Basic Nursing Skills Flashcards

To lift an object using good body mechanics, the nurse aide SHOULD

Answer: bend knees and keep back straight.

To lift an object safely and prevent injury, a nurse aide should always use good body mechanics by bending their knees and keeping their back straight. This technique utilizes the stronger leg muscles to lift, rather than straining the back, distributing the weight evenly and protecting the spine.

When taking a client’s radial pulse, the nurse aide’s fingertips should be placed on the client’s

Answer: wrist.

When taking a client’s radial pulse, the nurse aide’s fingertips should be placed on the client’s wrist, specifically on the thumb side. This is where the radial artery runs close to the surface, allowing for easy palpation to count the heart rate and assess its rhythm and strength.

For safety, when leaving a client alone in a room, the nurse aide SHOULD

Answer: place signaling device within client’s reach.

For safety, when leaving a client alone in a room, the nurse aide must always place the signaling device (call light) within the client’s immediate reach. This ensures the client can easily call for assistance if they need anything or if an emergency arises, promoting their independence and preventing potential falls or distress.

Physical restraints are used MOST often

Answer: to prevent client injury.

Physical restraints are used most often as a last resort to prevent a client from causing injury to themselves or others. This includes preventing falls, pulling out essential medical devices, or harming staff or other residents. Their application requires a doctor's order and strict adherence to safety protocols to protect the client's well-being.

Which of the following is NOT considered to be a way to restrain a client?

Answer: Pain management

A restraint may be either physical or chemical. Its purpose is to protect the client from harming himself or others. Only a physician may order a restraint, and guidelines are strict. A pain medication may help calm a client or relieve behavior associated with severe pain, but it is not in the restraint category.

To be sure that a client’s weight is measured accurately, the client should be weighed

Answer: at the same time of day

Obtaining the client's weight is an important part of assessment. Weight should be done at the same time every day; morning is the best time. Ideally, to get the most accurate, or dry, weight, use the same scale and weigh the client after the first void and before breakfast.

While eating dinner a client starts to choke and turn blue. The nurse aide SHOULD

Answer: call for assistance and perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts).

Abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) is the best response to choking. Calling for assistance as you prepare to do abdominal thrusts will alert others of the emergency. A quick back slap can be tried, but if the food does not immediately dislodge, the nurse aide must quickly move to start abdominal thrusts. Performing abdominal thrusts involves standing behind the client and using hands to exert upward pressure on the bottom of the diaphragm.

How many tips does a quad-cane base have?

Answer: 4

A quad-cane has four tips to provide a broad base to support the client while walking. The client holds the cane in the strong or unaffected side. To walk, place the cane about an arm's length away, with all four tips touching the ground at the same time. Step forward with the weak leg, using the cane for stability.

What is the FIRST thing a nurse aide should do when finding an unresponsive client?

Answer: Call for help

When encountering any type of emergency situation, such as an unconscious client, always call for help first. Others can clear the area, phone for an ambulance, assist with CPR, help move or transfer the client, or document the events.

As the nurse aide begins their assignment, which should they do first?

Answer: Assist a resident that needs assistance to get off the toilet.

When prioritizing, start with the resident who has the most urgent need. Helping the resident who has finished toileting is most important. The patient will be comfortable, and you can then do the other tasks.

The Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrust) is administered to the patient if they have

Answer: a blocked airway

A person who is choking will automatically grab their throat. This is a signal for help. Abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) is the best response to choking. Calling for assistance as you prepare to do abdominal thrusts will alert others of the emergency. A quick back slap can be tried, but if the food does not immediately dislodge, the nurse aide must quickly move to start abdominal thrusts. Performing abdominal thrusts involves standing behind the client and using hands to exert upward pressure on the bottom of the diaphragm.

Which one of these conditions requires Contact Isolation precautions?

Answer: Scabies

Contact isolation precautions are used when infection or disease can be spread by touching the patient or items in the patient's room that could possibly be contaminated. Scabies, MRSA, severe diarrhea, and RSV are examples of conditions requiring gowns and gloves to care for the patient.

Mr. Martin drank 6 ounces of coffee and 3 ounces of orange juice during breakfast. How many cubic centimeters did he drink?

Answer: 270 cc

9 oz. = 270 cc. When converting ounces (oz.) to cubic centimeters (cc) remember that 1 oz. = 30 cc. Although an ounce is slightly more, the amounts are considered to be equal by doctors and pharmacists. Also, 1 cc = 1 ml.

Wrinkles in the bed linens can lead to problems for residents. Which is the most serious problem that they can cause?

Answer: Decubitus ulcer

When a resident must stay in bed, it is very important to prevent skin breakdown. Any pressure can lead to the development of a decubitus ulcer (also called a pressure ulcer, pressure sore, or bed sore). Even a wrinkle or ridge in the bed linen can harm a resident's fragile skin. Keep linens smooth, clean, and dry.

The term atrophy refers to an organ or tissue becoming

Answer: smaller because of underuse

Atrophy occurs with underuse or disease of a part of the body, causing a loss of cells. When muscles are not used, they can waste away, resulting in poor strength or movement. In Alzheimer's disease, the brain atrophies, shrinking until all functions are lost.

A resident has diabetes. Which is a common sign of a low blood sugar?

Answer: Shakiness

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, causes a diabetic to become shaky. Other signs and symptoms are sweating, chills, nausea, and a rapid heartbeat. The resident may act confused, irritable, or anxious. As a CNA, you should know which residents are diabetic and what to watch for. Notify the nurse immediately.