Safety and Emergency Procedures Flashcards

A resident often carries a doll with her, treating it like her baby. One day, she wanders around, crying, and she can't find her baby. The nurse aide should:

Answer: Offer comfort to the resident and help her look for her baby.

When a confused resident is distressed about a lost item, especially one they perceive as important, the best approach is validation and comfort. Offering comfort and helping them look for their "baby" acknowledges their feelings and respects their reality, even if it's a doll. This approach provides emotional support and can help de-escalate their distress.

A nurse aide finds a resident looking in the refrigerator at the nurses' station at 5 a.m. The resident, who is confused, explains he needs breakfast before he leaves for work. The best response by the nurse aide is to:

Answer: Ask the resident about his job and if he is hungry.

When a confused resident expresses a desire related to a past life, such as going to work, the best approach is to engage them in their reality rather than correcting or reorienting them. Asking about their job and if they are hungry validates their feelings and provides an opportunity to gently redirect them. This technique, known as validation therapy, helps reduce agitation and fosters trust.

Which of the following is a right that is included in the Resident's Bill of Rights?

Answer: To make decisions and participate in own care.

The Resident's Bill of Rights guarantees residents the fundamental right to make decisions and participate in their own care. This includes the right to accept or refuse treatment, be involved in care planning, and choose their healthcare providers. This right emphasizes autonomy and self-determination, ensuring residents have control over their health and well-being.

Which of the following, if observed as a sudden change in the resident, is considered a possible warning sign of a stroke?

Answer: Slurred speech

Slurred speech (dysarthria) is a common and critical warning sign of a stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, which can impair the brain's ability to control speech muscles. Recognizing this sudden change is crucial for prompt medical intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes.

Considering the resident's activity, which of the following sets of vital signs should be reported to the charge immediately?

Answer: Resting: 98.6* 98-32

A respiratory rate of 32 breaths per minute for a resting patient is significantly elevated above the normal adult range (typically 12-20 breaths per minute). This tachypnea could indicate respiratory distress, infection, or other serious underlying conditions. Such a vital sign warrants immediate reporting to the charge nurse for further assessment and intervention.

When should you wash your hands?

Answer: Before and after contact with a patient

Handwashing is a cornerstone of infection control and must be performed before and after every contact with a patient. This practice prevents the transmission of microorganisms between patients, from the environment to the patient, and from the patient to the healthcare worker. It is a critical step in maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for everyone.

When applying a mitt restraint on a patient, you should ensure:

Answer: That the patient can slightly flex his or her fingers

When applying a mitt restraint, it is crucial to ensure that the patient's fingers can slightly flex. This allows for some movement, helps maintain circulation, and prevents complications like nerve damage or contractures. The restraint should be secure enough to prevent self-harm or interference with medical devices, but never so tight as to completely immobilize the fingers or cause injury.

One of your assigned patients is in need of an IV in order to receive his or her nutrients. Which of the following actions are you NOT certified to do?

Answer: Adjust the patient’s IV therapy

Adjusting a patient's IV therapy, including changing the flow rate or administering medications, falls outside the scope of practice for a Nurse Aide (STNA). These actions require the specialized knowledge and licensure of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. STNAs are trained to observe the IV site and report any issues, but not to manage the infusion itself.

How many chest compressions to rescue breaths should be given during a 2 rescuer CPR for children and infants?

Answer: 15:2

For 2-rescuer CPR on children and infants, the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio is 15 compressions to 2 breaths. This ratio is used because children and infants often experience cardiac arrest due to respiratory issues, making more frequent ventilations beneficial. This differs from adult CPR, which typically uses a 30:2 ratio for both single and two rescuers.

What destroys microbes?

Answer: Heat and light

Heat, especially high temperatures used in sterilization and disinfection, effectively destroys microbes by denaturing their proteins and damaging their cellular structures. Certain types of light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light, can also destroy microbes by damaging their DNA. Conversely, darkness and moisture often promote microbial growth rather than destroying them.

During hand washing, the nurse aide accidentally touched the inside of the sink while rinsing the soap off. The NEXT action is to:

Answer: Repeat the wash from the beginning.

Touching a contaminated surface like the inside of the sink after washing but before drying re-contaminates the hands. To ensure proper infection control and maintain hand hygiene, the entire handwashing procedure must be repeated from the beginning. This eliminates any pathogens picked up from the sink.