Test Five Flashcards
Signs and Symptoms of Pain
Grimacing, restlessness, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, crying, guarding of painful area, decreased activity.
Example sentence: The patient was grimacing and crying, indicating signs of pain.
Nursing Measures for Comfort and Pain Relief
Administering medications, positioning for comfort, applying heat/cold, therapeutic touch, distraction techniques.
Additional information: These measures aim to provide comfort and alleviate pain for the patient.
Define Pain
Unpleasant sensory and emotional experience linked to actual or potential tissue damage.
Example sentence: The patient described the pain as sharp and located in the lower back.
Define Comfort
State of physical ease, psychological well-being, feeling safe, meeting personal needs.
Additional information: Comfort is essential for promoting healing and overall well-being.
Safety Rules for Oxygen Therapy
Correct flow rate, no open flames/smoking, monitor for oxygen toxicity, secure tanks, educate patients.
Example sentence: Always ensure that oxygen tanks are securely stored to prevent accidents.
Define Apnea
Temporary cessation of breathing, especially during sleep.
Example sentence: The patient experienced episodes of apnea during the night.
Define Cyanosis
Bluish discoloration due to deoxygenated hemoglobin in blood.
Example sentence: The nurse noticed cyanosis in the patient’s lips, indicating a lack of oxygen.
Define Dyspnea
Difficulty or discomfort in breathing, often described as shortness of breath.
Additional information: Dyspnea can be a symptom of various respiratory conditions.
Define Sputum
Mucous coughed up from the respiratory system.
Example sentence: The nurse collected a sputum sample for analysis.
What can a nurse aide assist with? (Oxygen Therapy through Nasal Cannula)
Ensuring cannula comfort and placement.
Additional information: Nurse aides play a crucial role in ensuring patient comfort and safety.
What a nurse aide should NOT assist with? (Oxygen Therapy through Nasal Cannula)
Adjusting oxygen flow or equipment.
Additional information: Only qualified healthcare professionals should adjust oxygen settings.
Areas a nasal cannula may irritate and comfort promotion
Ears and nostrils; ensure proper fit, use padding, and keep nasal passages moist.
Example sentence: The nurse applied padding to prevent irritation from the nasal cannula.
Temperature Sites and Normal Body Temperatures
Oral (95.9-99.5), rectal (97.9-100.2), axillary (97.8-99.5).
Additional information: Different temperature sites may yield slightly different readings.
Taking a Radial Pulse
Feel wrist (thumb side), count beats for 60 secs or 30 secs x 2, normal rate 60-100 beats/min.
Example sentence: The nurse found the patient’s radial pulse to be within the normal range.
Counting Respirations
Watch chest rise, count breaths for 60 secs, normal rate 12-20 breaths/min.
Example sentence: The patient’s respiratory rate was slightly elevated at 22 breaths per minute.
Factors affecting Blood Pressure
Age, gender, stress, exercise, medications, obesity, smoking, medical conditions.
Additional information: These factors can influence blood pressure readings.
Guidelines for Measuring Blood Pressure
Patient seated, feet flat, arm supported at heart level, quiet environment, wait 5 mins before measurement.
Example sentence: The nurse followed the guidelines for measuring the patient’s blood pressure accurately.
Measuring Blood Pressure
Inflate cuff, note systolic (first sound) and diastolic (last sound) pressures in mmHg.
Example sentence: The nurse recorded the patient’s blood pressure as 120/80 mmHg.
Bradycardia
Slow heart rate (<60 beats/min).
Example sentence: The patient’s bradycardia required further monitoring by the medical team.
Tachycardia
Fast heart rate (>100 beats/min).
Example sentence: The nurse identified tachycardia during the patient’s examination.
Hypertension
High blood pressure (>130/80 mmHg).
Example sentence: The patient was diagnosed with hypertension and prescribed medication.
Hypotension
Low blood pressure (<90/60 mmHg).
Example sentence: The nurse monitored the patient for signs of hypotension after the procedure.
Vital Signs
Essential measurements like temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.
Additional information: Vital signs provide valuable information about a patient’s health status.
