Trivium Clinical Skills and Procedures 4

Question 1

A nurse is preparing to draw blood from a peripheral IV site. Which action is most important before obtaining the sample?

Accepted Answer

Stop any infusing IV fluids, flush with saline, discard the initial draw, then collect the sample

Answer

Stopping IV fluids, flushing, and discarding the initial blood draw prevents dilution or contamination of the sample with IV fluids.

Question 2

When measuring blood pressure manually, which error causes a falsely high reading?

Accepted Answer

Deflating the cuff too slowly

Answer

Deflating the cuff too slowly allows venous congestion to build, leading to an artificially elevated diastolic reading.

Question 3

A nurse is caring for a patient in Buck's traction. Which assessment is the priority?

Accepted Answer

Pulses and neurovascular status of the extremity

Answer

Neurovascular assessment — including pulses, capillary refill, sensation, and movement — is the priority to detect compartment syndrome or vascular compromise.

Question 4

Which action should the nurse take when a patient reports that their PCA pump is not relieving pain?

Accepted Answer

Assess pain level, check pump settings and delivery log, then contact the provider

Answer

The nurse must first assess the patient and verify pump function and delivery history before contacting the provider for a dosage adjustment order.

Question 5

When performing postural drainage, the nurse should position the patient so that the affected lung segment is:

Accepted Answer

Inferior to the main bronchus so gravity aids drainage

Answer

Postural drainage uses gravity by positioning the affected segment above the bronchus so secretions drain toward the central airways.

(Trivium) Trivium Health Care Exam Practice Test

(Trivium) Trivium Health Care Exam Practice Test

Trivium Clinical Skills and Procedures 4