INACE Patient Assessment and Evaluation 5

Question 1

A nursing assistant is asked to observe a patient's stool. Which observation is MOST important to report?

Accepted Answer

Stool that is black, tarry, and has a foul odor

Answer

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

Question 2

A patient complains of chest pain and shortness of breath. The nursing assistant should:

Accepted Answer

Call for the nurse immediately and stay with the patient

Answer

Chest pain with shortness of breath can indicate a cardiac or pulmonary emergency; the nurse must be called immediately.

Question 3

Which finding during a neurological observation should be reported to the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Patient's right arm is weaker than the left arm

Answer

Unequal arm strength can indicate a neurological problem such as a stroke and requires immediate reporting.

Question 4

A nursing assistant measures a patient's blood glucose using a glucometer and gets a reading of 48 mg/dL. The correct action is to:

Accepted Answer

Give the patient orange juice and report to the nurse immediately

Answer

A blood glucose of 48 mg/dL is dangerously low hypoglycemia; providing a fast-acting sugar and notifying the nurse immediately is critical.

Question 5

When assessing a patient for dehydration, which finding is MOST consistent with this condition?

Accepted Answer

Dry mouth, sunken eyes, and dark concentrated urine

Answer

Dry mouth, sunken eyes, and dark urine are classic signs of dehydration indicating fluid deficit.

(INACE) Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam Practice Test