Vital Signs
This is the normal range for an adult’s heart rate (beats per minute).
What is 60-100 bpm?
A client is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). Which of the following lab values should the nurse monitor closely?
What is potassium?
This symptom triad — severe headache, neck stiffness, and photophobia — may indicate this infectious condition.
What is meningitis?
This communication technique involves restating what the patient says to confirm understanding.
What is reflective listening?
This device is used to prevent patients from falling out of bed.
What are bed rails?
This is considered a normal adult blood pressure.
What is 120/80 mmHg?
This medication requires INR monitoring and is affected by vitamin K intake.
What is warfarin (Coumadin)?
This symptom occurs when fluid backs up into the lungs, causing difficulty breathing.
What is dyspnea or shortness of breath?
This standardized tool helps nurses communicate patient changes during handoff reports.
What is SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation)?
This protocol involves verifying the patient’s identity using two identifiers.
What is patient identification or the two-identifier check?
This is the term for a respiratory rate below 12 breaths per minute.
What is bradypnea?
This medication is an antidote for opioid overdose and can reverse respiratory depression.
What is naloxone (Narcan)?
This position often helps CHF patients breathe easier at night.
What is sitting up or using multiple pillows (orthopnea)?
HIPAA regulations protect this important aspect of nursing documentation and communication.
What is patient confidentiality or privacy?
This type of error occurs when a medication is given to the wrong patient.
What is a medication error?
This is the minimum pulse oximetry percentage considered acceptable in a healthy adult.
What is 95%?
This class of drugs ends in "-pril" and is commonly used to treat hypertension, but can cause a persistent dry cough.
What are ACE Inhibitors?
This type of discharge may indicate a bacterial infection.
What is purulent or pus-like drainage?
This type of data involves what the patient says.
Subjective data
This environmental factor, often found in patient rooms, is a frequent cause of falls.
What is clutter or poor lighting?
This is the term for a body temperature above 100.4°F (38°C).
What is fever or pyrexia?
This class of medications is used to reduce fever, inflammation, and pain.
What are NSAIDs?
This symptom occurs when infection spreads into the bloodstream, causing confusion and rapid heart rate.
What is sepsis?
When documenting, this type of language should always be avoided to maintain professionalism.
What is subjective or opinion-based language?
This type of footwear is recommended to prevent falls in hospitalized patients.
What are non-slip socks or shoes?