Patient Care and Safety Flashcards

A nursing assistant notices a resident has not eaten more than 25% of meals for three consecutive days. The priority action is to:

Answer: Document the intake and report the pattern to the nurse

Consistently poor food intake is a significant finding that can indicate medical or psychological issues and must be reported to the nurse.

A resident's family member asks the nursing assistant about the resident's diagnosis. The nursing assistant should:

Answer: Explain that sharing medical information is not within their role and refer to the nurse

Disclosing medical information is outside the nursing assistant's scope and may violate HIPAA; the nurse or physician should handle such requests.

Which technique correctly demonstrates the 'lock and block' body mechanics principle when lifting a heavy object?

Answer: Keeping the back straight and lifting with leg muscles

Proper body mechanics require a straight back and using the large leg muscles to generate lifting force, protecting the lumbar spine.

A resident receiving enteral (tube) feeding begins coughing, gagging, and showing signs of respiratory distress. The nursing assistant should:

Answer: Stop the feeding and call the nurse immediately

These symptoms suggest aspiration or tube displacement; feeding must stop immediately and the nurse must be notified.

When caring for a resident in contact precautions, the nursing assistant should wear gloves and gown:

Answer: Whenever entering the resident's room

Contact precautions require gloves and gown upon entry into the room because contaminated surfaces can spread pathogens even without direct patient contact.

A resident returns from surgery with a surgical drain. The nursing assistant's role includes:

Answer: Emptying and measuring the drain output as instructed and recording it

Nursing assistants may empty and measure drain output per care plan instructions, and accurate recording is essential for the nurse's assessment.

Which observation about a resident's urine should be reported to the nurse immediately?

Answer: Cloudy, dark brown urine with a strong foul odor

Cloudy, dark, foul-smelling urine is a classic sign of urinary tract infection or another serious condition requiring prompt nursing assessment.