Reduction of Risk Potential Flashcards
6 cards from real NACE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Reduction of Risk Potential flashcards as text
A nurse is preparing a patient for a lumbar puncture. Which position should the patient be placed in?
Answer: Lateral recumbent with knees drawn to chest and chin tucked
The lateral recumbent (fetal) position with knees drawn to the chest and chin tucked maximally opens the intervertebral spaces for needle insertion during lumbar puncture.
Which assessment finding in a patient with a new hip fracture fixation requires immediate nursing intervention?
Answer: Foot on the affected side is cool, pale, and pulses are absent
Absent pulses, pallor, and coolness in the affected extremity indicate compromised neurovascular status, possibly from compartment syndrome or vascular injury requiring emergent intervention.
A patient is scheduled for an MRI. Which item must the nurse ensure is removed before the procedure?
Answer: Hearing aids
Hearing aids contain metal components and batteries that can be damaged by or become projectiles in the strong magnetic field of an MRI, and they must be removed before the scan.
A nurse is monitoring a patient who had a cardiac catheterization via the femoral artery 2 hours ago. Which finding requires immediate action?
Answer: Expanding hematoma at the femoral access site
An expanding hematoma at the femoral access site indicates ongoing bleeding that requires immediate intervention including direct pressure and physician notification.
A patient with diabetes mellitus has a fasting blood glucose of 52 mg/dL and is conscious. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
Answer: Give 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate orally
For a conscious patient with hypoglycemia, the 15-15 rule applies: give 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate, wait 15 minutes, and recheck the blood glucose.
A nurse is caring for a patient with a central venous catheter. Which complication should the nurse monitor for during and immediately after insertion?
Answer: Pneumothorax
Pneumothorax is an acute complication of central venous catheter insertion, particularly with subclavian or internal jugular approaches, caused by accidental lung puncture.