Basic Nursing Skills Flashcards

A resident's urinary output for an 8-hour shift is 150 mL. This finding should be:

Answer: Reported to the nurse as it may indicate low output

Normal urine output is approximately 30 mL/hour; 150 mL in 8 hours (about 19 mL/hr) is below normal and must be reported.

When collecting a clean-catch midstream urine specimen, what is the first step the nursing assistant must teach the resident?

Answer: Clean the urethral area with antiseptic wipes before starting to urinate

Cleaning the perineal area before collection removes contaminants to ensure an accurate specimen.

A resident with an indwelling urinary catheter has urine that appears cloudy with a foul odor. The nursing assistant should:

Answer: Report the findings to the nurse immediately

Cloudy, foul-smelling urine in a catheterized resident is a sign of possible infection and requires immediate nurse notification.

Which position is most appropriate for a resident who is experiencing difficulty breathing (dyspnea)?

Answer: Fowler's or semi-Fowler's position

Fowler's or semi-Fowler's position elevates the head and chest, allowing the diaphragm to descend and improving lung expansion.

A resident's stool appears black and tarry. The nursing assistant's best response is to:

Answer: Report the observation to the nurse right away

Black, tarry stool (melena) can indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding and must be reported to the nurse immediately.

When assisting a resident with a colostomy bag, the nursing assistant should empty the pouch when it is:

Answer: One-third to one-half full

Emptying the colostomy pouch when one-third to one-half full prevents leakage and skin breakdown.

Which observation should the nursing assistant report when caring for a resident receiving oxygen via nasal cannula?

Answer: Redness or irritation around the nose and ears from the tubing

Pressure from oxygen tubing can cause skin breakdown around the nose and ears and must be reported and treated promptly.