Mixed Deck — All PSB-PN Topics Flashcards

Which process describes how cells produce identical daughter cells for growth and tissue repair?

Answer: Mitosis

Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells and is the basis of growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in somatic cells.

What is the most effective leadership approach in professional settings?

Answer: Adapting leadership style to the situation and team needs

Effective leadership requires adapting your approach based on the situation, team capabilities, and organizational needs — known as situational leadership.

When a patient is ordered to receive a subcutaneous heparin injection, the practical nurse should administer it at which angle?

Answer: 45–90 degrees

Subcutaneous injections are given at 45–90 degrees depending on body fat, ensuring the medication is deposited in the subcutaneous tissue rather than muscle or skin.

Why is regular risk reassessment important?

Answer: Because the risk landscape changes as conditions, activities, and environments evolve

Regular risk reassessment is essential because risks are dynamic — new threats emerge, existing risks change in severity, and the effectiveness of controls may vary over time.

Which type of muscle tissue is found exclusively in the heart?

Answer: Cardiac muscle

Cardiac muscle is involuntary, striated muscle found only in the myocardium; it contracts rhythmically and continuously without fatigue under normal conditions.

What is the normal pH range of human arterial blood?

Answer: 7.35–7.45

Normal arterial blood pH is 7.35–7.45; values below 7.35 indicate acidosis and values above 7.45 indicate alkalosis, both of which are life-threatening if severe.

Insulin, which regulates blood glucose levels, is secreted by which organ?

Answer: Pancreas

Insulin is produced by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans within the pancreas and facilitates cellular uptake of glucose to lower blood sugar.

Which organ is considered the largest organ of the human body?

Answer: Skin

The skin is the largest organ, covering the entire external surface of the body and accounting for about 16% of total body weight.

What is the first phase of strategic planning?

Answer: Environmental analysis and assessment of current position

Strategic planning begins with analyzing the current environment, including internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis).

The trachea is a component of which body system?

Answer: Respiratory system

The trachea (windpipe) is a cartilaginous tube in the respiratory system that conducts air from the larynx to the bronchi and into the lungs.

Which lab value is MOST important to monitor in a patient who is receiving long-term furosemide (Lasix) therapy?

Answer: Serum potassium

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant potassium excretion in the urine, making hypokalemia the primary electrolyte concern with ongoing use.

Which blood type is known as the universal donor for red blood cell transfusions?

Answer: O negative

Type O negative blood lacks A, B, and Rh antigens, making it compatible with all blood types and safe for emergency transfusions.

A patient is receiving IV potassium chloride. The practical nurse knows that IV potassium must NEVER be administered:

Answer: Undiluted as a direct IV push

IV potassium given undiluted as a direct push causes fatal cardiac arrhythmias; it must always be diluted and infused slowly.

Oxygen is transported through the bloodstream primarily by which component?

Answer: Hemoglobin in red blood cells

Hemoglobin, the iron-containing protein inside red blood cells, binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it to tissues throughout the body.

What is the role of benchmarking in establishing best practices?

Answer: Comparing performance against top performers to identify improvement opportunities

Benchmarking involves comparing your performance against top performers or industry leaders to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.

Why is providing regular feedback important for team performance?

Answer: It helps team members understand expectations and improve their performance

Regular feedback helps team members understand how their work aligns with expectations, identify areas for improvement, and build on their strengths, driving overall team performance.

What is a dashboard in the context of data reporting?

Answer: A visual display that consolidates key metrics and indicators in real-time

A dashboard is a visual interface that consolidates and displays key performance metrics, indicators, and data points, often in real-time, enabling quick assessment of status and performance.

A practical nurse discovers a medication error after giving a patient the wrong dose. What is the FIRST priority action?

Answer: Assess the patient for adverse effects and notify the supervising RN immediately

Patient safety is always the first priority — the patient must be assessed for harm and the RN notified immediately so interventions can be implemented if needed.

A patient is ordered to receive a nasogastric tube feeding. Before administering the feeding, the nurse's PRIORITY action is to:

Answer: Verify tube placement and residual gastric volume

Verifying tube placement and checking residual volume prevents aspiration by confirming the tube is in the stomach and the patient can tolerate the feeding.

When communicating with diverse stakeholders, what approach is recommended?

Answer: Adapt communication style and detail level to each stakeholder group

Different stakeholders have different needs, interests, and levels of expertise, requiring adapted communication approaches for each group.