affects

Answer: liver

The Hepatitis B vaccination protects against the Hepatitis B virus, which primarily infects the liver. This virus can cause acute or chronic liver inflammation, leading to severe conditions like cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. Vaccination is a critical preventive measure, especially for healthcare workers who are at higher risk of exposure.

A diabetic resident asks the nurse aide to cut her toenails. The nurse aide should

Answer: tell the resident that the nurse aide can not do this, but will report it to the charge nurse

Nurse aides are generally not permitted to cut the toenails of diabetic residents due to the high risk of injury and infection. Diabetics often have poor circulation and nerve damage in their feet, making even minor cuts dangerous and slow to heal. The CNA should report the request to the charge nurse, who can arrange for a podiatrist or a nurse with specialized training to perform the task safely.

Besides hearing, what other function does the ear have?

Answer: It controls balance and equilibrium.

Beyond hearing, the inner ear plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and equilibrium through its vestibular system. Structures like the semicircular canals and otolith organs detect head movements and changes in position, sending signals to the brain to help the body maintain stability. This function is vital for coordination and preventing falls.

Breathing liquids or solids into the airway or lungs is called

Answer: Aspiration

Aspiration refers to the accidental inhalation of food, liquid, vomit, or other foreign materials into the airway or lungs. This can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, choking, or respiratory distress. CNAs must be vigilant in preventing aspiration, especially when feeding residents with swallowing difficulties, to ensure their safety.

Which of the following is NOT a sleep aid?

Answer: Drinking alcohol

While alcohol may initially induce drowsiness, it disrupts the natural sleep cycle, leading to fragmented and poor-quality sleep. It can suppress REM sleep and cause awakenings later in the night, ultimately impairing restorative sleep. Therefore, drinking alcohol is not considered a healthy or effective sleep aid.

Which vegetable is not allowed on a low sodium diet?

Answer: Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage dish that is typically very high in sodium due to the large amount of salt used in its preservation process. On a low-sodium diet, foods with high salt content are restricted to help manage conditions like hypertension or fluid retention. Therefore, sauerkraut would be an inappropriate choice for such a diet.

Which is INCORRECT when recording on a patient's chart?

Answer: Use a pencil in case you make a mistake.

Patient charts are legal documents, and using a pencil is strictly prohibited because entries can be easily erased or altered, compromising the integrity of the record. All entries must be made in permanent ink, and any mistakes should be crossed out with a single line, initialed, and dated, ensuring transparency and accountability.

You notice that a patient has passed a black tarry stool. This is called

Answer: melena

Melena is the medical term for black, tarry stools, which are typically indicative of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The dark color results from the digestion of blood as it passes through the digestive tract, altering its appearance. It is a serious sign that requires immediate medical attention and reporting to a nurse.

If your patient is in traction you should NOT

Answer: change the position of the weight.

The weights used in traction are precisely calibrated and positioned by a physician or nurse to apply a specific amount of force for therapeutic purposes. Changing the position or removing the weights can disrupt the traction's effectiveness, cause injury, or alter the alignment of the affected body part. CNAs must never adjust traction weights.