Fundamentals of Nursing Flashcards

What is the correct method for obtaining a mid-stream urine specimen?

Answer: Clean the urethral area, discard first stream, collect midstream, stop before end of stream

Mid-stream collection reduces contamination from periurethral flora. Cleaning the area, discarding the first stream, then collecting the middle portion provides the most accurate representation of bladder urine.

A patient receiving IV fluid develops swelling and coolness around the IV site. What complication has occurred?

Answer: Infiltration

Infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into surrounding tissue instead of the vein. Signs include local swelling, pallor, coolness, and pain. The IV should be discontinued and the site assessed for treatment.

What is the primary purpose of the nursing diagnosis in the nursing process?

Answer: To identify actual or potential patient health problems that nurses can treat

Nursing diagnoses identify actual or potential health problems within the nurse's independent scope of practice. They differ from medical diagnoses by focusing on human responses to illness rather than disease labels.

What action should a nurse take when discovering a patient has fallen?

Answer: Assess the patient for injuries, stay with the patient, and notify the physician

After a patient fall, the nurse must first assess for injuries (head, spine, fractures) before moving the patient to avoid worsening any injuries. Staying with the patient ensures safety while help is summoned.

Which type of wound healing occurs when a wound is sutured closed?

Answer: Primary intention

Healing by primary intention occurs when wound edges are approximated (sutured, stapled, or taped closed), allowing healing with minimal scarring. This is the most efficient healing method with lowest infection risk.

What is the normal range for adult body temperature measured orally?

Answer: 36.5–37.5°C (97.7–99.5°F)

Normal adult oral temperature ranges from 36.5–37.5°C. Values above 38°C are defined as fever (pyrexia). Temperature varies slightly by site: rectal is highest, axillary is lowest, and tympanic approximates core temperature.