RPN Safety and Mobility Needs 3

Question 1

A patient returning from surgery is alert but reports dizziness when sitting upright. The nurse's first action should be to:

Accepted Answer

Check blood pressure in supine and then sitting positions

Answer

Orthostatic hypotension is a common post-operative finding; measuring blood pressure in supine and sitting positions confirms the cause before further action.

Question 2

When using a mechanical (Hoyer) lift to transfer a patient, the nurse must ensure:

Accepted Answer

Two staff members are present during the transfer

Answer

Policy and safety standards require a minimum of two staff members when operating a mechanical lift to prevent equipment failure injuries and ensure patient safety.

Question 3

A nurse notes a patient's peripheral IV site is cool, pale, and swollen. This assessment finding is consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Infiltration

Answer

Infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into surrounding tissue, causing coolness, pallor, and swelling at the site.

Question 4

Which patient is at HIGHEST risk for a fall?

Accepted Answer

A 78-year-old taking furosemide and an antihypertensive who ambulates with a walker

Answer

Advanced age, diuretic and antihypertensive use (increasing orthostatic hypotension risk), and use of an assistive device all significantly increase fall risk.

Question 5

The nurse is teaching a patient to use crutches with a swing-through gait. Which instruction is correct?

Accepted Answer

Bear weight through the wrists, not the axillae, when swinging

Answer

Weight must be borne through the palms and wrists; axillary pressure can damage the brachial plexus nerve, causing 'crutch palsy.'

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN Safety and Mobility Needs 3