Basic Nursing Skills Flashcards

What is the best way to prevent the spread of infection in a healthcare setting?

Answer: Wash hands before and after patient contact.

Hand hygiene is the single most effective measure to prevent the spread of infection in healthcare settings. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub before and after every patient contact significantly reduces the transmission of microorganisms. This practice protects both patients and healthcare workers from potential pathogens.

When assisting a patient to stand, where should you position yourself?

Answer: In front of the patient.

When assisting a patient to stand, a CNA should position themselves in front of the patient, slightly to the side, with a wide stance. This allows the CNA to provide support, maintain balance, and prevent a fall by bracing the patient's knees with their own. Being in front also enables direct communication and observation of the patient's condition.

What should a CNA do before feeding a patient?

Answer: Check the patient’s identification band.

Before feeding a patient, a CNA must always check the patient's identification band against the meal tray and their care plan. This crucial step ensures that the correct patient receives the correct diet, preventing potential allergic reactions, choking hazards, or other adverse events from incorrect food. Patient safety is paramount in all care activities.

Which of the following should be reported immediately to a nurse?

Answer: Sudden chest pain.

Sudden chest pain is a critical symptom that could indicate a serious medical emergency, such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. CNAs are trained to recognize and immediately report such changes in a patient's condition to the nurse. Prompt reporting ensures the patient receives timely medical assessment and intervention, which can be life-saving.

How often should bed-bound patients be repositioned to prevent pressure ulcers?

Answer: Every 2 hours.

Bed-bound patients should be repositioned at least every two hours to prevent the development of pressure ulcers (bedsores). Regular repositioning relieves pressure on bony prominences, promotes circulation, and reduces skin breakdown. This proactive measure is essential for maintaining skin integrity and patient comfort.

What should you do first if a patient begins choking?

Answer: Assess if they can cough or speak.

If a patient begins choking, the first step is to assess if they can cough or speak. If they can cough forcefully or speak, it indicates a partial airway obstruction, and you should encourage them to continue coughing. If they cannot cough, speak, or breathe, then immediate abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) are necessary.

Which device helps prevent foot drop in bed-bound patients?

Answer: Footboard.

A footboard is a device placed at the foot of the bed that helps prevent foot drop in bed-bound patients. It provides a firm surface for the patient's feet to rest against, keeping them in a natural, dorsiflexed position. This prevents the muscles and tendons from shortening, which can lead to permanent plantar flexion (foot drop).

Which is a sign of dehydration in elderly patients?

Answer: Dry mouth.

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a common sign of dehydration, especially in elderly patients. Other indicators include decreased urine output, sunken eyes, and poor skin turgor. Recognizing these signs is crucial for CNAs to report to the nurse, ensuring timely intervention to prevent more severe dehydration complications.

How should you measure a patient's pulse accurately?

Answer: For 60 seconds.

To accurately measure a patient's pulse, it should be counted for a full 60 seconds. This ensures the detection of any irregularities in rhythm or rate, which might be missed during a shorter count. A full minute count provides the most reliable assessment of the patient's heart rate.

When providing oral care for an unconscious patient, what should you do first?

Answer: Position the patient on their side.

Before providing oral care for an unconscious patient, it is crucial to position them on their side, typically in a lateral or semi-Fowler's position with the head turned to the side. This prevents aspiration of fluids or debris into the lungs, as the patient cannot swallow or protect their airway. Patient safety is the top priority.

What is the normal range for an adult’s oral temperature?

Answer: 97.6°F to 99.6°F.

The normal range for an adult's oral temperature is generally considered to be between 97.6°F and 99.6°F (36.4°C to 37.6°C). While 98.6°F (37°C) is often cited as the average, individual temperatures can vary within this range. CNAs must be aware of this normal range to identify fevers or hypothermia.

Which practice ensures patient dignity during a bed bath?

Answer: Cover the patient with a bath blanket.

Covering the patient with a bath blanket during a bed bath is essential for maintaining their dignity and privacy. It ensures that only the area being washed is exposed, protecting the patient from unnecessary exposure and discomfort. This practice respects the patient's personal space and promotes a sense of security.

When making an occupied bed, you should:

Answer: Roll the patient to one side.

When making an occupied bed, rolling the patient to one side allows the CNA to safely change the linens on one half of the bed while the patient remains in bed. This method ensures patient safety by preventing falls and minimizes strain on both the patient and the CNA during the process, making it an efficient and secure way to maintain hygiene.

What is the best action if you find a patient on the floor?

Answer: Stay, call for help, and assess the patient.

If you find a patient on the floor, the immediate priority is to ensure their safety and assess for injuries before attempting to move them. Moving a patient without knowing the extent of their injuries could cause further harm. Staying with the patient and calling for help ensures that appropriate medical personnel can assess the situation and assist with moving the patient safely.

When charting patient care, you should always:

Answer: Chart care immediately after providing it.

Charting care immediately after providing it ensures the accuracy and completeness of the patient's medical record, as the details are fresh in the caregiver's mind. This practice is crucial for effective communication among the healthcare team, allowing for continuity of care and timely, informed decision-making based on the most current information.

Which vital sign change should be reported immediately?

Answer: Sudden drop in blood pressure.

A sudden drop in blood pressure is a critical vital sign change that can indicate a serious underlying medical emergency, such as shock, internal bleeding, or a severe allergic reaction. Such a change requires immediate medical attention and reporting to the nurse to prevent further deterioration of the patient's condition and ensure prompt intervention.