Stress and Coping
What’s the best initial nursing action when a patient shows signs of acute stress (fast HR, sweaty, anxious)?
➡️ Answer: Stay with the patient and use calm, reassuring communication.
What’s the main purpose of using proper body mechanics?
➡️ Answer: Prevent nurse and patient injury during movement or lifting.
What’s the correct direction to clean the perineal area for a female patient?
➡️ Answer: Front to back to prevent urinary tract infections.
The first sign of a developing pressure injury is
Non-blanchable redness on intact skin.
Which instruction prevents urinary tract infection in women?
➡️ Answer: Wipe front to back after toileting.
A patient says, “I just can’t handle things anymore.” What’s the priority nursing diagnosis?
➡️ Answer: Ineffective coping — assess for suicidal thoughts next.
What kind of exercise includes tightening a muscle without movement (like a plank)?
➡️ Answer: Isometric exercise.
A diabetic patient requests a foot soak. What’s the best nursing response?
Answer: Avoid soaking — it can cause tissue breakdown and infection.
Which patient is at greatest risk for a pressure ulcer?
➡️ Answer: An immobile, malnourished, incontinent older adult.
A patient is having trouble urinating after surgery. What’s the first nursing intervention?
➡️ Answer: Assist the patient to a normal position for voiding and turn on running water.
Which coping strategy helps decrease muscle tension and promotes relaxation?
➡️ Answer: Progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery.
Which position promotes lung expansion and is best for a patient having difficulty breathing?
➡️ Answer: Fowler’s position (45–60°).
What’s the safest water temperature for a patient’s bath?
Warm (around 105°F / 40°C), not hot — prevents burns and skin irritation.
A wound has yellow, thick drainage. How should the nurse describe it?
Purulent drainage — indicates infection.
What dietary advice helps prevent constipation?
➡️ Answer: Increase fiber (fruits, veggies, whole grains) and fluids.
During a situational crisis (like sudden job loss), what’s the nurse’s first goal?
➡️ Answer: Ensure safety and reduce immediate anxiety before problem-solving.
What assessment finding shows improved activity tolerance after regular exercise?
➡️ Answer: Decreased fatigue and better tolerance to physical activity
A patient has difficulty brushing their teeth due to weakness. What should the nurse do?
Assist with oral hygiene but promote independence as much as possible.
Which action promotes wound healing?
Provide a high-protein, high-calorie diet with vitamins A & C.
A patient with a colostomy asks about stoma care. What should the nurse teach?
➡️ Answer: Clean with warm water, change pouch every 3 days, and expect a pink, moist stoma.
A nurse experiences emotional exhaustion from caring for terminally ill patients. What condition is this?
➡️ Answer: Compassion fatigue — a form of secondary traumatic stress.
A patient is on bedrest and develops muscle weakness and joint stiffness. What’s the nurse’s priority intervention?
➡️ Answer: Perform passive or active range of motion exercises regularly.
A nurse suspects peripheral neuropathy in a diabetic patient. Which finding supports this?
Numbness, decreased sensation, or abnormal gait in lower extremities.
A patient’s abdominal wound suddenly opens and organs protrude. What’s the priority action?
Cover the area with sterile saline-moistened gauze and call the provider immediately (evisceration).
Which finding in urine requires immediate provider notification?
➡️ Answer: Cloudy urine with foul odor and pain — indicates infection.