Patient Care & Clinical Skills Flashcards

The practical nurse is preparing to apply a sequential compression device (SCD) to a post-operative patient. The PRIMARY purpose of SCDs is to:

Answer: Prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

SCDs apply intermittent pneumatic compression to the lower extremities to prevent venous stasis and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

A practical nurse is collecting a urine specimen for a mid-stream clean-catch culture. What is the CORRECT sequence of steps?

Answer: Cleanse the meatus, discard the first stream, collect the mid-stream

Cleansing the meatus and discarding the initial stream flushes urethral contaminants so the mid-stream sample represents true bladder urine.

A patient has a left-sided weakness from a stroke and needs to use a cane. Where should the cane be held?

Answer: In the right (stronger) hand

Holding the cane in the stronger hand allows it to bear weight when the weaker leg steps forward, improving stability and gait.

When caring for a patient in contact isolation, the practical nurse should remove personal protective equipment (PPE) in which order?

Answer: Gloves → gown → mask → hand hygiene

CDC doffing guidelines specify removing gloves first (most contaminated), then gown, then mask, finishing with hand hygiene to prevent self-contamination.

A practical nurse is performing tracheostomy care. How should the inner cannula be cleaned?

Answer: Soak in hydrogen peroxide, then rinse with normal saline

Soaking the inner cannula in half-strength hydrogen peroxide loosens secretions, and rinsing with normal saline removes any residue before reinsertion.

A practical nurse notes that a patient's nasogastric tube residual volume is 300 mL before the scheduled feeding. The nurse should:

Answer: Return the aspirate and hold the feeding, then notify the RN

A residual of 300 mL exceeds typical safe thresholds (usually >200–250 mL), so the aspirate should be returned to prevent electrolyte loss and the RN must be notified.