Bold Steps for Skills Test

Question 1

hand washing

Answer 1

1. lathers and scrubs hands, fingers, and wrists, producing friction, for at least 20 seconds, keeping hands below elbows and fingertips down
2. rinses all surfaces keeping hands below elbows and fingertips down

Question 2

applying an elastic stocking

Answer 2

finishes procedure with no twists or wrinkles, and heel of stocking (if present) is over the heel; toe portion is either above or below toe area

Question 3

assists to ambulate using a transfer belt

Answer 3

1. before assisting client to stand, client is wearing shoes

2. before assisting client to stand, client is in sitting position with feet flat on the floor

Question 4

assist with use of bedpan

Answer 4

correctly places bedpan under client’s buttocks

Question 5

cleans upper/lower dentures

Answer 5

plug/cushion sink; wear gloves; designated clean and dirty areas; toothpaste cap up

Question 6

counts and records radial pulse

Answer 6

records pulse rate within +/- 4 beats of evaluator’s reading

Question 7

counts and records respirations

Answer 7

records RR within +/- 2 breaths of evaluator’s reading

Question 8

gowning and removing PPE

Answer 8

1. BEFORE removing gown, with one gloved hand, grasps palm of other glove and removes it
2. Slips fingers from un-gloved hand underneath cuff of remaining glove at wrist, and removes glove, turning it inside out as it is removed; then dispose of gloves before removing gown

Question 9

dresses client with weak/affected right arm

Answer 9

assist to put the weak arm through shirt FIRST before putting garment on left (strong) side
POW: Put On Weak

Question 10

feeds client who cannot feed self

Answer 10

before feeding client, client is in an upright position (75-90 degrees)

Question 11

gives modified bed bath

Answer 11

begin with EYES (no soap for face), washing from inner to outer aspect of eye, using a clean part of the washcloth with each stroke, then proceed to wash the rest of the face

Question 12

measures and records BP

Answer 12

1. measure first (systolic) and last (diastolic) sound; if rounding is needed, round up to nearest 2 mmHg
2. . records both SBP and DBP within +/- 8 mmHg of evaluator’s measurement

Question 13

measures and records urinary output

Answer 13

records content of container within +/- 25 mL of evaluator’s reading

Question 14

measures and records weight of ambulatory client

Answer 14

records weight based on indicator on scale. weight is within +/- 2 lbs of evaluator’s reading

Question 15

performs modified passive ROM for one knee and one ankle

Answer 15

while supporting limb at the ankle and knee, moves gently, smoothly, and slowly through the motion, doing so for 3 reps or until the client verbalizes pain

Question 16

performs modified passive ROM for one shoulder

Answer 16

1. raises client’s arm from side position upward toward the head to ear level and returns down to side of body [flexion/extension] (for 3 reps or until client verbalizes pain)
2. moves client’s straightened arm away from body to shoulder level and returns to side of body [abduction/adduction] (3 reps or until pain is verbalized)

Question 17

positions client on side

Answer 17

readjusts pillow under head, puts pillow under back, under top arm for support, and b/w the legs with top leg flexed, supporting BOTH the knee and ankle

Question 18

provides catheter care for a female

Answer 18

1. while holding catheter at the meatus without tugging, cleans AT LEAST 4 in. of catheter, moving away from meatus, using a clean area of the washcloth for each stroke (repeat with water only to rinse)
2. EMPTIES, RINSES, AND DRIES BASIN

Question 19

provides foot care on one foot

Answer 19

gloves; check water temp. w/ patient; verbalize that foot would normally soak for 5-10 min, but do not actually wait that long for testing purposes

Question 20

provides mouth care

Answer 20

cleans mouth (including tongue and surfaces of teeth) with gentle motions

Question 21

provides peri-care for a female

Answer 21

1. washes genital area from front to back, using a clean part of the washcloth for each stroke (repeat with clean washcloth using only water to rinse then pat dry)
2. after washing genital area, turns client to side, washes & rinses rectal area moving from front to back, clean part of washcloth for each stroke (rinse and pat dry)

Question 22

transfers from bed to wheelchair using a transfer belt

Answer 22

1. before assisting client to stand, LOCKS wheels of wheelchair
2. before assisting to stand, client is in seated position with feet flat on floor