Medical Procedures and Techniques Flashcards

When performing venipuncture, the tourniquet should be applied how far above the intended site?

Answer: 3-4 inches

The tourniquet should be placed 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) above the intended venipuncture site.

The correct angle for an intramuscular (IM) injection is:

Answer: 90 degrees

Intramuscular injections are administered at a 90-degree angle to ensure the needle reaches the muscle tissue.

When applying a bandage to an extremity, which direction should wrapping proceed?

Answer: Distal to proximal

Bandages should be wrapped from distal to proximal (away from the heart toward the heart) to promote venous return.

The preferred site for checking a pulse in an unresponsive adult patient is the:

Answer: Carotid artery

The carotid artery in the neck is the preferred pulse check site for unresponsive adults because it is large, central, and accessible.

When collecting a blood specimen, which tube should be drawn first using the order of draw?

Answer: Blood culture bottles

Blood culture bottles are always drawn first to minimize contamination risk, followed by the standard order of draw.

What is the maximum time a tourniquet should remain applied during blood collection?

Answer: 1 minute

A tourniquet should not remain in place for more than one minute to prevent hemoconcentration and inaccurate test results.

When positioning a patient in Fowler's position, the head of the bed is elevated to approximately:

Answer: 45-60 degrees

Standard Fowler's position elevates the head of the bed to 45-60 degrees, commonly used for patients with respiratory or cardiac conditions.

The proper technique for oral suctioning includes:

Answer: Inserting without suction and applying suction during withdrawal

The catheter should be inserted without suction applied and suction activated only during withdrawal to prevent tissue damage.

When performing wound care, the correct technique for cleaning a wound is:

Answer: From the center of the wound outward

Wounds should be cleaned from the center (cleanest area) outward (least clean area) to prevent introducing bacteria.

The normal range for adult oral temperature is:

Answer: 97.0-99.0°F (36.1-37.2°C)

Normal adult oral temperature ranges from 97.0-99.0°F (36.1-37.2°C), with 98.6°F (37.0°C) being the commonly cited average.

When transferring a patient from bed to wheelchair, the wheelchair should be positioned:

Answer: At a 45-degree angle on the patient's stronger side

The wheelchair should be placed at a 45-degree angle on the patient's stronger side to allow the patient to bear weight and pivot on their stronger leg.

What should be checked before administering medication using the 'Five Rights'?

Answer: Right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time

The Five Rights of medication administration are: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time.