RPN Clinical Skills 4

Question 1

A patient has a chest tube connected to a water-seal drainage system. The nurse notices the water level in the water-seal chamber is not fluctuating (tidaling). What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

The lung has re-expanded or the tube is kinked/obstructed

Answer

Absence of tidaling indicates either successful lung re-expansion (expected) or a kinked or obstructed tube (requiring assessment).

Question 2

When applying elastic compression stockings (TED hose), which action is correct?

Accepted Answer

Apply stockings while the patient is supine before dependent edema accumulates

Answer

Compression stockings should be applied while the patient is supine (legs elevated) to prevent trapping edema under the stocking.

Question 3

The nurse is performing a capillary blood glucose test. After the lancet puncture, what is the correct action regarding the first drop of blood?

Accepted Answer

Wipe away the first drop and use the second drop

Answer

The first drop of blood may be contaminated with tissue fluid, so it is wiped away and the second drop is applied to the test strip for accurate results.

Question 4

A patient returns from surgery with a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain. The nurse notes the bulb is fully expanded. What action should be taken?

Accepted Answer

Empty the drain and recompress the bulb to restore suction

Answer

A fully expanded JP drain bulb has lost suction; it must be emptied, measured, the output recorded, and the bulb recompressed to restore negative pressure drainage.

Question 5

Which site is preferred for intramuscular injection in an infant younger than 12 months?

Accepted Answer

Vastus lateralis

Answer

The vastus lateralis (anterolateral thigh) is the preferred IM injection site in infants because it is large and well-developed at this age.

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN Clinical Skills 4