Patient Care & Clinical Skills Flashcards

When performing tracheostomy suctioning, what is the maximum suction time per pass?

Answer: 10 seconds

Suctioning should be limited to 10–15 seconds per pass to prevent hypoxia and mucosal trauma.

A patient wearing a sequential compression device (SCD) complains of leg numbness. What is the LPN's first action?

Answer: Remove the SCD and assess circulation

Numbness may indicate impaired circulation or nerve compression, so the SCD must be removed immediately to assess the extremity.

Which technique is correct when administering a subcutaneous injection to an average-weight adult?

Answer: Insert needle at 45 degrees, do not aspirate

Subcutaneous injections are given at a 45-degree angle (or 90 degrees in obese patients) without aspiration per current evidence-based guidelines.

A patient who had a stroke has dysphagia. Which food consistency is safest to offer initially?

Answer: Pureed foods with nectar-thick liquids

Pureed foods and nectar-thick liquids reduce aspiration risk in dysphagia patients until a formal swallowing evaluation is completed.

The LPN is caring for a patient in Buck's traction for a hip fracture. Which action is correct?

Answer: Keep the weights hanging freely at all times

Traction weights must hang freely and continuously to maintain proper alignment and therapeutic effect.

A patient is receiving a unit of packed red blood cells. Fifteen minutes into the transfusion, the patient develops hives and itching. What should the LPN do first?

Answer: Stop the transfusion and keep the IV line open with normal saline

Stopping the transfusion immediately and maintaining IV access with normal saline is the priority action for any suspected transfusion reaction.

Which action by the LPN best prevents catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)?

Answer: Perform perineal care around the catheter with soap and water

Daily perineal hygiene around the catheter insertion site is the most effective nursing action for preventing CAUTI.