Basic Nursing Skills pt. 5

Which of the following methods is the CORRECT way to remove a dirty isolation gown? 

• Roll it dirty side in and away from the body. 

• Pull it over your head.

• Let it drop to the floor and step out of it.

• Pull it off by the sleeve and shake it out.

Which of the following symptoms is most associated with rheumatoid arthritis? 

• Inflamed, black-and-blue patches around the joints 

• Warm, red, painful, and swollen joints

• Stiffness and discomfort in the joints 

• Inflamed but painless joints

Answer explanation

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. The patient's immune system attacks the lining of the membranes that surround the joints, causing severe pain, swelling, and redness. Over time, the joints become deformed. Women are more likely than men to develop RA. 

A resident who is incontinent of urine is at increased risk of developing 

• dementia.

• dehydration.

• pressure sores.

• urinary tract infections.

Answer explanation

When skin becomes wet from incontinence, it becomes soft and is more likely to be damaged. Friction between the skin and clothing or linens is increased, leading to skin tears and abrasions. The risk for infection is also greater when skin is not intact. 

Which stage of a pressure sore or ulcer involves breakdown of the subcutaneous layer of the skin? 

• Stage IV

• Stage III

• Stage II

• Stage I

Answer explanation

Stage III of a pressure sore or pressure ulcer involves loss of full skin thickness. There can be necrosis (dead tissue) as well as damage to muscles, bones, or supporting tissue. Monitoring and reporting reddened areas of skin (Stage I) is important to prevent further skin damage. 

The term atrophy refers to an organ or tissue becoming 

• larger because of overuse.

• smaller because of overuse.

• smaller because of underuse.

• larger because of underuse.

Answer explanation

Atrophy is a loss of cells due to underuse or disease of a part of the body. When muscles are not used, they can waste away, resulting in poor strength or movement. In Alzheimer's disease, the brain atrophies, shrinking until all functions are lost. 

The nurse asks you to change the urine drainage bag for a patient with an indwelling catheter. If you aren't sure how to change it, what should you do? 

• Check the policy manual.

• Change it anyway.

• Ask the nurse to show you.

• Ask another nurse to do it. 

A common eye disorder involving a cloudy condition of the lens that impairs eyesight is known as 

• a cataract.

• retinitis

• myopia

• glaucoma

Answer explanation

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of an eye, leading to blurry and poor vision. If untreated, blindness will result. Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness in the world. 

What type of isolation precautions are necessary for a patient with a gastrointestinal infection? 

• Respiratory precautions 

• Drainage precautions

• secretion precautions

• Enteric precautions

Answer explanation

Enteric precautions must be taken with infections such as C. difficile, rotavirus, or norovirus, as well as with severe diarrhea of an unknown cause. Precautions for staff include proper handwashing and putting on gowns and gloves before entering the patient's room. All linen is bagged in the patient's room. Visitors may not eat in the room and must wash their hands with soap and water when leaving the room. 

A patient suffering from pneumonia might exhibit symptoms such as 

• persistent coughing.

• chest pains and discomfort.

• thick sputum.

• all of the above.

A patient has just finished consuming a cold beverage. How long should you wait before taking the patient's oral temperature? 

• 45-60 minutes

• 15-20 minutes

• don't wait (i.e do it now)

• 20-45 minutes.