Basic Patient Care Skills Flashcards
7 cards from real PCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Basic Patient Care Skills flashcards as text
When repositioning a bedridden patient, how often should you change their position to prevent pressure ulcers?
Answer: Every 2 hours
Repositioning every 2 hours reduces pressure on bony prominences and prevents pressure ulcer formation.
A PCA notices a patient's skin over the sacrum is red and does not blanch when pressed. This indicates which stage of pressure ulcer?
Answer: Stage I
Non-blanchable redness on intact skin is the hallmark of a Stage I pressure ulcer.
When assisting a patient with a weak left side to transfer from bed to wheelchair, the wheelchair should be placed on which side?
Answer: Right side (strong side)
The wheelchair is placed on the patient's strong side so they can lead the transfer with their stronger leg.
Which technique is correct when performing passive range-of-motion exercises for a patient?
Answer: Support the joint and move it smoothly to the point of resistance
Supporting the joint and moving it smoothly to—but not past—resistance prevents injury during passive ROM.
An oral temperature reading is contraindicated in which situation?
Answer: Patient recently had oral surgery
Recent oral surgery or injury to the mouth makes oral temperature unsafe; an alternate site must be used.
When providing oral care to an unconscious patient, the PCA should position the patient in which way?
Answer: Side-lying (lateral) position
Side-lying position allows fluids and secretions to drain out of the mouth, preventing aspiration.
Which food texture is appropriate for a patient on a mechanical soft diet?
Answer: Mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes require minimal chewing and are the standard example of a mechanical soft diet food.