Patient Care Fundamentals Flashcards

When providing perineal care for a female patient, the LVN should cleanse in which direction?

Answer: Front to back

Perineal care for females must be performed front to back to prevent introducing rectal bacteria into the urethral and vaginal areas.

A patient who is bedridden should be repositioned at minimum how often to prevent pressure injuries?

Answer: Every 2 hours

Evidence-based guidelines recommend repositioning immobile patients at least every 2 hours to relieve pressure and maintain skin integrity.

Which bony prominence is at highest risk for pressure injury development in a patient lying in the supine position?

Answer: Sacrum and coccyx

The sacrum and coccyx bear the greatest pressure load in the supine position, making them the highest-risk sites for pressure injuries.

A patient who had abdominal surgery 2 days ago reports discomfort and has not passed flatus. The LVN should first:

Answer: Encourage ambulation

Ambulation is the most effective first-line nursing intervention to stimulate peristalsis and resolve post-operative ileus.

When inserting an indwelling urinary catheter in a male patient, after the catheter is inserted to the hub and urine returns, the LVN should:

Answer: Advance the catheter 1 to 2 more inches before inflating the balloon

In males, advancing the catheter 1 to 2 additional inches after urine return ensures the balloon is fully within the bladder, not the urethra.

A patient reports pain as 7 out of 10. The LVN administers prescribed analgesics and should reassess pain within how long for oral medications?

Answer: 30 to 60 minutes

Oral analgesics typically reach peak effect in 30 to 60 minutes, making this the appropriate reassessment window.

Which principle guides the LVN when providing postmortem care?

Answer: The body should be positioned in anatomical alignment before rigor mortis sets in

Positioning the body in anatomical alignment before rigor mortis begins preserves a dignified appearance and respects the deceased.