BASIC NURSING SKILLS Flashcards
A client is paralyzed on the right side. The nurse
aide should place the signaling device
ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BED NEAR THE CLIENT’S
HAND.
A nurse aide notices blood in a patient’s IV tubing.
The aide should
NOTIFY THE IV NURSE.
Physical restraints are used MOST often
TO PREVENT CLIENT INJURY.
A Hepatitis B vaccination protects the person
receiving it against a disease that affects
LIVER
Drainage bags from urinary catheters should always
BE KEPT BELOW THE LEVEL OF THE BLADDER.
The goal of the health care team is to
PROVIDE QUALITY CARE
NPO means
NOTHING BY MOUTH
Who supervises the work of a nurse aide
THE NURSE
In report the nurse aide is told that one of her patients
has been ordered NPO after midnight. The aide should
TAKE AWAY THE WATER PITCHER AT MIDNIGHT.
The circulatory system consists of the
HEART, ARTERIES, VEINS AND CAPILLARIES.
Signs of poor circulation are
PALENESS, COLD SKIN, EDEMA
When caring for a resident with an indwelling
Foley catheter it is important to
CHECK THE BAG AND TUBING FREQUENTLY FOR
ADEQUATE URINARY FLOW
Hypothermia is a __________.
VERY LOW BODY TEMPERATURE
The nurse aide notices on the flow sheet that a
resident has not had a bowel movement for five days. The nurse aide should
REPORT THIS TO THE CHARGE NURSE
Mrs. Sparks is an 83-year-old female patient who
suffers from the late effects of a CVA. she has {L} sided hemiplegia. This is
PARALYSIS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BODY
Meal trays have arrived. Before serving each tray
the nurse aide should
CHECK EACH ARMBAND, EVEN ON FAMILIAR
PATIENTS.
Headaches, nausea and pain would be called
SYMPTOMS
Which does NOT prevent or reduce odors?
PLACING FRESH FLOWERS IN THE ROOM
What is the purpose of using the chain-of-command in a long-term care facility
TO KEEP COMMUNICATION ABOUT A PROBLEM
FLOWING SMOOTHLY
A Foley catheter is used
TO DRAIN URINE FROM THE BLADDER
The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes
place
IN THE LUNGS
The RN assigns you a task that is in your job description. Which statement is FALSE?
THE RN SHOULD DELEGATE EVERY NON-RN TASK
TO YOU.
What basic need is most essential?
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Paralysis on one side of the body is called
HEMIPLEGIA
Mrs. Andrews has an indwelling urinary catheter.
Which is INCORRECT?
ATTACH THE DRAINAGE BAG TO THE BED RAIL.
What is the condition when patients are unable to
control their bladder?
URINARY INCONTINENCE
You notice that a patient has passed a black tarry
stool. This is called
MELENA
What type of isolation precautions are necessary
for a patient with a gastrointestinal infection?
ENTERIC PRECAUTIONS
Mr. Burns just smoked a cigarette. How long
should you wait to take his oral temperature?
15-20 MINUTES
What is the most accurate way to measure a resident’s temperature?
RECTAL
The definition of scope of practice is?
SKILLS WHICH THE HEALTH CARE WORKER IS
LEGALLY ABLE TO PERFORM
The normal heart rate/pulse rate for an adult
human is 60-100 bpm. An elevated heart rate can be expected with
UNCONTROLLED BLEEDING
A patient has just finished taking a cold beverage.
How long should you wait before taking an oral temperature?
15-20 MINUTES
- In Long Term Care Facilities, which shift usually gets the residents ready for their appointments,
X-rays, etc.?
7 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.
Wrinkles in the bed linens can lead to problems
for residents. Which is the most serious problem that they can cause?
DECUBITUS ULCER
The nurse aide enters a client’s room, and the client
states that he has pain. What should the nurse aide do?
REPORT IT TO THE NURSE IN CHARGE.
The surgical creation of an artificial opening of the
large intestine is called _______.
