Nursing Fundamentals
What is the first step in the nursing process?
Assessment
What is the most common type of hospital-acquired infection?
UTI
What is therapeutic communication?
Communication that promotes healing and well-being
What vital signs should be monitored regularly?
Temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, pain
What is the difference between a medication's generic and brand name?
Generic is the chemical name; brand is the manufacturer's name
What is the purpose of a nursing diagnosis?
To identify patient problems
List three ways to prevent falls in hospitalized patients.
Bed alarms, side rails up, non-slip footwear, belongings and call bell within reach, etc.
Give an example of active listening.
Maintaining eye contact, nodding, summarizing patient statements
Describe the proper technique for assessing a patient's heart sounds.
Auscultation using a stethoscope
Explain the importance of checking medication orders three times.
To prevent medication errors
Describe the difference between subjective and objective data.
Subjective data is what the patient tells you; objective data is what you observe.
What is the purpose of incident reporting?
To identify and prevent future incidents
How can a nurse effectively communicate with a patient who has a language barrier?
Use an interpreter, utilize visual aids
What is the purpose of a nursing care plan?
To guide nursing interventions and evaluate patient outcomes
Describe the different routes of medication administration.
Oral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous)
What are the five rights of medication administration?
Right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time
Explain the role of the nurse in preventing medication errors.
Accurate medication administration, double-checking orders, patient education
Explain the importance of nonverbal communication in nursing.
Nonverbal cues can convey emotions and understanding, impacting patient care
Explain the importance of accurate and timely documentation.
Ensures continuity of care, legal protection
What should a nurse do if a patient refuses medication?
Educate the patinet, document the refusal, notify the physician
Explain the importance of hand hygiene in preventing infection.
Hand hygiene reduces the spread of microorganisms, preventing infections.
Describe the process for responding to a code blue.
Initiate CPR, call for help, follow hospital protocol
Describe how to handle a conflict with a colleague.
Address the issue professionally, focus on the behavior, not the person
Describe the components of a comprehensive nursing assessment.
Health history, physical examination, review of systems
High alert medications require independent double verification - describe this process.
Two nurses perform independent assessments and perform the 5 rights (insulin, heparin, blood, etc.)