CHAPTER 1
What are the four key roles of a nurse?
Caregiver, Communicator, Educator, Advocate
What is the difference between acute care and long-term care?
Acute care is short-term, immediate treatment for illness or injury; long-term care is ongoing care for chronic conditions.
What does ADPIE stand for?
Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.
What organization creates the National Patient Safety Goals?
The Joint Commission (JC).
What is the purpose of providing personal care to patients?
To maintain hygiene, comfort, and skin integrity and to prevent infection.
Define “evidence-based practice” in nursing.
Using the best current evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to guide nursing care.
What is the role of Medicare vs. Medicaid?
Medicare provides health insurance for people 65+ or with certain disabilities; Medicaid assists low-income individuals and families.
What is subjective data? Give one example.
Data reported by the patient (e.g., “I have a headache”).
Name two common environmental hazards that could lead to falls.
Wet floors, cluttered walkways.
Why do we wash from distal to proximal during a bed bath?
To promote venous return and circulation.
What is the Nurse Practice Act and why is it important?
It defines the scope of nursing practice in each state and protects public safety by regulating nursing.
What electrolyte imbalance is a major concern with furosemide use?
Low potassium (hypokalemia).
What is objective data? Give one example.
Data observed or measured by the nurse (e.g., temperature 101°F).
How many patient identifiers should be used before administering care?
Two (e.g., name and date of birth).
What type of bath is best for a patient who is weak but can help wash certain areas?
Partial bath.
Name two responsibilities of a practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN).
Providing basic nursing care and administering medications under the supervision of an RN.
What vital signs should be monitored before and after administering furosemide?
Blood pressure and heart rate.
Differentiate between short-term and long-term goals in care planning.
Short-term goals are expected to be achieved in hours to days; long-term goals take weeks or months.
What is the most effective way to reduce health-care associated infections (HAIs)?
Regular hand hygiene.
What precautions should you take when shaving a patient on anticoagulant therapy?
Use an electric razor; do not use a blade.
What are the five rights of delegation?
Right task, right circumstances, right person, right direction/communication, right supervision/evaluation.
What is an important teaching point for a patient taking furosemide?
Change positions slowly to prevent dizziness; report signs of low potassium (muscle cramps, weakness).
Why is evaluation an essential part of the nursing process?
It determines if interventions were effective and if goals were met.
Why should restraints be tied to the bed frame and not the side rails?
To prevent injury; side rails move, which can cause harm.
Why is nail care particularly important in diabetic patients?
They are at high risk for infection and poor healing, which can lead to serious complications.