A COLOSTOMY
A sodium-restricted diet for heart disease does
NOT include
PICKLES AND OLIVES
The RN, LPN, and CNA are members of the
NURSING TEAM
The first sign of a decubitis ulcer is
REDNESS AND WARMTH
While making an empty bed, the nurse aide sees
that the side rail is broken. The nurse aide SHOULD
REPORT THE BROKEN SIDE RAIL IMMEDIATELY.
When heat is applied to the skin, the blood vessels
DILATE
Continual oozing or diarrhea may be a symptom of
FECAL INCONTINENCE
The Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) is
used for a client who has
A BLOCKED AIRWAY
The period of heart muscle contraction is called
SYSTOLE
An apical pulse is counted for _______.
1 FULL MINUTE
What body system provides framework for the
body and allows the body to move?
MUSCULOSKELETAL
When taking a client’s radial pulse, the nurse
aide’s fingertips should be placed on the client’s
WRIST
The nurse aide sees a client spill water on the floor
in the hall. Another client is walking down the hall.
The nurse aide SHOULD…
CLEAN UP THE SPILL.
The medical abbreviation for “before meals” is
AC
For safety, when leaving a client alone in a room,
the nurse aide SHOULD
PLACE SIGNALING DEVICE WITHIN CLIENT’S REACH.
When helping a client who is recovering from a
stroke to walk, the nurse aide should assist
ON THE CLIENT’S WEAK SIDE
A resident with an ileostomy evacuates feces
through the
ILEUM
To avoid pulling the catheter when turning a male
client, the catheter tube must be taped to the client’s
UPPER THIGH
What is the FIRST thing a nurse aide should do
when finding an unresponsive client?
CALL FOR HELP
On what side should the patient lie for an enema?
LEFT
Normal urine color is
YELLOW
Strokes are seen in the elderly. Strokes are best
described as
WHEN THE BRAIN IS DEPRIVED OF OXYGEN
Mrs. Shumway’s nursing care plan lists CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) as her primary dx. (diagnosis). You would expect her ADL routine to include
DAILY AM WEIGHT MEASUREMENT
In the Nursing Care Plan you note it is written; “O2
per N/C @3L, Orthopnea pos. as needed”. As a CNA
you know this means
RESIDENT HAS OXYGEN WITH A NASAL CANNULA
ON THREE LITERS, ASSIST TO SIT IN FOWLERS
Mrs. Hernandez had a hip replacement and is ad-
mitted to the long term care facility for rehabilitation. Her condition is
ACUTE
A patient who was given insulin in the morning is
pale and sweaty and appears confused two hours later. It would be helpful to find out whether the patient
HAD BREAKFAST.
A patient appears more pale than usual. The nurse aide should
ASK THE PATIENT HOW HE FEELS AND TAKE HIS
VITAL SIGNS IMMEDIATELY.
What can the nurse aide give the resident who
has an order for NPO?
NO FOOD OR LIQUIDS
Wasting or a decrease in the size of a muscle is called
ATROPHY
For most residents, normal respiration ranges
between
12 TO 20 INSPIRATIONS PER MINUTE.
Various factors will change pulse rate. Increased
pulse rates can be caused by
EXERCISE
Why should heat NOT be applied to a diabetic
resident’s feet?
DIABETICS HAVE DECREASED SENSITIVITY TO HEAT
While taking a rectal temperature the nurse aide
should insert the thermometer and
HOLD ONTO THE THERMOMETER UNTIL IT CAN BE
REMOVED.
A resident has diabetes. What is a common sign
of a low blood sugar?
SHAKINESS
Who is responsible for the entire nursing staff and
the activities involved in providing safe care?
THE DIRECTOR OF NURSING
Mrs. Allen has a gastrostomy and the nurse just
put Ensure through the feeding tube. The CNA needs to put her in which position for the next 1-2 hours?
