NHI Patient Care and Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

A medical assistant is preparing to draw blood for a complete blood count (CBC), a prothrombin time (PT), and a basic metabolic panel (BMP). Which of the following represents the correct order of draw?

Accepted Answer

Light Blue, Red, Lavender

Answer

The correct phlebotomy order of draw is critical to prevent cross-contamination of additives between tubes, which can alter test results. The sequence is: Blood Cultures, Light Blue (sodium citrate for coagulation tests like PT), Red/Gold/Tiger Top (serum tubes for tests like BMP), Green (heparin), Lavender/Pink (EDTA for hematology tests like CBC), and then Gray (glycolytic inhibitor). Therefore, the correct order for the requested tests is Light Blue, Red, and then Lavender.

Question 2

While assisting a patient into a supine position, which action is most important for the healthcare professional to ensure patient safety and comfort?

Accepted Answer

Centering the patient on the bed with their body in proper alignment.

Answer

When positioning a patient in the supine (on back) position, the primary goal is to maintain proper body alignment to prevent musculoskeletal strain and pressure injuries. Centering the patient on the bed ensures even weight distribution and support. While pillows can enhance comfort, ensuring proper alignment is the most critical initial step for safety.

Question 3

Which of the following is a core component of Standard Precautions that should be applied to the care of all patients, regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infection status?

Accepted Answer

Performing hand hygiene before and after every patient encounter.

Answer

Standard Precautions are a set of infection control practices used to prevent the transmission of diseases in healthcare settings. The foundational and most critical component is hand hygiene, which must be performed before and after any patient contact, after contact with contaminated items, and after removing gloves. The other options are components of transmission-based precautions, used for specific known or suspected infections.

Question 4

A patient in the waiting room suddenly complains of dizziness and appears pale and sweaty. They then lose consciousness. What is the immediate priority for the healthcare professional?

Accepted Answer

Check for responsiveness and begin chest compressions if there is no pulse.

Answer

In an emergency situation where a patient loses consciousness, the immediate priority is to assess their vital functions according to Basic Life Support (BLS) principles. This involves checking for responsiveness, breathing, and a pulse. If the patient is unresponsive with no pulse, chest compressions should be initiated immediately while awaiting further help or an AED.

Question 5

When measuring a patient's radial pulse, what is the most accurate procedure to follow?

Accepted Answer

Use the pads of the first two or three fingers and count for a full 60 seconds.

Answer

To accurately measure a radial pulse, the pads of the index and middle fingers should be used to palpate the artery. The thumb should not be used as it has its own pulse. Counting for a full 60 seconds is the most accurate method, especially if the rhythm is irregular. Counting for a shorter interval and multiplying is acceptable for regular rhythms but less precise.

(NHI) National Healthcareer Institute Certification Practice Test

(NHI) National Healthcareer Institute Certification Practice Test

NHI Patient Care and Procedures Questions and Answers