Systolic
Higher number in blood pressure reading (when heart beats).
Additional information: Systolic pressure reflects the force of blood against arterial walls during heart contractions.
Diastolic
Lower number in blood pressure reading (when heart rests).
Additional information: Diastolic pressure indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest.
Promoting Safety and Comfort
Ensuring safe environment and comfort.
Additional information: Safety and comfort are essential aspects of providing quality care to patients.
Admitting the Person
Initiating paperwork and orientation to facility.
Example sentence: The nurse admitted the new patient and provided an orientation to the facility.
Moving the Person to a New Room
Ensuring safe transfer and continuity of care.
Example sentence: The nurse carefully moved the patient to a new room while ensuring their comfort and safety.
Transferring or Discharging the Person
Moving between facilities or releasing from care.
Additional information: Transferring or discharging a patient requires coordination and proper documentation.
Define Admission
Accepting into healthcare facility.
Example sentence: The patient completed the admission process and was assigned a room.
Define Discharge
Releasing from healthcare facility.
Example sentence: The nurse prepared the discharge paperwork for the patient.
Define Transfer
Moving between healthcare facilities or units.
Additional information: Transfers may occur for specialized care or resource availability.
Types of Wounds
Surgical, pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers, traumatic wounds.
Additional information: Different types of wounds require specific care and treatment approaches.
Measures to Prevent Skin Tears
Use moisturizers, avoid direct tape on skin, use protective padding.
Example sentence: The nurse implemented measures to prevent skin tears in the elderly patient.
Measures to Prevent Vascular Ulcers
Leg elevation, compression therapy, exercise, manage diabetes and blood pressure.
Additional information: Preventing vascular ulcers involves a multifaceted approach.
Applying Compression Stockings
Roll on gradually, ensure even compression, check fit and comfort.
Example sentence: The nurse assisted the patient in applying compression stockings correctly.
Foot Problems in Diabetes
Neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, foot ulcers, Charcot foot.
Additional information: Diabetes can lead to various foot complications that require specialized care.
Rules for Warm and Cold Applications
Use barrier, monitor skin, limit time (15-20 mins cold, 20-30 mins warm), check circulation.
Example sentence: The nurse applied a cold pack to the injury following the prescribed time limit.
Applying Warm and Cold Applications
Use barriers, monitor skin, limit application times.
Additional information: Proper application of warm and cold treatments helps in managing pain and inflammation.
Define Vascular Ulcer
Ulcer caused by poor blood circulation, often due to arterial or venous insufficiency.
Example sentence: The nurse assessed the patient’s vascular ulcer for signs of infection.
Define Venous Ulcer (Stasis Ulcer)
Ulcer on lower leg or ankle due to chronic venous insufficiency and pooling of blood.
Example sentence: The patient’s venous ulcer required regular monitoring and wound care.
Common Health Problems requiring Rehabilitation
Stroke, fractures, joint replacements, spinal cord injuries, and cardiac events.
Additional information: Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in restoring function and independence after these health issues.
Assisting with Rehabilitation and Restorative Care
Support activities to regain strength, mobility, and independence in daily life.
Example sentence: The therapist assisted the patient with rehabilitation exercises to improve mobility.
Define Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
Basic self-care tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, and using the toilet.
Additional information: ADLs are essential for maintaining independence and quality of life.
Define Prosthesis
Artificial device used to replace a missing body part, such as a limb.
Example sentence: The patient was fitted with a prosthesis after the amputation.
Define Rehabilitation
Process of restoring health and function after illness or injury, often involving therapy and exercise.
Additional information: Rehabilitation aims to improve the patient’s physical and mental well-being.
Define Restorative Nursing Care
Nursing interventions aimed at maintaining or improving a patient’s functional abilities and independence.
Example sentence: The nurse provided restorative care to help the patient regain strength and mobility.
Nursing Measures for Sleep Promotion
Bedtime routine, comfortable environment, noise reduction, relaxation techniques, pain management.
Define Phantom Pain
Pain felt in a body part that’s no longer there, often after amputation.
