NMC Basic 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How should eye drops be given?
- Tip the patient's head to the side and inject the eye drops through the nasolacrimal system.
- Tip the patient's head back and apply the eye drops into their cornea.
- Pulling on the lower eyelid and putting eyedrops. (Correct answer)
- Pulling on the upper eyelid and giving eyedrops.
Correct answer: Pulling on the lower eyelid and putting eyedrops.
To administer eye drops correctly, the lower eyelid should be gently pulled down to create a small pocket, known as the conjunctival sac. This method ensures the drop lands in the correct area, preventing it from immediately running out or touching the sensitive cornea directly. It also facilitates proper absorption of the medication.
Question 2: What is primary care?
- GP locations, dentistry practices, community pharmacies, and high-street optometrists (Correct answer)
- First aid on the street
- The Accident and Emergency Room
Correct answer: GP locations, dentistry practices, community pharmacies, and high-street optometrists
Primary care represents the first point of contact for individuals with the healthcare system, focusing on general health needs and prevention. It encompasses services provided by general practitioners (GPs), dentists, community pharmacists, and high-street optometrists. These professionals manage common illnesses, provide health promotion, and coordinate further care within the community.
Question 3: Your patient will lose consciousness following a lumbar puncture. What will be the cause?
- Cerebral Spinal fluid (CSF) leakage (Correct answer)
- Headache
- Side effects of medication
- Increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
Correct answer: Cerebral Spinal fluid (CSF) leakage
A lumbar puncture involves inserting a needle into the spinal canal. If there's a persistent leak of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after the procedure, it can lead to a decrease in intracranial pressure. This reduction in pressure can cause severe headaches and, in some cases, lead to symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness due to the brain 'sagging' slightly.
Question 4: The nurses on the day shift say the controlled drug count is wrong. What is the most suitable nursing action?
- Report what happened to the NMC.
- Report what happened to the local Board of Nursing.
- Call a doctor.
- Report the discrepancy to the nurse management and the pharmacist quickly. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Report the discrepancy to the nurse management and the pharmacist quickly.
Controlled drugs are subject to strict regulations due to their potential for abuse and harm. Any discrepancy in the count must be reported immediately to nurse management and the pharmacy department. This prompt action is crucial for patient safety, accountability, and to initiate an investigation into the cause of the discrepancy, preventing potential misuse or errors.
Question 5: Which of the following oxygen masks can give between 60 and 90% of oxygen at a flow rate of 10 to 15 L/min?
- Venturi high flow mask
- Non-rebreathing masks (Correct answer)
- Simple semi-rigid plastic masks
- Nasal cannulas
Correct answer: Non-rebreathing masks
Non-rebreathing masks are specifically designed to deliver high concentrations of oxygen, typically between 60-90% at flow rates of 10-15 L/min. They achieve this by having a one-way valve that prevents exhaled air from mixing with the oxygen in the reservoir bag. This ensures the patient breathes in nearly pure oxygen, making them suitable for patients requiring high-flow oxygen therapy.
Question 6: The concentration of electrolytes in the body varies according to the compartment in which they are contained. Which of the following is found in high quantity in extracellular fluid?
- Chloride
- Potassium
- Sodium (Correct answer)
- Magnesium
Correct answer: Sodium
Sodium is the primary cation (positively charged ion) found in high concentrations in the extracellular fluid (ECF), which includes plasma and interstitial fluid. It plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve and muscle function. In contrast, potassium is the main intracellular cation.
Question 7: What exactly is meant by "advocate?"
- Someone with the same values as the patient.
- Someone who creates possibilities for patients.
- Someone who acts on behalf of the patient. (Correct answer)
- Someone who holds the same beliefs as the patient.
Correct answer: Someone who acts on behalf of the patient.
To advocate means to speak or act in support of a person or cause. In a healthcare context, a nurse acting as an advocate ensures that the patient's rights are respected, their wishes are heard, and their best interests are represented, especially when the patient may be vulnerable or unable to speak for themselves. This involves empowering patients and facilitating their decision-making.
Question 8: A nurse records vital signs without completing the task. What should the charge nurse do after addressing the problem with the nurse?
- Create a document of the the incident. (Correct answer)
- Inform the board of nursing.
- Terminate employment.
- Charge the nurse with malpractice.
Correct answer: Create a document of the the incident.
When a nurse fails to complete a task, such as recording vital signs, it's a professional lapse that needs to be addressed. After discussing the issue with the nurse, the charge nurse must document the incident. This documentation serves as a formal record, supports any necessary disciplinary action or performance improvement plans, and ensures accountability within the healthcare setting.
Question 9: It is critical that patients fast effectively before to surgery so that:
- reduce the possibility of reflux and inhalation of gastric contents. (Correct answer)
- prevent the sufferer from gagging.
- reduce the chance of vomiting.
- prevent vomiting and chest infections.
Correct answer: reduce the possibility of reflux and inhalation of gastric contents.
Patients are required to fast before surgery primarily to minimize the risk of aspiration. During anesthesia, protective airway reflexes are suppressed, and if there is food or liquid in the stomach, it can reflux into the esophagus and be inhaled into the lungs (aspiration). This can lead to severe respiratory complications like aspiration pneumonia, which fasting helps prevent.
Question 10: What are the indications and symptoms of shock in the early stages (stages 1–3)?
- hypotension
- hypoxemia
- tachycardia and hyperventilation
- all of the above (Correct answer)
Correct answer: all of the above
In the early stages of shock (stages 1-3), the body attempts to compensate for reduced tissue perfusion. Common signs and symptoms include tachycardia (increased heart rate) and hyperventilation (increased breathing rate) as the body tries to increase oxygen delivery. Hypotension (low blood pressure) and hypoxemia (low oxygen in the blood) are also key indicators, reflecting the systemic circulatory compromise.
Question 11: To lessen the danger of reflux and aspiration during enteral feeding in adults, what degree angle should the patient be nursing at?
- 20
- 50
- 45 (Correct answer)
- 60
Correct answer: 45
To reduce the risk of reflux and aspiration during enteral feeding, adult patients should be positioned with the head of the bed elevated to at least a 30-45 degree angle. A 45-degree angle is often recommended as it significantly helps in preventing gastric contents from flowing back into the esophagus and potentially into the lungs. This upright position aids digestion and minimizes complications.
NMC Basic 1
How should eye drops be given?