Final Exam Flashcards
(259 cards)
What is the first step if a patient is having difficulty breathing?
Elevate the head of the bed to promote lung expansion and ease breathing.
What PPE is required for contact precautions?
Gloves and gown (e.g., for C. diff, MRSA, VRE).
What is the correct sequence for donning PPE?
Gown → Mask → Goggles/Face Shield → Gloves.
What is the correct sequence for doffing PPE?
Gloves → Goggles/Face Shield → Gown → Mask.
What is the appropriate response to a needlestick injury?
Wash area, notify supervisor, fill out incident report, seek medical evaluation.
What are standard precautions?
Used for all patients—includes hand hygiene and PPE based on exposure risk.
How do you properly transfer a patient using a gait belt?
Place the belt snugly at the waist, stand to the weaker side, use a rocking motion to assist.
What are the signs of fluid volume deficit?
Tachycardia, hypotension, dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, weight loss.
What electrolyte imbalance is indicated by muscle cramps and cardiac arrhythmias?
Hypokalemia.
What is the priority nursing action for a patient with low oxygen saturation?
Apply oxygen as ordered and assess airway and respiratory status.
When is it appropriate to use a restraint?
Only when all alternatives have failed, with a provider’s order, and with frequent monitoring.
What are the stages of pressure injury?
Stage 1: Non-blanchable redness
Stage 2: Partial thickness loss
Stage 3: Full thickness skin loss
Stage 4: Full thickness tissue loss with exposed bone/muscle
What are the signs of hypoglycemia?
Sweating, shaking, confusion, irritability, dizziness, hunger, tachycardia.
What is a normal range for blood glucose?
70–110 mg/dL fasting.
What are the stages of grief (Kubler-Ross)?
Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance.
What are the types of loss?
Actual, perceived, maturational, situational, and anticipatory.
What is the role of the nurse in informed consent?
Witness the signature and ensure the patient understands the procedure, but do not explain it (provider’s job).
What is the nurse’s role in HIPAA compliance?
Protect patient information, only access need-to-know info, and ensure secure communication.
What is the normal range for vital signs in adults?
Temp: 97–99°F (36.1–37.2°C)
Pulse: 60–100 bpm
Respirations: 12–20
BP: <120/80 mmHg
What are isotonic fluids used for?
To replace fluid loss (e.g., 0.9% NS, Lactated Ringers) – no fluid shift occurs.
What type of communication builds therapeutic rapport?
Active listening, open-ended questions, empathy, silence, clarification.
What does SBAR stand for?
Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation.
What are the early signs of hypoxia?
Restlessness, anxiety, tachycardia, confusion.
What is the purpose of incentive spirometry?
To prevent atelectasis by encouraging deep breathing post-operatively.