Fundamentals of Nursing Flashcards

What is the correct technique when inserting a urinary catheter in a female patient?

Answer: Use sterile technique, cleanse from front to back, insert into urethral meatus

Female urinary catheterization requires sterile technique. The urethral meatus is cleaned with antiseptic solution using front-to-back strokes to prevent introducing vaginal or rectal flora into the urethra.

Which action correctly identifies a patient before medication administration?

Answer: Check two identifiers: name and date of birth or medical record number

Two patient identifiers (name plus date of birth or medical record number) are required before medication administration per international patient safety standards. Room number and bed labels are not reliable identifiers.

A nurse observes a colleague making a medication error but not reporting it. What is the appropriate action?

Answer: Encourage the colleague to report the error and report it yourself if they do not

Nurses have an ethical and professional obligation to ensure patient safety. Encouraging peer reporting first respects professional relationships, but the nurse must independently report if the colleague fails to do so.

What is the primary goal of discharge planning?

Answer: To ensure continuity of care and safe transition to the next level of care

Discharge planning aims to ensure safe, continuous care as the patient moves from hospital to home or another care setting. It involves patient education, follow-up arrangements, and coordination of community resources.

Which assessment finding requires immediate nursing intervention?

Answer: Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air

An oxygen saturation of 88% indicates significant hypoxemia, which can cause tissue hypoxia and organ damage. Immediate supplemental oxygen and physician notification are required. The other values are within normal limits.

What does 'NPO' mean in a clinical context?

Answer: Nothing by mouth (nil per os)

NPO stands for 'nil per os,' a Latin phrase meaning nothing by mouth. It is ordered before procedures, surgery, or when oral intake is contraindicated to prevent aspiration or gastrointestinal complications.