Patient Care and Safety Flashcards

A patient is found unresponsive in bed. After calling for help, what is the next step per basic life support guidelines?

Answer: Check for a pulse and assess breathing

After activating the emergency response, the rescuer should check for a pulse and assess breathing before initiating CPR.

Which restraint alternative should be tried FIRST before applying a physical restraint?

Answer: Reorientation and distraction techniques

Least-restrictive measures such as reorientation and distraction must be attempted before any physical restraint is applied.

When transferring a patient from bed to wheelchair, the wheelchair should be positioned at what angle to the bed?

Answer: 45 degrees

Positioning the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle to the bed allows for the shortest pivot distance and reduces fall risk.

A patient with dysphagia is at greatest risk for which complication during meals?

Answer: Aspiration pneumonia

Dysphagia impairs safe swallowing and can cause food or liquid to enter the airway, leading to aspiration pneumonia.

Which action best prevents catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?

Answer: Removing the urinary catheter as soon as clinically appropriate

The most effective CAUTI prevention strategy is prompt removal of the catheter when it is no longer medically necessary.

A nurse finds a patient on the floor. What should be documented FIRST in the incident report?

Answer: Objective facts: time, location, patient condition found

Incident reports must contain objective, factual information including the time, location, and patient's condition as found.

Which position is safest for a patient who is vomiting to prevent aspiration?

Answer: Left lateral (recovery) position

The left lateral (recovery) position allows vomit to drain from the mouth and prevents it from entering the airway.