FOWLER’S POSITION
When lifting a heavy object, which muscle groups
should be utilized
MUSCLES OF LEGS
A nurse assistant notices red marks on a resident’s
back and buttocks. The aide acts in the knowledge that
THE SKIN CAN BREAK DOWN IF NOTHING IS DONE.
What is an embolism?
A BLOOD CLOT THAT MOVES THROUGH THE
BLOODSTREAM, AND CAUSES OBSTRUCTION
A client who is on a low cholesterol diet should
not eat
RED MEAT
You are instructed to strain Mr. Powers’ urine. You
know that straining the urine is done to find ______.
STONES
A patient with a persistent blood pressure measurement above 140/90 has
HYPERTENSION
A client who requires a high fiber diet should eat
FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND WHOLE GRAINS
If your patient is in traction you should NOT
CHANGE THE POSITION OF THE WEIGHT.
- A nursing aide has four patients to assist. Who
should she address first?
THE PATIENT WHO NEEDS TO BE TAKEN TO THE
BATHROOM
Supine position is
LYING ON THE BACK
A patient is nearing death. What should the nurse
aide focus on?
SUPPORTING THE PATIENT AND KEEPING THEM
COMFORTABLE.
The nutrient used to build and repair tissue is
PROTEIN
A slipknot is used when securing a restraint so
that ________.
THE RESTRAINT CAN BE REMOVED QUICKLY WHEN
NEEDED.
You are measuring Mrs. Clark’s resting pulse and it
is 106 beats per minute, which is significantly higher than her normal pulse. You should
REPORT THIS TO THE CHARGE NURSE.
To help prevent resident falls, the nurse aide should
LEAVE RESIDENTS’ BEDS AT THE LOWEST LEVEL
WHEN CARE IS COMPLETE.
One of the differences between an RN and a CNA
is that only the RN can ________.
GIVE MEDICATION
The proper way to identify a patient is to
CHECK THE PATIENT’S WRISTBAND.
A major risk factor for a stroke is
HYPERTENSION
When giving an enema to a person you ask the
person to lie on _______.
THEIR LEFT SIDE
A resident has a slow heart rate; less than 60 beats
per minute. The nurse tells you she is having
BRADYCARDIA
The nurse aide notices that the client’s radio cord
is draped across a chair in order to reach the nearest outlet. The FIRST thing the nurse aide should do is
SEE IF ANY CHANGES CAN BE MADE SO THAT THE
RADIO CAN BE PLUGGED IN SAFELY.
The nursing care plan states, “Transfer with mechanical lift.” however, the client is very agitated. To transfer the client, the nurse aide SHOULD
GET ASSISTANCE TO MOVE THE CLIENT.
To lift an object using good body mechanics, the
nurse aide SHOULD
BEND KNEES AND KEEP BACK STRAIGHT.
When muscles atrophy, they become
SMALLER
What type of fire can be put out with water?
PAPER
The physician ordered Mrs. Jones “to receive
physical therapy QOD”. That means that she will go
EVERY OTHER DAY
The nurse aide is going to help the client walk
from the bed to a chair. What should the nurse aide put on the client’s feet?
RUBBER-SOLED SLIPPERS OR SHOES
A restraint should always be tied to the
BED FRAME
To be sure that a client’s weight is measured accurately, the client should be weighed
AT THE SAME TIME OF DAY
The nurse aide is walking with a client confined
to a wheelchair when the facility fire alarm system is activated. The client becomes excited from the noise. The nurse aide SHOULD
COMFORT THE CLIENT WHILE MOVING TO A SAFE
PLACE.
While eating dinner a client starts to choke and
turn blue. The nurse aide SHOULD
CALL FOR ASSISTANCE AND PERFORM THE
HEIMLICH MANEUVER (ABDOMINAL THRUSTS).
When taking an oral temperature, it is important to
PLACE THE THERMOMETER UNDER THE TONGUE.
When caring for a client who uses a protective
device (restraint), the nurse aide SHOULD
CHECK THE CLIENT’S BODY ALIGNMENT.
