Basic Care and Comfort Flashcards

A patient reports pain of 7/10 and requests repositioning before analgesics. What is the LPN's best initial action?

Answer: Reposition the patient and reassess pain after 15 minutes

Non-pharmacological comfort measures like repositioning should be attempted first when requested, and pain reassessment follows to evaluate effectiveness.

Which position is most appropriate for a patient with severe dyspnea?

Answer: High Fowler's (60–90 degrees)

High Fowler's position maximizes lung expansion and reduces the work of breathing in patients with dyspnea.

When assisting a patient with oral hygiene who is unconscious, the LPN should position the patient in which way?

Answer: Lateral (side-lying) with head slightly lowered

Lateral positioning with the head slightly lowered prevents aspiration of fluids during oral care in unconscious patients.

A patient is prescribed a regular diet but has difficulty chewing due to poor dentition. The LPN should:

Answer: Notify the dietitian to change the diet to a mechanical soft consistency

The dietitian should be notified so the diet can be appropriately modified to mechanical soft to meet the patient's nutritional needs safely.

Which of the following best describes a therapeutic bath used to relieve perineal itching and inflammation?

Answer: Sitz bath

A sitz bath immerses only the perineal and rectal areas in warm water and is used to relieve discomfort and promote healing.

A bedridden patient's heels are reddened but skin is intact. What is the priority intervention?

Answer: Elevate heels off the bed using pillows or heel protectors

Offloading pressure from reddened (Stage 1) heels by elevation prevents progression to deeper pressure injury.

A patient using a cane should be taught to hold it on which side?

Answer: The side of the stronger extremity

A cane is held on the stronger side to provide lateral support and shift weight away from the weaker extremity during ambulation.