Patient Care & Clinical Skills Flashcards

When performing a bed bath for a patient, the practical nurse should wash in which order to prevent cross-contamination?

Answer: Face first, then move downward toward the feet

Clean-to-dirty technique requires washing the face first and progressing downward to the perineal area to prevent spreading microorganisms.

A practical nurse is preparing to take a patient's blood pressure. Which site is the standard first-choice location for this measurement?

Answer: Brachial artery in the upper arm

The brachial artery in the upper arm is the standard site for blood pressure measurement because it is at heart level and easily accessible.

Which position is MOST appropriate for a patient experiencing difficulty breathing (dyspnea)?

Answer: High Fowler's (head of bed elevated 60–90°)

High Fowler's position uses gravity to lower the diaphragm and expand lung capacity, reducing the work of breathing.

A practical nurse is using a pulse oximeter. A reading of 94% SpO2 in an otherwise healthy adult is considered:

Answer: Borderline low — monitor closely and notify the nurse

Normal SpO2 is 95–100%; a reading of 94% is borderline low and warrants close monitoring and notification of the supervising nurse.

When measuring a patient's urinary output, the practical nurse should record the amount in which unit?

Answer: Milliliters (mL)

Urinary output is measured and documented in milliliters (mL) as part of accurate intake-and-output (I&O) monitoring.

A patient has a pressure injury that shows a shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed and no slough. This is classified as which stage?

Answer: Stage II

Stage II pressure injuries present as a shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed, representing partial-thickness skin loss.