A client needs to be repositioned but is heavy,
and the nurse aide is not sure she can move the client alone. The nurse aide should
ASK ANOTHER NURSE AIDE TO HELP
When transferring a client, MOST of the client’s
weight should be supported by the nurse aide’s
LEGS
Who orders a warm or cold application?
DOCTOR
Your resident consumed a bowl of soup that was
180 cc of liquid. How many ounces was that?
6 OZ
The purpose for padding side rails on the client’s
bed is to
PROTECT THE CLIENT FROM INJURY
When operating a manual bed, the nurse aide
should remember to
FOLD CRANKS UNDER BED.
Signs and symptoms of shock may include
LOW BLOOD PRESSURE, TACHYCARDIA, CLAMMY,
PALE SKIN
The recommended position for giving an enema is
LEFT SIMS
A professional and safe working appearance
would include
CLEAN, WRINKLE FREE UNIFORM, SHORT
FINGERNAILS, OFF-THE-SHOULDER HAIR
Mrs. Shumway has an order for I&O. You have
picked up her breakfast and note she drank half of a 6oz. glass of juice, 4oz. of milk, and 8oz. of coffee, you document
450 CC
What is the best way of keeping a skilled nursing
facility from having an unpleasant odor?
EMPTY BEDPANS AND CHANGE LINENS IN A
TIMELY MANNER.
You are caring for Mr. Brown who has a diagnosis
of COPD. His SpO2 is 82%. He is currently receiving O2 via Nasal Cannula @ 2 liters/min. What do you do?
REPORT IT STAT TO YOUR NURSE.
A bedsore or decubitus ulcer is caused by
INADEQUATE TURNING
Post-partum refers to
THE PERIOD OF TIME AFTER A DELIVERY OF A BABY
The brain is part of the
NERVOUS SYSTEM
Most of our calories should come from
CARBOHYDRATES
The thinning of the fatty layer under the skin
could cause the resident to
DEVELOP PRESSURE SORES
Elderly residents sometimes appear stooped
over and like they have lost height. This is due to
OSTEOPOROSIS IN THE SPINAL COLUMN
Constipation and indigestion can result from
SLOWED PERISTALSIS
A patient has a diagnosis of psoriasis. Her nurse
aide should
TREAT HER THE SAME AS ANY OTHER PATIENT
WITH A NON-INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
Diabetes mellitus make a resident more prone to
develop
INFECTIONS
The nurse aide is assigned to a stroke patient
with a diagnosis of aphasia. The nurse aide knows
THE RESIDENT CAN NOT TALK
A resident is NPO for tests. The nurse aid should
REMOVE THE WATER PITCHER AND GLASS FROM
THE ROOM
Besides hearing, what other function does the
ear have?
IT CONTROLS BALANCE AND EQUILIBRIUM.
The most important way for the nurse aide to
gather information about the safety and well being of the resident is
OBSERVATION
When lifting, the nurse aide should have his feet
separated in the standing position to
PROVIDE A WIDE BASE OF SUPPORT
The plan, which begins on the resident’s admission and assists when the resident goes home, is called
DISCHARGE PLAN
A restraint attached to a patient’s body and to a
stationary object is
AN ACTIVE PHYSICAL RESTRAINT
The preferred way to remove a bed pan from a
client who is unable to lift their buttocks is to
TURN THE PATIENT ON THEIR SIDE WHILE
HOLDING THE PAN
The type of bed used for a patient arriving by
stretcher or wheelchair is called _________.
AN OPEN BED
The earliest identifying sign for a developing
pressure sore is a local
CHANGE IN COLOR
Which vegetable is not allowed on a low sodium
diet?
SAUERKRAUT
The medical term for hair loss is called
ALOPECIA
You observe that a patient is bleeding from an IV
site. You should
NOTIFY THE RN IMMEDIATELY.
Mr. Green’s water pitcher holds 1000 cc, It is full
when you came on shift. You refill it once during your
shift. At the end of the shift it is half full. How much
water has Mr. Green had to drink?
