Basic Nursing Skills Flashcards

Which of the following is a job task performed by the nurse aide?

Answer: Participating in resident care planning conferences.

Nurse aides are vital members of the healthcare team and their observations about a resident's daily needs, preferences, and responses to care are crucial for effective care planning. Participating in resident care planning conferences allows them to contribute valuable insights and ensure the care plan is person-centered. Other tasks listed are typically within the scope of licensed nurses.

Which of the following statements is true about range of motion (ROM) exercise?

Answer: Are often performed during ADLs such as bathing or dressing

Range of Motion (ROM) exercises are essential for maintaining joint flexibility and preventing stiffness or contractures. Incorporating these exercises into daily activities like bathing, dressing, and grooming makes them a natural and consistent part of a resident's routine, promoting mobility and independence. They should be performed regularly, not just once a day, and the number of repetitions is guided by the care plan.

A resident who has cancer is expected to die within the next couple of days. Nursing care for this resident should focus on:

Answer: Providing for the resident's comfort.

For a resident nearing the end of life, the primary focus of nursing care shifts to palliative care, which prioritizes comfort, pain management, and emotional support. Ensuring the resident's physical and emotional comfort is paramount during this sensitive time, allowing them to experience peace and dignity. While other aspects of care are important, comfort takes precedence.

A resident has diabetes. Which of the following is a common sign of low blood sugar?

Answer: Shakiness

Shakiness is a common and important sign of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in individuals with diabetes. Other symptoms can include dizziness, sweating, hunger, confusion, and weakness, as the body reacts to the lack of glucose needed for energy. Recognizing these signs promptly is crucial for intervention.

A resident has an indwelling urinary catheter. While making rounds, the nurse aide notices that there is no urine in the drainage bag. The nurse aide should first:

Answer: Check for kinks in the tubing.

If there is no urine in an indwelling urinary catheter drainage bag, the nurse aide's first and most immediate action should be to check for any kinks or obstructions in the tubing. This is a common and easily rectifiable cause of blocked urine flow, which can prevent discomfort and potential complications for the resident. Addressing this simple issue first can often resolve the problem.

A resident who is incontinent of urine has an increased risk of developing:

Answer: Urinary tract infection

Residents who are incontinent of urine are at a significantly increased risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs). This is because urine can remain in contact with the skin, creating a moist environment where bacteria can multiply and potentially ascend into the urethra, leading to infection. Proper hygiene and frequent changes are crucial to mitigate this risk.

As the nurse aide begins his/her assignment, which of the following should the nurse aide do first?

Answer: Assist a resident who has called for assistance to get off the toilet.

When starting an assignment, the nurse aide's priority should always be to address immediate resident needs, especially those related to safety, comfort, or elimination. A resident calling for assistance to get off the toilet indicates an urgent need that should be addressed promptly before routine tasks like collecting supplies or starting scheduled baths, ensuring the resident's dignity and comfort.

Which of the following is the correct method for measuring a patient's radial pulse?

Answer: Use the index and middle fingers to press lightly on the patient's wrist and count the beats for one full minute.

To accurately measure a radial pulse, the nurse aide should use the pads of their index and middle fingers (not the thumb, which has its own pulse) to lightly press on the radial artery on the patient's wrist. Counting the beats for a full minute provides the most accurate reading, especially if the pulse is irregular, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of heart rate.

When a person is admitted to the nursing home, the nurse aide should expect that the resident will:

Answer: Experience a sense of loss related to the life change.

Admission to a nursing home often represents a significant life change for residents, involving the loss of independence, familiar surroundings, and established routines. It is common for residents to experience feelings of grief, sadness, and loss as they adjust to this new environment. Recognizing and addressing these emotional needs is crucial for their overall well-being and successful transition.

The resident's weight is obtained routinely as a way to check the resident's:

Answer: Nutrition and health

Routine weight monitoring is a vital part of assessing a resident's nutritional status and overall health. Significant weight changes, whether gain or loss, can indicate underlying health issues, nutritional deficiencies, fluid retention, or the effectiveness of medical treatments. It provides crucial data for the healthcare team to make informed decisions about care.

A nurse aide is asked to change a urinary bag attached to an indwelling urinary catheter. The nurse aide has never done this before. The best response by the nurse aide is to:

Answer: Ask a nurse to watch the nurse aide change the bag since it is the first time.

When a nurse aide is asked to perform a task they have never done before, the safest and most professional response is to ask a licensed nurse for supervision and guidance. This ensures the procedure is performed correctly, protects the resident's safety, and allows the nurse aide to learn and develop their skills appropriately under expert observation. Never attempt a new procedure without proper training or supervision.