Fundamentals
This is the first step of the nursing process, involving the collection of subjective and objective patient data.
Assessment
This medication is commonly used as an antidote for opioid overdose.
What is naloxone (Narcan)?
True or False: The nurse should assess a patient before administering an intervention for a new or unexpected symptom whenever the patient's immediate safety allows.
What is True?
You walk into a patient's room and find them sitting on the floor. What is the nurse's FIRST action?
What is assess the patient for injury?
The item every nursing student somehow loses ALL THE TIME every semester.
What is a pen?
This vital sign measures the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen.
What is oxygen saturation (SpO₂)?
A patient taking furosemide should have which electrolyte monitored closely?
What is potassium?
Which task is appropriate for a nurse to delegate to a UAP?
A. Teaching a patient how to use an incentive spirometer
B. Assessing a patient with new chest pain
C. Obtaining vital signs on a stable patient
D. Evaluating a patient's response to medication
What is C — obtaining vital signs on a stable patient?
A patient reports sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. Which assessment should the nurse prioritize?
A. Last bowel movement
B. Airway, breathing, circulation, and vital signs
C. Dietary intake
D. Sleep pattern
What is B — assess ABCs and vital signs?
The unofficial beverage of nursing school.
What is coffee, white monster, Alani, Bloom, redbull?
A patient has a temperature of 102.4°F, HR 110, and RR 24. Which vital sign finding is most concerning for a potential systemic response to infection?
What is the elevated heart rate and respiratory rate in the context of fever?
A patient taking warfarin requires monitoring of this laboratory value.
What is PT/INR?
A patient refuses a scheduled medication. What should the nurse do FIRST?
A. Tell the patient they must take it
B. Document that the patient is noncompliant
C. Ask the patient why they do not want the medication
D. Notify the provider immediately
What is C — ask why the patient is refusing?
You are caring for four patients. Who should you see FIRST?
A. Patient requesting pain medication for chronic back pain
B. Patient with COPD who is newly confused
C. Patient waiting for discharge paperwork
D. Patient asking when dinner will arrive
What is B — the patient with COPD and new confusion?
You have an exam tomorrow. You tell yourself you'll study for 30 minutes before bed. Three hours later, you're still doing this.
What is staring at your notes, wondering what you just read?
A patient is at risk for falls. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Keep all four side rails raised
B. Place the call light within reach
C. Keep the room completely dark at night
D. Encourage the patient to ambulate independently
What is B — place the call light within reach?
DAILY DOUBLE: A patient receiving insulin becomes sweaty, shaky, confused, and reports feeling very hungry. What complication should the nurse suspect?
What is hypoglycemia?
A patient has an oxygen saturation of 86% and is visibly short of breath. Which action should the nurse take FIRST?
A. Document the finding
B. Reassess the patient and address airway/breathing
C. Call the family
D. Wait 30 minutes and recheck
What is B — reassess and address airway/breathing?
A patient suddenly develops facial drooping, slurred speech, and weakness on the right side. What should the nurse do?
What is recognize a possible stroke and activate the appropriate emergency/stroke response immediately?
Name THREE things a nursing student should always have with them during clinical.
What are pens, a stethoscope, badge, watch, scissors, penlight, reference material, snacks, hair ties, etc.
A nurse enters a patient's room and finds the patient unresponsive. What should the nurse do FIRST?
What is assessing responsiveness and determining whether the patient is breathing normally?
A patient taking an ACE inhibitor develops swelling of the lips and tongue and begins having difficulty breathing. What is the nurse's priority?
What is protecting the airway / addressing possible angioedema?
SATA: Which findings should the nurse recognize as possible signs of hypoglycemia?
A. Shakiness
B. Diaphoresis
C. Confusion
D. Increased thirst
E. Tachycardia
What are A, B, C, and E?
You are caring for four patients. Which patient requires your immediate attention?
A. A patient with a blood glucose of 180 mg/dL before lunch
B. A patient with a new tracheostomy who is having difficulty breathing
C. A patient reporting pain of 7/10
D. A patient requesting assistance to the bathroom
What is B — the patient with a new tracheostomy having difficulty breathing?
You have an exam at 8 AM, clinical at 6:30 AM the next day, and three assignments due by midnight. According to the nursing-school survival handbook, what is your BEST intervention?
Prioritize, make a plan, ask for help when needed, and get some sleep instead of pulling an all-nighter?