Vital Signs
By feeling this at a patient's wrist or neck, a nurse can count how many times the patient's heart beats in one minute.
Pulse
This is the most important way to prevent the spread of germs in a healthcare setting.
Hand washing
This is the first thing a nurse should assess if a patient suddenly becomes unresponsive.
Breathing
A patient tells a nurse they are afraid of getting a shot. The nurse should first do this.
Listen to the patient's concern, offer reassurance and education
When giving an injection, a nurse must be careful to avoid accidentally sticking themselves with this.
Needle
This vital sign measures how hot or cold a person's body is.
Body temperature
Nurses wear these disposable coverings on their hands to protect themselves and patients from germs.
Gloves
A nurse compares a patient's current vital signs with their previous measurements. This helps the nurse identify this.
A nurse sees that his neighbor is hospitalized on another floor. Although he is curious about the reason for the hospitalization, he knows he must protect this.
Privacy or confidentiality
You are helping a patient get out of bed. Before they stand up, you should make sure their feet are on the floor and that they are wearing these.
Nonskid shoes or socks
This vital sign measures how many breaths a person takes in one minute.
Respiratory rate
This type of personal protective equipment protects a nurse's nose and mouth from respiratory infections.
A mask
A patient tells the nurse, "I feel dizzy when I stand up." The nurse should first do this before helping the patient walk.
Assess the patient's safety and obtain vital signs.
A nurse is caring for two patients. One patient requests help getting a blanket, while the other is having difficulty breathing. The nurse should help this patient first.
The patient who is having difficulty breathing
You are helping a patient who uses a wheelchair. Before moving them, you should always do this to prevent the chair from rolling.
Lock the wheelchair breaks
A nurse wraps this device around a patient's arm to measure blood pressure.
Blood pressure cuff, or sphygmomanometer
A nurse is caring for a patient with a contagious infection. The nurse wears a gown, gloves, and a mask before entering the room. These items are examples of this.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
A nurse realizes they gave a patient the wrong medication. The nurse should immediately do this.
Assess the patient, then notify the doctor
A patient tells you they are allergic to a medication, but you see that it is on their medication list. What should you do?
Ask the patient about their reaction, notify the doctor who ordered/prescribed the medication.
A nurse counts 18 breaths in 30 seconds. What is the patient's respiratory rate per minute?
36 breaths per minute
A nurse removes their gloves after caring for a patient. Why must the nurse still clean their hands?
Because germs can be present on the hands after gloves are removed.
A nurse notices that a patient is confused and having difficulty answering questions. This is an example of assessing this body system.
Neurological system
A patient refuses a medication because they do not understand why they need it. What should the nurse do?
Explain the medication's purpose, answer questions, then respect the patient's right to refuse.
Before administering a medication, a nurse checks these two things to make sure the medication is going to the right patient.