Personal Care Skills Flashcards

The doctor has told the resident that his cancer is growing and that he is dying. When the resident tells the nurse aide that there is a mistake, the nurse aide should:

Answer: Understand that denial is a normal reaction.

Denial is one of the five stages of grief and is a common initial reaction when facing a terminal diagnosis. It serves as a psychological defense mechanism to cope with overwhelming news. The nurse aide should recognize this as a normal part of the grieving process and offer supportive presence without challenging the resident's current state of mind.

When responding to a client on the intercom you should:

Answer: Give your name and position and say “May I help you?"

When responding to a client on the intercom, it is professional and reassuring to identify yourself and your role, then offer assistance. This provides clarity, establishes trust, and ensures the client knows who they are speaking with and that their needs will be addressed promptly and respectfully.

Which of the following things should you do to familiarize a new client with his or her surroundings?

Answer: Show the client where the call light is and how to work it.

Familiarizing a new client with their surroundings, especially showing them where the call light is and how to operate it, is paramount for their safety and sense of security. Knowing how to use the call light empowers them to summon help when needed, which is a fundamental aspect of client care and safety in a healthcare setting.

When assisting a client in and out of bed, the nurse aide should always:

Answer: Employ body mechanic techniques.

Proper body mechanics are essential for nurse aides to prevent injury to themselves and the resident when assisting with transfers. Using correct posture, lifting with legs, and keeping the resident close to the body minimizes strain and ensures a safe and efficient move. This protects both the caregiver and the patient from potential harm.

Which of the following is the correct procedure for serving a meal to a client who must be fed?

Answer: Bring the tray into the room when you are ready to feed the client

For a client who needs to be fed, bringing the tray into the room only when the nurse aide is ready to feed them ensures the food remains at the appropriate temperature and is served fresh. This practice prevents the client from waiting unnecessarily or the food getting cold, promoting a more pleasant and nutritious meal experience.

An immobile patient is susceptible to all of the following alterations EXCEPT:

Answer: An increased appetite

Immobility typically leads to a decrease in metabolic rate and physical activity, which often results in a decreased appetite, not an increased one. Conversely, immobility significantly increases the risk for respiratory infections due to poor lung expansion, blood clots due to venous stasis, and bedsores due to prolonged pressure on the skin.

Which of the following options BEST identifies what a nursing assistant should do after feeding a dysphagic patient?

Answer: Keep the patient upright for at least 30 minutes

After feeding a dysphagic patient (one with difficulty swallowing), it is crucial to keep them in an upright position for at least 30 minutes. This helps gravity assist the food in moving down the esophagus and significantly reduces the risk of aspiration, where food enters the airway. Aspiration can lead to serious complications like aspiration pneumonia.

Which of the following options is FALSE in regards to feeding a patient?

Answer: Use a fork to feed the patient

Using a fork to feed a patient is generally considered unsafe, especially for those with swallowing difficulties or impaired motor skills. Forks can be sharp and pose a risk of injury to the mouth or throat, or increase the risk of choking. STNAs should typically use a spoon for feeding to ensure patient safety and better control of food portions.

You can promote sleep for your patients by all of the following actions EXCEPT:

Answer: Change the patient’s routine on a daily basis

Changing a patient's routine on a daily basis disrupts their natural sleep-wake cycle and can make it harder for them to fall asleep. To promote sleep, STNAs should aim to establish a consistent daily routine, including regular bedtimes and wake times. A predictable environment and routine help regulate the body's circadian rhythm, which is essential for restful sleep.

Which of the following options is NOT an age-related condition that all residents must adapt to?

Answer: Inability to learn new skills

The inability to learn new skills is a false statement regarding age-related conditions. While the speed of learning may change, older adults retain the capacity to learn throughout their lives, often benefiting from different teaching methods or more time. Other options like reduced pain sensation, varying sleep habits, and reduced vision are common physiological changes associated with aging, but the ability to learn is not inherently lost.

You’ve asked a patient about their pain but have received a lengthy response without an answer. You then state “Describe for me your hip pain.” This statement demonstrates what aspect of communication?

Answer: Focusing

When a patient gives a lengthy, unhelpful response, stating "Describe for me your hip pain" is an example of focusing. This communication technique helps to narrow the conversation to a specific, relevant topic. It guides the patient to provide more precise and useful information, preventing them from straying off-topic and ensuring the nurse aide gathers the necessary details.