1500 CC
Mrs. Harvey complains of abdominal discomfort.
Watery stool has been leaking from her rectum. This
could be a sign of
FECAL IMPACTION
- Mr. Brown has an ankle brace. When you remove
the brace, you notice a reddened area on the ankle
bone. You should
REPORT YOUR OBSERVATIONS TO THE NURSE.
Three liquid ounces equals how many milliliters?
90
How would a nursing aide identify a problem
with a diabetic patient?
COLD, CLAMMY SKIN
If your patient has bradycardia, what does that
mean?
THE PATIENT’S HEART RATE IS SLOW, BELOW 60
BPM
A resident has an indwelling urinary catheter.
While making rounds, the nurse aide notices that
there is no urine in the drainage bag. The nurse aide
should first
CHECK FOR KINKS IN THE TUBING
What is rigor mortis?
STIFFENING AND LOCKING OF THE JOINTS AFTER
DEATH.
What is the normal range of systolic blood pressure for adults?
100-200
Breathing liquids or solids into the airway or
lungs is called
ASPIRATION
What is a pulse oximeter used to measure?
THE AMOUNT OF O2 IN THE BLOOD
If a patient does not have a bowel movement
for more than ______, the patient is considered at an
increased risk for developing constipation and the
nurse should be notified.
3 DAYS
Of the symptoms below, which one is most associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
JOINTS ARE WARM, RED, PAINFUL AND SWOLLEN
Which stage of a pressure sore or ulcer involves
breakdown of the subcutaneous layer of the skin?
STAGE III
The nervous system changes as people get older.
Which change is considered normal?
SLOWER RESPONSE TIME
The Foley bag must be kept lower than the patient’s bladder because
IT PREVENTS URINE RETURNING TO THE BLADDER.
A type of service that long term care facilities can
provide include
HOME CARE
What is the best way to prevent joint and muscle
damage?
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE EXERCISES
What does the abbreviation BID stand for?
TWO TIMES A DAY
A resident who is incontinent of urine has an
increased risk of developing
PRESSURE SORES
If a nurse aide needs to wear a gown to care for a
patient in isolation, the nurse aide should
TAKE THE GOWN OFF BEFORE LEAVING THE
PATIENT’S ROOM.
A resident who has stress incontinence
MAY LEAK URINE WHEN LAUGHING OR COUGHING
The resident’s weight is obtained routinely as a
way to check the resident’s
NUTRITION AND HEALTH
The medical abbreviation for “three times a day” is
TID
The proper temperature for a soapsuds enema is
105°F
The safety device used to transfer a weak or de-
pendent patient from a bed to a chair is called a
TRANSFER/GAIT BELT
As the nurse aide begins their assignment,
which should they do first?
ASSIST A RESIDENT THAT NEEDS ASSISTANCE TO
GET OFF THE TOILET.
A common eye disorder with a cloudy condition
of the lens that reduces eyesight is known as
CATARACT
The branch of medicine concerned with the
problems and diseases of the elderly is called
GERIATRICS
Edema means
SWELLING
Your client has been placed on I & O. This means
that you should
RECORD ALL THE FLUID INTAKE AND OUTPUT.
A normal adult blood pressure is
116/70
When the valves in the legs weaken it can result in
VARICOSE VEINS
The patient just voided 400cc of cloudy yellow urine that has a strong smell. The patient also complains of pain while urinating. What should you report to the nurse?
COLOR, CLARITY, AMOUNT, ODOR, AND PAIN
The electric shaver that the nurse aide is using
to shave a client begins to spark and smoke. What
should the nurse aide do FIRST?
UNPLUG THE SHAVER
Mrs. Jones is an insulin-dependent diabetic.
What task should not be done for Mrs. Jones?
CLIPPING TOE NAILS
The case manager for a client requiring home
health care is usually done by
A REGISTERED NURSE
When making a bed,
RAISE THE BED TO THE LEVEL OF YOUR WAIST.
