PSB-PN Patient Care & Clinical Skills 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing a bed bath for a patient, the practical nurse should wash in which order to prevent cross-contamination?
- Face first, then move downward toward the feet (Correct answer)
- Feet first, then move upward toward the face
- Chest first, then arms, then legs
- Genitals first to reduce infection risk
Correct 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.
Question 2: A practical nurse is preparing to take a patient's blood pressure. Which site is the standard first-choice location for this measurement?
- Radial artery at the wrist
- Brachial artery in the upper arm (Correct answer)
- Popliteal artery behind the knee
- Femoral artery in the groin
Correct 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.
Question 3: Which position is MOST appropriate for a patient experiencing difficulty breathing (dyspnea)?
- Supine (flat on back)
- Prone (face down)
- High Fowler's (head of bed elevated 60–90°) (Correct answer)
- Trendelenburg (head lower than feet)
Correct 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.
Question 4: A practical nurse is using a pulse oximeter. A reading of 94% SpO2 in an otherwise healthy adult is considered:
- Normal — no action needed
- Borderline low — monitor closely and notify the nurse (Correct answer)
- Critically low — start CPR immediately
- Normal — below 90% would be a concern
Correct 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.
Question 5: When measuring a patient's urinary output, the practical nurse should record the amount in which unit?
- Grams (g)
- Milliliters (mL) (Correct answer)
- Cubic centimeters per hour (cc/hr) only
- Ounces (oz)
Correct answer: Milliliters (mL)
Urinary output is measured and documented in milliliters (mL) as part of accurate intake-and-output (I&O) monitoring.
Question 6: 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?
- Stage I
- Stage II (Correct answer)
- Stage III
- Stage IV
Correct answer: Stage II
Stage II pressure injuries present as a shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed, representing partial-thickness skin loss.
PSB-PN Patient Care & Clinical Skills 1
When performing a bed bath for a patient, the practical nurse should wash in which order to prevent cross-contamination?