Nursing Fundamentals & Patient Care Flashcards

What is the correct technique for obtaining a mid-stream clean-catch urine specimen?

Answer: Clean the urethral meatus, begin urinating, then collect mid-stream in a sterile container

Mid-stream clean-catch minimizes contamination from periurethral flora. Cleansing the meatus removes surface bacteria; discarding the initial stream flushes the urethra; collecting mid-stream captures bladder urine.

A nurse is preparing to insert a nasogastric tube. What is the most reliable method to confirm correct placement?

Answer: X-ray confirmation

X-ray is the gold standard for confirming NG tube placement as it directly visualizes the tube position. Auscultation alone is unreliable. pH testing is a useful bedside check but not definitive without X-ray confirmation.

Which ethical principle requires a nurse to keep a patient's information confidential?

Answer: Fidelity and veracity

Fidelity refers to faithfulness to duties and promises, which includes maintaining confidentiality. Veracity means truth-telling. Together they support honest, trustworthy nurse-patient relationships. Confidentiality is a legal and ethical obligation.

What is the normal range for adult respiratory rate?

Answer: 12–20 breaths per minute

A normal adult respiratory rate is 12–20 breaths per minute. Bradypnea is 20/min. Respiratory rate is a sensitive early indicator of clinical deterioration.

A patient who is NPO (nothing by mouth) is receiving IV fluids. Which observation indicates adequate hydration?

Answer: Urine output ≥30 mL/hr, moist mucous membranes

Adequate hydration is reflected by sufficient urine output (≥30 mL/hr), moist mucous membranes, stable vital signs, and normal skin turgor. Dark concentrated urine and tachycardia suggest dehydration.

When providing oral hygiene to an unconscious patient, what is the most important safety measure?

Answer: Position the patient on their side to prevent aspiration

Positioning the unconscious patient on their side (lateral position) allows fluid and secretions to drain out rather than into the airway, preventing aspiration pneumonia — the primary risk during oral care for unconscious patients.