RPN Clinical Skills 5

Question 1

A nurse applies a continuous pulse oximetry probe to a patient's finger. The reading is 84% despite the patient appearing comfortable. What should the nurse do first?

Accepted Answer

Assess probe placement, perfusion, and patient's actual respiratory status

Answer

A falsely low reading can result from poor probe placement, nail polish, peripheral vasoconstriction, or motion artifact, so clinical assessment comes before intervention.

Question 2

When using the Z-track technique for an intramuscular injection, what is the purpose?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the medication from leaking back into subcutaneous tissue

Answer

The Z-track technique displaces skin and subcutaneous tissue before injection, sealing the medication in the muscle to prevent irritating or staining agents from tracking back.

Question 3

A patient is receiving continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) after a TURP. The nurse observes that the drainage is bright red with clots and the catheter is not draining. What is the priority action?

Accepted Answer

Attempt to manually irrigate the catheter with 50 mL normal saline using a syringe

Answer

A blocked catheter after TURP requires gentle manual irrigation to dislodge clots and restore drainage, which is the priority over simply increasing flow into a blocked system.

Question 4

A patient is on contact precautions. A nurse enters the room to perform wound care. In what order should PPE be donned?

Accepted Answer

Gown, mask, goggles, gloves

Answer

CDC guidelines specify donning PPE in the order: gown first, then mask/respirator, then goggles/face shield, then gloves — ensuring each layer protects the next.

Question 5

When performing range-of-motion exercises for a patient with a painful joint, which principle applies?

Accepted Answer

Stop at the point of resistance or patient-reported pain

Answer

ROM exercises should stop at the point of resistance or reported pain to avoid joint injury, muscle damage, or increased inflammation.

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN Clinical Skills 5