Basic Nursing Skills Flashcards

A resident is at risk for pressure injuries. Which bony prominence should the nursing assistant inspect most carefully when the resident is in a supine position?

Answer: Heels and sacrum

The heels and sacrum are the primary pressure points in the supine position and are most susceptible to pressure injury.

When applying elastic (TED) stockings, the nursing assistant should put them on:

Answer: While the resident is still in bed with legs elevated

Elastic stockings should be applied before the resident gets out of bed to prevent blood from pooling in the legs while supine.

A resident refuses to eat breakfast. The nursing assistant should first:

Answer: Ask the resident why they are not eating and report the refusal to the nurse

The nursing assistant should respectfully ask about the refusal, then report it to the nurse so the care team can assess the cause.

Which technique helps prevent aspiration when feeding a resident who has difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)?

Answer: Placing food on the stronger side of the mouth with the chin slightly down

Placing food on the stronger side and tucking the chin reduces aspiration risk by directing food away from the airway.

A resident with diabetes reports feeling shaky, sweaty, and confused between meals. The nursing assistant should:

Answer: Report symptoms to the nurse immediately as signs of hypoglycemia

Shakiness, diaphoresis, and confusion in a diabetic resident suggest hypoglycemia, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate nurse notification.

When performing postmortem care, the nursing assistant should:

Answer: Leave all tubes and dressings in place until instructed by the nurse

All tubes, catheters, and dressings should remain in place until the nurse and/or medical examiner instructs their removal.

Which action by a nursing assistant demonstrates respect for a resident's cultural and religious beliefs during care?

Answer: Asking the resident about preferences and accommodating them when possible

Person-centered care requires nursing assistants to ask about and honor individual cultural and religious preferences when delivering care.