Listening Flashcards

A physiotherapist says during an interdisciplinary meeting: 'Mrs. Lam is weight-bearing as tolerated on the right hip — she managed eight metres with the walker this morning but fatigues quickly and needs stand-by assist for safety.' What does this report tell the nursing team?

Answer: Mrs. Lam can walk short distances with a walker but tires easily and still requires a nurse nearby for safety

The physiotherapist reports the patient walked 8 metres with a walker (weight-bearing as tolerated) but fatigues quickly and needs stand-by assistance, meaning nursing supervision is still required.

A nurse listens to a patient education audio clip: 'Take your lisinopril every morning with or without food, but avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes unless your doctor approves them.' What is a key dietary restriction mentioned?

Answer: The patient should avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes without physician approval

Lisinopril (an ACE inhibitor) can raise potassium levels, so the instruction warns against potassium supplements and potassium-containing salt substitutes without approval.

During a nursing handover the outgoing nurse says: 'He's a full code, but the family meeting this afternoon may change that — family has expressed concerns about quality of life.' What should the incoming nurse prioritize?

Answer: Being aware that current status is full resuscitation but code status may be revised after the afternoon family meeting

The handover conveys that the patient is currently full code but that a family meeting may lead to a code status change, so the incoming nurse must remain updated.

A CELBAN listening passage features a dietitian saying: 'Given his stage 3 CKD, I've recommended restricting phosphorus, potassium, and sodium in his diet — he should avoid processed foods, dairy, and bananas.' Which condition drives these restrictions?

Answer: Stage 3 chronic kidney disease, which limits the kidneys' ability to excrete electrolytes

Stage 3 CKD impairs electrolyte excretion, necessitating restrictions on phosphorus, potassium, and sodium to prevent dangerous accumulation.

A patient's family member tells the nurse over the phone: 'She mentioned her chest feels tight and she's sweating a lot — she said it started about an hour ago. She didn't want me to call but I was worried.' What is the most clinically significant information in this message?

Answer: The patient has had chest tightness and diaphoresis for approximately one hour, which could indicate a cardiac event

Chest tightness and diaphoresis lasting an hour are classic warning signs of acute myocardial infarction and require immediate clinical assessment.

In a CELBAN listening simulation a nurse hears: 'The night shift noted that urine output over eight hours was only 150 mL — that's well below the threshold of 0.5 mL per kilogram per hour for a 70 kg patient.' What clinical problem is being described?

Answer: The patient's urine output is critically low, indicating possible oliguria or acute kidney injury

0.5 mL/kg/hr for a 70 kg patient equals 35 mL/hr or 280 mL over 8 hours; actual output of 150 mL is significantly below this threshold, indicating oliguria.

An occupational therapist's discharge note is read aloud: 'Patient demonstrated safe transfer technique from bed to wheelchair independently, but requires adaptive equipment — a raised toilet seat and grab bars — for safe home discharge.' What does the nursing discharge planner need to arrange?

Answer: Adaptive bathroom equipment (raised toilet seat and grab bars) before the patient can be safely discharged home

The OT's note specifies that home discharge is contingent on the patient having a raised toilet seat and grab bars, so the nurse must confirm this equipment is in place.