Insulin, a hormone, regulates
THE AMOUNT OF SUGAR IN THE BLOOD
If the nurse aide discovers fire in a client’s room,
the FIRST thing to do is
REMOVE THE CLIENT
The most comfortable position for a resident
with a respiratory problem is
FOWLER’S
What is the term for a device used to take the
place of a missing body part?
PROSTHESIS
The safest way to confirm a resident’s identity is
CHECK AN ID BRACELET OR TAG ATTACHED TO
THE RESIDENT
To convert four ounces of juice to milliliters (ml), the nurse aide should multiply
4 X 30 ML
One of the major reasons the elderly person is incontinent of urine is
THE MUSCLE THAT KEEPS URINE IN THE BLADDER
WEAKENS
How many tips does a quad-cane base have?
4
Clean bed linen placed in a client’s room but NOT
used should be
PUT IN THE DIRTY LINEN CONTAINER
Hospice specializes in the care of people who are
TERMINALLY ILL
When dry, hard stool fills the rectum and will not
pass, it is called
IMPACTION
A diabetic resident asks the nurse aide to cut her
toenails. The nurse aide should
TELL THE RESIDENT THAT THE NURSE AIDE
CAN NOT DO THIS, BUT WILL REPORT IT TO THE
CHARGE NURSE
- A sitting or semi-sitting position with the head of
the bed elevated is called
FOWLER’S
To count a respiration, a respiration includes
ONE INHALATION AND ONE EXHALATION
A patient complains that her hand hurts where
the IV is running. The nurse assistant notices that the
hand is puffy. The best thing to do is
NOTIFY THE IV NURSE THAT THE INFUSION
APPEARS TO HAVE INFILTRATED.
If the resident is smoking and the nurse aide
needs to take an oral temperature, what should the
nurse aide do
WAIT 15 MINUTES TO TAKE THE TEMPERATURE
If a resident drinks four ounces of water with a
meal, how many milliliters (ml) has he consumed?
120
There are two kinds of restraints
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL
What does afebrile mean?
NO FEVER
The last sensation that is lost when dying is
HEARING
Who is in charge of delegating the work assignment?
THE REGISTERED NURSE ON DUTY
What is the definition of Aphasia?
THE INABILITY TO ARTICULATE WORDS OR SPEAK
The term atrophy refers to an organ or tissue
becoming
SMALLER BECAUSE OF UNDERUSE
Swollen ankles and legs may be signs of
CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
The loss of the ability to express one’s self is
APHASIA
The nurse aide is going to take Mr. Heath’s vital
signs. What should the nurse aide do to get Mr. Heath
to cooperate and reduce his anxiety?
EXPLAIN THE PROCEDURES TO MR. HEATH
Which specialist is responsible for assisting residents to do everyday activities?
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
When making an occupied bed, the nurse aide
should always
RAISE THE SIDE RAIL ON THE UNATTENDED SIDE.
Food moves more slowly through the digestive
tract of older people. What is a common consequence?
CONSTIPATION
The nurse asks you to change the urine drainage
bag for a patient with an indwelling catheter. If you
aren’t sure how to change it, what should you do?
ASK THE NURSE TO SHOW YOU.
When a new ambulatory patient is admitted,
the nurse aide should always
INSTRUCT ON HOW TO USE THE CALL LIGHT.
When nursing assistants find equipment in need
of repair, they should
REPORT IT TO THE APPROPRIATE PERSONNEL.
Pulses can be taken
ON THE INSIDE OF THE WRIST AT THE BASE OF THE
THUMB
While providing denture care for a client, the
nurse aide observes that the upper plate is cracked.
The nurse aide should
REPORT THE DAMAGE TO THE NURSE IN CHARGE.
Mr. Martin drank 6 ounces of coffee and 3 ounces of orange juice during breakfast. How many cubic centimeters did he drink?
270cc
A resident is on a bladder training program. The
nurse aide can expect the resident to
BE ON A SCHEDULE FOR TOILETING.
